idahoseniorindependent.com TAKE ONE! FREE! Staying Active Is An Understatement For Sandpoint’s Nancy Schmidt By Jack McNeel The mountains of the west and the open spaces were the lure for Nancy Schmidt when she moved from Pittsburgh ten years ago and accepted a job with Kaniksu Health Services in Sandpoint. She has been contracted to the school district since the district lost funding for counselors at the elementary school level. “We help underinsured and uninsured people and others who have fallen through the cracks with health care,” she explains. For more than two decades prior to her move, Nancy had been running marathons – including some of the big ones like Boston, New York, Chicago, Big Sur, Paris, and Stockholm. “It was sort of my way of vacationing,” she explains. “I’d do a marathon every couple of months. I set a goal to do 50 and ended up doing two additional ones.” And how she has taken to the mountains and open spaces! The move didn’t slow her down; it just changed her running a bit. “I never stopped running,” she says laughing and explaining that previously she ran marathons on streets and highways. But Nancy got into trail running two years ago and has continued to run as much as ever after ending her marathon years. “But I’m not training as hard as I was. I’m not young anymore either,” she says wryly, although at 57 she’s not that old either and some of these trail runs are 50K, longer than a marathon, which is about 42K. When she first moved to Sandpoint Nancy started hiking with a local group and some folks from western Montana. Then she met Mike Ehredt who’s a long distance runner and trains runners. “I started training for some of these more grueling alpine runs,” Nancy explains. “There’s a group of us called the 7B runners (7B is the license plate for Bonner County) and Mike teaches us how to be able to run for 30 or 40 miles.” She has now run two 50K trail runs plus a couple of 25K runs. “They’re much more difficult than a marathon because you’re including elevation and running on boulders and trails that people hike. Sometimes it’s so steep you have to use your hands and legs to get over boulders. Some can be pretty technical.” Several organizations put on these races, mentioning the Big Sky Ski Area in Montana, which holds a race she did last year called “The Rut” – one of the toughest in the country. “You run to the top of Lone Peak, which is (Continued on page 40)
PAGE 2 IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT
Searching For Relatives Of Missing WWII Idaho Soldier
I live in The Netherlands and am a member of the MIA Foundationstichting-mia.nl. (also in English). As the MIA Foundation, we adopted the name of Lt. Truman R. Lord, mentioned on “the wall of the missing” at the military cemetery in Margraten, in the south of The Netherlands. People around here still consider it an honor to remember the fallen and missing U.S. soldiers from WWII. For us at the MIA Foundation, it is the least we can do to show our gratitude and respect for what so many young men from far over the ocean did for us more than 70 years ago.
February/March 2017
The adoption of a name on the “wall of the missing” means visiting the cemetery on a frequent basis, placing flowers on special days or occasions (like Memorial Day or Christmas) and when relatives wish to do so, and corresponding with the soldier’s homeland. Second Lt. Truman R. Lord was born October 26, 1920 in Idaho to Harrison H. and Alma Lord, and he lived in King County Washington. His last known unit was the 358th Bomber Squadron, 303rd Bomber Group. He was a B-17 pilot and was shot down October 11, 1944 over Wesseling, Germany.
We are searching for information about relatives of Truman R. Lord. We want them to know that after so many years he is not forgotten. We hope you can help us. Bart van der Sterren The Netherlands bvdsterren@home.nl Correction: The correct name of the doctor appearing near the bottom of page 22 of the Oct/Nov 2016 issue is Justin Stormogipson, MD, not Dr. Storm Gibson. We apologize for the error. ISI
Marshall Brady By Bryce Angell Marshal Brady woke up early and shot right out of bed. He put his boots on first and then his chaps of red. He strapped a six-gun on each side until they felt just right. Then grabbed his Stetson, put it on, and pulled that hat down tight. The marshal had an appetite. He liked his pancakes hot. He liked them shaped like Mickey Mouse with butter on the top. Now marshal was just six-years-old. His real name was John. But he insisted Marshal Brady was his name from now on. He shoveled down his hotcakes and hurried out the door to see if rustlers had sneaked in and robbed him to the core. The marshal found a rustler just waiting for a fight. The bad man had four legs and a bark without a bite.
The marshal tossed his lasso, It cleared the rustler’s head. He pulled the rope, but not too tight, and locked him in the shed. Now, the marshal had a trial for that rustler in the jail. But the judge was not a hanging judge. He let him out on bail.
His mother sat beside him and kissed him on the head. She loved to see her little boy asleep in his warm bed.
Well, the rustler was relieved just as much as he could be. When the marshal opened up the door that rustler bolted free.
Well the marshal’s day is over. The bad guys are on the run. Tomorrow is another day for this mother’s little son. MSN
The marshal’s day was spent mostly keeping peace about. He had respect from everyone. The marshal’s name held clout.
Idaho Senior Independent A Barrett-Whitman Publication
Back home in time for supper, he gobbled down his food – a sandwich and tomato soup, just right for a little dude.
P.O. Box 3341 • Great Falls, MT 59403-3341 208-318-0310 • Toll Free: 1-866-360-5683 Fax: 406-761-8358 www.idahoseniorindependent.com E-mail: idahoseniorind@bresnan.net
His mother made him take a bath every single night. For a lawman like the marshal, to him, “It just ain’t right!”
For Quality Products & Services, Visit The Following Advertisers Online at idahoseniorindependent.com! Caregiving Caregiving Gifts Gold & Silver Health Health Health Health Health Health Real Estate Real Estate Real Estate Recreation Retirement Living
He said his prayers, hopped in bed, and pulled the covers tight. Then closed his eyes and fell asleep before mom hit the light.
Mountain Valley Care & Rehab Regency Pullman Aladdin’s Floral Rosehill Coins & Jewelry Better Than Drugs Cassia Regional Medical Center Charles P. Lawless Kootenai Outpatient Imaging Peaks & Plains, Inc. University Health Care Dialysis Century 21 - Price Right Realty Coldwell Banker – Tomlinson Cornerstone Appraisal Museum of Idaho Kootenai Creek Village
kindredmountainvalley.com whitmanslc.com aladdinsfloral.com rosehillcoins.com betterthandrugs.co cassiaregional.org eyesurgerypocatello.com kootenaihealth.org peaks-plains.com utahdialysis.org joycekeefer.com cbtvalley.com riverbridgerealty.com museumofidaho.org kootenaicreekvillage.com ISI
The Idaho Senior Independent is published six times each year in February, April, June, August, October, and December by Barrett-Whitman, 415 3rd Avenue North, Great Falls, MT 59401 and is distributed free to readers throughout the state of Idaho. The mail subscription rate is $10.00 per year (6 issues). The Idaho Senior Independent is written to serve Idaho’s mature population of all ages. Readers are encouraged to contribute interesting material. Views expressed in opinion stories, contributions, articles, and letters are not necessarily the views of the publisher. The appearance of advertisements for products or services does not constitute an endorsement of the particular product or service. The publisher will not be responsible for mistakes in advertisements unless notified within five days of publication. All copy appearing in the Idaho Senior Independent is protected by copyright and may be reprinted only with the written permission of the publisher. Advertising copy should be received or space reserved by the 5th of the month preceding the month of publication.
Jack W. Love, Jr., Publisher/Editor Lisa Gebo Jonathan Rimmel Sherrie Smith
Natalie Bartley Holly Endersby Gail Jokerst Craig Larcom Jack McNeel
Production Supervisor/Sales Graphic Designer Admin/Production Assistant
Contributing Writers Connie Daugherty Cate Huisman Bernice Karnop Liz Larcom Dianna Troyer © 2017
February/March 2017
Book Review: Heart of Petra by Hilarey Johnson; 2014 Reviewed by Connie Daugherty Leah-Patrice Petra Jones is a good girl, an obedient daughter of a worship pastor in a small Idaho town. She follows the rules; she recites her memorized prayer every night. At twenty, she lives at home with her parents and obeys her father’s commands because the Bible says to submit to and to honor your father. But she longs for something more. “It’s like I’m trapped – suspended in stasis.” In Heart of Petra, the second of her Breaking Bonds series, Idaho author, Hilarey Johnson takes the reader back to the church we first discovered in Sovereign Ground. And as she did in the introductory book of the series, Johnson takes a hard look at Christianity examining all the flaws and harsh realities behind the image of the ideal. It is not the usual gentle, loving Christian romance readers expect. Heart of Petra is so much more – it is raw and real, packed full of metaphor and symbolism and intrigue. With clear writing and realistic dialogue, Johnson challenges stereotypes and turns readers’ expectations upside down before delivering a surprise ending. Heart of Petra is the story of a young woman struggling to discover her own identity – and to come to terms with what she discovers. “I think of the things I have asked to pursue. College. YWAM. Getting a job outside the home. Since I stopped doing home school it has been one long string of sleepless nights, lazy days, and volunteering at the church.” Living under the thumb of an autocratic father who uses God to impose his own will, Leah spends her sleepless nights looking out at the world through her telescope longing to be a part
of it, yet afraid to leave the safety of her familiar cocoon. “The comfort of my room, pajamas, my telescope, lights off and a locked door make real life unnecessary.” While her telescope allows her a sort of fictional escape, her nocturnal peeping is also her little bit of hidden rebellion, a rebellion she feels guilty about and vows to quit, but it’s also an addiction she can’t seem to control. “Settle, Leah. It isn’t spying. I’m not looking at anything they aren’t showing. If they wanted privacy, they’d draw the curtains.” Drawn curtains not only insure privacy – something Leah craves for herself – they also protect secrets... sometimes hide the truth. “Truth. The day the man I loved married a stripper, I knew everything my parents had ever told me was a lie.” God was supposed to punish the sinful, not reward them with a love that Leah feels is denied her. Still she can’t walk away from the only life she has ever known. “When Dad first came as worship pastor, we didn’t know it was a package deal – that all of us were expected to sing too.” So Leah sings, during Sunday services and at College and Career Sunday School class. “I wish I could let go and sing instead of concentrate on my pitch and dad’s cues. If I could feel the words… if only worship wasn’t so tedious.” Tedious, predictable and structured, just like everything else in her life. She prays for adventure for a change in her life; but is she ready for the adventure God has for her? Then one Sunday everything changes. Pastor Thompson is on vacation and a guest pastor has been invited to give the sermon. Barkley King is handsome, charismatic, and, if her father has his way, he is destined to be Leah’s husband. Or rather, she is destined to be Barkley King’s wife and she doesn’t seem to have much say in the
IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT PAGE 3
matter. Leah is flattered, at the same time she finds herself uncomfortable in Barkley’s presence. In fact, she is suddenly finding herself uncomfortable with much of what is going on around her – at home and at the church, which is her second home. She senses an undercurrent of secrecy and something else that she can’t quite identify and her father seems to be at the center of it. “At the sound of his voice my suspicions are confirmed: who we are is not the same as who we say we are.” It seems as if the foundation on which Leah has built her life is crumbing apart. She has faithfully, fearfully followed all her parents’ rules, all along feeling that she somehow could never measure up, never be good enough, devout enough, honest enough. “No one broken, no one dirty was ever welcome in our church.” Now she doubts everything. She is beginning to learn that even in her tightly controlled world, appearances can be deceiving... sometimes intentionally. But this knowledge has only provided her more confusion and self-doubt. “I’m still trapped. Neither God, nor Dad, Barkley, not even demons will listen to me.” She prays. She cries out. There is a way out, but it’s going to take courage, and a faith that Leah is not sure she has. She needs to be more like her
M
on
New amplified phone lets you hear AND see the conversation.
o ct N tra e n o Fe Co N hly t
Breakthrough technology converts phone calls to captions.
The Hamilton® CapTel® Captioned Telephone converts phone conversations to easy-to-read captions for individuals with hearing loss.
A simple idea… made possible with sophisticated technology. If you have trouble understanding a call, captioned telephone can change your life. During a phone call the words spoken to you appear on the phone’s screen – similar to closed captioning on TV. So when you make or receive a call, the words spoken to you are not only amplified by the phone, but scroll across the phone so you can listen while reading everything that’s said to you. Each call is routed through a call center, where computer technology – aided by a live representative – generates voice-to-text translations. The captioning is real-time, accurate and readable. Your conversation is private and the captioning service doesn’t cost you a penny. Internet Protocol Captioned Telephone Service (IP CTS) is
regulated and funded by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and is designed exclusively for individuals with hearing loss. To learn more, visit www.fcc.gov. The Hamilton CapTel phone requires telephone service and highspeed Internet access. WiFi Capable. Callers do not need special equipment or a captioned telephone in order to speak with you. Finally… a phone you can use again. The Hamilton CapTel phone is also packed with features to help make phone calls easier. The keypad has large, easy to use buttons. You get adjustable volume amplification along with the ability to save captions for review later. It even has an answering machine that provides you with the captions of each message. SEE what you’ve been missing!
“For years I avoided phone calls because I couldn’t understand the caller… now I don’t miss a thing!” See for yourself with our exclusive home trial. Try a captioned telephone in your own home and if you are not completely amazed, simply return it within 60-days for a refund of the product purchase price. It even comes with a 5-year warranty.
Captioned Telephone Call now for our special introductory price! Call now Toll-Free
1-888-733-3928 Please mention promotion code 105364. The Captioning Telephone is intended for use by people with hearing loss. In purchasing a Captioning Telephone, you acknowledge that it will be used by someone who cannot hear well over a traditional phone. Hamilton is a registered trademark of Nedelco, Inc. d/b/a Hamilton Telecommunications. CapTel is a registered trademark of Ultratec, Inc.
81135
Do you get discouraged when you hear your telephone ring? Do you avoid using your phone because hearing difficulties make it hard to understand the person on the other end of the line? For many Americans the telephone conversation – once an important part of everyday life – has become a thing of the past. Because they can’t understand what is said to them on the phone, they’re often cut off from friends, family, doctors and caregivers. Now, thanks to innovative technology there is finally a better way.
PAGE 4 IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT
February/March 2017
namesake, Petra. “I wish I was more like Peter… He wasn’t afraid of adventure. Jumping out of the boat when Christ walked on water.” If she is going to save herself and those she loves the most, she has to jump out of the boat. She has to leave Leah behind and become Petra.
But it will cost her. Heart of Petra is one of those must read books that will keep you reeling until the very end. It is more a story of love than a love story. Hilary Johnson was selected on as one of Idaho’s top
ten fiction writers for 2015. She teaches martial arts in Idaho with her husband and three children. She also keeps an urban garden and raises chickens and, of course, continues to write her Breaking
Yes, it’s February, the Valentine month, and time for romance to plant its seeds and hearts to open. It is still cold so you may not be ready to give up your coat and hot cocoa – but spring is just around the corner. Now is a perfect time to plant and nurture a romance or friendship and watch it blossom as the season changes. And anticipating the magic of summer – long drives, picnics, ballgames, fireworks, camping, fishing, travel, fairs, rodeos – with a new
friend will add a bounce to your stride. So take that first step by sending in your own personal ad and replying to one listed below. Just pick up your pen or dust off your keyboard, and start writing. To respond to any of these personal ads, simply forward your message, address, and phone number, or email address to the department number listed in the particular personal ad, c/o Idaho Senior Independent, P.O. Box 3341, Great Falls, MT 59403. We will forward your response, including the address, phone number, and/or email address that you provide to the person placing the ad. When you respond to an ad in this section, there is no guarantee that you will receive a response. That is up to the person who placed the ad. Please submit your correct address plainly printed, so you can promptly receive replies. Respond to the ads in this issue, and also sit down now and prepare your own ad to run in our next issue. There is no charge for this service, and your ad may lead you down the path of companionship and true love! You may submit your responses to personal ads appearing in the Idaho Senior Independent at any time. However, to place a personal ad in the April/May 2017 issue, the deadline is March 20, 2017.
12601, c/o Idaho Senior Independent, Box 3341, Great Falls, MT 59403.
SWM, 64 years old, 6 feet tall, and a casual dresser with a full beard. If you are a straight, nonsmoking lady who loves dogs and values honesty a lot more than surprises, you might be the companion I am looking for. Let’s exchange some letters, spend some time on the telephone, and find out! Reply ISI, Dept.
Single man wanting to meet with a single gal in her 40s or 50s for a date. I like holding hands, cuddling, kissing, and blonde or dark hair does not matter to me! If you are interested in a date, please reply and let’s get to know one another. Reply ISI, Dept. 12602, c/o Idaho Senior Independent, Box 3341, Great Falls, MT 59403. I am an artsy, dancing, adventurous senior woman looking for a man in the Idaho Falls area. I stand 5’8” and am a tad full figured with blonde hair, grey eyes, and a grateful heart. My two great interests are motorcycles and horseback riding. If you are in the area, want to take a chance? All you need to do is reply. Reply ISI, Dept. 12603, c/o Idaho Senior Independent, Box 3341, Great Falls, MT 59403. I am a retired, secure gentleman in my mid 60s who would like to meet a woman with a warm, outgoing personality, flexible and not heavy into tradition. Open to spending time, possibly traveling both near and far. Also, I do like to remain active and enjoy biking, hiking, and my favorite, dining. Let’s get to know each other and see what develops. Hope to hear from you! Reply ISI, Dept. 12604, c/o Idaho Senior Independent, Box 3341, Great Falls, MT 59403. SWM from North Idaho searching for that lovely female companionship that only true love can provide. I am 6’4” and in my 60s. I am a Christian and enjoy gathering firewood, fishing, gardening, shopping, reading, traveling, and more. Please write and tell me about you! Reply ISI, Dept. 12605, c/o Idaho Senior Independent, Box 3341, Great Falls, MT 59403. ISI
Happy Valentine’s Day By Bernice Karnop What exactly is Valentine’s Day, that February 14 day of hearts and hugs? If you look at its history you will find a mishmash of religious, pagan, and hilariously silly traditions; but it really doesn’t matter. Celebrating love is simply a good idea and it has been for a very long time. We would never downplay buying flowers, jewelry, or taking your sweetheart out for an exquisite night on the town, but Valentine’s Day isn’t exclusively for lovers anymore. A couple, after all, can mean a couple of friends. Our readers know that good friends are essential. Read on to unpack your creativity and make this a memorable midwinter event, not just for your sweetheart, but for friends, neighbors, co-workers, and others. Prepare to surprise someone with a Valentine they don’t expect. Remember how you looked forward to school Valentine’s parties? Well, you can still throw a party for friends on Valentine’s Day. Grab a guitar and have a 1960s era hootenanny. Make it a simple night at the movies, or relax with friends, Netflix, and snacks. Speaking of old friends, why just exchange Christmas cards? Pick up the phone and have a long visit. Alternatively, write them a long letter or a goofy poem that reminds them of all those shared memories. On Facebook, find an old friend with whom you’ve lost contact. I have been amazed and delighted with people who found me from as far back as elementary school. Children love to be remembered on Valentine’s Day. Don’t forget the grandchildren, but also consider doing something for the children in your neighborhood, or other children you know. It’s fun to fix a little ziplock bag with a couple graham cracker squares, a chocolate bar, and an oversized heart-shaped marshmallow. Attach a note that says, “I need S’More friends like you!” If you think they need it, explain how they can put the ingredients together, pop them in the microwave or oven for a few seconds before eating this tasty summer treat. The S’Mores make a fun reminder to grown-up friends that they are important to you as well. (Continued on page 39)
February/March 2017
IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT PAGE 5
In Every Corner of Idaho There Is Something Fun to See and Do Spring is just around the corner and it is time to start filling up your calendar with all the entertaining, fun, and educational events that the coming months promise. There are definitely too many fairs, rodeos, festivals, art shows, car shows, benefits, concerts, star gazings, parades, music events, wine tastings, and sporting events for us to list them all here. Nevertheless, we have provided a sampling of fun things that may pique your interests, and with a little searching on the web, you can fill in the gaps. To start, we would suggest readers contact the following resources: Boise Convention & Visitors Bureau at boise.org or 800-635-5240; Hells Canyon Visitor Bureau at visitlcvalley.com or 877-774-7248; Idaho Division of Tourism at visitidaho.org or 800-847-4843; Lewis Clark Valley North Idaho Tourism Alliance at visitnorthidaho.com; and Pioneer Country Travel Council at seidaho.org or 888-201-1063. These are just a few of the regional and community resources that you can consult in order to make this a most memorable 2017! Additional information regarding events marked with an asterisk can be found in advertisements in this issue of the Idaho Senior Independent. Many of the events listed run on multiple days, but we have listed just the first day of the event. Please call the listed phone number or visit the website for more details. Web Address museumofidaho.org thecabinidaho.org fordidahocenter.com visitsunvalley.com imnh.isu.edu vitalhealthcda.com expoidaho.com uidaho.edu fordidahocenter.com boisegolfshow.com imnh.isu.edu vitalhealthcda.com nampacivic.ticketofficesales.com fineartscenter.csi.edu idahocityevents.org vitalhealthcda.com uidaho.edu/class/jazzfest boiselittletheater.org idahogemclub.com kenworthy.org vitalhealthcda.com
“My friends all hate their cell phones… I love mine!” Here’s why.
o
L
Phone 208-522-1400 208-331-8000 208-442-3232 800-634-3347 208-282-3168 208-765-1994 208-287-5650 208-885-6465 208-442-3232 509-621-0125 208-282-3168 208-765-1994 208-468-5555 208-732-6288 208-392-9767 208-765-1994 208-885-5900 208-342-5104 208-362-3941 208-882-4127 208-765-1994
N
AL
Event * Rome: Military Genius & Mighty Machines Juan Felipe Herrera – U.S. Poet Laureate Montster Jam Sun Valley Nordic Festival Idaho Power Centennial Exhibit * Secrets to Sleeping Well Treasure Valley Boat Show Titus Andronicus Canyon County Home & Garden Show Boise Golf & Travel Show Living With Fire * Hypertension, High Cholesterol & Heart Health Ballet Idaho: Patsy, Elvis and More Bria Skonberg Quartet Idaho City Chili Cook Off * Combat Fatique & Increase Energy Naturally Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival A Streetcar Named Desire Idaho Gem & Mineral Show Kenworthy: The Met Live in HD: Rusalka * Improving Liver & Gall Bladder Health
ct
ra
nt
Bi
City Idaho Falls Boise Nampa Sun Valley Pocatello Coeur d’Alene Boise Moscow Nampa Boise Pocatello Coeur d’Alene Nampa Twin Falls Idaho City Coeur d’Alene Moscow Boise Boise Moscow Coeur d’Alene
Co
Bu gg NEW tt er on s
Month Feb 1 Feb 2 Feb 2 Feb 2 Feb 3 Feb 8 Feb 9 Feb 9 Feb 10 Feb 11 Feb 13 Feb 15 Feb 15 Feb 16 Feb 18 Feb 23 Feb 23 Feb 24 Feb 25 Feb 25 Mar 1
Say good-bye to everything you hate about cell phones. Say hello to the ALL-NEW Jitterbug Flip. “Cell phones have gotten so small, I can barely dial mine.” Not the new Jitterbug® Flip. It features a larger keypad for easier dialing. It even has a larger display so you can actually see it. “I had to get my son to program it.” Your Jitterbug Flip set-up process is simple. We’ll even program it with your favorite numbers. “I tried my sister’s cell phone… I couldn’t hear it.” The Jitterbug Flip is designed with a powerful speaker and is hearing aid compatible. Plus, there’s an adjustable volume control.
Monthly Plan
$14.99/mo
$19.99/mo
Monthly Minutes
200
600
Operator Assistance
24/7
24/7
Long Distance Calls
No add’l charge
No add’l charge
Voice Dial
FREE
FREE
Nationwide Coverage
YES
YES
30 days
30 days
Friendly Return Policy1
“I don’t need stock quotes, Internet sites or games on my phone. I just want to talk with my family and friends.” Life is complicated enough… The Jitterbug Flip is simple.
More minute plans available. Ask your Jitterbug expert for details.
“What if I don’t remember a number?” Friendly, helpful Operators are available 24 hours a day and will even greet you by name when you call. “My cell phone company wants to lock me in a two-year contract!” Not with the Jitterbug Flip. There are no contracts to sign and no penalty if you discontinue your service. “I’d like a cell phone to use in an emergency, but I don’t want a high monthly bill.” The Jitterbug Flip has a plan to fit your needs… and your budget. Available in Red and Graphite.
Order now and receive a FREE Car Charger for your Jitterbug Flip – a $25 value. Call now!
5Star Enabled
12:45P Mon Feb 06
“Many phones have features that are rarely needed and hard to use!” The Jitterbug Flip contains easy-to-use features that are meaningful to you. A newly designed built-in camera makes it easy and fun for you to capture and share your favorite memories. And a new flashlight with a built-in magnifier helps you see in dimly lit areas, the Jitterbug Flip has all the features you need. Enough talk. Isn’t it time you found out more about the cell phone that’s changing all the rules? Call now, Jitterbug product experts are standing by.
NEW Jitterbug Flip Cell Phone Call toll-free to get your Jitterbug Flip. Please mention promotional code 105363.
1-877-569-8620
www.jitterbugdirect.com 47665
We proudly accept the following credit cards:
IMPORTANT CONSUMER INFORMATION: Jitterbug is owned by GreatCall, Inc. Your invoices will come from GreatCall. Plans and Services require purchase of a Jitterbug phone and a one-time setup fee of $35. Monthly fees do not include government taxes or assessment surcharges and are subject to change. Coverage is not available everywhere. 5Star or 9-1-1 calls can only be made when cellular service is available. 1We will refund the full price of the Jitterbug phone and the activation fee (or setup fee) if it is returned within 30 days of purchase in like-new condition. We will also refund your first monthly service charge if you have less than 30 minutes of usage. If you have more than 30 minutes of usage, a per minute charge of 35 cents will be deducted from your refund for each minute over 30 minutes. You will be charged a $10 restocking fee. The shipping charges are not refundable. There are no additional fees to call GreatCall’s U.S.-based customer service. However, for calls to a GreatCall Operator in which a service is completed, you will be charged 99 cents per call, and minutes will be deducted from your monthly rate plan balance equal to the length of the call and any call connected by the Operator. Jitterbug and GreatCall are registered trademarks of GreatCall, Inc. ©2017 GreatCall, Inc. ©2017 firstSTREET for Boomers and Beyond, Inc.
