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Frank Eld, Finnish historian, restores nostalgic Roseberry Village

Antiques and contemporary items in the Roseberry General Store enthrall Frank Eld and his granddaughter, Jessy. The Roseberry General Store and Museum is open to visitors from May to September. [Photo courtesy of the Historic Townsite of Roseberry]

By Dianna Troyer To pioneering Finns, Long Valley north of Boise was perfect for settlement. It had all the traits they thrived on in their homeland: long harsh winters, short growing seasons, mountainous lakes, and abundant timber. The land had recently been surveyed and was available for homesteading. “My dad, Albin, and other Finns settled here because it reminded them of Finland,” says Frank Eld, 67, who grew up near Donnelly. “With other Finns, he came here in 1899 because drought and economic conditions had devastated Finland’s economy, and young men faced the threat of being conscripted into the Russian Army.” Albin and other Finns were log craftsmen and soon set to work in Idaho building cabins, other homestead buildings, and barns using a unique log construction style. They fit logs tightly together, so no chinking was needed. “First, the logs were squared on two sides with a broadax,” explains Frank, a historic preservationist who is writing a book, “Finnish Log Construction – The Art.” “Next, a special tool called a vara was used to scribe the logs, which were then hewn and concaved on the bottom so they would fit together. Corners were either dovetailed or doublenotched to hold the logs in place. Only a thin row of moss or grass was placed between the logs.” Frank has a tremendous respect for their skills. “It took years for Finns to master these log building techniques,” he explains to visitors who stop by the townsite of Roseberry, 96 miles north of Boise, where there are many examples of Finnish log buildings, including cabins, a barn, and a blacksmith shop. Since 1969, Frank and volunteers have been restoring Roseberry, one building at time. With patience and persistence, he has left a legacy of 25 structures that visitors can tour from May to September to help them imagine what life was like for immigrants in Idaho a century ago. The Long Valley Preservation Society administers the Historic Roseberry Townsite. (Cont’d on page 41)

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welcome any new members. We are dying off quickly so join now and enjoy the company, friendship, and camaraderie of other Vets. We have an annual meeting in April, and also meet each year in October at Laughlin, Nevada. I hope to hear from you. Duane K. Enger 03 Santa Fe St., Kalispell, MT 59901 406-755-4294; mtvumsforu@gmail.com.

Are You A Veteran Who Enlisted While Underage?

I noted an article in a past issue on recruiting Rosie the Riveter. Well, I belong to a group of military veterans, who enlisted while underage (under age 17 for males & under age 20 for females) and like Rosie, we are in our 80s & 90s. In not too many years, there will not be any of us left. Most of us belong to other veterans groups, but we are unique in that we all enlisted at that teen age, and at least one joined the service at age 12. Enjoy The Newspaper I was 16 when I enlisted. We are a non-profit unit with lifetime membership Thanks for the fun puzzle and articles. I had fun working it and enjoy at only $25. I am Montana State Commander as well as Regional Commander for the paper. Richard Thurston Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico. I Shelley ISI know there are more Vets out there who enlisted underage, and I would

The Truth About Deficit Reduction By Max Richtman - President/CEO The National Committee to Preserve Social Security & Medicare Since last year and continuing well into 2013, Congress has or will face default, sequestration, and a possible government shutdown. Each of these self-inflicted crises provides the perfect backdrop for Washington’s wellfinanced anti-entitlement lobby’s long running campaign to cut Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security benefits to pay down the federal deficit. Even if Congress is allowed to cut Medicare and Medicaid to the bone, the real challenge to our economy – skyrocketing health care costs – remains untouched. For too long, conservatives in Congress have ignored the fact that if the U.S. paid the same costs per person for health care as other wealthy countries our nation would be looking at long-term surpluses, not deficits. There are also ways to make Medicare and Medicaid more efficient and save money without cutting benefits to vulnerable Americans. In fact, many of these reforms have been implemented in the Affordable Care Act, the same legislation that many in Congress who claim to want to “save” Medicare have worked tirelessly to destroy. Health care reform added eight years of

Idaho Senior Independent A Barrett-Whitman Publication 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 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.