February/March 2017
PAGE 6 IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT
Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Apr Apr Apr May May May May May Jun Jun July July July Aug Sept Sept Oct
8 10 11 15 16 18 20 22 23 23 25 29 1 23 27 6 13 18 20 27 21 24 7 8 22 4 14 14 7
Coeur d’Alene Boise Filer Coeur d’Alene Twin Falls Boise Boise Coeur d’Alene Lewiston Nampa Idaho Falls Coeur d’Alene Donnelly Sweet Boise Pocatello Boise Lewiston Coeur d’Alene Shoshone Lewiston Clarkston, WA Pocatello Shoshone Shoshone Boise Shoshone Coeur d’Alene Pocatello
* Exploring Gut Wrenching Diseases Boise Roadster Show Magic Valley Gem Club Annual Show * Battling Auto-Immune Diseases Naturally Soiled Doves Idaho Cat Show Journey Concert * Non-Drug Solutions for Depression & Anxiety * Lewiston Civic Theatre: Fred’s Follies Seven Brides for Seven Brothers SARA: Myth, Dreams & Dramatic Episodes * Adrenals & Thyroid and Fatigue & Weight Gain Idaho Pond Skimming Championship Sweet-Ola Ride/Auction & BBQ Johnny Mathis: The Voice of Romance Tour Tree Houses Susan G Koman Race for the Cure Lewiston Civic Theatre: The Little Mermaid Northwest Spring Fest History Day Lewis-Clark Summer Games Cruzin to Clarkston Car Show Southeast Idaho Senior Games Arts in the Park & Annual Music Festival Lincoln County Fair & Rodeo Idaho Senior Games Annual Lost N Lava Cowboy Gathering Susan G Koman Race for the Cure Susan G Koman Race for the Cure
208-765-1994 208-938-8986 208-423-4802 208-765-1994 208-732-6288 208-888-9934 208-426-1900 208-765-1994 208-746-3401 208-468-2385 208-301-1011 208-765-1994 208-325-1000 208-590-8852 208.426.1110 208-282-3168 208-384-0013 208-746-3401 208-765-4969 208-886-7787 208-746-7787 509-295-3987 208-233-2034 208-886-9811 208-886-2406 208-861-8000 208-886-7787 208-384-0013 208-384-0013
vitalhealthcda.com expoidaho.com magicvalleygemclub.org vitalhealthcda.com fineartscenter.csi.edu expoidaho.com tacobellarena.com vitalhealthcda.com lctheatre.org nampaciviccenter.com theartmuseum.org vitalhealthcda.com tamarackidaho.com sweetolabbq.wordpress.com morrisoncenter.com imnh.isu.edu komenidahomontana.org lctheatre.org northwestspringfest.com lincolncountyhistorical.org lewisclarkgames.org seidahoseniorgames.org shoshonearts.weebly.com lincolncountychamber.org idahoseniorgames.org lostlavagathering.com komenidahomontana.org komenidahomontana.org ISI
Brundage Mountain Resort Starts Snowmobile Tours
8 Hotels in the heart of the Canadian Rockies
BANFF HOTEL ROOMS SUITES CONDOS 1-800-563-8764 www.bestofbanff.com
By Natalie Bartley Photos by Dave Lindsay Idaho is famous for providing over 7,200 miles of snowmobile trails. That’s more than any other state in the west. Riding motorized sleds quickly transports adventurers deep into the snow covered wilds. As a cross country skier, I am limited on how far into the forest I can venture in any given day. When I heard Brundage Mountain Resort opened new guided snowmobile tours for the 2016 to 2017 season, I quickly made a reservation for a full day tour. On a frigid Saturday in January, six skiers left their skis in their rigs and straddled Ski Doo snowmobiles offered for the resort’s snowmobile tours. We were issued insulated jackets, pants, and helmets designed specifically for winter riding conditions. After receiving our emergency daypack and a brief orientation on our
avalanche beacons, which serve as emergency signals in case of a snow burial, we headed outdoors. Our guide, Brad Backus, discussed the important features of our Summit and Renegade
CALDWELL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE INVITES YOU TO...
EXPLORE
CHINA OCTOBER 7–17, 2017
Brundage Mountain Resort now offers guided snowmobile tours in the Payette National Forest near McCall, Idaho.
All-Inclusive Trip:
$2,199*
•• Round-trip Round-trip airfare airfare from from Seattle Seattle •• 44 & & 55 Star Star hotel hotel accommodations accommodations (based (based on on double double occupancy) occupancy)
•• Three Three full full meals meals daily daily •• Trasportation Trasportation within within China China •• Deluxe Deluxe bus bus tours tours •• 77 of of China’s China’s 10 10 “Wonders “Wonders of of the the World” World” •• Admission Admission to to all all tours tours & & attractions attractions •• Experienced Experienced & & fluent fluent English-speaking English-speaking guides guides •• All All gratuities, gratuities, taxes taxes & & fees fees included included
LIMITED LIMITED SPACE SPACE IS IS AVAILABLE. AVAILABLE. RESERVE RESERVE YOUR YOUR SEAT NOW! SEAT NOW!
For more information contact:
Theresa Hardin, Caldwell Chamber of Commerce
208-459-7493 thardin@caldwellchamber.org
*$400 NON-REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT REQUIRED. FULL PAYMENT DUE JULY 24, 2017
1591801-01
series snowmobiles. He introduced us to the key keeper, engine starter, hand brake, accelerator, heated handlebars, emergency stop button, and hand signals. During our tour, we covered 60 miles along groomed snowmobile trails in the Payette National Forest. Brad identified the lakes, ridges, and drainages we passed, so we felt oriented. Our route took us near Goose Lake, Granite Lake, and Fisher Creek Saddle. Parts of the trail were as wide and open as a two lane forest road. Other sections were narrow tree-lined corridors with twists and turns. At times, we had views of the Salmon River Mountains and other mountain ridges. In the afternoon, we eagerly consumed the sandwiches, chips, cookies, and fruit provided on the tour while gazing upon a snowy meadow. About every ten miles, we got off the sleds and warmed our butts on the back platform covering the heat exchanger tunnels at the rear of the snowmobile. By opting for a guide instead of renting the snowmobiles and going on our own, we could
February/March 2017
follow Brad. He led a safe route for the snow conditions and we didn’t get lost. With his expertise, Brad sensed the weather change and headed us back to the resort before the snowfall got intense. By the end of the day, I experienced a bigger slice of the Payette National Forest on a snowmobile than I would have by Nordic skiing all weekend. McCall is one of many Idaho snowmobile areas. Other famous Idaho destinations include locations around Cascade, Featherville, Fairfield, Coeur D’Alene, Lolo Pass, Island Park, Stanley Basin, Sawtooth Basin, and many others. If going without a guide and using your own or a rental snowmobile, be aware that avalanches are the number one cause of snowmobile fatali-
ties in the west. The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation offers avalanche awareness and companion rescue clinics for snowmobilers. Let’s all have fun and be safe this winter in Idaho’s vast winter playgrounds! • Brundage Mountain Resort, 3890 Goose Lake Road, McCall; Reservations: 208-315-3080; Activity Center: 208-634-5021; Guided tour fees: Full-day $295 and half-day $235, plus tax and tip. Kids ages 6 to 17 can ride as a second for $35. Rental fees: Full-day $250 and half-day $190, plus tax; brundage.com/on-the-mountain/winter/ snowmobile. • CM Backcountry Rentals and Adventures,
IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT PAGE 7
313 McBride Street, McCall; 208-634-0017; cmbackcountryrentals.com. • Cheap Thrills Rentals, 303 N. Third (Highway 55), McCall; 800-831-1025; Delivers & picks-up single and double snowmobiles; Fees: Full-day $180 and half-day $130, plus tax; cheapthrillsrentals.com. • Avalanche Awareness and Companion Rescue Clinics: Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation; parksandrecreation.idaho.gov. Natalie Bartley is a Boise-based author of trail guidebooks Best Easy Day Hikes Boise and the newly updated Best Rail Trails Pacific Northwest. ISI
Step Back Millennia And Immerse Yourself In The Roman Empire Join us at the Museum of Idaho thru May 29, 2017 to experience Rome: Military Genius & Mighty Machines. Journey back in time 2,000 years to discover the life, the culture, and the engineering genius that was created by the Roman Empire. Handcrafted by Italian artisans, this exhibition contains more than 30 interactive models that integrate science and history. Visitors will be encouraged to explore the innovative machines that continue to influence the technologies of today. This hands-on exhibit contains four areas that allow visitors to explore ancient Rome. Military Genius showcases the uniforms and weapons used by Julius Caesar’s armies to conquer the world. All Roads Lead to Rome examines the surveying and construction tools that are still being
utilized in the modern day. Building Rome highlights the architectural masterpieces that inspire us to this day. Entertainment and Lifestyle contains clothing, ancient coins, and stories of the gladiators who fought to the death in the Coliseum for the entertainment of the masses. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to admire the weapons, technologies, and artwork of the ancient Romans. Rome: Military Genius & Mighty Machines will inspire the next generation of inventors, engineers, and artists to create technologies of the future! For more information, visit museumofidaho.org or call 208-522-1400. Follow the Museum of Idaho on Facebook for current happenings! ISI
Jerome and Clarkdale, Arizona – Towns United by Copper and Tourism Article By By Jack McNeel / Photo By Jackie McNeel For the towns of Jerome and Clarkdale, Ariz. and the vacation opportunities they offer, a connection to copper is part of the journey. Nestled in the mountains between Flagstaff and Phoenix, the region played a significant role in the mining heyday of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. During this time, Jerome mines produced a billion dollars worth of copper ore. Once extracted, the ore moved the 4.5 miles to Clarkdale, where it was refined into copper and shipped to manufacturers around the globe. Then, the boom and bust cycle that felled so many regions before it reached its nadir and the gluttony ended. The area’s population and businesses folded up and went searching for the next rich hill. What was left behind became the blank canvas upon which today’s regional tourism and culture painted large. Jerome During the mining era, Jerome earned the name “Wickedest Town in the West” for its penchant for gunfights, opium, and prostitution. After the crash of the mining industry in the region, the gunfights ceased and Jerome became a ghost town. Its population dropped from roughly 15,000 at its peak in 1920 to less than 50 by the 1950s. With a population still less than 500, today’s Jerome has been evolved from its mining days to become a colony of artists and a must see location with a history unlike any other. Recognized for its vibrant art scene, the resurrection from ghost town to tourist destination was built around this burgeoning artist colony. The tiny town is home to nearly thirty galleries that host art walks every month in addition to a variety of community activities. The town also boasts an eclectic array of cuisines and live music venues and is home to Paul and Jerry’s, the oldest family owned saloon in Arizona. And what ghost town would be complete without its share of otherworldly spirits? Visitors take keen interest in places like Spook Hill and take advantage of the two ghost tour options. Many of the town’s lodging options highlight renovated historic buildings, like the Mile High Inn, Million Dollar View, and Ghost City Inn. During tourist
www.museumofidaho.org
200 N Eastern Ave. Idaho Falls Exit 118 off I-15
PAGE 8 IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT
February/March 2017
season, the town fills up fast, so plan your adventure today! Clarkdale Located at the base of Cleopatra Mountain, Clarkdale is now home to the Copper Art Museum. To anyone interested in copper and mining history, this is the place to see. The museum opened just two years ago and in that short period has amassed an amazing collection with some items dating back six centuries. Drake Meinke, the founder of the Art Museum, speaking about the importance of copper to the region, said, “This museum is about what people did with all that copper in the copper state. We produced billions of pounds and created the richest man in the U.S. in the 1920s, Senator William Clark. He also founded Las Vegas. Jerome produced the rock, sent it to Clarkdale
President’s Day brings us a welcome long weekend after the long toil of midwinter, but do you ever think about the history behind our February holiday? When was the White House built, and why do we call it the Oval Office, anyway? Test your knowledge of commanders-in-chief past, and explore some of our nation’s history! Enjoy this month’s quiz, and be sure to get your submission in on time! This issue’s quiz was provided by worldhistoryproject.org, so the prize for submitting the best quiz will double to $50 for the person who
via rail to turn into copper. Then we sent it worldwide.” The museum’s collection includes displays on the mining and refining of copper, the mining history of the region, and a broad array of items from art and religious items to kitchen utensils. Visitors are turned loose to explore the various rooms and exhibitions in the museum and the staff of four is on the floor constantly to answer questions. The museum gathered items for eight years before opening, and its massive collection has paid off. In the two years it has been open they’ve had visitors from every state and it has become a major attraction for the roughly five million tourists that visit the region annually. With its perspective on the history and artistry of the region, The Copper Art Museum is an essential part of any visit to the Jerome-Clarkdale-Cottonwood region of Arizona. ISI
submits the winning feature quiz selected in the April/May 2017 issue. Thank you to all who participated in our How Well Do You Know Your Christmas Songs quiz in the December 2016/January 2017 issue. The winner of the $25 prize for submitting the correct answers is Elvira Wheaton of Plummer. Congratulations, Elvira! Two $25 cash prizes are awarded from the “Contest Corner” in each issue of the Idaho Senior Independent. One prize goes to the person who submits the winning answers to the featured
quiz from the previous issue. The second prize goes to the person who submits the entry that our staff selects as the featured quiz or puzzle in the “Contest Corner” for this issue. Be creative and send us some good, fun, and interesting puzzles! Please mail your entries to all contests to Idaho Senior Independent, P.O. Box 3341, Great Falls, MT 59403, or email to idahoseniorind@ bresnan.net by March 20, 2017 for our April/ May 2017 edition. Be sure to work the crossword puzzle on our website at idahoseniorindependent. com.
It’s Presidents Day! Provided by worldhistoryproject.org 1. Who was the only President to serve more than two terms? a. Franklin D. Roosevelt; b. Theodore Roosevelt; c. Ulysses S. Grant; d. George Washington 2. Who was the only President to serve two nonconsecutive terms? a. Ronald Reagan; b. Theodore Roosevelt; c. Woodrow Wilson; d. Grover Cleveland 3. Who was the oldest elected President? a. Dwight D. Eisenhower; b. James Buchanan c. Ronald Reagan; d. Zachary Taylor 4. Before the Twelfth Amendment was passed in 1804, how was the Vice President determined? a. There was no official Vice Presidents before 1804; b. The Presidential candidate receiving the second-largest number of electoral votes; c. Appointed by the President; d. President and Vice President were voted on separately 5. Who was the first President to appear on TV? a. John F. Kennedy; b. Harry S. Truman; c. Dwight D. Eisenhower; d. Franklin D. Roosevelt 6. Who was the first President to live in the White House? a. Thomas Jefferson; b. John Adams; c. Andrew Jackson; d. George Washington 7. Who was the only unanimously elected President by the Electoral College? a. Ronald Reagan; b. Franklin D. Roosevelt; c. John F. Kennedy; d. George Washington 8 . Wa l t W h i t m a n ’ s
poem “Oh Captain, My Captain” was written about which President? a. George Washington; b. Abraham Lincoln; c. Theodore Roosevelt; d. Ulysses S. Grant 9. Who was the first President born outside the contiguous United States? a. Barack Obama; b. William Howard Taft; c. Franklin Pierce; d. Benjamin Harrison 10. Who was the first President to appoint an African American to the Supreme Court? a. Lyndon Johnson; b. Bill Clinton; c. George H.W. Bush; d. John F. Kennedy 11. Which U.S. President signed the treaty to purchase Alaska from Russia? a. Andrew Johnson; b. Ulysses S. Grant; c. Andrew Jackson; d. James Buchanan 12. Prior to the Capitol Building in Washington DC, where were presidential inaugurations held? a. Monticello in Charlottesville, VA; b. Independence Hall in Philadelphia; c. Faneuil Hall in Boston; d. Federal Hall in New York 13. Who was the first President to be impeached? a. Calvin Coolidge; b. Richard Nixon; c. Bill Clinton; d. Andrew Johnson 14. What name was given to the commission that was established to investigate John F. Kennedy’s assassination? a. Oswald Commission; b. Johnson Commission; c. Kennedy Commission; d. Warren Commission 15. Who is the only President to resign from office? a. Richard Nixon; b. Franklin Pierce; c. Andrew Johnson; d. Bill Clinton 16. Who awarded Rosa Parks the Presidential Medal of Freedom? a. Bill Clinton; b. Barack Obama; c. Lyndon Johnson; d. Jimmy Carter 17. Who was the first President to win the Nobel Peace Prize? a. Jimmy Carter; b. Barack Obama; c. Woodrow Wilson; d. Theodore Roosevelt 18. Who is the only President to earn his Masters of Business Administration? a. George W. Bush; b. Bill Clinton; c. George H.W. Bush; d. Woodrow Wilson 19. How many future Presidents signed the Declaration of Independence? a. 3; b. 4; c. 1; d. 2 20. Which President signed the Civil Rights Act that extended the rights of emancipated slaves? a. Abraham Lincoln; b. Andrew Johnson; c. Rutherford B. Hayes; d. Ulysses S. Grant 21. Which President was the first to use an armored limousine, and who ‘donated’ it for the President’s use? a. Dwight Eisenhower from Winston Churchill; b. Franklin Roosevelt from Al Capone; c. Woodrow Wilson from Henry Ford; d. Harry Truman from Howard Hughes
February/March 2017 IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT PAGE 9 22. In what city was William McKinley assassinated? a. Norwood, MA; Andrew Jackson; c. William Henry Harrison; d. John Tyler b. Cleveland, OH c. Buffalo, NY; d. Pittsburgh, PA 25. What was the covert operation established during the Nixon presi23. What disease did John F. Kennedy contract as a young child? a. dency to prevent the leaking of classified information to the news media Polio; b. Asthma; c. Diabetes; d. Scarlet Fever commonly known as? a. The Plumbers; b. The Ghosts; c. The Cleaners; d. 24. Who called for an Indian Removal Act in his State of the Union The Thugs ISI Message and eventually signed the act into law? a. Martin Van Buren; b.
Answers To How Well Do You Know Your Christmas Songs
Submitted by Myrtle Gamroth Christmas Songs Writer/Composer 1. Away in a Manger K. Martin Luther 2. White Christmas I. Irving Berlin 3. Hark the Angels Sing P. Charles Wesley 4. O Come All Ye Faithful C. John Wade 5. Winter Wonderland V. Felix Bernard / Richard Smith 6. Little Saint Nick B. Brian Wilson / Mike Love 7. Joy to the World Y. Isaac Watts 8. All I Want for Christmas L. Mariah Carey / Walter Afanasieff 9. Mistletoe X. Justin Bieber 10. Snoopy’s Christmas D. George Weiss / Hugo & Luigi 11. Little Drummer Boy A. Katherine Davis / Harry Simone 12. Santa Claus is Coming to Town T. Fred Coots / Haven Gillespie
13. Silent Night 14. Let it Snow, Let it Snow 15. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer 16. I’ll Be Home for Christmas 17. Silver Bells 18. Rockin’ Round the Christmas Tree 19. Blue Christmas 20. Jingle Bells 21. Frosty the Snowman 22. Here Comes Santa Claus 23. Sleigh Ride 24. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus 25. A Holly Jolly Christmas 26. Jolly Old Saint Nicholas
33 1/3 ___ record 18. Painting support 19. *Originally known as safety cushion assembly 21. *Penny Farthing, e.g. 23. G in music 24. Damp and musty 25. Teacher org. 28. Locus, pl. 30. Opposite of cantata 35. Tiny leftovers 37. Jimmy Kimmel, e.g. 39. Fat cat in the Orient 40. *You can do this from afar with a telescope 41. Certain saxes 43. Org. headquartered in Brussels 44. Not Doric or Corinthian 46. Novice 47. Ponzi scheme, e.g. 48. “___ ___! This is the police!” 50. Trunk extension 52. Priestly garb 53. Sound of a bell 55. Deadeye’s forte 57. *Aid for the blind 61. Inquirers 64. Soup dispenser 65. ___ of war 67. Homeric epic 69. Like Tower of Pisa 70. North American country 71. Incessantly 72. Risky business, pl. 73. p in mph 74. Coastal feature Across 1. The Mamas & the ___ 6. Clingy plant 9. Half of Brangelina 13. Poem at a funeral
14. 2nd largest bird in the world 15. Palm grease 16. Abraham’s original name 17. *Columbia introduced the
Down 1. “The Princess and the ___” fairy tale 2. “Fantastic Four” actress 3. ___wig or ___winkle
Z. Joseph Mohr R. Sammy Cahn / Jule Styne M. Robert May / Johnny Marks H. Walter Kent / Kim Gannon W. Jay Livingston / Ray Evans E. Johnny Marks F. Billy Hays / Jay Johnson O. James Piermont N. Jack Rollins / Steve Nelson S. Gene Autry / Oakley Haldeman Q. Leroy Anderson G. Tommie Connor J. Johnny Marks U. Emily Miller ISI
4. Petri dish jellies 5. It can be a mark, sign, or word 6. Cause of Titanic’s demise 7. Strike caller 8. Cuban dance 9. Donkey cry 10. Reduced Instruction Set Computer 11. Cain’s unfortunate brother 12. Mark for omission 15. Call with a wave 20. Hello in 50th state 22. Deporting agency 24. Make moonshine, e.g. 25. *Jonas Salk’s conquest 26. Group of apes 27. Do penitence 29. *Early gun maker 31. Grannies 32. Manila hemp 33. Bottom line 34. *Manhattan Project invention 36. Largest organ of human body 38. Reality TV’s Spelling 42. Technical term for human bodies 45. Veal serving 49. Neighbor of Ger. 51. *Clothing named after a site of A-bomb testing 54. Reduce pressure 56. Cantaloupe, e.g. 57. Spill the beans 58. Relative speed of change 59. Miners’ passage 60. Misfortunes 61. #4 Down, sing 62. Cambodian currency 63. Not loony 66. Put into service 68. *Nobel Prize winning insecticidal, now banned ISI
February/March 2017
PAGE 10 IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT
Variety Abounds In Retirement Home Market By Lisa M. Petsche Retirement residences are private pay, wellness oriented facilities that enable active seniors to maintain or improve their independence and overall health. Their goal is to offer convenience, security, companionship, and the opportunity to engage in a wide range of activities according to personal choice. However, they vary considerably in terms of price, size, amenities, and services, making the selection difficult. Thus, it’s important to go beyond location, curb appeal, and ads and take personal tours. Visit several places, accompanied by a friend or relative. Prepare questions in advance and photocopy the list so you can take a fresh one on each tour and make notes. The following are some questions to include: ome places have a policy of Resident Suites providing excellence in retirement living, Is a variety of suite sizes and styles available? others have a history of it. Is there sufficient natural light from the win(208) 882-6560 | Moscow dows and do they open? What furnishings are provided? Can you bring your own? M V Does each room have an ensuite bath F V E All faiths or beliefs are welcome. equipped with grab bars, a raised toilet and an emergency call bell? Is it wheelchair accessible? Is there a kitchenette? Is there cable and phone hook up? Is there a smoke detector and sprinkler in each room? An intercom or emergency alert system? Do regular fire drills occur? Can you control the temperature in your suite? Medical Services Is a professional nursing staff on duty around the clock? Is there a staff physician who makes regular visits and offers on call service the rest of the time? Can you continue with your own doctor if you prefer? Is there pharmacy service or a medical LOCATED IN LEWISTON IDAHO room? Onsite capability for x-rays and lab work? What about podiatry, foot care, service, physical therapy, and outreach As a top rated facility, we offer a wide range of care dentistry? for residents including independent living, assisted Is convalescent care during acute illness or living, & memory / dementia care. recovery from surgery available? If so, to what extent and at what cost? Can enhanced service PET FRIENDLY • HOMEY ATMOSPHERE be purchased on a long term basis? Other Services 2421 Vineyard Ave. Lewiston, ID 83501 Are three meals a day plus snacks includAIRVIEW
OSCOW
ILLAGE
ILLAGE
STATES
V ISIT OUR BEAUTIFUL CAMPUS IMMEDIATE OPENINGS!
Caring for Family the old-fashioned way... at home.
Call for a tour 208.743.6500
ed? Is there more than one sitting for each meal? Can special diets be accommodated? Is there a choice of entrees? Is tray service available when you’re not feeling well? Can visitors stay for meals? If so, what is the cost? What is the frequency and extent of housekeeping service? Are linens and towels provided? Is there laundry service? Dry cleaning service? What about facilities for doing your own laundering like washing delicates and ironing? Is storage space provided for seasonal items? Is there a lounge and kitchenette on each floor? Are there guest suites? Is there a hair salon? Onsite banking? Mail service? Is transportation provided to shopping and appointments? Recreational Activities What kind of weekly programming, special events, and outings are offered? Is there a fulltime, professionally trained activity director? Is a monthly newsletter or calendar of events distributed? Are friends and family members welcome to participate? Are there a variety of areas for recreation and socializing, such as: TV lounges, activity rooms, exercise room, workshop, craft room, horticultural center, hobby kitchen, games room, computer room, and library? Are worship services offered? Is there a dedicated chapel? The Premises When was the place built? Does it appear to be in good condition? Is it spacious? Clean? Bright? How many floors are there? What is the resident capacity? Are the furnishings and decor attractive, modern, and in good condition? Are chairs and sofas made of material that is easy to clean? Are there areas for relaxing quietly? What about rooms for entertaining like a party room or private dining room? Is the building fully air-conditioned? What kind of security measures are in place? Are the grounds nicely landscaped? Are all areas easy to access and well lit? Do they include benches? A furnished patio? Shaded areas? A residents’ garden? Is there ample, free parking for residents and visitors? Which, if any, of the following are within walking distance: variety store, drug store, community or seniors’ center, park, public transit? Financial Considerations Are accommodation rates reasonable and all inclusive? If not, what amenities are extra? How often do rates increase, and by what percentage? Are you required to sign a lease? Is there a trial stay plan? Can you set up a petty cash account, with regular statements? Admission Criteria Are scooters and wheelchairs accepted? Are any forms of oxygen therapy accommodated? What is the smoking policy? Is a medical assessment required? What happens if your health declines significantly? Accreditation Are state licenses and industry memberships displayed, and are the dates current? Talk to some residents to find out how long they have been there and what they like or dislike. Stay long enough to get a feel for the place. Immediately following a visit, make detailed notes.
February/March 2017 Keep them in a folder, together with brochures, business cards and other relevant paperwork. Before making a final decision, consider a weekend stay at the place that appeals the most to you.
IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT PAGE 11
Lisa M. Petsche is a social worker and a freelance writer specializing in boomer and senior health matters. She helped relatives move from their house of 50 years to a retirement home last year. ISI
Moving In With A Child: Should You Do It? Lifestyle Issues Do you and your son or daughter have similar lifestyles and values? If not, are differences likely to be an ongoing source of tension? If you require care, how might your needs affect your child’s work life, social life, vacation plans, and other pursuits? Is he or she prepared to make adjustments? Available Supports Would you be within walking distance of a convenience store, pharmacy, or bank? What about proximity to a place of worship? Would you be close to public transit routes? Easy access to at least some amenities would maximize your independence. Would friends and former neighbors be able to visit frequently? Consider the distance they would have to travel to get to your new location and what type of transportation is available to them. If your child lives in a different area, how easily could you link with needed medical supports such as a new primary care physician? What kinds of community support services are available to assist in meeting your needs, either now or in the future? Finances How much would you be expected to contribute toward household expenses? Do you have savings or insurance that would cover the cost of any needed medical equipment or healthcare services? If not, would your family be prepared to pay for them? Home Setup Is there sufficient space in the home to meet everyone’s needs for privacy? Would you have separate living quarters? How accessible is the home? If adaptations would be needed, what is the estimated cost and who would pay it? Other Options Before making any decisions, explore alternatives such as:
How to Create a Safe “Aging-in-Place� Home By Jim Miller Dear Savvy Senior, My husband and I are thinking about making some modifications to our home so we can remain living there for as long as possible. Can you recommend some good resources that can help us with aging in place ideas? Staying Put Dear Staying, Many retirees, like you and your husband, want to stay living in their own house for as long as possible. But being able to do so will depend on how easy it is to maneuver your home as you get older. Here are some helpful resources you can turn to, to get an idea of the different types of features and improvements you can make that will make your house safer and more convenient as you grow older. Home Evaluation A good first step in making your home more age-friendly is to do an assessment. Go through your house, room-by-room, looking for problem areas like potential tripping or slipping hazards, as well as areas that are hard to access and difficult to maintain. To help with this, there are several organizations that have aging-in-place checklists that point out potential problems in each area of the home, along with modifications and solutions. Rebuild Together, for example, has a twopage Safe at Home Checklist that’s created in partnership with the Administration on Aging and the American Occupational Therapy Association. Go to AOTA.org and search for Rebuilding Together Safe at Home Checklist. The National Association of Home Builders
also has an Aging-in-Place Remodeling Checklist that offers more than 100 suggestions that can help homeowners age 50-plus live safely, independently, and comfortably. Go to NAHB.org and search for Aging in Place Remodeling Checklist. Also check out AARP’s excellent resource called the HomeFit Guide that’s filled with 28-pages of tips and diagrams to make your entire home safe and easier to live in as you age. You can access it at AARP.org – search for HomeFit, or call 888-687-2277 and ask them to mail you a free copy. Personalized Advice If you want more personalized help, consider getting a professional in-home assessment with an occupational therapist (OT). An OT can evaluate the challenges and shortcomings of your home for aging in place, recommend design and modification solutions, and introduce you to products and services to help you make improvements. To find an OT in your area, check with your physician, health insurance provider, or local hospital, or seek recommendations from family and friends. Many health insurance providers, including Medicare, will pay for a home assessment by an OT if
• Home healthcare services and other home supports such as meals on wheels; • Live in help; • Home renovations; and • Moving to a condominium, seniors’ apartment complex, or assisted living facility. Find out if any of these options are appropriate and affordable. The Decision If you decide to move into your son or daughter’s home, consider a six month trial period with a clear understanding that other options will be pursued if you, your child, or other household members feel it’s not working out and issues can’t be resolved. Keep in mind that such a plan involves changes in family dynamics and household routines that will affect daily living. Therefore you need to allow plenty of time for everyone involved to adjust. There are bound to be some difficulties, but these can usually be worked through if you are committed to making the arrangement work. Lisa M. Petsche is a social worker and a freelance writer specializing in boomer and senior concerns. She has recent personal experience with elder care. ISI
Logan Park
Government Subsidized Apartments for Self-Reliant Elderly
senior living
~CALDWELL~
• A Loving Family Atmosphere • On Site Beauty Parlor & Laundry Units • Home Cooked Meals Every Day
208-454-0004 • 612 W Logan St Equal Opportunity Provider & Employer
LoganParkSeniorLiving.com
We bring healing
HOME. This facility is a Joint Commission accredited agency.
Gooding • 208-934-4842 Meridian • 208-887-6633 Twin Falls • 208-734-4061 Toll Free • 800-540-4061 It’s All About Helping People.Ž
LHCgroup.com
DEDICATED HOPE, HEALING AND RECOVERY TO
We Offer: t 5SBOTJUJPOBM $BSF 6OJU
- Short-term Rehabilitation Unit Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy -Outpatient Therapy
t $PNQMFY 8PVOE $BSF 5FBN t 4FMFDUJWF .FOV T 'JOF %JOJOH BOE 8J Ăś t 0O TJUF .FOUBM )FBMUI $POTVMUBOU t .FEJDBSF .FEJDBJE .BOBHFE $BSF $POUSBDUT BOE 7" BQQSPWFE
MAKE A RESERVATION
If you have a scheduled surgery and will need Rehabilitation therapy following the procedure, call and make a reservation for your continued care. Our therapists will work with your physician to get you back home as quickly as possible. REHAB MADE EASY!
Please call to schedule a tour or just drop in. We are always available to show you the center and answer any questions you may have.
t UI 4USFFU -FXJTUPO
&&
By Lisa M. Petsche When older folks are living alone, there may be concerns from others about their physical wellbeing, emotional welfare, or both. Particularly in situations where they are having health problems or do not live close by, a son or daughter may invite them to move in. If you receive such an offer, ask yourself the following questions and take time to honestly and thoroughly answer each one before making a decision. Interpersonal Issues What kind of relationship do you and your son or daughter have? How well do you get along with others in the household? Any personality clashes are sure to be magnified when you are living under the same roof. If you need assistance, are you comfortable with the idea of role reversal? Your Needs and Expectations Would the move uproot you from important relationships and community connections such as supportive longtime neighbors, a church congregation, or seniors’ clubs? If you have a pet, can it be accommodated? If your child has pets, are you comfortable around them? If you have a chronic illness, how are your needs likely to change? Would you expect your family to provide whatever help you may require? If so, are they willing and able to do so? Your Family’s Needs and Expectations Would you be expected to contribute to the household in practical ways, such as cooking meals or providing child care? If you require assistance, would your child or other household members be able to cope with the demands of caregiving? Would they have enough time to devote to the rest of their family? Would they still have time for whatever else is important to them?
PAGE 12 IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT
prescribed by your doctor. However, they will not cover the physical upgrades to the home. Another option is to contact a builder who’s a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS). CAPS are home remodelers and design-build professionals that are knowledgeable about aging in place home modifications, and can suggest ways to modify or remodel your home that will fit your needs and budget. CAPS are generally paid by the hour or receive a flat fee per visit or project. To find a CAPS in your area visit the National Association of Home Builders website at NAHB. org/capsdirectory where you can search by state and city. Send your senior questions to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of The Savvy Senior book. ISI
February/March 2017
ElderHelp Provides Services To Those Seniors In Need We see many challenges within our communities, especially for our low and limited income seniors. They generally contend with increasing costs associated with being older and some must cope with a decreasing quality of life. Many seniors struggle to make ends meet. ElderHelp serves close to 350 seniors in the Coeur d’Alene area by providing for needs that help keep them in their homes. ElderHelp has provided more than 800 cords of wood to keep them warm. ElderHelp has installed handicap ramps and grab bars, which allow folks to maneuver safely in their homes. With the help of caring volunteers and close collabo-
ration with area churches, we provide home repairs, snow removal, yard work, transportation, and more, helping to meet needs throughout the community. ElderHelp of North Idaho is a volunteer organization of caring individuals and church and community resources that donate their time, skills, materials, and finances to assist seniors. What we strive to provide the most, however, is hope. By our providing these services, seniors can live comfortably and independently in their own homes… and ultimately live with Hope. To learn more about ElderHelp of North Idaho and how you can help, please call 208209-1057 or visit ehoni.org. ISI
Hospice of North Idaho
A non-profit serving three Idaho counties and countless families By Denna Granaard Hospice of North Idaho’s mission is to serve the seriously ill and those touched by loss. We want the end-of-life journey to be as enriching, special, and precious as people wish it to be. When a family is planning the ending days, we provide resources. When a loved one is entering their final journey, we provide comfort. When a family is grieving, Hospice listens. Those needing hospice services in Kootenai, Shoshone, or Benewah Counties are never turned away because of their ability to pay. Unique to Hospice of North Idaho, we provided more than 480 days of charitable care last year with the same
excellent service as provided to those who were insured or able to pay. Community generosity makes it possible for us to carry out our mission. Although many people prefer to be home during their final days, when continuous nursing support is needed, the Schneidmiller (Hospice) House, named after a local philanthropic family, provides unparalleled service delivering the comfort of home in a 24-hour, state-of-the-art skilled-nursing facility. We are proud to provide the highest quality services with integrity at Hospice of North Idaho. Please visit hospiceofnorthidaho.org or call 208772-7994 to learn more about how we can help ease life’s last transition. ISI
Maintain Sanity! By Lisa M. Petsche Caring for an aging relative typically involves physical, psychological, emotional, and financial demands. There aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done, let alone spend time with other important people in a caregiver’s life and tend to their own needs. If you have a parent or other close family member who is caring for an aging relative, it’s important to reach out and support them. This can be done even if you don’t live close enough to provide direct help or your personal circumstances don’t allow it. Sharing the care is only fair, and by lightening the caregiver’s load, you can help prevent them from wearing down, so they can take optimal care of your relative. Read on for a variety of ideas for supporting the primary caregiver in your family. If You Live Nearby Offer to sit with the care receiver for an hour while the caregiver runs errands or gets their hair done, for example, or for a longer stretch so they can attend a social event. Set up a regular time for providing such respite. Offer to accompany the caregiver and care receiver to a community event, so the caregiver has an extra pair of hands and eyes. Coordinate get-togethers that don’t involve any work on the caregiver’s part. For example, invite the caregiver and care receiver to dinner. Or visit with refreshments we are devoted to enriching the lives of those entrusted to us. and a meal. Offer to accompany the caregiver to a support group meeting if they can make respite arrangements; otherwise, offer to be the respite provider so they can attend a caregivers’ group. Help make it possible for the caregiver to practice self-care. For Phone: 208-743-4558 Prestige Care & Rehabilitation example, bring over a 1014 Burrell Avenue • Lewiston T h e O r c h a r d s www.prestigecare.com meal or offer to stay with the care receiver while Thank you to those serving & having served our country they attend an exercise
At Prestige Care Rehabilitation & Care Center,
class. Ask, rather than guess, what kind of practical help would work best. Perhaps it’s walking the dog, running errands, or providing transportation to appointments. If your assistance is declined, continue to express your desire to help. Meanwhile, take it upon yourself to deliver a casserole or freshly baked goods or perform outdoor tasks such as yard work and snow clearing. Helping From A Distance Even if you’re not available for hands-on assistance, you can still help the primary caregiver with meeting your relative’s needs. The following suggestions can also apply if you’d like to help but have your own health challenges or competing responsibilities; or perhaps you have a conflicted relationship with the caregiver or care receiver and need to maintain some distance. If your relative has a chronic illness, gather and share information to help family members understand the disease and get an idea of what to expect for the future. Offer to research support services in your relative’s community that may be of help, and encourage their use as appropriate. Information can be obtained from the local Area Agency on Aging. To find the appropriate office, call the Administration on Aging’s toll-free Eldercare Locator Service at 800-677-1116 or search online at eldercare.gov. Clip and send articles about caregiving that contain practical information – behavior management or self-care strategies, for example. Give the caregiver a gift membership in a caregivers’ organization or the non-profit organization associated with your relative’s health condition (for example, the Alzheimer’s Association). Membership benefits usually include a newsletter and access to other valuable resources. Volunteer to be the point person who keeps family and friends up-to-date on how the care receiver and caregiver are doing and needs that arise. Organize a telephone tree so important information can be shared in a timely fashion. Ask what kind of help the caregiver could use most. Perhaps you can cover, or at least contribute towards, the cost of medical equipment, home adaptations, a house cleaning or yard maintenance service, specialized transportation, respite care, or a vacation for the caregiver. Coordinate pooling of funds with other family members as needed.
February/March 2017 Offer to come and stay with your relative so the caregiver can take a vacation. Emotional Support Assume responsibility for communication. Arrange a regular time to call or Skype. With each contact, ask not only how the care receiver is doing, but also how the caregiver is coping. Encourage the caregiver to call you (collect if necessary) with any concerns. Don’t forget to express appreciation for all that they do for your relative. Listen to the caregiver without judgment and don’t give unsolicited advice. Offer empathy and words of support. Encourage them to take one day at a time so they don’t become overwhelmed. Send a card or note to brighten the caregiver’s day. Include a humorous anecdote or cartoon clipping.
Surprise the caregiver with a treat, such as a music CD, fresh flowers or a plant, gourmet coffee or tea, or a gift certificate to a restaurant that has takeout and delivery service. Encourage the caregiver to accept offers of help and to ask for assistance. Offer to facilitate a conversation among family members if the caregiver is hesitant to make requests for fear of “burdening” loved ones. Final Thoughts If you have not been a family caregiver, it can be hard fully to understand or appreciate what’s involved. Even if you have experience with the role, no two caregiving situations are identical. Caregivers tend to be reluctant to request help, so don’t assume that if they have not asked, it means they are managing well. There’s a good
Reduce The Risk Of Life-Altering Falls By Lisa M. Petsche One in three seniors experiences a fall each year, according to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. While taking a spill may hurt people’s pride in their younger years, falls are the primary cause of injury and hospitalization for older adults. Half of those injured do not regain their former level of independence. Even more sobering, falls are one of the top ten causes of death in people 65+. The majority of falls take place at home during everyday activities. Most often, they occur in the bathroom, bedroom, or a stairwell. Follow the tips below to help preserve your physical functioning, well-being, and independence, or that of someone for whom you’re providing care. Physical Health Get regular medical checkups, including vision and hearing tests. Take medications as prescribed. Fill all prescriptions at one pharmacy. Ask the pharmacist about available aids for organizing and remembering to take medications. Stay physically active and exercise regularly to help with posture, flexibility, muscle strength, bone mass, heart health, and overall fitness. Many types of exercises can be done from a seated position if necessary. Safety In addition to health- and age-related changes, hazardous conditions in the home environment are a major cause of falls resulting in hospitalization. Here are some ways to reduce these hazards for yourself or a loved one. • In stairwells, ensure steps are in good repair and have a non-skid surface. Keep them free of clutter. Have solid handrails installed on both sides of stairways and ensure adequate lighting. • In the kitchen, keep regularly used pots, dishes, staple foods, and other supplies within easy reach. Ensure the heaviest items are stored in the lower cupboards. If you must reach high places, get a stable step stool that has a high handrail and rubber tips. • In the bathroom, have grab bars professionally installed by the toilet and in the bathtub or shower area. Use a rubber mat in the tub or shower, and a non-skid bath mat on the floor. Consider getting a raised toilet seat, a bathtub seat, or shower chair and a hand-held shower attachment. General Tips Wear slippers or shoes that fit snugly, offer good support, and have a non-skid sole. Ensure throw rugs and scatter mats have a non-skid backing. Better yet, remove them. Keep walkways clear of electrical and telephone cords and avoid clutter in rooms and hallways. Use night-lights in the bedroom, hallways, and bathroom. Get the kind that have a built-in sensor that automatically turns the light on in
dim conditions. Also get plug-in, rechargeable flashlights that automatically come on when the power goes out. Sign on with a personal emergency response service, whereby you wear a lightweight, waterproof pendant or bracelet that has a button to press if you run into a crisis and need help. Studies have shown that getting help quickly after a fall reduces the risk of hospitalization and death. Visit a medical supply store and check out the many products available – such as reachers and electric-lift armchairs – that can make daily activities safer. If you are caring for someone at a high risk for falls due to physical frailty or poor judgment stemming from cognitive impairment, for example, inquire about bed alarms and chair alarms that alert you when the care receiver attempts to get up. Consider a cane or walker if balance is an ongoing problem. It’s important to be fitted with the appropriate type of aid and receive instruction on how to use it properly. Arrange for a home assessment by an occupational therapist if you would like more information about identifying potential safety hazards and successfully addressing them. The therapist may point out areas of risk and make recommendations that would not have occurred to you. Final Thoughts It’s important to keep in mind that, while the risk of falls can be reduced through various measures, it can never be eliminated. Pet cats and small dogs can be a tripping hazard, for example, and giving them up is not likely an option. Even if you’re a live-in caregiver, there is always some degree of risk because you can’t be at the care receiver’s side every moment. You may need to make a quick trip to the washroom or laundry room, or go to another room to answer the phone, for example. In that short time, the care receiver may take a tumble. Or you may be across the room or in the next room and have eyes on the person, but not be close enough to reach them in time to prevent a fall. And even when you think they’re safe in bed, they may try to get out without the help they need, due to stubborn determination (reluctance to accept help) or overestimation of their abilities stemming from cognitive impairment from a stroke or dementia. While bed alarms and chair alarms can be useful, they don’t guarantee you will reach the care receiver before they attempt to stand. Especially if the person moves quickly, you may get to them only after they’re on the floor. The primary value of these alarms is that they act as an alert, so you can check on the care receiver and provide assistance immediately. Lisa M. Petsche is a medical social worker and a freelance writer specializing in boomer and senior concerns. She has personal and professional experience with elder care. ISI
Nothing is more beautiful than the loveliness of the woods before sunrise. - George Washington Carver
IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT PAGE 13
chance they are trying to shield family members from heartache or added responsibilities in their already busy lives. They may need reminding that caregiving is a family affair, and easier to bear when the load is shared. Lisa M. Petsche is a medical social worker and a freelance writer specializing in boomer and senior health matters. She has personal and professional experience with elder care. ISI
Regency Pullman A Retirement and Assisted Living Community A R E G E N C Y PA C I F I C C O M M U N I T Y
Bringing independence to living and quality of life • Independent & Assisted Living • Respite program • Prompt referral placement program • Three meals served daily • Creative social learning
• Spiritual activities & programs • Daily physical fitness • Scheduled senior group trips • Weekly house keeping • Trained staff on-site
1285 SW Center St. • Pullman • (509) 332-2629 For more information and photos, visit us at www.whitmanslc.com
February/March 2017
PAGE 14 IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT
When It Comes To Funerals There Is Only One Word Beside Goodbye: Plan By Cheryl Godbout Cloverdale Funeral Home, Boise Difficult conversations arise in life, and talking with your parents or your children about death is certainly one of them. Very few people wake up in the morning with plans to buy cemetery property or make funeral arrangements. Unfortunately every day, people come in to the cemetery and funeral home who had no such plans, but a tragic event gave them no other choice. Suddenly, they face numerous decisions and pay thousands of dollars in expense, and are left wondering if they did the right thing. Fortunately, a better way begins long before the need arises. It starts with truly thinking about what is important to you and how you want to be remembered. And saying, “Just cremate me,” and not exploring the issue is not enough because there are other people in the equation that need more than a bag of ashes. What are your family traditions, your religious beliefs, and your personal preferences? What stories do your family and friends have to share that picture you to others through their eyes? Every life has a story to tell and celebrate, and today funeral homes offer memorial services and funerals that are custom designed to the individual. Do you love the beach? Is a cruise your little slice of heaven? Are you famous for your chocolate chip cookies? Most funeral homes are happy to plan services around the things that make you unique
and special. Take time to visit your local funeral home and allow them to educate you about the available options – you may be surprised. From full-service catering and horse-drawn carriages to small, intimate gatherings, your funeral should be a reflection of who you really are. Tour the facility and meet the staff. You will know right away when you have found the right place for you. After you have considered what you want and done your research your funeral home planner will help you gather and organize all of the information including a list of all of the financial and social information that your family will need. Does anyone but you have access to your online passwords? Can they settle your digital estate? Will they know what insurance policies you have and what credit card and bank accounts that need to be secured and closed? Are there old friends or distant relatives to contact? Do you belong to clubs or organizations that need to be involved? It is amazing how relieved you will feel when you have made your decisions and tied up the loose ends. Now it is time to put your plans in a safe, easy-to-locate place. Do not place them in a safe deposit box or with your will as these will likely be opened after the funeral. Put them somewhere in your home and let your family know where they are. Beyond the planning, consider the reasons to pay for your funeral in advance. Many funeral
homes offer inflation proof contracts that guarantee that prices will not go up over time. Furthermore, paying in advance avoids your loved ones’ having to make financial decisions at the very emotional time of your passing. Life insurance is important, but it cannot protect against inflation or make all of the decisions involved in planning a funeral. Fully funded pre-arrangements are truly a gift of love to those left behind after your passing. Instead of facing many decisions and financial burdens, your family can simply sign a few papers and embrace their grieving and healing. In addition, should you need care in a skilled nursing facility, irrevocable pre-arrangements generally do not count as an asset for spend-down purposes. Today’s industry regulations mandate that funds for pre-need funeral arrangements be placed with a third party such as a bank or insurance company. In the unlikely event that something happens to your funeral home, the funds are protected and your wishes will be honored. Although it is uncomfortable facing the inevitable, after you have completed all of the steps above, you can give yourself a pat on the back knowing that everything is taken care of, relax, and enjoy your peace-of-mind. Share what you have done with those who love you, and while they are not eager to think about your eventual passing, by taking care of everything, you will have shown how much you love them. ISI
Finding a Letter from Mom By Saralee Perel On February 22, 1985, my mother wrote me a letter, which I have not read until today. On that cold February night, Mom came into my room, patiently waited until I was off the telephone, and then handed the neatly folded letter to me. Knowing how emotional I’d be, she said, “I know you won’t talk about my death, so I wrote this.” Little did she know I would be too frightened to open her letter for thirtyone years. We started to hug, but stopped ourselves. We weren’t getting along. We never did. Mom quietly left me alone in my room. We never referred to her death again. I’ve been on a cleaning kick this winter. While going through my bottom bureau drawer, I came across the letter. Remembering so vividly what it was about, I nearly threw it out. But I didn’t.
“Dear Saralee,” she wrote. “Regarding the inevitable, I would like a proper funeral at Levinson’s Funeral Home.” Thank God, I had arranged that. The funeral room had enough seats for hundreds. Yet, there were only a dozen or so people there. My mother had lost friends because she was hard to get along with. Her family had stopped talking to her. How sad to still “see” that giant room with only a few people in the first row. After her pathetic funeral, where the rabbi went on and on about how great her life was, we all gathered in my parents’ home. I’ll never understand why people were laughing and seemingly having a good time – all the while eating fancy catered hors d’oeuvres and drinking whiskey out of sparkling crystal glasses. At the “party,” everyone had a small piece of torn black cloth pinned to their clothing. This symbolized that our hearts were torn. It seemed unfitting, given the festive mood. Mother wrote, “Request Ner Israel Rabbinical College to say perpetual Kaddish for me.” She wanted to be remembered with this yearly candle and a prayer. So little to ask for. It’s such a damned shame I hadn’t read her letter. At the end, she wrote, “I love you dearly” and signed it, “Mom.” She had never said those words to me, nor I to her. I created such heartache for my mother. There were times when I had the gall to stop talking to her. Yet, underneath my mother’s and my relationship of anguish, I believe there was gracious, enduring love. I held her letter to my heart before I looked up the words of Kaddish and silently said them to The Idaho Funeral Service Association (IFSA) members belong to the myself. National Funeral Directors Association and adhere to the highest ethical “May there be abundant peace from heaven standards in the funeral industry. All of our members abide by the Code of and life upon us and upon all Israel.” I lit a small candle. At least on this day, someProfessional Conduct as adopted by the National Funeral Directors one will have remembered my mother. Then I Association. For contact information on an IFSA member in carefully put the letter back in my bureau drawer, where it will remain for the rest of my life. your community, please contact us at 208.888.2730. Amen. Nationally syndicated award-winning columnist, Meridian, Idaho—ifsa@ifsa.us—www.ifsa.us Saralee Perel, can be reached at sperel@saraleeperel.com or at SaraleePerel.com. ISI
February/March 2017
IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT PAGE 15
Advance Care Planning Is A Road Map for Your Loved Ones and Medical Team
By Kandice Dickinson, Heart ‘n Home Hospice & Palliative Care, LLC. Fruitland, ID Talking about end-of-life healthcare wishes is difficult even in the best of circumstances; however, making decisions for a loved one in an emergency is even more complicated. End-of-life care planning is the process of making your healthcare wishes known, in the event something happens unexpectedly, leaving you unable to communicate your preferences and personal beliefs in healthcare. Part of the planning process includes completing advance directives, which is putting your preferences into writing.
Advance directives are written legal instructions recognized and valid throughout the United States (Living Will and Medical Power of Attorney). Advance directives guide your healthcare provider and loved ones to make appropriate medical choices on your behalf. It is not necessary to have a lawyer fill out an advance directive with you. Once you complete it and have it signed by the required witness, it becomes valid. Also, advance directives do not expire, but if you complete a new one, the previous version is then unacceptable for use. Another way of thinking about advance care
planning is similar to planning a road trip. Most people would not travel to an unfamiliar place without doing some pre-planning such as mapping your route, selecting attractions, and planning dining spots. Yet only 30% of Americans have a Living Will to guide their healthcare provider through the medical treatment you wish to receive if you are unable to communicate. These open conversations can reduce anxiety about a situation we may all face. If you have not completed your advance directives, now is the time to do so. To find resources on how to start this conversation visit goHOSPICE.com. ISI
Oh, What Truths Do Tombstones Tell!
Submitted by John Early A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour. And, one who can enjoy browsing old cemeteries to read the interesting epitaphs on tombstones. Harry Edsel Smith of Albany, New York: Born 1903 – Died 1942 Looked up the elevator shaft to see if the car was on the way down. It was. In a Thurmont, Maryland cemetery: Here lies an Atheist, all dressed up and no place to go. Ezekial Aikle in East Dalhousie Cemetery, Nova Scotia: Here lies Ezekial Aikle, Age 102. Only the good die young.
Anna Mann of London, England: Here lies Ann Mann, who lived an old maid but died an old Mann. Dec. 8, 1767 Anna Wallace of Ribbesford: The children of Israel wanted bread, and the Lord sent them manna. Clark Wallace wanted a wife, and the Devil sent him Anna. Johnny Yeast of Ruidoso, New Mexico: Here lies Johnny Yeast. Pardon him for not rising. Jonathan Blake of Uniontown, Pennsylvania: Here lies the body of Jonathan Blake, stepped on the gas instead of the brake.
February/March 2017
PAGE 16 IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT
In a Silver City, Nevada, cemetery: Here lays The Kid, we planted him raw. He was quick on the trigger, but slow on the draw.
Anna Hopewell of Enosburg Falls, Vermont: Here lies the body of our Anna, done to death by a banana. It wasn’t the fruit that laid her low, but the skin of the thing that made her go.
A lawyer’s epitaph in England: Sir John Strange. Here lies an honest lawyer, and that is Strange.
On a grave from the 1880s in Nantucket, Massachusetts: Under the sod and under the trees, lies the body of Jonathan Pease. He is not here, there’s only the pod, Pease shelled out and went to God.
John Penny Wimborne, England: Reader, if cash thou art in want of any, dig 6 feet deep and thou wilt find a Penny. Jonathan Fiddle of Hartscombe, England: On the 22nd of June, Jonathan Fiddle went out of tune.