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Contributing Writers Natalie Bartley Connie Daugherty Holly Endersby Clare Hafferman Cate Huisman Gail Jokerst Bernice Karnop Craig Larcom Liz Larcom Jack McNeel Michael McGough Dianna Troyer © 2013

solvency to Medicare and should be given time for full implementation. Congress should also consider allowing Medicare to negotiate with drug makers for lower prescription drug costs in Part D and allowing drug re-importation, which would save billions in the program. Claims that the only way to “save” Social Security is to cut benefits also ignores the fiscal facts. Social Security has not contributed one penny to the deficit and doesn’t even belong in a deficit debate. If solvency is truly the goal, then Congress needs to follow the advice of the vast majority of the American people who support lifting the payroll tax cap. For too long, many in Washington have claimed that “shared sacrifice” means that if a millionaire loses a tax break then the middle-class and poor must lose their modest benefits in Medicare or Social Security. This false equivalency pretends that a tax dollar lost to a millionaire or huge corporation is the same as a benefit dollar lost to a retiree living on $14,000 a year from Social Security. America’s seniors know that’s not a fair and balanced approach, it’s not sensible reform, and it’s not the path to economic recovery. ISI

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Reviewed by Connie Daugherty Oranges and Lemons: Rhymes from Past Times by Karen Dolby; Michael O’Mara Books Limited, London; 2012 Oranges and Lemons, by Karen Dolby will immediately transfer you back to your childhood with rhymes that are “interwoven with earliest memoriesâ€? – memories of innocent playtime as well as quiet reading with a parent or grandparent. Dolby remarks how surprising it was to find that those verses, mostly ignored for years, have been “effortlessly fixed in‌ memory when it seems so easy to forget much‌ [she] tried to learn since.â€? In her anthology of classic favorites, recently released and distributed by Trafalgar Square Publishing in Chicago, Dolby recalls her own childhood. “I can still remember the book of rhymes I looked at with my mother when I was very small,â€? she writes. But she takes those memories and delves further, exploring the origin of some of her favorite rhymes. Well researched and presented, with an index and bibliography, Oranges and Lemons is an enjoyable, light read for the memories it evokes and well as for the information the author provides. In her research, Dolby discovered that, “some of the oldest rhymes have the best-documented histories.â€? With others, she says the origins can be hidden and therefore impossible to find out what is true. Her thorough research dispels some familiar myths about some of the most well known rhymes like Ring-A-Ring O’ Roses, and confirms the origin stories of others. The book is divided into eleven sections, organized by selected themes. The first section is about alphabet and counting rhymes – methods that are still familiar around the world for teaching children to read and to count. Most of the rhymes in this section are still familiar today, and it is interesting to know that some of the origins probably had nothing to do with children or teaching, but just with accounting – for the sheep in a pen for example. In the next section, Dolby discusses nursery rhymes derived from longer ballads, “originally cheaply printed‌ widely circulated and often displayed on tavern walls.â€? She also notes that these “innocent stories‌ often had morality talks or underlying political messages.â€? For instance, check out There was a Crooked Man. What are called, “fortune rhymesâ€? are the focus of the next section; rhymes that celebrate festivals and reflect, “many ancient superstitions connected to the days of the week and seasons.â€? Included here are the familiar, Monday’s Child is Fair of Face, Sneeze on Monday, and Solomon Grundy.