In a cemetery in England: Remember man, as you walk by, as you are now, so once was I. As I am now, so shall you be, remember this and follow me. To which someone replied by writing on the tombstone: To follow you I’ll not consent, until I know which way you went. ISI
What April Fools These Mortals Be By Paul Erland “April is the cruelest month,” wrote T. S. Eliot, but Mark Twain wouldn’t have agreed. Twain died on April 21, 1910, at the age of 74. When a friend of his had died several months before, Twain had remarked, “How fortunate he is. No good fortune of that kind ever comes to me.” Twain’s birth and death years coincided with the rare appearance of Halley’s Comet, a symmetry that Twain half expected. “The Almighty has said,” he wrote, “‘Now here are these two unaccountable freaks. They came in together, they must go out together.’” Ben Franklin, on the other hand, was still raging against death at age 84. He died on April 17, 1790. His funeral in Philadelphia attracted the largest crowd of mourners ever known, an estimated 20,000. He was buried beside his wife, Deborah, who had died 16 years before him. As a young man, Franklin had written this epitaph for himself; “The body of B. Franklin, Printer. Like the Cover of an Old Book, Its Contents torn Out, And Stript of its Lettering and Gilding, Lies Here, Food for Worms. But the Work shall not be Lost; For it will, as he Believ’d, Appear once More, In a New and More Elegant Edition, Revised and Corrected, By the Author.” Fairytale artist Hans Christian Anderson, who died on April 2, 1875, went deeper than Franklin on the theme of life as a work of art. He wrote, “Every man’s life is a fairy tale written by God’s fingers.” The story ended early for Abraham Lincoln,
who died on April 21, 1865, after being shot the night before by assassin John Wilkes Booth. He was 56. Lincoln was watching a play, “Our American Cousin,” at Ford’s Theater in Washington, when one of the actresses called for a shawl to protect her from the draft. One of the actors ad libbed this reply; “You are mistaken, Miss Mary, the draft has already been stopped by order of the President!” Lincoln was laughing with the rest of the audience when he was shot. If you can’t go out laughing, then leave laughter behind you. On April 3, 1933, Wilson Mizner, an American screenwriter, gambler, and raconteur, died. His last words, as he lay on his deathbed with a priest hovering over him, were, “Why should I talk to you? I’ve just been talking to your boss.” About his birth, incidentally, Mizner said, “To my embarrassment, I was born in bed with a lady.” Connoisseurs of last words love Francois Rabelais, the French writer of Gargantua and Pantagruel, who died on April 9, 1553 and left behind a pair of parting shots. His last words are sometimes recorded as, “Bring down the curtain, the farce is played out,” and sometimes, “I am going to seek the great perhaps.” Rabelais also left this bequest to posterity; “I owe much, I have nothing, the rest I leave to the poor.” Lord Byron died on April 19, 1824 and wasn’t all that interested in the Great Perhaps. “I will have nothing to do with your immortality,” wrote the poet, “We are miserable enough in this life.”
This brings us to this Deathless Verse; “Why do some people, for whom this life is nothing but gloom, want another, in perpetuum?” In loosing ourselves from our earthly bonds, we can look to Shakespeare, who died on April 23, 1616, in “Othello” where he wrote “Farewell the tranquil mind! Farewell content” or opt for something simpler, like another poet, Hart Crane. Crane committed suicide on April 27, 1932, jumping off the back of a ship returning from Mexico to California. His last words were “Goodbye, everybody.” For brevity, this outdid Pablo Picasso’s last words, “Drink to me,” by one. The great artist died on April 8, 1973. Let’s all drink to George Jacques Danton, the French revolutionary who was hanged on April 5, 1794. His last words were, “Thou wilt show my head to the people. It is worth showing.” Danton had a big head, both figuratively and literally. According to a biographer, “his height was colossal, his voice shook the domes of the halls.” Finally, we’ll give the last of the last words to P. T. Barnum, who died on April 7, 1891. He asked, “How were the receipts today at Madison Square Garden?” In closing, recall the Deathless Verse, part two, which states, “There’s a sucker born every minute, and if there were a trophy, I’d win it.” Paul Erland is a writer from Nashville. His Farewells: An Almanac of Parting Thoughts is available at Amazon.com. ISI
Navigating the Hospice Learning Curve By Phil Rice About twenty years ago a group of friends and I visited an acquaintance who was in a special hospice wing of a local hospital. We were told he had been taken there to die. We visited, and the next day he died. For several years after this experience, my immediate association with hospice
Contact us today at 1-800-HOSPICE for a free, in-home visit to get the assistance needed to stay comfortable and in your home!
www.goHOSPICE.com
was a one-dimensional scenario of the end of life. But my impression would change. In 2005, my mother, who was suffering from non-Hodgkin lymphoma and various other ailments, moved in with my 11-year-old son, Paul, and me. Mom was still ambulatory, but osteoporosis, arthritis, and phlebitis were making movement increasingly difficult. During the first year of this arrangement, she acquired vascular dementia brought on by a series of mini-strokes. Paul and I spent several months caring for her at our home but we were woefully unprepared for the task. When her falls became more frequent and she clearly needed fulltime attention, I reluctantly agreed to let her be taken to a hospital. Five days later, she was in a nursing home, and four months after that she was in an assisted living facility. After three difficult years of such care, my cousin Starr asked me if I had considered hospice. My response was to assure her that although Mom was in deep dementia and completely dependent upon physical assis-
tance for even the simplest of tasks, there was no indication that her passing was imminent. Nevertheless, Starr urged me to look into hospice. I finally took her advice, and thus began a profound learning experience. How it worked for our family. A hospice evaluation soon confirmed that Mom indeed qualified – and that her insurance would cover the services. This was an amazing revelation. From that day forward a hospice caregiver would come by three times a week and make sure Mom was properly bathed and generally being treated well. A registered nurse visited at least once a week to monitor any medications and health concerns, keeping me fully informed along the way. If there was a specific concern, the nurse visited more frequently. A chaplain and social worker each made regular visits as well. Having hospice involved was a huge benefit toward ensuring that Mom was comfortable and safe, which in turn eased my own stress. This became even more important a couple of years later when my fiancée, Janice, had emergency brain surgery to remove a malignant brain tumor. Unable to visit with my usual frequency, hospice became my lifeline to Mom during those weeks. When it became apparent that Janice was not going to win her battle, hospice again stepped to the front. What hospice taught me. After two months in the hospital, we were able to bring Janice home. Hospice provided all of the necessary equipment and supplies for us to care properly for her needs. The caregiver showed me how to bathe Janice and change her clothing and sheets with the least amount of discomfort. The RN made sure I understood how to use the feeding tube and how to gage her need for medication. I spent many hours a day
alone with Janice, but I never felt alone. There was a team involved. How hospice changes lives. I have accrued years of experience in dealing with healthcare professionals and caregivers, from the top hospitals to the bare-boned assisted living facilities and nursing homes. Some were exceptionally dedicated and skilled, and most were genuinely compassionate and competent. But some were less than competent. Hospice workers are different. I’ve never encountered a hospice worker
February/March 2017 who was anything less than fully and passionately engaged with the difficult task. Where I once associated hospice with death, I now regard hospice as representing the essence of life itself. Because of hospice, Janice and I were able to experience life to the fullest in her final weeks, and I was able to share in her journey as much as humanly possible. As a society, we ascribe deep significance to the beginning of life; for many, birth is the moment where the physical is most connected with
IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT PAGE 17
the spiritual. Hospice provides an opportunity to embrace the end of life just as profoundly and lovingly. Easing the transition of a loved one and sharing the moment of passing are among the finest gifts we can hope to give and receive in this life. I consistently seek new ways to express my gratitude to hospice for my new awareness. Phil Rice is a native Tennessean and author of Winter Sun: A Memoir of Love and Hospice. ISI
Ann Christensen’s Dogs Help Solve Modern And Historical Mysteries Ann credits Ranger with leading her into the world of search and rescue work. After she bought him in 1994, she realized he had a natural aptitude for scenting and finding objects. “I got in touch with local search and rescue volunteers and learned to train him,” she recalls. “He passed on when he was 11, and Rocco is my fifth shepherd.” Her dogs’ motivation, other than pleasing her, is to play with a toy she gives them as a reward. “One of Kessa’s favorites is a tug toy with a squeaker in it.” This coming year, Ann is scheduled to do training sessions in Arizona and Texas. She also teaches local canine and search and rescue classes, trains dogs, and works as an evaluator for the National Association for Search and Rescue. “I enjoy teaching and balancing that with keeping my summers open, so my husband, Max, and I can enjoy retirement. He isn’t a handler but he’s our invaluable support crew. I’ve had unforgettable experiences with all my dogs.” ISI
ATTENTION
INL
•
•
LT H C A
• • • • • • RE
2015
H
EA
RE
EA
BUSINESS OF DISTINCTION AWARD
LT H C A
H
Article By Dianna Troyer Technology confirmed what Ann Christensen’s German Shepherds had discovered with their noses last fall. Sniffing out history, Kessa, 11, and Rocco, 9, found what appeared to be a mass grave of Oregon Trail travelers who had been attacked about 160 years ago near Mountain Home, Idaho. “They indicated on a certain area,” says Ann, their owner, trainer, handler, and friend. “Then ground-penetrating radar confirmed an underground anomaly consistent with a mass burial site. Later, a person using a metal detector found rifle balls.” When Oregon Trail researchers read pioneers’ journals to try to locate and mark graves, they often seek Ann’s help because she has more than two decades of expertise. “It’s amazing the dogs can still detect scents that are hundreds of years old,” says the 63-year-old Shelley resident who travels nationally to teach classes for search and rescue dog handlers. “I love watching the dogs work and how they follow a scent cone. Kessa tends to be methodical, while Rocco likes to cover more ground.” With Ann’s training, her canine companions have become sleuths as they find and follow scent clues to solve mysteries. Her dogs have found lost people, recovRocco, left, likes to cover more ered bodies, helped police officers solve ground, while Kessa tends to be more crimes, and located historical graves. methodical. [Photo by Dianna Troyer] “I’d been doing search and rescue when out of the blue a member of the Oregon-California Trails Association called and asked me for help,” says Ann, founder and president of Idaho Search & Rescue Dogs, Inc. “I said I’d give it a try. Lately, I’ve been doing more historical work, and the search and rescue has tapered off. Whatever I do, I love the relationship I have with my dogs and the satisfaction of performing a community service. I’ve learned so much through all of our experiences together. Last year, we did a lot of historical work in Colorado.” To honor her dedication and recognize her dogs’ accomplishments, Ann has received awards from local, state, and federal agencies. She also has served as a past Canine Committee Chair for the National Association for Search and Rescue and is a civilian Search Ann Christensen and her dogs, Rocco, left and and Rescue Liaison for the Kessa, right, do disaster training in Utah. [Photo by North American Police Work Dianna Troyer] Dog Association. She recalls a couple of her most memorable cases. Several years ago, her dogs’ expertise led her to West Virginia, where they found slaves’ graves from the early 1800s. “A farmer had been told of them on his property and wanted to preserve their location. The dogs indicated a small area at the top of a hill in a pasture.” Another search was re-enacted and aired on the Wild Survival with Corbin Bernsen television show. The episode told of how Ann’s dog, Ranger, found a lost hunter in Clark County on a snowy, cold day. “I got the call 36 hours after he’d been reported missing,” recalls Ann. “He’d left his ATV at a trail head, and there was an extra pair of shoes there, so I had Ranger scent off that.” Searchers suspected the hunter had become disoriented when heavy fog rolled into the area. “We followed his trail for several miles,” she recalls. “It took us less than three hours, but we found him. He was cold and trying to find his way back out but said he’d lost all his landmarks due to the fog.”
354 West Sunnyside Rd, Ste C Idaho Falls, ID A Better Choice for Former INL Workers
PAGE 18 IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT
February/March 2017
Retired Habitat For Humanity Volunteers Never Tire Of Building Homes
By Dianna Troyer you’ve earned your retirement check. People in our generation feel like they For Jim Van Osdol and his retired friends, their banter and laughter buf- have to work to get a check.” fer them from frigid winter weather as they work on their latest Habitat for They anticipate their latest house will be done in spring or summer. Humanity house in Pocatello. The home on Clark Street, built in 1923, was jacked up, had a new foun“You better not hiccup, or I’ll pass you by in age,” says 79 year old John dation poured, was gutted inside, and had new trusses and a roof put on. Prokschl to 82 year old Norm Bare, a retired U.S. Forest Service soil scientist, “By the time we’re done, it will virtually be a new home,” says Jim, “It “They talked me into doing this and said will have insulation and be energy efficient.” I wouldn’t get as dirty as I did working as Jim began volunteering with Habitat for an industrial mechanic at Heinz.” Humanity in 2002 because he knew othNorm says, “It’s just Mother Earth dirt, ers on the work crew. “I enjoy woodworknot the grease you were used to.” ing and the companionship,” says Jim, The Pocatello residents meet every “Besides, I don’t like to sit around.” Tuesday from 1 to 5 pm to help build a People of all skill sets are welcome. house and make the dream of home own“Come and give it a try and see what you ership a reality for someone. think,” says Jim, “You can come when“We have four to 10 volunteers who ever it fits your schedule, or stop by our come every week on Tuesday,” says Jim, ReStore at 2400 Garrett Way to volunteer “Another crew comes in on Thursdays there. If you don’t have job skills when you at 5 after they get off work, plus the hostart, you will by the time a house is done.” meowner will put in 500 hours of sweat The Pocatello chapter usually builds equity, so it’s a team effort.” new houses on vacant lots. “This is our For the trio, longtime members of the first total remodel,” says Jim. Pocatello Presbyterian Church, the volunJim has also helped remodel a home teer work is an expression of their spiritual through the Marine Corps League, where faith. The ecumenical nonprofit Habitat he serves as Junior Vice Commanfor Humanity was founded in 1976 as a dant and Public Information Officer for housing organization that puts God’s love Retirees John Prokschl, Norm Bare, and Jim Van Osdol, from left, meet the Pocatello detachment of the Marine into action to build not only homes but also every Tuesday afternoon to help build a Habitat for Humanity home in Po- Corps League. communities and hope. Pocatello’s chapter catello. [Photo by Dianna Troyer] Whenever he works on a house, was established in 1996. Norm is using basic carpentry skills he “We like to help peo- learned from his father, he says, “Even with my background, I’m still learnple,” says John, “Plus, ing. Construction is a craft in which you can always find different ways to doing this gets us out of do things.” the easy chair and keeps John says, “We enjoy doing these projects because it’s nice to work us from getting old, stiff, without a timeclock.” and grumpy.” After volunteers are done working on Tuesdays, they head to a local Jim, 71, a retired cor- restaurant. rections officer, says, “We have a bite to eat and sit around for a while and solve all the world’s “We don’t have time to problems,” says Jim, grinning. ISI let arthritis set in. For me, it’s also a way to feel like
Toni Zweigart’s Award-Winning Wheat Weavings Admired Worldwide
By Dianna Troyer While searching for a gift at a craft store, Toni Zweigart found a wreath woven from wheat that enchanted her. “It was fascinating to think of how something as brittle as a piece of straw could be transformed into something so beautiful,” says the 65-year-old Pocatello resident. She bought it and learned the local person who had made it also taught classes. “I signed up and still remember our first lesson of making a simple two-plait weave. It was discouraging because I couldn’t get both straws even and tight,” she recalls of her initial attempts in 1986. “I thought I’d never learn, but my persistence eventually paid off.” Toni not only learned; she began mastering the ancient folk art that was developed in agrarian societies to symbolize goodness and to ensure prosperous harvests. Soon Toni was weaving awardwinning stars, Christmas ornaments, and crosses. She became proficient with a variety of techniques including spiral weaves and flat weaves done on a tabletop. She also learned the techniques of straw marquetry, in which the straw is cut, ironed, and inlaid in patterns. When the Idaho Grain Producers Association sought pieces for an art show, Toni entered a five-pointed star and won much more than ribbons. Her pieces caught the attention of state government officials. They contacted her and asked her to make five-pointed stars and other items, so they could be given away as gifts on world trade missions. “They told me to not place the pieces of straw in groupings of 4, 13, or 14 because they’re considered bad luck in some Asian countries, so I put the grain heads in groups of 15.” Her woven artwork was framed and placed under glass for protection. “I feel honored that my pieces are hanging in offices in China, South Korea, Taiwan, and Mexico.” She kept a star for herself. It hangs on her living room wall beside a
February/March 2017
cross, heart, and a wreath. Woven wheat ornaments she made decorate a small Christmas tree set up on a table for her grandchildren. One of her most memorable projects for the association was decorating a 6-foot tall Christmas tree with ornaments she had woven. “It was auctioned at a fundraiser for about $600,” she recalls. Toni became so skilled that she was asked to teach classes at grain producer conventions. To start a project, she sorts pieces of straw to find ones with a uniform diameter and grainhead size. “To make a five-pointed star, I need 75 straws. It takes about three or four hours to find the right ones, which is about the same amount of time it takes to make the star.” Once she has selected the pieces, she soaks them in hot water for 45 minutes to an hour to make them soft and pliable. Depending on the project, she selects wheat
without a beard, a tufted part of the plant resembling a human beard, or wheat with black beards. “The plants with a black beard provide a nice color contrast,” she says. She has also used strands of barley. “A woman from Grace asked me to make something from the barley they raised,” she says. “I made a heart using a push-pull plait technique.” Toni accepts commissions and will teach a few people, depending on how much spare time she has after working at America’s Best Contacts and Eyeglasses. Her pieces range in price from $35 for a cross about 12 inches tall to $2 for a Christmas tree ornament. She also makes necklaces. “It’s relaxing to do,” she says. Examples of various styles of projects and weaving techniques are shown at the National Association of Wheat Weavers’ website nawwstraw.org. ISI
IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT PAGE 19
Toni Zweigart has been weaving straw into artwork since 1986. She makes crosses, ornaments, and other decorations. [Photo by Dianna Troyer]
Enigmatic Substitute Yeacher Mr. T Keeps Students Guessing And Laughing By Dianna Troyer Speaking in Russian, substitute teacher Mr. T. asks his high school students please to sit down, so class can get started. “It takes a few minutes for them to realize I’m not speaking English,” says the Pocatello resident who introduces himself to his Century High School students simply as Mr. T. “If you can get their attention, you can motivate and guide them. It doesn’t work to come in and tell teen-agers to sit down, be quiet, and start working. I have a few tricks to keep them off balance, so they won’t think about misbehaving and will focus on the material.” Mr. T’s substitute teaching gig started about 10 years ago to cure the restlessness he felt during retirement. He had worked about 25 years as a stockbroker with Piper Jaffray and Merrill Lynch. “I’m not the type to sit around,” he says. “A friend told me I might like substitute teaching. To qualify, you need a bachelor’s degree, and I had mine in business. I signed up and have been subbing three or four days a week ever since. I’m willing to take any class subject, so I tend to get a lot of calls from teachers.” The 70-year-old Tony Madsen, aka Mr. T, has been a substitute teacher laughs about the similari- at Pocatello’s Century High School for a decade. [Photo ties between dealing with by Dianna Troyer] stocks and students and the personality traits both professions require. He thrives with unpredictability, confronts tension with humor, and is skilled at verbal improvisation like a stand-up comic. “You never know what will happen in this job,” he says, grinning. In the classroom, he often summons his unusual skill set with foreign languages, math, and history.
Spring Creek, American Falls • 208-226-7856 Edgewood Soda Springs • 208-547-2057 edgewoodseniorliving.com
Besides Russian, Mr. T speaks Spanish and French, having learned the languages in high school in Jacksonville, Florida. After graduation, he was assigned to a two-year, English-speaking mission in Canada for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After completing his mission, he returned home and three weeks later received his draft notice during the Vietnam War. “I loved the ocean so thought, ‘Why not join the Navy and see the world,’” says Mr. T, who served from 1968 to 1972. During the first 18 months of his enlistment, he completed basic training and Russian language lessons in Monterrey, California. “I still laugh about my English mission being sandwiched between lessons in Spanish, French, and Russian.” With his language studies complete, he was sent to Morocco to monitor radio transmissions sent from Russian ships that were transporting supplies to North Vietnam. “I arrived in Morocco the first week of 1970 and spent two-and-a-half years there. Instead of sailing around the world like I’d planned, I lived in a desert and never saw a ship,” he says, laughing.
February/March 2017
PAGE 20 IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT
Surprises like that amuse Mr. T, especially when it involves students. “When I spoke Russian in some classes, I couldn’t believe it. A couple of students started speaking Russian back to me. They said one or both of their parents are Russian, and they speak the language at home. But they soon recognized I only knew a few catch phrases and lacked any depth with vocabulary.” He surprises some math students because he will teach algebra or geometry instead of telling them to read the book and figure it out themselves.
“I tell them to give me a few minutes to read their textbook. Usually, there are one or two students who understand the material, so we collaborate and get the problems solved,” he says. “It’s like figuring out how the pieces of a puzzle fit together.” History classes dealing with the Civil War or World War II are among his favorite. “I’m a big history buff. Most students are surprised that I can name all the Civil War generals at the Potomac and the six carriers at Pearl Harbor.” Another surprise in life was moving to
Pocatello. “My wife, Susan, grew up here and still has family in the area, so that’s why we ended up here.” As for his nickname of Mr. T, he says it is a shortened version of his name, Edward Antone Madsen, “Tony for short. I’ve joked with students that I’m a lot like the actor Mr. T, except I don’t have the Mohawk hairstyle and am shorter than he is.” Whatever class he teaches, Mr. T says he respects the students. “They sense that and most of the time respect me, too.” ISI
Jim and Nida Gyorfy’s Collections Whisk Visitors Back In Time Article & Photo By Dianna Troyer Like a time machine, Jim and Nida Gyorfy’s Collectors’ Corner Museum in Idaho Falls often whisks visitors back to their childhoods. “The collections trigger sentimental memories for people,” says Jim of diverse displays ranging from antiques to modern Harry Potter and Star Trek figurines. “Visitors see something and say, ‘I used to collect that’ or ‘I used to play with those’ or ‘my grandparents used that.’” In 2003, the Gyorfys opened their 5,000-square-foot museum at 900 John Adams Parkway with 25 of their personal collections. Since then, exhibits have more than quadrupled to 115, and the museum attracts more visitors than the couple ever imagined. Last year, about 6,500 people came to look at dozens of collections including hubcaps, dolls, coins, seashells, military items, toys, tools, trains, stamps, puppets, music boxes, and even water hose nozzles. For variety, Jim and Nida have a Feature Room and change exhibits there four times a year. “On Trip Advisor, we’re listed as number 5 out
208-523-6404
AladdinsFloral.com 504 W. Broadway Idaho Falls
Whatever your message, flowers express it best 100% Guaranteed!
Bear Lake
Memorial Hospital
of 22 things to do in Idaho Falls,” says Nida. One recent Trip Advisor reviewer wrote, “We figured we’d be in and out of here in 15 minutes, but we loved it so much, we spent 2+ hours! The Gyorfys are warm, funny, personable, and super-knowledgeable about everything in their collection.” Jim says visitors often talk about what they collected in childhood. “For some people, it’s just human nature to collect whatever fascinates them,” says Jim. “I started when I was 8 with stamps, coins, and toy trains. Nida started collecting Nancy Ann Storybook Dolls when she was 6.” Jim, 77, and Nida, 75, still have those childhood collections, which are among the museum’s permanent exhibits. “Some people ask us why we collect things,” says Jim. “First, it’s just fun. Second, it’s challenging to find items to complete a set. Third, it’s educational because you’re always learning about what you collect. Finally, it’s good for the mind because you’re putting things in order and keeping mentally active.” After the museum opened, visitors donated 25 collections to the Gyorfys. “We’re humbled they would entrust their cherished collectibles to us,” says Nida. “One donor gave us her Madam Alexander dolls that depict the first ladies of the first 31 presidents. A lot of times people drop off one or two items at a time to add to a collection.” About 80% of the collections belong to Jim and Nida, who continue to expand their exhibits.
164 S. 5th St. Montpelier, ID 83254 • www.BLMHospital.com • 208.847.1630 Montpelier, ID • www.BLMHospital.com • 208.847.1630
Bear Lake Manor Assisted Living and Adult Day Care Contact LaRae at 208.847.2400 for a private tour. Or visit our
Skilled Nursing Facility
Contact Darin at 208.847.4441 for a private tour. Ask about our in house dialysis center.
4-STAR Medicare Rating
Jim, who served in the Air Force, points to model planes dangling from the ceiling. “I’ve always liked planes and put the models together a few years ago to stay active while I was recovering from a heart attack,” he says. With books in their research library, the Gyorfys also provide appraisal information. They refuse to put a price tag on the value of their collections, however. “We’ve been offered a lot of money for certain pieces,” says Nida, “but we’re not interested in selling because we want the collections to stay intact. We sell duplicate items in our gift store.” The Gyorfys welcome visitors, tour groups, Scouts, and students on field trips. They often escort them through the museum, telling about the significance of the items and sharing stories of their lives. Throughout their 56-year marriage and careers with Tupperware, the Gyorfys have been guided by two of their favorite four letter words: love and work. “We love each other, visiting with people, and working hard,” says Nida. The couple began selling Tupperware in 1964. They worked their way up and were distributors for 24 years. Their building served as a warehouse and training center. “We had quite the assembly line going to fill orders,” says Jim. After Jim and Nida retired from Tupperware in 1988, they rented out the building for several years until it was paid for. “Then we decided it would a perfect place for our collections,” says Nida. The building is handicapped accessible, and there is plenty of space between display cases for wheelchairs and walkers, which the Gyorfys lend as needed to visitors. How do the Gyorfys keep dozens of glass cases immaculate and dust-free? “It’s called work,” says Nida, laughing. “We buy glass cleaner by the gallon and wipe off fingerprints every day and vacuum as needed.” As for the museum’s future, two of the Gyorfys’ sons have committed to keeping it open. “We want people to always be able to come in and enjoy what was once a part of their lives,” says Jim. “We get busier every year as more people hear about us.” The museum is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. 5 p.m. Group tours may be scheduled by calling 208-528-9900. ISI
February/March 2017
IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT PAGE 21
The Last Ones Submitted by Jim Meade Born in the 1930s and early 1940s, we exist as a very special age cohort. We are the Last Ones. We are the last of those who climbed out of the depression, who can remember the winds of war, and the war itself with fathers and uncles going off. We are the last to remember ration books for everything from sugar to shoes to stoves. We saved tin foil and poured fat into tin cans. We saw cars up on blocks because tires weren’t available. We are the last to have heard Roosevelt’s radio assurances and to see gold stars in the front windows of our grieving neighbors. We can also remember the parades on August 15, 1945 – VJ Day. We are the last who spent a childhood without television; instead imagining the pictures that went with the voices on the radio. As we all like to brag, with no TV, we spent our childhood playing outside until the street lights came on, playing on our own with other kids. There was no little league. The lack of television in our early years meant that we had little real understanding of what the world was like. Our Saturday afternoons at the movies gave us newsreels of the war and the holocaust sandwiched between westerns and cartoons. Newspapers and magazines were written for adults. We are the last who had to find out for ourselves. And then the country was exploding with growth. The G.I. Bill gave returning veterans the means to get an education and spurred colleges to grow. VA loans fanned a housing boom. Pent up demand coupled with new installment payment plans put factories to work. New highways would bring jobs and mobility. The veterans joined civic clubs and became active in politics. In the late 40s
and early 50s, the country seemed to lie in the embrace of brisk but quiet order as it gave birth to its new middle class. Our parents understandably became absorbed with their own new lives. They were free from the confines of the depression and the war. They threw themselves into exploring opportunities they had never imagined. We weren’t neglected but we weren’t today’s all-consuming family focus. They were glad we played by ourselves as they busily discovered the post war world. Most of us had no life plan, but with the unexpected virtue of ignorance and an economic rising tide, we simply stepped into the world and went to find out. We entered a world of overflowing plenty and opportunity – a world where we were welcomed. Based on our naïve belief that there was more where this came from, we shaped life as we went. And, we enjoyed one important luxury – we felt secure in our future. Of course, just as today, not all Americans shared in this experience. Depression poverty was deeply rooted. Polio was still a crippler. The Korean War was a dark presage in the early 1950s and by mid-decade schoolchildren were ducking under desks. China became Red China. Eisenhower sent the first “advisors” to Vietnam. Castro set up camp in Cuba, and Khrushchev came to power. We are the last to experience an interlude when there were no existential threats to our homeland. The war was over and the cold war, terrorism, climate change, technological upheaval, and perpetual economic insecurity had yet to haunt our lives. Only we can remember both a time of apocalyptic war and a time when our world was secure and full of bright promise and plenty. We experi-
Life Is Great!
Submitted by Jim Meade I am a Seenager (Senior teenager), and I have everything that I wanted as a teenager, only about 50 years later. • I don’t have to go to school or work. • I get an allowance every month. • I have my own pad. • I don’t have a curfew. • I have a driver’s license and my own car. • I have an ID that gets me into bars and the liquor store. • The people I hang around with are not afraid of getting pregnant. • And I don’t have acne. • Life is great! I have more friends I can share this with, but right now I can’t remember their names. MSN
Pregnant at 71
Submitted by Carol Ofsthun A woman went to the doctor’s office where she was seen by one of the younger doctors. After about four minutes in the examination room, she burst out screaming as she ran down the hall. An older doctor stopped her and asked what the problem was, and she told him her story. After listening, he had her sit down and relax in another room. The older doctor then marched down the hallway to where the young doctor was writing on his clipboard. “What is the matter with you?” the older doctor demanded. “Mrs. Terry is 71 years old, has four grown children and seven grandchildren, and you told her she was pregnant?” The younger doctor continued writing and without even looking up said, “Does she still have the hiccups?” ISI
enced both. We grew up at the best possible time, a time when the world was getting better... not worse. But, we did not have it easy. Our wages were low, we did without, we lived within our means, and we worked hard to get a job, and harder still to keep it. Things that today are considered necessities; we considered unreachable luxuries. We made things last. We fixed, rather than replaced. We had values (generally positive) and did not take for granted that “somebody will take care of us.” We cared for ourselves... and we cared for others. We are the Last Ones. ISI
IdahoSeniorIndependent.com
February/March 2017
PAGE 22 IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT
Potpourri: Miscellaneous Stuff You Should Know about Money and Taxes By Teresa Ambord Credit to Help Lower Income Savers If you or your adult children are on the lower end of the income spectrum and have an IRA or other retirement plan, there might be a special income tax credit available. But to get it, you must claim it. It’s the Retirement Savings Contributions Credit, more commonly called the Saver’s Credit. It’s intended to provide lower income individuals with an incentive to save for retirement security. To be eligible, you must be at least 18, not a fulltime student, and not be a dependent on someone else’s tax return. And, you must have filed a Form 1040 or 1040NR, not a 1040EZ. The amount you
qualify for depends on your filing status and your income, and is a percentage of the amount you contributed to your retirement plan. The maximum credit you can receive on your 2016 and 2017 return is $1,000 if you file a single return or $2,000 if your file a joint return. If you meet the qualifications and limits listed below, you will need to file IRS Form 8880. For married taxpayers filing joint return: • For adjusted gross income, AGI, of $37,000 or less, the credit is 50 percent of your qualified contributions. • At AGI exceeding $62,000, the credit is completely phased out. Head of household filers: • AGI of $27,750 or less brings a credit of 50 percent. • At AGI exceeding $46,500, the credit is completely phased out. All other filers: • At AGI of $18,500 or less, the credit is 50 percent. • At AGI exceeding $31,000, the credit completely phases out. For elective contributions to retirement plans under 401(k) or 403(b) you would’ve had to complete them by December 31. However, the Saver’s Credit and contributions to a new or existing IRA will be permitted until the filing date for your 2016 tax return, which is April 18, 2017. For more details, go to irs.gov/taxtopics/tc610.html.
challenge any past decisions the trustee made. A better approach to incentivize responsible behavior with an incentive trust, which provides opportunities for you or the trustee to shape the future behavior of your heirs. An incentive trust provides positive reinforcement by communicating terms of the trust that let beneficiaries know what they must do to receive their rewards.
Older Americans And Student Loan Debt? If you think student loan debt is mostly the territory of young people or their parents, think again. In the last decade, the number of seniors with this type of debt has quadrupled, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Also, the average amount they owe has skyrocketed. Why? Part of it is they just never paid it off in their earlier years. However, more and more seniors are helping finance college for their kids and grandkids. If you’re considering taking on student loan debt, first look at the full picture. How much debt are we talking? From 2005 to 2015, the average amount of student loan debt among borrowers age 60 and up increased from $12,100 to $23,500. Only 27 percent of those borrowers reported that the debt was for their own or their spouse’s education. A growing number of older borrowers are falling into default on their student loan obligations. That means that in 2015, about 40,000 borrowers had their Social Security benefits offset to repay those loans. With 69 percent of Social Security recipients Trust Issues: What Should Beneficiaries Know? having no other regular income, an offset may creIf you have your money in a trust, should you let ate serious financial hardship for affected seniors. your beneficiaries know? Some states allow residents to have quiet or silent trusts. That means you Donald Trump on Caregiving can leave your money to What might be coming for caregivers? In his your heirs without them campaign, Donald Trump spoke of a tax deducknowing. tion to help people offset the cost for elder care. Why would you do If passed as proposed, working family caregivers this? Some parents don’t could deduct up to $5,000 each year for senior care want their kids to know costs that are needed to let caregivers continue to how much they might work outside the home. inherit, for fear they will Here’s what President-elect Trump’s platform live irresponsibly. Some website said: “Our aging population must have advisors warn against access to safe and affordable care. Because most a silent trust because seniors desire to age at home, we will make home children have ways of care a priority in public policy and will implement finding out how much programs to protect against elder abuse.” you’re worth. The proposal includes allowing eligible people Also, there might to open tax protected dependent care savings acbe an increased risk of counts to put away money for either childcare or litigation with a quiet care for the elderly. The funds could be used for trust. The trustee must in home care, long term care in a facility, or adult act in the best interest of daycare. Also proposed is a federal match of up the beneficiaries. When to $500 per year for low-income families. Keep in the children ultimately mind, this is only a proposal at this point. ISI become aware of the trust, they may seek to
Bob Bailey 529 Americana Blvd Boise, ID 83702 208-343-2547
Garrett Miyauchi 2024 Blaine Caldwell, ID 83605 garrett@garrettmiyauchi.com 208-455-9717 • 888-455-9717
Elissa Edmonds 116 West C St Moscow, ID 83843 208-882-3431
Steve Roberts 656 S 4th Ave Pocatello, ID 83201 208-233-6612
February/March 2017
IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT PAGE 23
Support a Cause? Leave a Legacy By Teresa Ambord There is no mistaking the fact that Americans are a charitable bunch. According to the National Philanthropic Trust, in 2015, we gave more than $373 billion from a combination of individual gifts, 71 percent of total giving, foundations, 16 percent of total giving, bequests, 9 percent of total giving, and corporations, 5 percent of total giving. Even after emerging from the great recession, approximately 75 percent of us made some kind of charitable donation. Yet only about eight percent of those who make charitable gifts do so by legacy giving. Legacy giving is a gift made by bequest. It can also take more complex forms such as a trust, a life income arrangement, or an endowment. • A bequest is a directive made in a will to give a certain amount of money or property to a specified beneficiary. A bequest can be structured in various ways. It can be general and unconditional so that the recipient organization gets a predetermined amount. It can also be for an amount that remains after certain events take place, a residuary bequest, or it can be an amount that is conditional, a contingent bequest. • A trust is an arrangement wherein the legal title to property is held by a trustee for the benefit of another. • A life income arrangement specifies money or property to be left to an organization, with the stipulation that income be paid to designated beneficiaries for their lifetimes. Nonprofit organizations love legacy gifts because this is the least costly way to raise money and it helps them achieve stability and sustainability. From your perspective, it is not only a vehicle for supporting a cause close to your heart, but it is also a way to reduce your taxable estate. Whatever you leave by bequest will not be subject to estate or inheritance tax. Those amounts are deducted from your taxable estate, and there is no limit to the amount that can be set aside by bequest. Keep in mind, through 2016, the top estate tax rate is 40 percent for estates exceeding $5.45 million for an individual or $10.9 million for married couples. So if you are inclined to support a charity for the long term, a legacy gift is a tax advantaged way to do this. You may think that you are not wealthy enough to have an estate, but you’re wrong! Everyone has an estate of some sort, because an estate is simply a list of what you own. Anyone can designate a charity to be the beneficiary of a checking account or pension account, for the total balance or a specific amount. If everyone who is inclined to make charitable gifts during his or her lifetime were to make a legacy gift of even $100 upon the time of death, billions would be funneled easily into the coffers of critical charitable causes. So how do you go about setting up such a designated gift? If you have a will, contact your attorney or financial advisor to discuss the possibilities. But of course, not everyone has the resources to pay these professionals. If that is your situation, call the charity that you wish to support, and ask to speak to the Planned Giving Director. This person should be able to guide you through the process of ensuring that the funds go where you designate them. Before sitting down with a professional, make a list of what you own. Don’t forget to include your retirement accounts, stocks and bonds, real
The Absolutely, Positively Best Time To File For Social Security? It All Depends...
After roughly four decades of non-stop work, it certainly can be enticing. You can begin drawing Social Security as early as age 62; finally getting back those dollars you’ve been paying into the system, possibly since you were a teenager handling cashier duties for a fast-food restaurant. But taking Social Security a few years shy of traditional retirement age comes with a caveat. Your monthly check will be reduced, so you’ll draw as much as 30 percent less than you would if you waited until your full retirement age, which is 66 to 67 for most people these days. At the other end of the equation, if you put off filing for Social Security until you’re 70, you can increase the amount of those checks. So what’s a potential retiree to do? “Unfortunately, there’s no perfect answer that applies to everyone,” says Alexander Joyce, president and CEO of ReJoyce Financial (rejoycefinancial. com). “When I’m working with a client, I’ll look at their entire financial situation and see how Social Security fits in. It’s not always an easy decision and there’s no exact science to follow.” But Joyce says there are a few things to keep in mind as you approach 62 and begin mulling your options: • Your neighbor’s decision isn’t your decision. It might be interesting to hear what other people have done, but that doesn’t mean you should follow suit. Their financial situation may be very different from yours, Joyce says. The right answer for them could be the wrong answer for you. • Working in retirement makes a difference. Many people like to continue working, at least part-time, even after they begin drawing Social Security. But that can have ramifications. If you’ve reached full retirement age, no problem. Make as much money as you like. But if you take Social Security early, there’s a $15,720 annual limit on how much you can earn. For every $2 over that, you’ll lose $1 of Social Security. • Maybe you need the money now. It could be that you worked the numbers and decided to wait until your full retirement age. But then fate intervened. You lost your job or health problems keep you from working. “There certainly are very good reasons why some people begin drawing their Social Security at 62,” Joyce says. • Maybe you don’t need the money – just yet. If your finances are in
estate, and other valuable property like expensive jewelry and artwork. Next, decide to which charities you wish to leave money or other assets. Be sure to get the name of the charity exactly right. You may intend your gift to go to the local branch of the Salvation Army, but if you do not specify the location, the gift will likely go to the national headquarters. Also, be aware that there is no shortage of scam artists out there. Some unscrupulous organizations deliberately choose names that are deceptively close to agencies with highly recognizable names, like the American Heart Association or the Red Cross, knowing that some individual donors will mistake them for the real deal, and the poser organization will siphon off donations that were not intended for them. Leaving a legacy gift in whatever form you choose is an easy way to help an organization you care about go forward, doing the good work that is meaningful to you. While it might not occur to most people to indulge in legacy gifts, America is a generous nation of individuals who support the causes close to our hearts. This is an easy way to do just that. Before you say no, give the idea some thought. Teresa Ambord is a former accountant, now a fulltime business writer working from her home in rural northern California. ISI
ROSEHILL COINS & JEWELRY, INC is Highest Prices Paid In Decades
Turn Your Old Forgotten Treasures Into Cash!!!
BUYING
We Pay Top Prices For Gold, Silver & Platinum Items. 9k, 10k, 14k, Dental 18k, 22k, 24k Any Condition New, Used, Or Damaged
Over 3 Years S 5 erv the Trea ing sure Valley
Estate Jewelry All Gold, Silver & Platinum Jewelry We Buy From All Time Periods. Diamonds 1/2 Carat & Larger Loose Or Mounted All Shapes & Quality
Sterling Silver U.S. Silver Coins Buying 1964 & Older
Coin Collections
Premium Paid For Uncirculated Rolls. We Pay More For Rare Dates And Collections.
GOLD & SILVER BULLION, BUYING GOLD EAGLES, MAPLE LEAFS, KRUGGERRANDS, SILVER BARS & ROUNDS, TOP BUY SELL SPREAD
Paper Money
U.S. Gold Coins
Prices Subject to Market Changes.
ROSEHILL COINS & JEWELRY, INC 3506 Rosehill St., Boise • 208-343-3220 Hours: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri, 9:30-5:00pm; Sat 10:00-4:00pm, Closed Wed & Sun.
February/March 2017 good order, your savings robust, and your employment stable, putting off knowing all the implications,” Joyce says. “While there’s no right answer that Social Security until you’re 70 could make sense because you would be able applies to everyone, there could be at least a best answer that applies to to optimize the amount of those monthly checks. For example, if your full you.” Alexander Joyce is president and CEO of ReJoyce Financial LLC and retirement age were 66, you would be able to receive 132 percent of your monthly benefit if you delayed filing for four years, according to the Social a Safe Money and Retirement Income Planning specialist who has hosted radio shows, such as The Safe Money and Income Radio Show and The Security Administration website. “Ultimately, the decision is yours, but it’s important to make that decision Ask Mr. Annuity Radio Show. ISI PAGE 24 IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT
Extend the Garden Season with Spring Planted Bulbs By Melinda Myers Keeping your garden looking its best throughout the growing season and into fall is possible with the help of low maintenance spring planted bulbs. Plant them in spring among other annuals or perennials and watch as these bulbs brighten the garden, adding new life to your late season gardens. Whether your gardens and containers are in full sun or shade, you’ll enjoy the attractive foliage and pop of color that dahlias, cannas, calla lilies, caladiums, and elephant ears will add to the landscape. These easy care plants reward you with loads of beauty. Just plant, water and enjoy. Quality retailers offer the greatest variety of color, shapes, and sizes as well as planting and care instructions.
Calla lilies, like with the black flowers of Night Cap and white blooms of Crystal Clear, are spring planted bulbs that thrive in full sun or part shade and can be cut to create an elegant display indoors. (Photo: Longfield Gardens, longfield-gardens.com)
Celebrating
DENTAL HEALTH MONTH
DISCOUNT DENTAL PACKAGE
• Dental X-Rays • Care Package
valued at $25-$30
GOOD THROUGH 3/4/2017
Call today to schedule your Pre-Dental Exam!
24 HOUR EMERGENCY CARE David A. Rustebakke, DVM • Natalie Simmons, DVM Jessica R. Bell, DVM • Cassidy Michaelis, DVM
(509) 758-0955 705 15th St Clarkston rvsvet.com
Grow dahlias in sunny areas with at least six hours of sunlight for the best floral display. Simply plant the tuberous roots four to six inches deep with the stem facing up after the danger of frost has passed. Use dahlias in a cutting garden or as an attractive screen along fences and property lines. Use the shorter more compact border dahlias, like Gallery Pablo in containers on your patio, balcony, or deck where you and the hummingbirds will enjoy their blooms. Wait until the danger of frost has passed to plant cannas in a full sun to partially shaded locations. Plant the canna rhizomes horizontally two to three inches deep with the growing point facing up. Take advantage of their bold foliage and use cannas as a backdrop in the flower border or screen in the landscape. Use as a vertical accent in a large container or select dwarf varieties for smaller pots.
Calla lilies are another spring planted bulb that thrives in full sun or part shade. The speckled foliage adds color to the garden all season long. Include these one- to two-feet tall plants in the front or middle of the flower garden or as a vertical accent or filler in a pot. And don’t forget to cut a few flowers to enjoy indoors. The black flowers of Night Cap teamed with the white blooms of Crystal Clear create an elegant display. Like the other bulbs, wait for the danger of frost to pass before planting them outdoors. Plant the knobby rhizomes two to four inches deep with the growing point facing up. Add some color and plenty of wow factor to shaded areas with the foliage of caladiums and elephant ears. These tropical beauties thrive when soil and air temperatures are warm. Wait for the danger of frost to pass and the soil to warm, 65 to 70 degrees, before planting them in the garden. Use caladiums to brighten containers, dress up window boxes, or edge a shady pathway. The colorful leaves stand out amongst the greens of shade gardens. Team variegated varieties with complimentary colored begonias, coleus, or impatiens. Include elephant ears in the garden or containers. Their large heart shaped leaves give a tropical feel to the patio, deck, or pool area. Consider planting one, two or more to create an impressive welcome for guests or a bold statement in the landscape. They pair nicely with caladiums, coleus, and other shade loving plants. Make this the best season yet with the help of spring flowering bulbs. You’ll enjoy the variety and late season color these easy care plants provide. Melinda Myers has over 30 years of gardening experience and has written over 20 gardening books, including Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses How to Grow Anything: Food Gardening For Everyone DVD set and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment TV & radio program. ISI
You will find something more in woods than in books. Trees and stones will teach you that which you can never learn from masters. - Saint Bernard
February/March 2017
IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT PAGE 25
Oral Health For Healthy Pets By Jen Dorsey We love our pets. Sixty-two percent of U.S. households have one, according to an APPA National Pet Owners Survey. We spend big dollars on their care – estimated at more than $3 billion – and many hours in their presence. In addition to supplying love, exercise, food, medical care, boarding, chew toys, and cute sweaters, we must give them good oral hygiene. Pets can get gingivitis, periodontal disease, tooth loss, and tooth decay, too. According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats show signs of oral disease by age 3. Providing good oral care from the time you bring your puppy or kitten home will help establish a healthy foundation. Home care Start a brushing routine early in your pet’s life. Easing into the process will help make the adjustment more comfortable for both parties. 1. Sit or kneel near your pet to keep the encounter relaxed and non-threatening. 2. Start by lightly rubbing a soft cloth or gauze-wrapped finger along his or her teeth. 3. After practicing this daily for a few weeks, start using a fingerbrush with pet-specific toothpaste or a paste of baking soda and water. The American Animal Hospital Association and others recommend brushing at a 45-degree angle using a gentle, circular motion. Be sure to lift
your dog or cat’s lip to brush along the gum line. 4. Brush for at least 2 minutes. You may need to start with shorter intervals and build as your pet adjusts. Look for changes to your pet’s teeth, gums, and mouth. His or her gums should be pink. Red, white, or swollen gums are not normal. Offensive breath or unusual eating patterns are also cause for concern. Be sure to contact your veterinarian if you notice these things. Oral health changes and problems can be a sign of other illnesses – in humans and pets. For instance, halitosis may be the result of kidney failure, diabetes and other serious ailments. Visiting the vet During your pet’s annual checkup, your veterinarian will give your dog or cat an oral screening. He or she will look for swelling and other signs of periodontal disease and/or decay, and then make recommendations regarding professional cleaning and home care. Much like the professional cleanings we humans get twice a year, professional pet teeth cleaning is more extensive than at-home care. Your pet will be put under general anesthesia and monitored during the cleaning. The vet will perform a more thorough exam before using special tools and instruments to remove plaque and
tarter buildup on the teeth and along the gum line, polish teeth, and apply fluoride. The frequency may vary, but professional cleanings tend to be an annual procedure, especially in older pets. Oral health and overall health are linked in humans and animals. As such, it is important to make oral hygiene part of your pet’s routine care. After all, we want to give our pets the longest, happiest life possible. Find more oral health information and tips at dentalinsurance.org. Provided by EzineArticles.com/expert/Jen_ Dorsey/1380785. ISI
Western Montana’s Only 55+ Community
Another Quick Sell Trick? Not So Fast
By Patricia M. Johnson Selling your house? Me too. I have written before on all the “quick-sell” techniques we see in television advertising. Some of these tips are among my pet peeves. Like many, your head may be spinning and you don’t know what to believe. Smile, don’t fret, I’m here to help. I especially love the one recently seen on television. “You won’t sell this house unless you keep every single kitchen counter top clear except for one appliance only!” Apparently, they have never been married, never had children, nor pets, company, relatives, or cooked. I doubt if these people even eat in their kitchen! Now what appliance would you choose? I need the microwave and the coffee maker, toaster, hot water pot, and electric can opener. If I choose the microwave, I can throw out the dishes to make room in the cabinets for the remaining objects. If I decide to keep the coffee maker out all day, I can use the others and when finished with them, run and hide them. That darn ol’ microwave is so heavy I’m exhausted just thinking about having to hide it elsewhere. I think what really bothers me is that companies are being formed stating they are consultants or “home staging” experts at preparing homes for a quick sale! We have some in our neighborhood that have vans proclaiming just that. Most are not designers, not realtors, in fact, not experts at all in selling homes. Beware when one tells you they will return with staff to tear up your carpet and replace it with hardwood flooring. Even your new kitchen vinyl that cost you $1,500 must be removed and replaced by their hardwood flooring. Did they care that you are a senior who put the vinyl down with the cushy under-padding because it’s easy on the legs and feet at our age? No, there’s money to be made by ripping it all up. You see, nobody wants a kitchen today without granite counter tops and ceramic tile flooring. Hmmmm. Whom are they kidding? I recently had two different people from these consultant companies visit and tell us what we should be doing. They did not know I’m a retired interior designer. One told me wallpaper would never come back. The best model homes show beautiful wall coverings, so perhaps they don’t know this either. Another told me all walls must be repainted light gray or white. They must have not been visiting model homes again. When we were told a home without a Jacuzzi or walk-in shower for four will never sell, I nearly cried. One actually used the tactic of: “You don’t want your neighbors embarrassed, do you?” Here’s a fun one. We were told to remove all family photos, beautifully framed, of grandchildren, children, and us. They claim nobody wants to see family photos on the wall; walls must be almost bare to sell this house. It took years to convince five children to update us with professional family photos. When I asked my daughter if she minded that we put all these photos between the mattress and box spring and look at them when we turn the mattress, she said, “Mother, be nice to your children as we may someday need
Maintenance Free Living Custom Single Family Homes • Gated Entry Community Clubhouse Convenient Location • Parks & Walking Trails Energy Star Efficient Homes
406.546.6930 • KootenaiCreekVillage.com
TOMLINSON
PAGE 26 IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT
to choose your senior convalescent home.” Watch out when consultants want to bring in a window designer. Whoa... this is a big expense as we all know. Then someone will ask you, “The window treatments do go with the house, don’t they?” We live in the woods and don’t use many window coverings. We love the outdoor view; so few windows have treatment other than the English Tudor custom-crossed window inserts. I believe in letting the light and air in, and hanging any treatment on the sides of the window if a drape is desired. I’ve met several women who have told me they have spent over $5,000, if not $50,000, on these renovations with a near promise that their house will sell oh so quickly for a fantastic amount of money on the resell. After renovations, these women told their husbands they would like to stay in the house. Now they are tired of all the
February/March 2017 renovations, tired of all the promises, and tired of hiding and storing all their prized possessions and memories of their life. Do remember that in order to sell a house (in time), look for inexpensive ways to enhance your current home. If you have a garage, repaint the walls, refinish the garage floor if it’s cracked or discolored. Recoat a driveway if needed. Give the front door a fresh coat of paint. If it’s seasonal, add a few potted flowering plants. Freshen up the house, keep it repaired, keep it clean, and above all, don’t be afraid to live in it. Remember, most buyers will want to decorate and/or remodel to suit their own tastes. They are not looking at your house’s furniture, wall art, or family photos. They will either admire or hate it all. Decide if you should just plain sell the house “as is” and use the renovation monies in the downsized home you would like to buy.
We all know that the advent of the automobile changed American life and style. When the average American family could afford one, everything from cruising the drags, Sunday drives, and the exploration of Route 66 and our ever-expanding highway system became part of the American psyche. This month’s Remember When comes to us from John Amonson of Wallace, and takes a lighthearted peak into the style and design of the automobile at a few points in its role in our lives, ranging from WWII to the present day. Who would have thought there was a logical reason the tall tail fins on a 1959 Cadillac or the bulbous, bulleted front end of a 1955 Cadillac were phased out of existence? Thank you, John, for your wonderful contribution. As we read, we will be daydreaming about summer days and open highways, perhaps with some nostalgia for those old boats!
In any event, check out any designers and renovation experts with the organizations they should belong to. Make sure they are truly professionals and not friends of an agent who has agreed to do this renovation project quickly. Check out your real estate agency, please, and make sure they are a member of a reputable association. Tips That Help: • Check for a reputable realtor through the National Association of Realtors (NAR) at realtor. org or 800-874-6500. • Contact the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) at asid.org or 202-546-3480. They can direct you to reputable designers. • Contact the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) at nkba.org or 1-800-843-6522. They can refer these professionals to fit your need. ISI
Remember When contains our readers’ personal reflections and contributions describing fictional or non-fictional accounts from the “Good ol’ Days” or reflections on life in general. Contributions may be stories, letters, artwork, poetry, etc. Photos may be included. Each issue of the Idaho Senior Independent features the contribution deemed best by our staff. The contributor of the winning entry will receive a $25 cash prize. We look forward to receiving your contributions for our April/May 2017 issue. Mail your correspondence to Idaho Senior Independent, P.O. Box 3341, Great Falls, MT 59403; email to idahoseniorind@bresnan.net; or call 1-866-360-5683 or 208-318-0310. Visit us online at idahoseniorindependent. com.