Long before the Inquirer and People Magazine, inquiring minds wanted to know and loved to gossip, but they had to be a little more cautious about what they said about whom, especially the royalty. “As a result,â€? Dolby explains, “true identities were often hidden behind apparently innocent verses.â€? In this section, she explores the history of France and England and touches on other European countries from as far back as the 16th century through popular children’s rhymes. Ever wonder about Old King Cole, The Queen of Hearts, or good old, Humpty Dumpty? “Even today, nursery rhymes are appropriated and adapted‌ the same verse could apply to several different people or events. The mystery surrounding them seems to add to their charm,â€? Dolby writes in the introduction to the next section. So who are Georgie Porgie, Jack Sprat, Little Bo Peep, or Little Boy Blue really? The next section focuses on animal rhymes. Some of the rhymes in this section “hark back to ancient legendsâ€? and “a rich strand of folklore and superstition,â€? Dolby writes. While others are more contemporary, inspired by people, politics, and events. Did you know for instance that Baa, Baa Black Sheep was about a 13th century wool tax and that Mary had a Little Lamb was inspired by a true story or that it was considered bad luck to kill a ladybug? In the section that features the book’s title, Dolby explores rhymes with catchy or repetitive lyrics taken from longer folk songs that “made them popular for children’s games.â€? Some of these familiar songs date from the 1600s others are as recent as the 19th century; most have been added to or changed over the years. Check how Lavender’s Blue has changed over time. What about Oh Where, Oh Where has My Little Dog Gone, and the featured rhyme, Oranges and Lemons. How many verses of Yankee Doodle do you know? How often have you heard children reciting a TV commercial? It seems that this has a long history. In the next section, Dolby touches on rhymes going back as far as Roman times used as advertisements. “Travelling pedlars‌ craftsmenâ€? and vendors at fairs or the open market places would shout out sing-song rhymes to advertise their goods She reminds us that “children have kept these rhymes alive, setting clapping and other games and actions to them.â€? Think about Do You Know the Muffin Man, Peas Pudding Hot, and even Pat-a-Cake, Pat-a-Cake Baker’s Man. In one of her final sections, Dolby discusses the weather. “A wealth of weather lore developed alongside proverb-type rhymes about weather and moral warning,â€? she writes. “These were

IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT PAGE 5

passed on through an oral folk tradition for centuries until they were finally written down.â€? Most in this section are still familiar today, for example, Rain, Rain Go Away. Lullabies have probably always been a part of a mother’s repertoire, no matter how good or bad the singing voice. However, Dolby suggests that, “gentle rhythms and soothing sounds sometimes disguise‌ references to pagan beliefs in nature magic, good spells, and the occasional royal reference.â€? Think about Rock-a-Bye, Baby, and I See the Moon. In the last section, Dolby has fun with tongue twisters and rhyming riddles. Most of which are still familiar. How fast can you recite Peter Piper Picked a Peck? How about As I was Going to St. Ives – do you remember if it was an early math story problem or something more? Oranges and Lemons: Rhymes from Past Times is just plain fun with a plenty of interesting facts thrown in for good measure, sort of like the last chapter of the book. It is definitely worth reading. Karen Dolby has written a wide range of books for both children and adults including Chocolate Island, Dragon in the Cupboard, and House of Shadows as well as Homework Help for Moms and Dads. A collector of stories and strange facts, she inherited her love of nursery rhymes from her mother. ISI

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Idaho’s quirky historical conflicts entertain museum director By Dianna Troyer Jody Ochoa doesn’t have to flip on her television for entertainment from reality shows. Instead, the executive director of the Idaho State Historical Museum simply peruses the pages of Idaho’s history, which are peppered with stories of quirky characters and countless conflicts. “Idaho’s history is never dull,” says Jody, 61, who has worked for the Idaho State Historical Society for 30 years. “Hollywood script writers couldn’t come up with better stories than the real ones that actually took place in Idaho’s history.” To celebrate the sesquicentennial of Idaho Territory’s establishment on March 4, 1863, Jody, along with “a very talented and dedicated” museum staff and other Idaho historians have been working several years to organize a new exhibit Essential Idaho: 150 Things that Make the Gem State Unique. The 150 stories in the quintessential collection