They Surely Don’t Build Them Like They Used To By John Amonson, Wallace The article by Jerry Ginther in the most recent issue of the Idaho Senior Independent brought back many memories. I thought folks might enjoy a follow-up to hear what the late great Paul Harvey referred to as “the rest of the story.” Prior to WWII, most mainstream autos were pretty plain when it came to styling. Some highend products were the exception, and the owner of one of those well-restored masterpieces can get mega-bucks for it on the collector market. The post war market for consumer goods was as much of a boom as the often-cited baby boom! Free from rationing, people were looking for
product upgrades, and the family-building forces associated with the baby boom contributed to a rapidly expanding durable goods market. The auto industry was opportunistic in catering to this market, quickly realizing that increased attention to styling, color choices, enhanced roadworthiness, and optional features would reap financial rewards. And, automobile sales soared. Styling costs were spread over thousands of vehicles, as were comfort and performance options. The purchase of a new car meant a lot more than basic transportation. From the war’s end in 1945 to the 1957 model year, the American automobile evolved from basic transportation to prized possession. The same period also saw a huge increase in aftermarket customization. Glass pack mufflers and a wide range of appearance accessories became what could be safely referred to as a market explosion. By the 1970s, other factors came into play in this country’s auto
industry. Smog and other air quality issues resulted in less horsepower per cubic inch than engines built in the late 1960s, mandated safety features added weight as well as costs, and fuel prices influenced buyers. Additional legislation continued to affect the auto market, although not all of it was bad. As manufacturers sought to comply, technology such as computer controls, improved fuel injection, and car design resulted in vastly improved fuel economy as well as performance. Many today wonder, as Jerry Ginther does, why cars today appear to have less distinct styling. I believe there is two-word answer to that question – the wind tunnel! To maximize fuel economy, all sedan designs are tested for drag (air resistance) in a wind tunnel. To meet the fuel economy goal by maximizing airflow efficiency, there is a narrow range of design options at the automobile designer’s disposal. The results are similar designs with only cosmetic grill and other appearance changes that create distinctions among different models. It’s no wonder we can’t tell them apart! For those of us that are color blind, describing a get-away car is difficult, and our response to a police officer might be, “Gee officer, it had four wheels, four doors, and appeared to be moving at the posted speed limit. That’s all I saw! ISI
February/March 2017
Wow! 18,000 Hours Is More Than 8 Years Of Full Time Work... As A Volunteer
Article By Jack McNeel / Photo By Jackie McNeel Two years before retiring from a 28-year technical communications career with Western Union in California, Jack and Barbara Jordan purchased a house in Post Falls. “We had been coming to north Idaho for many years on vacation trips and knew this was where we would retire, somewhere in the Coeur d’Alene area,” Jack explains, noting additional desirability because of having relatives living in the area. Retirement came in 1998 and that Post Falls house was waiting. “For several years we sat back and enjoyed life. We bowled and played golf, traveled a bit, camped, worked around the home here, and visited with friends. We also had lots of company from California who appreciated the beauty of this area.” But Jack was not ready for the rocking chair and a sedentary life style. “I got bored with all that,” he relates. “Some people I knew from my former employment encouraged me to volunteer with a law enforcement agency. The Post Falls Police Department had an open house meeting and explained its new Volunteers on Patrol program. It sounded interesting, so I joined in 2006, and I have enjoyed it ever since.” Amazingly since then, Jack has worked 18,000 hours as an unpaid volunteer according to Police Department records. “I generally work four days a week, sometimes as many as seven. I have cut back now to where I am doing between 100 and 120 hours a month. What I do on a daily basis will vary depending on the need,” he explains. “Sometimes you’ll be called out on an emergency situation and be out all night and most of the next day, things like that.” Volunteers don’t have the authority of a police officer but they greatly assist in a variety of ways. Jack is one of two volunteers appointed as level 3 reserve officers with additional authority. Routine duties may include the vacation check program where volunteers make daily checks of homes that are temporarily empty while the owners are away, or prowl checks done in areas subject to being vandalized or burglarized. “A law enforcement presence helps discourage perpetrators from staying in that area,” he adds. “Or checking parks, assisting people with disabled vehicles, responding to auto crashes, and assisting with traffic control, first aid, CPR, whatever is needed.” Although Jack is without the authority of a regular officer, he has a radio in his police unit and can call an armed officer for assistance when necessary. Jack has assisted in some notable situations, including a double homicide where he assisted in sealing the crime scene, and in kidnappings. Searching for missing children is a somewhat common situation, for example a case where three children were missing with their dog “Tripod” (it only had three legs). “You would think they would have been easy to find since there aren’t many three-legged dogs around, but that wasn’t the case.” One all-night stint last December saw Jack in the wind and the snow monitoring an intersection closed due to downed power lines. “We’re on 24-hour call if we choose to be and I choose to do that,” Jack adds enthusiastically, noting that he will even assist a swat team in a standoff by bringing them whatever they may need. He is particularly proud of the Holidays and Heroes Program. “The very neediest children are selected, usually nominated by schools, agencies, or officers who may have met them in bad situations. Each child is picked up by an officer, or volunteer, on a day in December and taken to Walmart to shop for Christmas gifts for their family. A secret shopper accompanies them and through conversation learns what that child may
IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT PAGE 27
PAGE 28 IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT
want or need for Christmas for himself/herself. The secretly purchased gifts are taken to the Greyhound Park where they meet Santa, have lunch, have their gifts wrapped. A group of quilters gives each child a nice quilt, and they receive a complete Christmas dinner plus dry goods. The officer then returns the child home with all the gifts and food. I’ve been doing this since I started with the Post Falls Police Department. It’s very rewarding and very heart breaking at the same time,” Jack explains. Jack spent portions of his childhood in the Boise and Mountain Home area and still has relatives in Caldwell and Greenleaf. Following high school in California he did a little drag racing, sports car racing, and then his career. “Once I became certified on the technical side, things escalated and I became a specialist in secure communications for government agencies: Department of Defense, Secret Service, FBI – those types of agencies.”
February/March 2017
Jack installed and tested circuits along the west coast. If the President was travelling, he worked on those communication circuits used by the President or his staff. “Terribly interesting work,” he exclaims. He also worked at communication facilities at the China Lake Naval Weapons Center, but
the details are classified so he is prevented from discussing his work there. Interestingly, another China Lake worker unknown to Jack moved to Post Falls. They have since become acquainted, and both now volunteer and often patrol together with the Post Falls Police Department. What a small world it seems to be! ISI
Is This Story True Or Is It A Gangster Legend? Submitted by Jim Meade Hours after Pearl Harbor was bombed on December 7, 1941, the Secret Service found itself in a bind. President Franklin D. Roosevelt was to give his Day of Infamy speech to Congress on Tuesday, and although the trip from the White House to Capitol Hill was short, agents were not sure how to transport him safely. At the time, Federal law prohibited buying cars that cost more than $750, and since they would have to get clearance from Congress, there wasn’t time for the process. One Secret Service agent discovered that the U.S. Treasury Department had seized the bulletproof car that mobster Al Capone owned when he was sent to jail in 1931. With utmost efficiency, they cleaned it, made sure it was running perfectly, and had it ready for the President the next day. Al Capone’s 1928 Cadillac V-8 “Al Capone” Town Sedan became the President’s Limo in December 1941. Mechanics are said to have cleaned and checked each feature of the Caddy well into the night of December 7, to make sure that it was set the next day for the Commander in Chief. And run properly it did! It had been painted black and green to look identical to Chicago’s police cars at the time. To top it off, Capone’s Cadillac sported 3,000 pounds of armor and inch-thick bulletproof windows. It also had a specially installed siren and flashing lights hidden behind the grille, along with a police scanner radio to keep Capone apprised of police activity and to throw them off if necessary. But would President Roosevelt have actually used the car that belonged to the infamous mobster Al Capone? As a footnote, the car sold at auction in 2012 for $341,000. ISI
Opening Eyes To Another Culture
With open hearts and expertise we serve the seriously ill and those touched by loss.
Coeur d'Alene and Hayden, Idaho (208)772-7994 www.hospiceofnorthidaho.org
Article By Jack McNeel Photo By Jackie McNeel Although she grew up in an English speaking family in California, Joyce Lider had many friends and acquaintances from Hispanic backgrounds. “I became interested in the culture and language at an early age,” she says, which is likely beginning of her life-long interest in Spanish and the cultures of Latin America. Joyce and her husband Ed moved from Reno to Coeur d’Alene in 1980 when he landed a job as a fisheries biologist with the U.S. Forest Service. Since 1988, Joyce has been holding a casual weekly meeting in Coeur d’Alene where everyone only speaks Spanish. Joyce sees this as a way to retain the language for those who grew up in that culture or for people wanting to learn Spanish and are curious about the culture. Joyce’s fifth grade teacher sparked the interest by teaching her class a few words in Spanish. “I became hooked on it,” Joyce explains. “In junior high, I began taking it earnestly.” That continued through high school and “when I got to college I majored in Spanish with the intent to become a Spanish teacher” after attending Humboldt State University and the University of Nevada, Reno. Cementing her cultural interest occurred when the church Joyce attended in her teens sponsored trips to Mexico for volunteer work, which Joyce made twice, giving her the chance to travel and become more knowledgeable about the culture. As an adult Joyce has spent a summer in Madrid and travelled to Mexico, Costa Rica (where she spent two weeks in a language program and lived with a
host family), and Guatemala several times. When a part-time position teaching evening conversational Spanish at North Idaho College opened, Joyce jumped at the chance, and the job evolved into a full-time position teaching Spanish and Humanities 101. “That class satisfied our AA and AF degrees,” she explains. “It was an introduction to the humanities – music, literature, drama, and so forth. I also taught The Culture of Spain, The Culture of Latin America, and The Culture of Mexico. These classes were taught in English.” One of her students suggested the weekly, Spanish-only gatherings. “It was initially just four or five of us that got together and it has been ongoing every Tuesday afternoon since then. It’s amazing to me. A couple of people have been attending since the beginning, and although it’s changed over time, it’s very constant.” Joyce will have to miss a couple of meetings in February since she and Ed are travelling to Cuba for two weeks with a group of ten, many of whom have visited other Hispanic countries and have similar interests in culture and language – plus they all really enjoy traveling “This is a people to people trip so we do a lot of cultural activities – concerts, plays, that sort of thing. And it’s a home stay with local families, which will be the best thing as far as learning the culture. We’ll visit historical places like the Bay of Pigs, Old Havana, and hopefully go down and listen to some music in Havana. We’ll even do a little bit of snorkeling,” Joyce adds. Joyce and Ed took a very personal interest in Guatemala. On one of those earlier trips, they
February/March 2017 and another couple, committed financial support to help a young Guatemalan boy attend a private high school for a chance at a better life than his parents’. This young man’s father had no schooling past 6th grade and his mother is a weaver. With the continuing support, the young man will finish in two years with specialized training in tourism. Since retiring from teaching at North Idaho College several years ago, Joyce has added stained
IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT PAGE 29
glass as a hobby creating windows, panels, and gifts that focus primarily on nature subjects such as birds and flowers. “The latest thing I’ve done is to take up piano. I started that last summer and take weekly lessons. I also get out and walk every day, five miles at the most.” Since Joyce’s retirement, she and Ed bought a travel trailer, and last spring they visited seven
national parks. “We went to the southwest – Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah. We hope to do a lot more of that,” she exclaims. And the weekly Spanish speaking get-togethers will continue. Everyone is welcome to join their meetings at 4 p.m. every week in the back room at Toro Viejo Restaurant at 117 North 2nd Street in Coeur d’Alene. Hasta luego. ISI
The Reign Of Diesel Smoke By Milt Turley, Avery Back in the good ol’ days from the early ‘60s until about 1975, when the Milwaukee Railroad +stopped running, there was a boomtown atmosphere in Avery – fun, entertaining to observe, but rowdy at times. Loggers, train crews, hunters, anglers, forest service crews, and many tourists were all in Avery. And after a hard day of work or recreation, it was natural to spend the evening partying in Avery since only three poor roads lead out of town. With this captive audience, the local bar owners were in competition for the lucrative business that these restless men provided. The Avery Trading Post, for example, had a steak night once a week, which drew huge crowds of hungry, thirsty folks. Parker’s Saloon, at the other end of town had a peanut night once a week, where the first beer was free. You could eat all the free peanuts you wanted – just toss the shells on the floor – and after this hors d’oeuvre, most people would buy a real dinner and of course, drink more beer. As the beer flowed there were occasional disagreements, but fisticuffs were rare and broken up quickly with the combatants often sitting down and having a beer together after their scuffle. In true entrepreneurial spirit and to increase attendance on peanut night, the owner of Parker’s hired a go-go dancer to keep the patrons’ attention and their dollars. The dancer’s name was Diesel Smoke, and she was a beautician/barber at the local Idaho Hotel. How she got her nickname I don’t know, and for years, I didn’t know her real name. Diesel was 5’ 5” tall and a very nice, approachable lady with a good sense of humor and a personality that sparkled. Most people liked her because of her down home, girl-next-door persona with one exception – a few wives in town did not like her at all. Parker’s hired her for her dancing ability – gogo or course – but also for two other assets that she possessed. As delicately as I can put it, the fact was that Diesel had very large breasts. For a small woman, her breasts were huge. Also, she could handle herself in a rowdy crowd. Enter my friend Dimmer! After hunting in the Clearwater Drainage for a week, I was headed back to Avery via the Kelly Creek, when I rounded a corner to find Dimmer in the road cutting on a huge green tamarack – removing a 30” inch block off the raw end of the tree. I stopped and walked up to him and asked what he was doing. Dimmer looked up and said, “Give me a hand loading this block into the pickup.” I helped him with the block and removing the rest of the tree from the road. “I’ll buy you a beer at Parker’s if you’ll help me unload this in Avery,” Dimmer said. “What’s this for, Dim?” I asked. “Tell you later,” he replied. “Let’s go.” When we got to Parker’s, Dimmer backed up to the side door and we unloaded the huge block of trunk. It was obvious Dimmer had cut the block so it would roll right through the door, and from there we rolled it over near the jukebox and turned it over with the raw cut up. “What you doing this for, Dim?” I asked. “Watch and see,” he replied. “Let’s have a free beer and you can buy the next round.” I guess he forgot he was going to buy me a beer. After we finished the free beer, we just sat and talked as the crowd drifted in for the freebies
– beer, peanuts..., and a go-go dancer! It was getting dark and the place was full of beer-drinking peanut eaters when Diesel Smoke made her entrance, and the place exploded with “Diesel! Diesel! Diesel!” It was like Norm’s walking into the Cheers Bar on that famous sitcom. Diesel walked over and sat down next to Dimmer as the bartender drew her free beer. “Dimmer, did you get the block I wanted?” she asked. Dimmer just pointed through the crowd to the “stage” he had just cut for her. “Wow! That’s perfect,” she just squealed, and gave him a great big hug. Dimmer just turned red and smiled. You could tell they were good friends. Now I understood. When she was dancing on the floor, no one could see her perform. With the block, she had a stage and would be much more visible to the crowd. Frankly, I think Diesel was a bit of an exhibitionist. She was proud of her dance skills and her body, and she enjoyed the chance to “entertain the boys” as she called the crowd. I think she was more of an entertainer than a beautician. Diesel finished her beer about the time the crowd started to chant, “Diesel! Diesel! Diesel!” again. Someone put a quarter in the jukebox and started to play a go-go song with a good beat and lots of rhythm. Like a true entertainer, Diesel smiled at the crowd and bowed. She made her way through the crowd to her new stage, and two guys helped her jump up on the stage. To everyone’s surprise, Diesel then disrobed to the waist – the first time anyone had seen her do that – and started to dance. The dance started slowly with typical go-go moves that became more pronounced as the tempo of the music increased. And then with a practiced move, she dropped one shoulder quickly and the opposite breast flew up and hit her on the cheek. Then she reversed the move, dropped the other shoulder and the other breast hit her other
cheek – giving new meaning to “turn the other cheek.” When the music stopped, Diesel bowed and smiled at the crowd. The crowd exploded with hoots, hollers, whistles, and applause! You could tell she had made a very good impression. Diesel danced for about an hour only that night – using that breast move a few more times. Some folks might think this was gross behavior, and some may say that it was taking advantage of a pretty, young woman. But the fact is, Diesel had practiced this move and intended to give the boys a good show. No one in the crowd tried anything rude with her, and any number of loggers would have an offender to the door and maybe pummeled him a bit along the way. As I said, Diesel had many friends in Avery, and a collection netted over $100 for her by the end of the night. I don’t know if Diesel ever disrobed again in later events; I only observed her that one time. Sadly, Avery is just a shadow of its former days with fewer than 40 residents. Parker’s burned down many years ago with that tamarack block still next to the jukebox. The Hotel Idaho was next, and even the Avery Trading Post burned down eventually. Dimmer passed away about 15 years ago, and Diesel passed away last year. But, for that brief time long ago, Diesel Smoke was the Queen of Avery and her subjects loved her – one more part of its colorful, historic, rowdy past. ISI
PROVIDING THE HIGHEST QUALITY OF SKILLED NURSING AND REHABILITATION
• Staff Licensed Nurse 24 hours, 7 days a week. • Working with all local medical providers, as well as those located in Coeur d’Alene and Spokane. • Providing all transportation. • Providing specialized programming to meet the needs of residents who suffer from dementia. • Providing individualized programs 7 days a week.
activity
• Providing Medicare and Medicaid financial assistance.
KINDRED MOUNTAIN VALLEY CARE & REHAB EARNS RARE HONOR
• Providing post acute rehabilitation byFor our staff ofmonth, Physical, thefull 84thtime consecutive Kindred Mountain The Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Award Occupational, and Speech theraValley Care & Rehab has earned the highest honor U.S. Organizations for performance recognizes excellence and is the only formal recognition of pists 7 days per week-meeting the available. Receiving a 5 star rating, is the barometer performance excellence given by the President of the at which customer care and satisfaction are rated. needs of patients post surgery such United States. Rated a Being the second facility in Idaho in the last as joint replacement, acute illness Rated 5 Star Center 5a Star Center 10 years to earn the title of “deficiency free” that requires hospitalization, by CMS which is almost unheard of. No citations of and stroke. nursinghomecompare.gov Facility to be recognized by • Only Skilled Nursing any kind! Let this help you make your decision the Malcolm Baladridge National Quality Award considering about placement • Providingwhen Specialized wound care in the history of the award for a family member going intoby a skilled programs administrated our nursing facility. • Rated a 5 star center from the Centers for certified wound nurse and Wound Medicare and Medicaid Services for the last 9 Have a fun time during Pinehurst Days!!!! Dedicated Specialist Physical Therapist in years. 1 of only 113 centers in the United States. conjuction with our northwest (Medicare.gov Nursing Home Compare) wound clinics through telemedicine • Ranked number 1 of the 78 skilled nursing technology. centers in the State of Idaho for 2016.
PAGE 30 IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT
February/March 2017
Jim Mellen, An Outdoorsman On Many Levels
Article By Jack McNeel Photo By Jackie McNeel “I love the idea of all the public land up here. You can go roam with no fences and without No Trespassing signs,” says Jim Mellen explaining his wanting to get back to the land as the main reason he moved to Sandpoint from northern Virginia more than 40 years ago. That’s not an unusual reason for moving, but what makes it remarkable is how far Jim has taken that “back to the land” life style. When he first arrived here, Jim worked for a local manufacturing company. “It was a good gig,” Jim says explaining that during his final fifteen years with that company he only worked three days a week, “so I’d have more time to get out there and play, which I did a lot of!” Jim retired in 2010 but that didn’t mean slowing down. “I’m busier than ever,” he adds, noting that he celebrated his 68th birthday in November. One of his projects is his deep involvement with the Scotchman Peak Wilderness area and efforts to get Congress to make this an official wilderness area consisting of 88,000 acres that straddle the Idaho/Montana line.
“It’s really a no-brainer,” Jim explains. “It’s been managed as wilderness for 20 some years, and it’s roadless so we aren’t closing any roads. All we want to do is to keep it the way it is. The interior is really pristine. We’re hopeful that bill will be sponsored very soon.” Jim does merchandising for the group, but even more than that, he leads some of the more extreme hikes, both summer and winter, up Scotchman Peak and Goat Mountain for groups such as the Idaho Conservation League and the Montana Wilderness Association. “I’ve led multi-day back packing trips into the interior of the Scotchmans. It’s fun to introduce people to new areas like that.” During his many winter trips, he skis or snowboards down from the high country. “I’m avid about winter sports: skate skiing, alpine skiing, but my favorite thing is snowboarding. If I could only do one thing in this life it would be snowboarding.” Jim got into biking “pretty seriously” about eight years ago. It started with mountain biking and he’s done some major trips. Once president of the Pend Oreille Peddlers Jim now is on the board as past president. “Then I got into road riding,” he adds. “Six times I’ve done the Chafe 150, a 150-mile loop up to Bonners Ferry, over to Troy, down to Clark Fork, and back to Sandpoint. I’ve ridden the 203-mile Seattle to Portland Ride in one day. We ended up averaging over 20 mph – I don’t think I’ll ever do that again,” he says with a laugh. He also trained for the Race Across America, didn’t ride, but served as an alternate rider in 2011 and 2013 and drove the support van. As if winter sports and biking weren’t enough, Jim got into running in 2015. He had previously run in Spokane’s Bloomsday Race but then his son encouraged him.
“I did a 25 K last year at Big Sky with a 3,500feet vertical climb. I was thrilled because I took first place in my age group. In 2015, I did the Priest Lake Marathon and in 2016 I did the 25K Spokane River Run. The thing I changed in 2016 was the Broken Goat 50K run in Rosland, B.C. at Red Mountain – my first ultra run. That was 8,600 vertical feet and I took first place in my age group again. Of course most people my age have already grown a brain,” he declares with a laugh. “There are usually not many people over 60 doing that.” Jim’s wife of 26 years, Sandii, has many of these same interests. “This summer Sandii and I had the opportunity to hike the John Muir Trail. It was a little over 200 miles in the High Sierras. We spent about 16 days on the trail, which was a great opportunity,” Jim remarks. The couple lives west of Sandpoint and together raise a big garden that provides “way more than we can eat. We give things away to the food bank and so forth.” Much of the property is also covered with trees and Jim spends lots of time reducing the fire danger by cutting firewood with which they heat. “We probably have about ten year’s worth of firewood cut,” he adds. From 2011-2014, Jim volunteered with Idaho Fish & Game to assist with a study of rare forest carnivores. This involved selecting sites for bait stations with a motion activated camera and a bristle arrangement to gather fur so they could record what animals were in the area. It’s no surprise that Jim ended up doing the more difficult locations. “We put a station in Savage Basin in the proposed Cabinet Scotchman Peak Wilderness and ended up having to ski a 24-hour round trip,” he explains. Jim also has planted trees on the Clark Fork Delta for Fish and Game and planted white pine in the Lightning Creek drainage for the U.S. Forest Service. On a quieter level, Jim has taken over the job of updating some hiking trails booklets by Dennis Nichols who has passed away. These includes such books as Trails of the Wild Selkirks and Trails of the Wild Cabinets. And what does Jim do in his spare time? “I play squash, pickle ball, and ping pong.” Then Jim laughs as he says, “I’m pretty busy.” Jim is also a vegetarian, “mostly vegan now,” he explains and he does yoga daily. Jim has other friends, some a bit older than he, who are extremely active too, and that provides even more incentive. “The longer I’m here and the longer I’m alive, the more I’ve become an avid outdoors person. Honestly, the harder I go, the better I feel. I’ll just keep going as long as I can.” ISI
February/March 2017
IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT PAGE 31
My Grand Kids By Bryce Angell My grandkids are my pride and joy. They’re growing up too fast. Their presence touches my old heart. I wish this time could last. As each was born into our clan, more proud, I couldn’t be. I hoped they’d grow up good and kind and want to be like me. I grew up as a cowboy and rode horses every day. It’s what my family did for work and what we did for play. But when I put them on my horse,
I couldn’t be more proud.
their eyes grew wide with fear. They tried it just to please me, but made their feelings clear. I’ve watched them bounce a basketball, play soccer all day long. A cowboy hat they will not wear. Each says it just feels wrong. The other day one told me he thinks golfing’s kinda cool. Do I have the nerve to tell him we call it pasture pool? His dad bought him some new golf clubs. My grandson’s joy was loud. When I see him golfing with his dad,
I’ll learn to swing a club, I guess, if that’s what it will take. I’ve swung an ax for sixty years, so it should be a piece of cake. I understand that cowboy boots are taboo on the green. And me in yellow golfing shorts? That could be called obscene. My legs are bowed and show the wear from sitting in the saddle and hanging on for my dear life while cutting out the cattle.
Do any cowboys play this game? Some prob’ly do somewhere, but I think I’ve talked myself right out of golfing anywhere. Could they use a golf cart driver? I’d sit behind the wheel. Just to be there near my grandkids, for me would be ideal. But, no matter if they’re at my side or with the golfing crowd, my grandkids are the world to me. I couldn’t be more proud! ISI
Beautiful Trout In A Cute Dress
By Bill Hall I was watching a television fishing show when I noticed the anglers on the screen had an extremely narrow grasp of fish and the English language. Of course, that also reminded me of women buying clothing. I know these things because I have always enjoyed the company of trout fishermen and women shoppers. Trout fishing is largely a man’s hobby and trying on women’s clothing is largely something women do. Frankly, there is something strange and lazy about trout fishermen and women shoppers. Both have marginalized the English language. They have used their language so narrowly that thousands of other words are covered with cobwebs and may face extinction. Those fishermen on television expressed their sentiments almost entirely in two words –“beauty” and “awesome.” Each fish caught required the exclamation, “What a beauty!” or the most overused and threadbare word in our language today – “awesome!” A simple half hour fishing show ignored dozens of other useful words, relying instead on “beauty” and “awesome,” at the expense of perfectly exciting words like “wow” and “heavens to Betsy.” Similarly, if you go into a clothing store for women, two words are mercilessly repeated time and again – “darling” and “cute.” “Oh, Martha, that dress is just darling on you.” Or, “Golly, Mary Jo, those pajamas are really cute.” Why do we do that when we have a language of more than a million words constantly at our service? But no. Any day now, I expect to hear a fishing man and a female clotheshorse are getting married and will start talking solely about cute trout and awesome pajamas. Of course, people in England are as foolish as we are. My wife, Sharon, tells me she encountered
word abuse in her business travels among actual English people. The Brits have been known to grab a faddish word and wear out the poor little overworked thing. Sharon said that, while socializing with English colleagues, most of them were hung up on the word “brilliant.” They constantly copied each other using nothing but “brilliant” to a noxious degree. “Let’s go to lunch.” “Brilliant!” “I’d like fish and chips.” “Brilliant!” On the other hand, sometimes-slavish dedication to a couple of words does have practical aspects. I noticed as a child that my father used the same one or two swear words to repair farm equipment and automobiles. If a rusted bolt on a manure spreader refused to break free after about a hundred whangs with a hammer, my father would swear in cadence with his hammer blows. And it worked. The same was true if he had to get a flat tire off our old Chevy. I will spare you the specific words, but suffice it to say, they were curse words, of course. He didn’t resort to hardcore vulgarities back in that more modest era (or maybe he just wouldn’t go to that extreme with women and naïve children present). Today, there is a tendency among boys on the edge of puberty to seize the most infamous word of all and wave it at the world, in effect saying, “I am a man, and I talk dirty.” Actually, the opposite is true. It is mostly 14-year-olds who go through that phase and use the biggest, baddest word of all. However, as
ECIATION C EL PPR RA
ION! RAT EB
CUSTO ME
Outside! tsi de Together we can help you find solutions to issues facing aging adults!
FREE
• Aging & Disability Resource Center • Resource Information & Referrals • Family Caregiver Support Programs • Long Term Care Ombudsman • Adult Protection Services • Care Transitions From Hospital to Home
DIAGNOSTIC With Recommended Repairs Greater Coeur d’Alene Area
Call us to learn about available resources in your community!
Expires 1/31/17
2120 N Lakewood Dr, Ste B • Coeur d’Alene 208-667-3179 • 800-786-5536 www.aaani.org
9443 Govt Way, Hayden
www.rdiheating.com
RDI cold-SPEC-0909
Call Wanda, Today
208-762-9857
• In-Home Support Services • Community Support Services • Long-Term Options Counseling • Volunteer Opportunites • Medicare Fraud Education • Medicare “Extra Help”
PROUDLY SERVING BENEWAH, BONNER, BOUNDARY, KOOTENAI, & SHOSHONE COUNTIES
PAGE 32 IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT
a person grows into actual manhood, he will tend to back off from silly childhood posturing. Most of us older people haven’t totally abandoned the dominant obscenity of our time. But fortunately, most men finally grow up at 30 to 40-years-of-age – or on rare occasions, 70. Over the years, we back off and give the dominant crude word a more focused and practical use because it is needed to kill the pain when you close a car door on your foot. Meanwhile, there is nothing awesome anymore about a once fresh and effective word like awesome itself. That tattered word has been ruined by the slow death of becoming a bore. That is where the naughtiest word goes in later life. It has been overused and worn out by middleaged chronic adolescents earning their living as stand-up comics. That can be funny at times, but not every time and especially not when they use the word 200 times a night. If you use any word so casually and tragically repetitive, you pull its teeth. And then sadly, it isn’t darling, awesome, or least of all, brilliant. Hall may be contacted at wilberth@cableone.net or at 1012 Prospect Ave., Lewiston, ID 83501. ISI
February/March 2017
Wisdom From The Ages Written by Regina Brett, 90 years old, of the Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most requested column I have ever written. My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more. 1. Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good. 2. When in doubt, just take the next small step. 3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. 4. Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch. 5. Pay off your credit cards every month. 6. You don’t have to win every argument. Agree to disagree. 7. Cry with someone. It’s more healing than crying alone. 8. It’s OK to get angry with God. He can take it. 9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck. 10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile. 11. Make peace with your past so it won’t screw up the present. 12. It’s OK to let your children see you cry. 13. Don’t compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about. 14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn’t be in it. 15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don’t worry; God never blinks. 16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind. 17. Get rid of anything that isn’t useful, beautiful, or joyful. 18. Whatever doesn’t kill you really does make you stronger. 19. It’s never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else. 20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don’t take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, and wear the fancy lingerie. Don’t save it for a special occasion. Today is special. 22. Over-prepare, then go with the flow. 23. Be eccentric now. Don’t wait for old age to wear purple. 24. The most important sex organ is the brain. 25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you. 26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words “In five years, will this matter?” 27. Always choose life. 28. Forgive everyone everything. 29. What other people think of you is none of your business. 30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time. 31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change. 32. Don’t take yourself so seriously. No one else does. 33. Believe in miracles. 34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn’t do. 35. Don’t audit life. Show up and make the most of it now. 36. Growing old beats the alternative – dying young. 37. Your children get only one childhood. 38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved. 39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere. 40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else’s, we’d grab ours back. 41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need. 42. The best is yet to come. 43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up, and show up. 44. Yield. 45. Life isn’t tied with a bow, but it’s still a gift. ISI
If Only I Hadn’t Said That Submitted by Jim Meade We all say things that make us appear a bit less thoughtful than we would like and that we wish we hadn’t said. If you have ever felt a bit stupid or embarrassed at something you said, read on – you have company.
“I’ve never had major knee surgery on any other part of my body,” – Winston Bennett, University of Kentucky basketball forward.
Question: If you could live forever, would you and why? Answer: “I would not live forever, because we should not live forever, because if we were supposed to live forever, then we would live forever, but we cannot live forever, which is why I would not live forever,” – Miss Alabama in the 1994 Miss USA contest.
“That lowdown scoundrel deserves to be kicked to death by a jackass, and I’m just the one to do it,” – Texas congressional candidate.
“Whenever I watch TV and see those poor starving kids all over the world, I can’t help but cry. I mean I’d love to be skinny like that, but not with all those flies and death and stuff.” – Mariah Carey “Smoking kills. If you’re killed, you’ve lost a very important part of your life,” – Brooke Shields, interviewing to become spokesperson for federal anti-smoking campaign.
“Outside of the killings, Washington has one of the lowest crime rates in the country,” – Mayor Marion Barry, Washington, D.C.
“Half this game is ninety percent mental.” – Danny Ozark, Philadelphia Phillies manager. “It isn’t pollution that’s harming the environment. It’s the impurities in our air and water that are doing it.” – Al Gore, Vice President. “I love California. I practically grew up in Phoenix.” – Dan Quayle, Vice President. “We’ve got to pause and ask ourselves: How much clean air do we need?” – Lee Iacocca, President Ford Motor Co. “The word “genius” isn’t applicable in football. A genius is a guy like Norman Einstein.” – Joe Theisman, NFL football quarterback & sports analyst. “We don’t necessarily discriminate. We simply exclude certain types of people.” – Colonel Gerald Wellman, ROTC Instructor. “Your food stamps will be stopped effective March 1992 because we received notice that you passed away. May God bless you. You may reapply if there is a change in your circumstances.” – Department of Social Services, Greenville, S.C. ISI
February/March 2017
IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT PAGE 33
Neurosurgeon Recommends Building Muscle as Best Protection Against “the Disease of Aging” – Five Exercises for a Solid Strength-Building Regime If you want good health, a long life, and to feel your best well into old age, the No. 1 important thing you can do is strength training, says Dr. Brett Osborn, author of Get Serious, A Neurosurgeon’s Guide to Optimal Health and Fitness, www.drbrettosborn.com. “Our ability to fight off disease resides in our muscles,” Dr. Osborn says. “The greatest thing you can do for your body is to build muscle.” He cites a large, long-term study (www.bmj. com/content/337/bmj.a439) of nearly 9,000 men ages 20 to 80. After nearly 19 years, the men still living were those with the most muscular strength. (BMJ, formerly British Medical Journal, 2008). Muscle is all protein – “nothing but good for you,” Dr. Osborn says. Fat, however, is an endocrine organ, meaning it releases hormones and other chemicals. When a person has excess fat, he or she also has a disrupted flow of excess biochemicals, which can increase insulin resistance and boost risk factors for stroke and high blood pressure, among other problems. “Increased cytokines, an immune system chemical, for example, are associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease,” Dr. Osborn says. “You’re only as old as your arteries!” Strength training has health benefits for everyone, he adds, no matter their size. “Some fat is visceral fat – it’s stored around the organs and it’s even more dangerous than the fat you can see,” he says. “People who look thin may actually be carrying around a lot of visceral
fat.” So, what’s the workout Dr. Osborn recommends? “Back to basics,” he says. “These five exercises are the pillars of a solid training regime.” • The squat is a full-body exercise; it’s the basic movement around which all training should be centered. Heavy squats generate a robust hormonal response as numerous muscular structures are traumatized during the movement (even your biceps). Standing erect with a heavy load on your back and then repeatedly squatting down will stress your body inordinately – in a good way – forcing it to grow more muscle. • The overhead press primarily activates the shoulders, arm extenders, and chest. Lower body musculature is also activated as it counters the downward force of the lifted dumbbell. From the planted feet into the hands, force is transmitted through the skeletal system, stabilized by numerous muscular structures, most importantly the lower back. • The deadlift centers on the hamstrings, buttocks, lumbar extensors and quadriceps, essentially the large muscles of your backside and the front of your thighs. As power is transferred from the lower body into the bar through the upper body conduit, upper back muscles are also stressed, contrasting with the squat, which is supported by the hands. Deadlifts are considered by some to be the most complete training exercise. • The bench press mostly targets the chest, shoulders, and triceps; it’s the most popular among
weightlifters, and it’s very simple – just push the barbell off the lower chest until the arms are straight. This motion stresses not only the entire upper body, but also the lower body, which serves a stabilizing function. This provides a big hormonal response and plenty of bang for your buck. • The pull-up/chin-up stress upper body musculature into the body. A pull-up is done when hands gripping over the bar; a chin-up is where hands are gripping under the bar. Nine out of 10 people cannot do this exercise because most simply haven’t put in the effort. It’s also been called a “man’s exercise, which is nonsense,” he says. There are no gender-specific exercises. Women, too, should aspire to enjoy the health benefits entailed with this pillar. “There are no secrets to a strong and healthier body; hard work is required for the body that will remain vital and strong at any age,” Osborn says. “Always practice proper form and safety. Otherwise, the result will be the opposite of your goal, an injury.” Brett Osborn is a New York University-trained, board-certified neurological surgeon with a secondary certification in anti-aging and regenerative medicine, Diplomate; American Board of Neurological Surgery, Diplomate; American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine. He holds a CSCS honorarium from the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Dr. Osborn specializes in scientifically based nutrition and exercise as a means to achieve optimal health and preventing disease. ISI
ParkRx Can Make Outdoor Activity Part Of Your Life And Your Health By Eric Grace Over 100 million Americans suffer from a chronic disease such as coronary heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, or mental health conditions. This results in decreased quality of life and causes significant stress on our health care systems. Spending time in natural environments increases physical activity. This has proven to decrease the risk of developing chronic disease. Kaniksu Land Trust’s Park Prescription (ParkRx) program for Bonner County is a low-cost intervention that utilizes a known resource – parks, trails, and open space – to influence outdoor physical activity.
The Bonner County ParkRx consists of medical practitioners, community organizations, businesses, and public agencies that work together to provide outdoor programs, trail maps, nutrition, and health guidance to inactive residents who would benefit from increased activity. Goals include: • Encouraging health care providers to prescribe park and trail programs. • Identifying safe and accessible walking venues for patients with a chronic disease. • Creating affinity groups to promote walking communities that increase social engagement and accountability for participants.
• Identifying the physical, social, and economic barriers that inhibit participation, such as proximity to safe walking areas or lack of adequate clothing (and providing it to those that cannot afford it). • Conducting public education about the ParkRx program. At the heart of the ParkRx program is the belief that park prescriptions can be an important factor in improving community health. And, it teaches children and adults about the benefits of being outside in the natural world. For more information about ParkRx, visit kaniksu.org, call 208-263-9471, or email eric@ kaniksu.org. ISI
Fit, Fitter, Fittest By Bonnie McCune I’ve always hated exercise. If there’s a choice between vegging out on the couch or playing an exhilarating game of tennis, the couch wins every time. Except. . . except. . . I’ve exercised so much during my life; I now get withdrawal pains if I neglect fitness. I think my revulsion came from my lack of athletic ability along with my small stature and my
NOW OFFERING CHEMOTHERAPY
C
assia Regional Hospital is bringing your healing home by collaborating with your medical team and doctor to provide your chemotherapy treatments right here in Burley, Idaho.
delayed physical maturation. I learned I’d never be better than anyone else would at physical prowess, so I didn’t want to compete at all. Bodies male and female that consist of absolutely trim and toned musculature discourage me because I know I’ll never look like that. I grew up during a time when children walked to school and activities, and recess and P.E. were part of the schedule, I had a basic level of fitness that has stood me in good stead. Then came col-
lege where I fell in love with dancing. So about nine hours a week for four straight years, I pranced and shimmied, jerked and ponied with the best. Since then, my husband and I have egged each other on to maintain a minimum level of exercise. He’s been more of an egger-on than I, but together we’ve jogged, walked, biked, lifted weights, and one hideous summer even hiked up mountains. We’ve been so consistent, I feel ill and depressed if we don’t move something somewhere several times a week. Which brings me to my local YMCA. The people there who inspire me are the people who lack native talent or who have physical challenges. They put forth so much more effort and are dedicated far beyond the scope of the guy flexing his well-defined biceps or the sculpted feminine version. The woman in my Zumba class who has cerebral palsy but lives and breathes every tune. The older man who’s suffered several falls and broken bones but appears regularly to work out in splints and casts. Then there’s the fellow I spotted today. He’s near-blind (carries a white cane) and has other obvious physical abnormalities that make using equipment a supreme challenge. Yet there he was, striding on a treadmill, pulling on various weightlifting machines. As I huffed and puffed through my mediocre routine, I was glad I’d suppressed
PAGE 34 IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT
February/March 2017 my native reluctance and had chosen to come to the gym. My inspiration to keep up the habit was right in front of me. The appearance of the less-than-physicallyperfect in the gym began about ten or 15 years ago, as my generation began to age. Other changes have occurred at the local Y over the years I’ve been a member that aren’t so positive. In the weight room, visitors are lackadaisical, leaving 50-pound moveable plates locked on the ends of the bars, usually perching the contraptions on racks far above my head. Since I’m neither six feet tall nor a muscular football or soccer player, I can’t remove or change them for my own use. Smaller dumbbells are strewn across the rooms, handy for tripping over and breaking toes. Towels litter the exercise areas and actually seem to reproduce or replicate in the dark corners and under benches of the locker room, in damp white-ish piles. Then there’s the matter of smart phones. Young exercisers are getting their fingers in great shape since they spend more time sitting on equipment to text their friends than they do actually using the apparatus. Or perhaps they’re checking the stock market. In any case, again, no one else can use the gear. What can be done? Nothing, an attendant told
me. There are no rules regarding this behavior. Are humans, or at least Americans, losing their basic intelligence? No other explanation for this behavior, for we used to learn at our mother’s knee to endeavor to pick up our own messes and be considerate of other people. Are we getting ruder? Maybe this is the cause of the poor behavior. Strong signs support this theory. Experts believe that day-to-day conduct has become more aggressive, less patient, and certainly not as sympathetic. My inclination is to blame modern technology for both these phenomena. I no longer need a memory as long as my computer and phone remain ever ready. And since I’m dealing with humans almost totally via these lines of communication, I cannot begin to sense the humanity that links me with those on the other ends of the networks. They’re just voices or words, symbols or algorithms. I’ve pledged to do my best to combat the growing tide of stupidity and rudeness. I can’t do a thing about war halfway across the world, but I can try to improve my little corner by picking up dirty towels and asking politely for courtesy at the gym. And I will continue moving and working my body! For reasons unknown (an unacknowledged optimism?), Bonnie McCune thinks one person can make a difference in this world. ISI
New device stops a cold before it starts
USA — New research shows you can stop a Users wrote things like, “It stopped my cold cold in its tracks if you take one simple step with a right away,” and “Is it supposed to work that fast?” new device when you first feel a cold coming on. “What a wonderful thing,” wrote Physician’s Colds start when cold viruses get in your nose. Assistant Julie. “Now I have this little magic wand, Viruses multiply fast. If you don’t stop them early, no more colds for me!” they spread all through your airways and cause Pat McAllister, age 70, received one for Christmisery. mas and called it “one of the best presents ever. But scientists have found a quick way to kill a This little jewel really works.” virus — touch it with copper. Researchers at labs People use CopperZap often for prevention, and universities worldwide all agree — copper is before cold signs appear. Karen Gauci, who flies “antimicrobial.” It kills microbes, such as viruses often for her job, used to get colds after crowded and bacteria, just by touch. flights. Though skeptical, she tried it several times That’s why the ancient Greeks and Egyptians a day on travel days for 2 months. “Sixteen flights used copper to purify water and heal wounds. They and not a sniffle!” she exclaimed. didn’t know about viBusiness owner ruses and bacteria, Rosaleen says when but now we do. people are sick Researchers say around her she uses microbe cells have CopperZap morning an internal electric and night. “It saved charge which copme last holidays,” she per’s high conductsaid. “The kids had ance short-circuits. colds going round This destroys the cell and round, but not in seconds. me.” Tests by the EnviSome users say it ronmental Protection also helps with sinusAgency (EPA) show New research: Copper stops colds if used early. es. Attorney Donna germs die fast on copBlight had a 2-day per. So some hospitals switched to copper touch sinus headache. When her CopperZap arrived, surfaces, like faucets and doorknobs. This cut the she tried it. “I am shocked!” she said. “My head hospital spread of MRSA and other illnesses by cleared, no more headache, no more congestion.” over half, and saved lives. Some users say copper stops nighttime stuffiThe strong scientific evidence gave inventor ness if they use it just before bed. One man said, Doug Cornell an idea. When he felt a cold com- “Best sleep I’ve had in years.” ing on he fashioned a smooth copper probe and The handle is sculpted to fit the hand and imrubbed it gently in his nose for 60 seconds. prove copper contact. Tests show it kills germs on “It worked!” he exclaimed. “The cold went away fingers to help you stay well and not spread illness completely.” It worked again every time he felt a to your family. cold coming on. He reports he has never had a Copper may even help stop a flu if used early cold since. and for several days. In a lab test, scientists placed He asked relatives and friends to try it. They 25 million live flu viruses on a CopperZap. No visaid it worked for them, too, every time. So he ruses were found still alive soon after. patented CopperZap™ and put it on the market. The EPA says the natural color change of copSoon hundreds of people had tried it and given per does not reduce its ability to kill germs. feedback. Nearly 100 percent said the copper CopperZap is made in the U.S. of pure Ameristopped their colds if used within 3 hours after the can copper. Purchase for $47 with a full money first sign. Even up to 2 days, if they still get the cold back 90-day guarantee. it is milder than usual and they feel better. CopperZap.com or 1-888-411-6114 toll-free
Sugar Imbalances Linked to Alzheimer’s Disease By Dr. Holly Carling Much research has focused on the causes of Alzheimer’s disease, (AD). With estimates suggesting that 16 million Americans will have AD by the year 2050, it is imperative that we pay more attention to this threatening disease. It is becoming more apparent that AD is tightly linked to glucose metabolism issues in the brain and body, to the extent that some researchers have nicknamed
Alzheimer’s Disease as Type 3 Diabetes. Glucose regulation in the brain is complex, too complex to go into in the limited space available here. However, we have important insights steps we can take today to prevent this devastating disease. Although genetics can provide profound insight into the likelihood of developing AD, the field of epigenetics gives us hope. We now know that we
February/March 2017 can affect our gene expression by our diet, lifestyle, and even environment. There is evidence that Alzheimer’s disease can begin at ages as early as the 20 to 30, even though there may be no sign of cognitive dysfunction. So even though we see the cascade of dementia as we age, it starts early on, and we can have an absolute preventive impact as we understand our responsibility in it. The first we must recognize how hyperinsulinism, too much insulin in the body resulting from high sugar intake, affects the brain. AD and hyperinsulinism are referred to as physiological cousins, meaning they both result in similar underlying metabolic imbalances. Glucose dysregulation causes damaging effects to cell receptor sites, affects the brain’s ability to uptake glucose properly, and contributes to issues of insulin binding or resistance and extensive plaquing. Glycation of the cells, basically sugar sticking to the cell walls, is not only a marker of diabetes, but a marker for Alzheimer’s Disease as well. The solution that is well within our ability to control is to eliminate sugar intake. To the degree that we do or do not eat sugar, we can somewhat predict the likelihood of developing AD. It’s as simple as that. Second, we need to pay attention to lipid processing. Lipids, fats, are
IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT PAGE 35
important elements in healthy brain cell development and function. Lipid peroxidation in the cell, caused in part by harmful fats in the diet like hydrogenated fats and vegetable oils, causes damage to cell membranes resulting in the inability of the brain to use fatty acids, essential fats. as fuel. While glucose is an easier fuel for the brain, the brain prefers fats, the mechanisms are healthier and work better. If sugar is abundant in the body or good fats are deficient in the body, the brain uses the sugar to its detriment. If good fats are available and sugar levels are low, the brain will use the fat. Adding healthy fat to the diet is a good preventive measure. While understanding the Alzheimer’s disease mechanism is still in its infancy, it is clear that sugar and insulin dysregulation appears to be at the heart of it. Fortunately, we have tools to circumvent it. If sugar control is an issue for you, consider acupuncture to help control sugar cravings and begin the process of supporting vigorous brain health. Dr. Holly Carling is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine, Licensed Acupuncturist, Doctor of Naturopathy, Clinical Nutritionist, and Master Herbologist with nearly four decades of experience. Dr. Carling offers natural health care services and whole food nutritional supplements in her Coeur d’ Alene clinic. Visit vitalhealthcda.com or call 208-765-1994 to learn more. ISI
Alcohol And Kidneys... Now My Niece Needs a Transplant
HOPE Looks Like This Cancer patients in east Idaho now have greater access to the most advanced cancer care available, right here in Rexburg.
Call 356-HOPE Close to Home An affiliate of:
450 E Main, Rexburg | www.madisonhospital.org
some people at greater risk for alcohol problems, whereas others may be protected from alcohol’s harmful effects. Binge drinking, usually more than four to five drinks within two hours, can raise a person’s blood alcohol to dangerous levels. This can cause a sudden drop in kidney function known as acute kidney injury. When this happens, dialysis is needed until a person’s kidney function returns to normal. Acute kidney injury usually goes away in time but in some cases, it can lead to lasting kidney damage. When Laura, her brothers, and father visited us here in Michigan this past spring, she was thin as a string. I didn’t know what her condition was then. It was only later that she wrote me about the seriousness of her kidney issues. Every human has two kidneys. Each is about the size of your fist and is located on either side of the spine at the lowest level of the rib cage. Each kidney contains up to a million functioning units called nephrons. A nephron is a filtering system of tiny blood vessels, called a glomerulus, attached to a tubule. When blood enters the glomerulus, it is filtered and the remaining fluid then passes along the tubule. In the tubule, chemicals and water are either added to or removed from this filtered fluid according to the body’s needs. The final product is the urine we excrete. When functioning normally, this system filters harmful substances from your blood, including alcohol. In addition to damaging the kidney’s ability
CBD (Hemp Oil) PRODUCTS Directly from our Montana Warehouse YOU CAN PURCHASE OUR CBD PRODUCTS AT WHOLESALE PRICING! • 100% organic, lab tested • CBD is non-psychoactive
(meaning it doesn’t make you feel high)
• CBD is legal in all 50 states • No special card is needed to purchase CBD has been featured on: CBD-rich Hemp provides a legal alternative to medical marijuana, allowing you the benefit without the risk of getting high or testing positive on a standard drug test.
Pack ag e
By Tait Trussell My youngest niece, age 50, is the daughter I never had. Now she is dying of liver disease. Laura was here for a visit a few months ago, along with her two brothers and her father, my brother, Douglas. It was a delightful family visit, although Laura spent considerable time resting in our basement bedroom, missing the guffaws and accompanying banter, along with our recollections of past happier years when we all lived in Washington. Laura was the youngest of Doug’s offspring, a little child in glasses. She grew up to be a lovely woman with a sharp intellect but a desire for the wild lifestyle, a party girl for many years. I hadn’t seen Laura for about 12 years. Twelve years ago, she lived with her parents in rural New Hampshire. I spent the night at her small apartment, and we attempted to drink all the vodka in New Hampshire. She didn’t realize the damage it was causing. Excessive alcohol consumption can have profoundly negative effects on the kidneys and their function in maintaining the body’s electrolytes and acid to base balance, according to the Betty Ford Center. This leaves alcoholics vulnerable to many kidney related health problems. Alcohol metabolism is controlled by genetic factors, such as variations in the enzymes that break down alcohol, environmental factors, and the amount of alcohol a person consumes. Differences in alcohol metabolism may put
d
tana Mon in
A simple internet search will show the overwhelming benefits of CBD.
ONLINE: MONTANADIRECTBUY.COM EMAIL: INFO@MONTANADIRECTBUY.COM CALL: 406.270.3774 In business since 1996!