characterize Idaho and represent views from the public, each county, and the state’s tribes. Essential Idaho is the largest exhibit ever organized at the museum and encompasses 3,000 square feet. It will be shown through December. Jody mentions a few of her favorite items in the exhibit: a sword, scabbard, and belt buckle owned by the late Major Pinkney Lugenbeel, who supervised the building of Fort Boise and platting of the town site. “One of his family members loaned these,” says Jody. “They were given to him when he was commissioned. Lugenbeel graduated from West Point in 1840, led a distinguished career, and in 1863 was chosen to select a site for the fort. He chose a point about 40 miles east of the original Hudson’s Bay Company Fort Boise, near Payette, and established Boise Barracks at a point that is now in city limits of Boise.” Another Idaho icon is Polly Bemis, whose tennis shoes, a child size 12, are displayed. Polly was born in China, sold as a concubine to a wealthy Chinese man living in Idaho, eventually gained her freedom, and married Charlie Bemis. Together she and Charlie filed a mining claim along the Salmon River, where she lived until she had stroke when she was 80 that led to her death. A modern item is the Leata car, manufactured in Post Falls in 1975 and named after the wife of its inventor Don Steinbaugh. The fuel-efficient Fiberglas car could go 50 miles on a gallon of gas. The company made only 22 of the Leata model cars and stopped after a year because the car was deemed too small to be practical and failed to generate enough sales. As she talks about the items displayed, Jody recalls one of her favorite stories – the feud between Lewiston and Boise about where the capital should be located.

President Abraham Lincoln established the Idaho Territory, and then appointed his friend William Wallace as the first governor in 1863. Wallace

went through Lewiston the year before and was impressed with its activity because of the mining boom, so he thought Lewiston would be the ideal site for the capital. The Lewiston he remembered was no longer there, because the mining boom had moved south to the area around Boise. Still, Idaho’s first legislative session was held in Lewiston. Wallace was elected a federal representative of the new territory, and Lincoln appointed Caleb Lyon to replace him the next year. He oversaw the second territorial session of the Idaho Legislature when they voted to move the capital to Boise, where the population was larger and new mining claims were booming. Lyon signed the bill into law and became very unpopular there. He eventually faked a hunting trip and left the state. Clinton DeWitt Smith, the new secretary of Idaho and acting governor, arrived in Lewiston in March of 1865. He made a good initial impression on Lewiston residents, but he eventually ordered federal soldiers from nearby Fort Lapwai to escort him to the territorial capitol building. He broke into the building, took the state’s seal and archives, and fled to Boise. “He finally arrived in Boise on the day Lincoln was shot, April 14, 1865.” The issue of where the capital should be located was finally decided in 1866, when Idaho Territorial Supreme Court justices voted 2-1 that Boise should be the capital. For Jody, such stories and exhibits make her workday entertaining instead of drudgery. “It’s great working with an incredible group of people. We learn something new about Idaho history every day. Our days are never dull.” Her job satisfaction helps her deal with funding frustrations. “People think because we’re part of state government, we have plenty of funding. But state money makes up only half our budget. For the remainder, we rely on grants, admission fees, and other fund-raising projects to stay open and keep exhibits relevant and fresh. We’re already planning our next projects and exhibits.” ISI

Assertiveness A mild-mannered man was tired of being bossed around by his wife so he went to a psychiatrist. The psychiatrist said he needed to build his self-esteem, and gave him a book on assertiveness, which he read and finished on the way home. The man stormed into the house and walked up to his wife. Pointing a finger in her face he said, “From now on, I want you to know that I am the man of this house and my word is law! I want you to prepare me a gourmet meal tonight and when I am finished eating my meal, I expect a sumptuous dessert. “Then, after dinner, you’re going to draw my bath so I can relax. And when I’m finished with my bath, guess who’s going to dress me and comb my hair?” “The funeral director,” said his wife. ISI

APRIL/MAY 2013

It seems that birds come and go depending on the season. After a long cold winter, it is nice to see them returning with their gleeful songs and colorful feathers ready to build nests and get about the business of raising new families. Our staff has created a puzzle that should stimulate our bird-loving readers by challenging you to share your knowledge of state birds. It rained hundreds of answers to the Cats and Dogs quiz that appeared in our February/ March 2013. Thank you to all of you who par-

ticipated. The winner selected from the correct answers submitted is John Krauch of Challis. Congratulations to John, winner of our $50 cash prize! 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 entry that our staff selects as the featured quiz or puzzle in the “Contest Corner” for that issue. Be creative and send us some good, fun, and interesting puzzles!

Official State Birds Idaho Senior Independent Staff It’s springtime and the birds are already returning to our northern climes to greet us with their cheerful songs and colorful plumage. Since bird watching is one of our readers’ favorite activities, we thought you would enjoy this quiz related to official state birds. Each multiple-choice question presents a state and a choice of birds. Jot down the official state bird for each state and drop your answers in the mail (or email) to us. You could win the $25 prize! 1. What is the state bird of Alabama? a. Cactus Wren b. Willow Ptarmigan c. Northern Flicker d. Western Meadowlark 2. What is the state bird of Alaska? a. Willow Ptarmigan b. Northern Flicker c. Black Capped Chickadee d. American Robin 3. What is the state bird of Arizona? a. Cactus Wren b. Northern Flicker c. Willow Ptarmigan d. Western Meadowlark 4. What is the state bird of California? a. Lark Bunting b. California Quail c. Mockingbird d. American Robin 5. What is the state bird of Arkansas? a. Lark Bunting b. California Quail c. Mockingbird d. Western Meadowlark 6. What is the state bird of Colorado? a. Lark Bunting b. California Quail c. Killdeer d. American Robin 7. What is the state bird of Delaware? a. Blue Hen Chicken

b. Florida Wren c. Brown Thrasher d. Northern Cardinal 8. What is the state bird of Florida? a. Brown Pelican b. Northern Mockingbird c. Blue Hen Chicken d. Willow Goldfinch 9. What is the state bird of Georgia? a. Blue Hen Chicken b. Brown Thrasher c. Northern Mockingbird d. Northern Cardinal 10. What is the state bird of Hawaii? a. Hawaiian Goose b. Brown Thrasher c. Mockingbird d. Blackbird 11. What is the state bird of Wyoming? a. Lark Bunting b. Western Meadowlark c. Mockingbird d. American Robin 12. What is the state bird of Wisconsin? a. Brown Thrasher b. American Robin c. Mockingbird d. Blackbird 13. What is the state bird of West Virginia? a. Cactus Wren b. Willow Ptarmigan c. Northern Cardinal d. Western Meadowlark 14. What is the state bird of Washington? a. Mockingbird b. Willow Goldfinch c. Lark Bunting d. American Robin 15. What is the state bird of Virginia? a. Northern Cardinal b. Brown Thrasher c. Mockingbird d. Blackbird ISI

IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT PAGE 7

The second $25 prize goes to the person who submits the correct answers to the featured quiz or puzzle from the previous issue. When there is a tie, the winner is determined by a drawing. Please mail your entries to the Idaho Senior Independent, P.O. Box 3341, Great Falls, MT 59403, or email to idahoseniorind@bresnan.net by May 10, 2013 for our June/July 2013 edition. Be sure to work the crossword puzzle on our website www.idahoseniorindependent.com.

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40. Wing-shaped 41. *2002 gold medal skater, Hughes 43. Angelina’s husband 44. Like a wall covered with certain evergreen 46. Hurtful remark 47. *Quipping Hall-of-Famer 48. *PGA great, Byron 50. Snakelike sushi staple 52. Last word of “America, the Beautiful” 53. Wasn’t straight 55. Romanian money 57. *He led an army? 60. *”His Airness” 63. Rub hard 64. Boiling blood 66. Farewell, to ami 68. African tea or chew 69. Rank above maj. 70. Prison-related 71. Strong desires 72. ___ Aviv 73. Go the way of Vesuvius

DOWN 1. Tiller’s tool 2. Hurry! 3. Poison ivy woe 4. Clay pigeon shooting 5. Render something holy 6. Not misses 7. *Rhyming fighter 8. Cafe order

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21. Unwelcome to a comedian 23. High rocky hill 24. Ditto 25. Wear and tear 28. Opposite of warp in weaving 30. Exhort 35. South of Market Area in San Francisco 37. Like Oscar in “The Odd Couple” 39. Composer of American military marches

9. Central to NYC 10. Seed cover 11. *Soccer great known by single name 12. Online pop-ups 15. *Reggie Miller’s team 20. *Ali seem to relish it 22. Down Under bird 24. With an illustrious past? 25. *Fastest man on Earth 26. To crack, as in case 27. Inbox letter 29. We pledge allegiance to it 31. Pass 32. Continental money 33. Missouri River tributary 34. *Bela Karolyi prodigy 36. Mars, to the Greeks 38. *He was passed by Hammerin’ Hank 42. Conversation starter 45. Sorrows 49. Not a thing 51. Colorful Mexican wrap 54. Order 56. Milk dispenser 57. Dull pain 58. Multicolored horse 59. Brazils or filberts, e.g. 60. Become gelatinous 61. Hokkaido language 62. Less than average tide 63. Blue hue 65. Future fish 67. Last, abbr. ISI