PAGE 36 IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT
to act as a filter, alcohol dehydrates the body, decreasing normal kidney function. Additionally, chronic drinking can cause liver disease, which makes the kidney’s job even harder. In fact, most patients in this country who have both liver disease and associated kidney dysfunction are alcohol dependent. Too much alcohol can also affect your blood pressure. People who drink too much are more likely to have high blood pressure, as many seniors know. Medications for high blood pressure can be affected by alcohol. More than two drinks a day can increase your chance of having high blood pressure. Laura was an alcohol victim, but didn’t realize it until too late. Now she tries to focus on the future. Laura writes me, “I keep well by eating well, walking, and resting a lot. I might be able to put surgery off for another two years. I’ve been giving talks on liver disease and sobriety. Lots of love and please write.” ISI
February/March 2017
Diabetic Retinopathy Provided by Centers for Disease Control Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a common complication of diabetes. High blood sugar damages the blood vessels in the retina (a light-sensitive part of the eye), where scarring can cause permanent vision loss. DR is also one of the most preventable causes of vision loss and blindness. Early detection and treatment can prevent or delay blindness due to DR in 90% of people with diabetes, but 50% or more of them don’t get their eyes examined or are diagnosed too late for effective treatment. People with diabetes are also at higher risk for other eye diseases, including glaucoma and cataracts. If you have diabetes, an eye exam every year is necessary to protect and preserve your eyesight and eye health. Diabetes is the leading cause of new cases of blindness in adults. This is a growing problem as the number of people living with diabetes increases, so does the number of people with impaired vision. In the early stages of DR, you may not notice any symptoms or changes to your eyesight, and you cannot tell that this condition is damaging your eyes. If it is not detected and treated in a timely manner, your vision can be damaged permanently. A study conducted at CDC found that the prevalence of DR was high, affecting almost onethird of adults over age 40 with diabetes, and more than one-third of African-Americans and MexicanAmericans. • 4.2 million adults had DR and 655,000 had
vision-threatening DR. The more severe, visionthreatening form of the disease was more than twice as common in Mexican Americans, and almost three times as common in African-Americans, than in the white population. • Male gender, higher A1c level, longer duration of diabetes, insulin use, and higher systolic blood pressure were independently associated with the presence of DR. Diabetes-related blindness costs the nation more than $500 million annually. Prevention is important. Vision problems and blindness caused by DR may be prevented through: 1. Good control of blood sugar and blood pressure levels, and 2. Early detection and treatment of eye diseases. The number of Americans aged 40 years and older with diabetic retinopathy (DR) and Vision Threatening Diabetic Retinopathy (VTDR) will triple in 2050, from 5.5 million in 2005 to 16.0 million for DR and from 1.2 million in 2005 to 3.4 million for VTDR. Increases among those aged 65 years and older will be more pronounced (2.5 million to 9.9 million for DR and 0.5 million to 1.9 million for VTDR). Bottom line? If you might have diabetes and you haven’t had your vision checked recently, make an appointment today to visit your eye doctor. For more information on diabetes prevention and control, visit cdc.gov/diabetes. ISI
Zinc deficiency linked to immune system response, particularly in older adults By Michelle Klampe Zinc, an important mineral in human health, appears to affect how the immune system responds to stimulation, especially inflammation, new research from Oregon State University shows. Zinc deficiency could play a role in chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes that involve inflammation. Such diseases often show up in older adults, who are more at risk for zinc deficiency. “When you take away zinc, the cells that control inflammation appear to activate and respond differently; this causes the cells to promote more inflammation,” said Emily Ho, a professor and director of the Moore Family Center for Whole Grain Foods, Nutrition and Preventive Health in the OSU College of Public Health and Human Sciences, and lead author of the study. Zinc is an essential micronutrient required for many biological processes, including growth and development, neurological function, and immunity. It is naturally found in protein-rich foods such as meat and shellfish, with oysters among the highest in zinc content. Approximately 12 percent of people in the U.S. do not consume enough zinc in their diets. Of those 65 and older, closer to 40 percent do not consume enough zinc, Ho said. Older adults tend to eat fewer zinc-rich foods and their bodies do not appear to use or absorb zinc as well, making them highly susceptible to zinc deficiency. The government awarded DAVITA TWIN FALLS DIALYSIS CENTER top marks in “It’s a double-whamits Five-Star Quality Rating System for providing quality dialysis care to patients.* my for older individuals,” DAVITA TWIN FALLS DIALYSIS CENTER said Ho, who also is a 582 POLE LINE ROAD • TWIN FALLS principal investigator with the Linus Pauling Call 208-733-2006 to schedule a tour and see why our DaVita Center exceeds quality standards. Learn more at DaVita.com/Five Star. Institute. © 2014 DaVita HealthCare Partners Inc. *According to 2014 data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) Five-Star Quality Rating System. In the study, re-
searchers set out to better understand the relationship between zinc deficiency and inflammation. They conducted experiments that indicated zinc deficiency induced an increase in inflammatory response in cells. The researchers were able to show, for the first time, that reducing zinc caused improper immune cell activation and dysregulation of a cytokine IL-6, a protein that affects inflammation in the cell, Ho said. Researchers also compared zinc levels in living mice, young and old. The older mice had low zinc levels that corresponded with increased chronic inflammation and decreased IL-6 methylation, which is an epigenetic mechanism that cells use to control gene expression. Decreased IL-6 methylation also was found in human immune cells from elderly people, Ho said. Together, the studies suggest a potential link between zinc deficiency and increased inflammation that can occur with age, she said. Understanding the role of zinc in the body is important to determining whether dietary guidelines for zinc need to be adjusted. The recommended daily intake of zinc for adults is 8 milligrams for women and 11 milligrams for men, regardless of age. The guidelines may need to be adjusted for older adults to ensure they are getting enough zinc, Ho said. There is no good clinical biomarker test to determine if people are getting enough zinc, so identifying zinc deficiency can be difficult. In addition, the body does not have much ability to store zinc, so regular intake is important, Ho said. Getting too much zinc can cause other problems, including interfering with other minerals. The current upper limit for zinc is 40 milligrams per day. “We think zinc deficiency is probably a bigger problem than most people realize,” she said. “Preventing that deficiency is important.” Understanding why older adults do not take in zinc as well is an important area for future research, Ho said. Additional research also is needed to understand better how zinc works in the body, she said. ISI
February/March 2017
IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT PAGE 37
Medicinal Herbs from the Bible Also known as “Prunus dulcis” almonds contain salicin, which acts like modern aspirin. Eat 10 to 15 almonds per day to get mild pain relief. The almond is a popular symbol of resurrection because the flowers bloom in January or February. By Suzy Cohen Garlic does more than ward off vampires. help reduce the frequency of seizures, possibly Many of you are convinced that prescription Mentioned in the Bible after the Israelites es- in those who are resistant to drug therapy. Black medicine is the best way to heal. As a pharmacist, caped from slavery in Egypt, it’s dubbed “the cumin seed are not the same as cumin, the more I would agree with that at times, but not all the stinking rose.” The odor comes from sulfur based common ground spice. time. Don’t forget that before man pulled the plant compounds known today to promote heart health Cinnamon is not just for baking. There are two from the ground, took it to a lab, and attached a and reduce cholesterol and blood pressure. The types of cinnamon derived from closely related synthetic chemical by force, just to get it patented, journal Cancer Prevention Research shows that plants but they are not exactly the same. Both prowe all used Mother Earth. I have focused a number the sulfur compounds found in garlic deactivate vide benefits and cinnamon can help with athlete’s of health segments on the power of ancient herbs cancer causing compounds. foot, indigestion, cognition and blood glucose. to improve health. We should be nuts for almonds. Also known as Frankincense is more than just ancient perI’ll recap several herbs today, and if the topic “Prunus dulcis” these nuts contain salicin, which fume. It goes by another name on supplement interests you, sign up for my newsletter. Everything acts like modern aspirin. Eat 10 to 15 almonds labels called “boswellia.” This “Gift of the Magi” I mention here is available at a health food store. per day to get mild pain relief. The almond is a has been shown in studies to help with ovarian and Now, let’s go back in time. popular symbol of resurrection because the flow- bladder cancer. It works a little bit like celecoxib, Bitter herbs are our friends. If you just had a ers bloom in January or February. The magnesium Celebrex, the prescription blockbuster drug for salad of leafy greens, chances are you had some in almonds lessens nerve excitability and induces arthritis. It helps reduce a nerve toxin called Th plants considered bitter herbs. The most common muscle relaxation. 17 so if you have cognitive problems, consider bitter herbs are romaine lettuce, parsley, green onEver hear of black cumin seeds? Known as boswellia. ions, and horseradish. These contain antioxidants “Nigella sativa” and mentioned in Isaiah 28:23, These are just a few examples of plant derived and support detoxification, while stimulating saliva these jet-black seeds help reduce blood glucose substances that do more for us than simply making and gastric and intestinal enzymes to help with by improving beta cell function in the pancreas. It our food taste good. As mentioned before, look for digestion and high amounts of minerals. Horserad- could be a great addition to a diabetes protocol. these in any nutrition or health food store. Happy ish root contains an enzyme called horseradish Further, a study suggests black cumin seeds hunting! ISI peroxidase that is thought to kill cancer cells.
Want to Know How a Muppet Feels? Schedule that Colonoscopy Now and Eat Well Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer death in men and women in America. The American Cancer Society expects over 100,000 new cases of colon cancer and rectal cancer this year. Over 90 percent of colorectal cancer cases are in people age 50 or older.
By Wendell Fowler While shopping recently, I was recognized and then approached by a woman. Politely grabbing my shirt sleeve, she tugged me to the meat department. “I’ve been feeding my husband Sam red and smoked meats all our lives, but I just learned modern grocery meats increase the risk of colon cancer. Please, what’s going on? I’m confused,” she pleaded, “He’s in denial and won’t take colorectal cancer seriously. Doc says he’s showing symptoms, but Sam demands meat and potatoes. I’m scared.” Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer death in men and women in America. The American Cancer Society expects over 100,000 new cases of colon cancer and rectal cancer this year. Over 90 percent of colorectal cancer cases are in people age 50 or older. Who willingly admits they abetted their disease? Most trusting folks are confident there are FDA systems in place to protect us. There aren’t. In reality, no one’s keeping the food industry lap dogs honest. Nevertheless, no one likes being told they’re wrong even in the presence of the truths that a high consumption of meat can cause
colon cancer. A diet high in red meats and processed and cured meats like hotdogs, bacon, and bologna increases colorectal cancer risk. Also, frying or grilling meats at high temperatures create chemicals that fertilize cancer. Yet, convincing folks to change their diet is like asking them to change their religion. Control is something you lose when you have cancer. You hand it over to your doctors, but there are lifestyle factors you can govern. Red meats were once clean, fed their God assigned diet of grass, not corn, pasture raised, and not saturated with the growth hormones and antibiotics the factory farm gulag uses with abandon. Today, cuts of grocery beef are treated with carbon monoxide as a freshness and color preservative. This is about as abnormal as an enjoyable colonoscopy. Your grandparents would freak out. This is simply not how loving creation planned it. Ignoring dangers increases your risk of developing colorectal cancer. Exercising regularly may help reduce risk. Obesity increases the risk of developing the cancer and the obesity link is stronger in men. So, control your weight with healthy food choices and regular, daily ex-
Advice from the Experts to Avoid Weight Gain It’s easy to gain a few pounds here and there if you’re not careful. While one or two pounds doesn’t sound dramatic, this pattern can mean accumulating weight over the years. With just a few strategies from nutrition experts, you can avoid weight gain while still enjoying yourself at parties and big dinners. Don’t Skip Meals “In preparation for a big feast, do not skip meals throughout the day,” says Heather Mangieri, registered dietitian nutritionist and Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics spokesperson, “Skipping meals can result in overeating.” Instead, Mangieri recommends eating foods full of protein and high in fiber that will fill you up. Don’t Forget to Exercise Even with a busy schedule full of working, parenting, and socializing, it is still important to make time for physical activity. “Make it a tradition to go for a walk after dinner,” says registered dietitian nutritionist and Academy spokesperson Toby Smithson, “It’s a great time to create memories, share in conversation, and sneak in exercise.” Don’t Overdo the Buffet At buffet style gatherings, it is easy to overeat and many make the mistake of taking second and third helpings. However, before you return to the buffet table, note
that it takes about 20 minutes for your stomach to tell your brain you are full. To avoid overeating, Mangieri recommends loading your party plate with lean protein and veggies. “But that poses a problem at many parties because treats and snacks are often all that fill the countertops. Stay in control by taking your own healthy protein options with you such as turkey meatballs, chicken skewers, or a shrimp cocktail platter,” says Mangieri. Don’t Splurge on Sweets “It is okay to save room for dessert, but try to choose only one splurge item,” recommends Smithson, “These sweet treats can stick to your waistline and the added sugar may make you crash later.” Use these expert tips to maintain a healthful eating plan, even in the face of big feasts, dessert, and special occasions. ISI
ercise. Long-term smokers are more likely than non-smokers to develop colorectal cancer. Swallowing tarry smoke saliva can cause digestive system cancers. Excessive cocktailing has also been linked to colorectal cancer. Those with Type 2 diabetes have an increased risk in developing colorectal cancer, too. Numerous epidemiologic studies indicate increased calcium, vitamin D and C lower the risk of colorectal neoplasia. Do not underestimate nourishing vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin, which may reduce abnormal cell growth. Colorectal cancer affects seniors more than others. Reduce the stress and mystery of daily living by getting colorectal cancer screenings when you turn 50. Yes, reconnaisance of your five foot colon may be awkward, but we’re responsible adults now. We live in world other than what we pictured in our youth and one that is polluted with more chemicals and industrial byproducts than any other human population has had to reckon with. You’re misleading yourself if you assume chronic disease is a natural part of aging. De nile is a beautiful river in Egypt, but no way to help your health. ISI
PAGE 38 IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT
February/March 2017
Sleep Apnea Has Personal, Economic Costs By Amy Abbott Have you or someone you love said, “I would pay good money for a good night’s sleep?” According to the Persistence Market Report Group, plenty of Americans are paying good money for the elusive eight hours of sleep. The August 2016 report noted that “North America dominates the global sleep aids market. The United States represents the largest market for sleep aids in North America.” Additionally, the report explained that the expanding market is due to a growing senior population and increased demand for sleep medication in a complex, complicated world and the efforts of health and pharmaceutical organizations to target this population. A factor in the increasing sleep market is the awareness of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) released a report this summer on the “Hidden Health Crisis Costing America Billions.” You can’t throw a wind up alarm clock without hitting some remedy for what ails our collective sleep. While perhaps not as hidden as the hyperbole described, sleep problems are now mainstream. The AASM report noted that obstructive sleep apnea is rising in prevalence in the United States, affecting an estimated 29.4 million Americans. Amazingly, that figure represents 12 percent of our country’s population.
The AASM highlighted the annual economic consequences by stating, “The annual financial burden of undiagnosed sleep apnea among U.S. adults is approximate $149.6 billion. This burden includes almost $87 billion in lost productivity, $26 billion in car crashes, and $6.5 billion in workplace accidents.” Here’s the real sticker shocker – according to the AASM report, if every patient in the U.S. who has sleep apnea were diagnosed and treated, it would result in an annual economic savings of more than $100 billion. The most obvious cost is to the individual and his or her family. Undiagnosed OSA is dangerous; the sufferer’s airway is blocked by a complete or partial obstruction. The individual may snore, gasp, or even choke during restless sleep, waking up themselves and anyone nearby. The next day, he or she may wonder about the resulting chronic fatigue. OSA can be a contributor to or be a consequence of other health problems including hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, and depression. How do you know if you or your significant other has OSA? Do you snore, gasp, or choke during your sleep? You might want to ask your sleep partner, or keep a sleep diary for a week or two and take notes about your sleeping patterns. Note your awakenings, daytime sleepiness, and any naps.
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute suggests a visit to your primary care provider, who may refer you to a sleep specialist, a lung specialist, or an ear, nose, and throat doctor. Your provider will ask you about your sleep, daily functioning, and any family members affected by OSA. Some individuals with OSA have an enlarged uvula or soft palate. The uvula hangs from the middle of your mouth, while your palate is atop the back of your mouth. If sent for a sleep study, you may have a polysomnogram or a home-based portable monitor. Polysomnograms happen in hospital sleep departments or private centers. During sleep, you are monitored for brain activity, eye movement, heart rate, and blood pressure. Individuals with OSA use a continuous positive airway pressure machine, CPAP. The name sounds much worse than it is, the machine keeps your airway open while you sleep. Most CPAP machines have three parts, a mask, a hose, and the air pump. There are a variety of devices available, and if diagnosed, you may have a second sleep study to determine what type of CPAP you need. You’ll soon feel better. You’ll sleep better, snore less, possibly reverse some health conditions, experience lowered blood pressure, and increase your alertness. You might not be able to leap across a building in a single bound, but at the very least you can survive without an afternoon nap. ISI
Women and Heart Disease, the Real Story Could Save Your Life
I Haven’t Heard My Name Yet...
Silence is one of the most deadly aspects of women’s heart disease, and cardiologist Dr. Jacqueline Eubany, Dr. Jackie, makes that point in her concise, accessible book, Women and Heart Disease, the Real Story. Angie is a 46 year old divorced mother of two school-aged children. One morning she was just not feeling her usual self. Undaunted, the busy mother went about her usual morning routine. Angie’s coworkers noticed that she looked unusually pale and advised her to go to the doctor’s office. Hardworking Angie declined. As the sole financial provider for her family, the young woman felt she could not afford to take time off. There were too many outstanding bills and her children needed her. Angie hoped she would soon start to feel better. Tragically, she did not. Days later she made it to the emergency room, but her heart was permanently damaged. Through anecdotes and friendly, jargon free advice, Dr. Jackie tells readers how to avoid situations like Angie’s and reduce their risk by up to 80 percent, how to recognize a heart attack earlier, and how to make the healthiest choices for your heart and your loved ones. Heart disease remains the number one killer of women in the United States, killing more women than breast and lung cancer combined. Dr. Jacqueline Eubany was inducted as a fellow in the prestigious American College of Cardiology, and in the Heart Rhythm Society. An active member in other distinguished societies, Dr. Eubany also serves on several advisory boards related to heart disease. She is a popular guest speaker for heart health events because of her accessible, articulate style. ISI
By Lynn Gendusa I was born into a family that believed one should never sit down, never be lazy, and never give up until they called your name from way up yonder! After 43 years in the physical job of an interior designer, I decided to retire. I was the type of designer that did it all myself. Climbed the ladders, hung the pictures, cleaned the shelves, and moved the furniture. Yes, it was physical. My clients thought I would never sit down. They all figured I would just fall off the ladder one day and be gone. In the back of my mind, I figured they were probably right. My friend, Ricki, once said, “You will know when it is time to put the hammer down.” “How?” I retorted. She grinned, “You will just know.” Last September I put the hammer down. I knew. I had moved the last baby grand. I had pushed the last sofa. I had climbed the last ladder and dusted the last shelf. It was over. In my mind, I went to the cemetery and placed a beautiful headstone with this inscription: “Here’s to a career I have dedicated so much of my life to. I am grateful for the pleasure of its work.” I left a flower and walked away. The first reaction was sheer freedom. I wanted to run, not walk, to all the doors that were now open. And, I was so darn grateful that I could. A renewed level of life seeped into my soul. I realized that the senior years were meant not to give up but to give back. Zest for living is the key to living well with a thirst to stay young, not in looks or in physical abilities, but in the spirit of our souls. My friend, Deborah, and I go to the gym 4-5 days a week. We always have exercised. Is my body like a teen? Heck no! We exercise to be the best we can be. Just that simple. We keep moving so that we can keep giving back. Deborah, a retired social worker, volunteers at the nursing home and never misses a beat when it comes to aid. My friend Michele is a retired IBM executive who is now a certified, court appointed advocate to help children of abuse and neglect. All volunteer work. Ricki, a retired guidance counselor with 11 grandchildren, works with her church. She helps
February/March 2017
with the children and does jumping jacks to keep up. Tom, a retired engineer, is constantly working on repairs in our neighborhood to keep our subdivision in order. A lady up the street who is now crippled knits blankets for babies and shawls for the elderly. Gives them all away. Her hands keep moving and her spirit keeps soaring. To avoid being a grumpy old person, stay a gleeful young person. Who told any of us it was okay to retire from life? Who told any of us to stop giving? I have a friend that I graduated from high school with that retired about the same time as I did. He told me he might wear pajamas all day long. In my mind, I have a picture of him walking around the house and on his beloved golf course in PJs. Many Sunday mornings I find myself in my
pajamas writing an article. Every time I do, I think about what he said and I laugh. How youthful and crazy we still are! All my high school buddies are the same. God love them. John Wade is my age and is about as happy as a clam. He is not retired but full of smiles and thankful for grandbabies coming and joy filling his family. Yes, some of us aren’t yet retired and may never do so. If you are still working, then show coworkers what you are made of and that your wisdom is of extreme value, because it is. Life is always handing us gifts like pajamas, babies, friends, laughter, and miracles. Thank God. Another high school friend has just completed grueling months fighting cancer. Our class of ‘65 has collectively held our breaths and given our prayers up for this beloved person. He is on
IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT PAGE 39
his way back to life. His quote, “If I ever frown again, I told my wife to slap me!” Perfect! Life is precious. Perhaps we do need to be slapped when we think of ourselves as old and finished. If we are capable of moving, then move with gusto. If something aches afterwards, take an aspirin. Don’t give up. We need to give back all that we have learned. Give away all the gifts that we have been given – our talents, our joy, our faith, our love. For our lives are not measured by what we obtain, but by what we give away. If we are able to help this world with the time we have left, then don’t waste time. We need to be brave, be bold, be young in spirit, and be of value until they call our name from way up yonder. I haven’t heard my name yet. ISI
Healthcare Tourism: What Are The Possibilities? One of the main concerns of anyone looking to retire overseas is the quality of healthcare. Is it possible to get comparable medical treatment? The answer in many places is a resounding yes. In fact, healthcare can be even better and more affordable than what’s available in the U.S. The cost and quality of medical procedures overseas helped determine the score of each of the 24 countries in the healthcare category of International Living’s 2017 Global Retirement Index. The four countries that top the healthcare category in the 2017 Global Retirement Index all feature the availability of excellent hospitals, highly trained doctors, and affordable care. Malaysia Malaysia has some of the best trained doctors in Asia, and the majority of them speak English and are trained in the U.S., Australia, or the UK. Western accreditation is also a vital component for confidence in undergoing foreign medical treatments. Numerous hospitals in Penang and Kuala Lumpur are recipients of the U.S. prestigious Joint Commission International (JCI) certification. This is the gold standard for healthcare providers around the world, and Malaysia has eight JCI accredited hospitals. The most popular treatments in Malaysia include cosmetic surgery, dental work, and dermatology. In 2016, more than one million medical tourists visited Malaysia, a figure expected to rise in 2017. Also, the value can’t be beat. A hip replacement that typically costs $39,000 in the U.S. costs $5,200 in Malaysia, for example. Costa Rica More than 40,000 Americans travel each year to Costa Rica to take advantage of the high quality healthcare available at a very low cost. One American who recently traveled to Costa Rica reported a savings of $15,000 for dental implants, even after paying for airfare and accommodations. Expats who live in Costa Rica are able to take advantage of this benefit every day of the year, paying a fraction of what they would in the U.S. for doctor’s visits, surgeries, prescriptions, and any other care they need. There are two medical systems in Costa Rica that expats can access. First is the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social, known as Caja for short. This is universal healthcare, provided and managed by the government. It’s available to citizens and legal residents, including foreigners with the retiree visa. There is also an extensive private medical system in Costa Rica, with providers located throughout the country. Expats often can also use insurance, either
international policies or those provided by Costa Rican companies. Most private hospitals have international patient departments to help arrange financial matters. Often expats mix private and public medical care. Colombia The World Health Organization ranks Colombia’s healthcare system 22nd out of 191 countries reviewed. That is better than Canada, which ranks 30th, and better than the U.S., which ranks 37th. There are many excellent hospitals and clinics located throughout Colombia and provide general and specialized services. Twenty two of the 43 top hospitals in Latin America are in Colombia. Larger cities like Bogotá, Medellín, and Bucaramanga have hospitals that have received the JCI accreditation. Any expat under 60 with a resident cédula, the national ID card, can apply for the government health insurance EPS, Entidades Promotoras de Salud. Even if you have preexisting conditions, you can be accepted into the plan. To participate in the program, retirees pay a premium equal to 12 percent of their income. Many expats report monthly premiums from $70 to $85 for a couple. Private health insurance is an option for people over the age of 60 or as a supplemental plan to EPS public coverage. Coomeva, for example, offers a private health insurance plan for people up to the age of 85. Premiums will be significantly lower than what a couple would pay in the U.S. Plans vary depending on carrier, the level of coverage, and age and health at time of application. Here again, the cost for medical procedures is much lower than in the U.S. In most
cases, Americans are able to save 40 percent on healthcare in Colombia, and in many cases, even more. “The daughter of an expat living in Salento has come to Colombia many times for extensive dental work and Lasik eye surgery on both eyes, which cost her around $1,000, instead of the $4,000 to $5,000 she would have paid in the States,” reports Nancy Kiernan, International Living’s Colombia correspondent. Mexico Thousands of Americans visit Mexico each year for medical treatment and dental care. The facilities, even in medium sized cities, are top notch. Physicians have usually received at least some training in the U.S., Canada, or Europe. If not medical school, they receive ongoing training abroad. All the latest technology, techniques, and prescription medications are available and having major surgery or treatment for serious medical conditions is not a problem. Expats enjoy access to this top medical care, and they can expect to pay about half of U.S. prices, including prices for prescription drugs. Legal residents have access to the government run system and its clinics and hospitals throughout the country. Expats say it offers good care at a low price, with costs of just a few hundred dollars per year. Private healthcare is also available with cash or insurance. It is much cheaper than the U.S. with a visit to the doctor of $30 to $40 and a third of U.S. costs for lab testing. To read more about the top four countries with the world’s best healthcare, visit internationalliving. com/2017/01/4-countries-best-healthcare-world/ ISI
PAGE 40 IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT
February/March 2017
Sandpoint’s Nancy Scmidt – Continued from page 1 about 11,000 feet elevation. I’ve also done Pikes Peak in Colorado where you start at about 6,000 feet and go to 14,000 feet. We’re doing one next summer in Elk Valley, near Kelowna, B.C.” Much of the training takes place at Schweitzer Ski area just north of Sandpoint. Some training also takes place at Goat Hill on the south end of Pend Oreille Lake. “Farragut State Park has added some trails and we get some running in there and there’s a nice little trail called the Pend Oreille Trail along the waterway here in Sandpoint.” In addition, they have also trained on some of the trails to alpine lakes in the Cabinet Peaks northwest of Sandpoint. “I’ve been involved in almost every sport imaginable at some point in my life but running has been my saving grace. It’s my meditation. It’s the thing that allows me some quiet time, and my dog as well. I have a running dog.” “I’m an avid tennis player, and I play a lot of squash. I also do a lot of bike rides and some races.” Nancy also plays pickle ball, which is similar to tennis but played on a smaller court with a lower net, small lightweight paddles and a whiffle ball. It appeals to older players, as it doesn’t require as
much running and is thus easier on the knees. “It’s the fastest growing sport in North American because of the aging population,” she adds. Courts have been added at the Sandpoint West Athletic Club and another a few miles away in Hope where people gather on Sundays to play. Her free time is filled with such sports plus backpacking, hiking, and even some fishing. “The only thing that gets in the way is work,” Nancy laughs. “I would be really happy to play all day.” When she lived in Pittsburgh, she did a lot of fishing but laughingly explains, “It’s ironic that I haven’t done more fishing here since this is the fishing capital of the world.” Her boss also guides on the Clearwater River and she’s hoping to get out with him next summer. “I want him to reintroduce me to fly fishing. That’s what I like; it’s a little more active.” Regarding her move to Idaho, Nancy says, “The northwest is a great place. When I moved here, I never looked back. I’m enjoying the beauty of this area, plan on staying, and want to get more mountain runs in while I’m still able!” ISI
Valentines – Continued from page 4 Your neighbor’s heart will be warmed when you bring over some homemade cookies or a little fudge, delivered on a Valentine plate with a bit of curly ribbon. You can surprise the friends at the office with homemade goodies served with love. Shut ins will appreciate being remembered on Valentine’s Day. Whatever you bring them, be sure to sit down for a real visit. The best gift to anyone, no matter where they live, is a listening ear. You could knit someone a prayer shawl or make a simple fleece throw. You could take someone out to have your nails done together in some outrageous style, or simply take them out for lunch or a drive. Valentine greetings to service providers like the mail deliverer and the newspaper person will bring a smile to their day. Consider a Valentine gift to an organization that helps others in need. Make an extra donation to the food bank, or volunteer to deliver meals. Valentine’s Day is not a day to look back. It’s a day to celebrate now! It requires a bit of planning and some creative thinking or a visit to Pintrest, but you can make this a day to remember right here in 2017. All this gifting will turn around and give you the best gift of all, a happy heart. ISI