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Senior games bicyclist – Kelly Haberman Article & Photo By Jack McNeel Kelly Haberman entered the senior games in Lewiston last year as a bicyclist at age 52. That alone is not remarkable but what is remarkable is that just two years earlier she had both knees replaced – and lost 135 d Th k bl ! pounds. That iis remarkable! Then she entered the Idaho State Senior games in Boise and raced fast enough to qualify for the National Senior Games. Last October she entered the Huntsman World Senior Games in St. George, Utah, which is much larger in numbers of bicyclists than either of the Idaho events. She is passing on the Nationals because they’re being held in Cleveland and she’s waiting for games closer to Idaho. Kelly was born in Portland but grew up in Lewiston. She married Mike in 1990 and their son Frederick is now a junior at the University of Idaho. Her main interest, outside of family, was raising and showing paint horses. “It was a big part of my life for about 40 years,” she says. They still have horses but no longer show them. Kelly’s knees had bothered her since childhood, and gradually worsened. That caused the weight gain. The pain became so bad she couldn’t exercise. “If you eat and don’t move, you gain weight,” she says matter-of-factly. It came as a relief when her doctor said it was time to have both knees replaced. The surgeries were done just a month apart. “The doctor told me I’d lose weight after surgery. I lost 30 pounds in six months. I gave up pop and French fries but wasn’t dieting. I’m still not. I

started feeling good. My knees started healing. One thing led to another and I feel amazing. I’m sure he (doctor) didn’t think peddling on a recumbent bike in the house for rehabilitation would turn into bike racing,” she says with a laugh. The weight loss continued, without surgery and without pills. “I did it with sheer determination,” she adds, “with hard work and new knees.” Kelly found an app on her iPad called Lose It! She has used that program ever since and it will be two years this June. “I keep a food journal and also keep track of my exercise. It becomes sort of a game. I eat whatever I want but I have some rules I’ve set for myself and try to stick to those rules plus the journal and have been successful that way. It’s been sort of a fun way of losing weight, and cycling does burn a lot of calories. It’s based on calories in, calories out.” Exercise is important both for weight loss and also training for bike races. “I try to get on my bike as much as I can.” Kelly lives on a gravel road so it involves driving to pavement to begin biking. “When I go to town on a gym day I take my bike. After the gym I ride my bike and I ride with a bike club. I’ve done a couple of century rides, 100 mile rides. It’s a lot of fun and there are a lot of cyclists.” In the Lewis-Clark Senior Games, Kelly explains for bicyclists there are essentially two categories of races: time trials and road races. Time trials are normally 5K or 10K races while road races are longer, usually 20K or 40K. Asked if she went all out she laughs and says, “Oh yeah! You’re racing the clock besides trying to beat your competition. You peddle as hard as you can.” There is also a slight difference in bikes used between the two types of races. Bicyclists use arrow bars on the bikes during the time trials. These are the bars attached to the handle bars that allow the rider to bend lower and thus are more aerodynamic. Last year she rode the same bike but was able to add the arrow bars during the time trials. This year she will be better equipped. “I have a bike built for time trials so the arrow bars are not removable. It’s lighter, faster, more aerodynamic. They’re carbon – and expensive,” she adds. Cyclists compete against each other based

on age and gender. Kelly competes in the 50-55 women’s bracket. The Lewiston event in bicycling is pretty small. There were only a dozen or so entered last spring. Last year they only offered a single event, a 10K time trial but Kelly thinks there will be a second race added this year. The Idaho State Senior Games had two to three times that number. “It’s tough for competitors to come from out of town for one race.” The Huntsman World Senior Games in Utah last year had roughly 400 cyclists. She plans to attend again this coming fall. “I’m more prepared,” she says. “I have the new bike and I’m going to be in better shape. (Continued on page 18)

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Museum of Idaho Presents Carousels: Art and History in Motion Thru May 7, 2013 By Laura Simpson and Jordan Hinckley In today’s fast-paced world, not a day goes by that most of us aren’t besieged by a variety of demands, leaving us completely frazzled. While our daily lives might be swinging toward two-second Facebook status updates and brutally succinct tweets, there’s still one place where time almost

stands still – the carousel. Filled with charm and nostalgic beauty, carousels instantly transport us to the leisurely, carefree days of our youth. Children experience the magic as their little hands grip the ornately decorated animals, parents and grandparents see life through younger eyes filled with wonder and amazement, teens momentarily forget their challenges as they dissolve into laughter, and even romance can spark beneath the ambient array of lights and music. Considering the dedication, precision, and talent carousel carvers took in creating the artistry and the detail found in the wooden carousels of yesteryear, carousels have become a beloved icon that has stood the test of time, and thru May 27, you can experience the magic of carousels all over again at the Museum of Idaho. Filled with whimsical animals and memories around every corner, the Museum of Idaho presents Carousels: Art and History in Motion. Complete with 100 authentic, hand-carved figures, this working carousel that young visitors ages 2-10 can ride will delight the young and old. Visitors will learn the rich history surrounding the carousel, gain insight at the science behind the engines, gears, and motion, understand the importance of restoration and preservation of these masterpieces, and marvel at the rich display of artistic ability reflected in the armored horses and menagerie animals. The Carousel’s Beginning – The history of carousels dates to the 1100s when Arabian and Turkish horsemen played a game on horseback that tested the riders’ skills. Italian and Spanish crusaders described it as a “little war” or garosello and carosella. The crusaders returned to Europe, bringing the game back with them where it became an extravagant display of horsemanship and status that the French referred to as carrousel. By the mid 1800s, the carousel made its way to America where modifications and upgrades were made. American artisans, such as Dentzel, Loof, and Stein and Goldstein, created more elaborate figures and bases. Since everything was carved from wood, the detail

of the American carousel was magnificent. War, patriotic, and armored horses, unique animals such as zebras, lions, tigers, ostriches, bears, and mythical creatures were included to increase the fantasy aspect of the ride. It was during this time that carousels were gaining popularity as a great form of entertainment and were added to amusement parks, carnivals, and many resorts and parks. The Carousel’s End – The American carousel’s golden age lasted until the Great Depression in the 1930s. With the decline in the economy, the few remaining companies either closed or moved on to work on other products, resulting in many carousels being abandoned or destroyed. During the golden age of the American carousel, over 4,000 carousels were built. Sadly, approximately 125 of them are working today. In the 1970s, interest in carousel animals was renewed but this time as beautiful collector pieces, which significantly increased the value of the surviving wood animals. How the Collection Originated – In the 1970s, Duane Perron bought his wife, Carol, a wooden carousel horse. That gift started the Perrons on a collection journey that spanned decades. Currently, their collection consists of 750 artifacts, making them the proud owners of the largest collection of carousel animals. Their love of carousels doesn’t stop at collecting. They also enjoy the lost art of restoring carousel pieces. Duane specializes in the actual restoration and carving, while Carol adds the artistic touch by repainting them. To date, they have restored seven fully operational carousels. Exhibit Information – Carousels: Art and History in Motion is open through May 27, 2013 at the Museum of Idaho. Admission prices are $8/adult, $7/senior, $6/ youth (ages 4-17), $25/family, and $20/family on Family Night (Mondays from 5 – 8 p.m.). Hours are Monday – Tuesday from 9 a.m. – 8 p.m., Wednesday – Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., and closed on Sunday. For more information, please contact us at 208-522-1400 or visit our website at www.museumofidaho.org. ISI

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It’s hard to believe that spring is upon us, as we watch the late snow falling and clinging beautifully to the trees and ground. Warm weather will be here soon and new life will burst forth everywhere. What better time than spring to find that new and special someone to bring into your life. Take time today to write a personal ad or reply to one of the personal ads on these pages. To respond to any of these personal ads, simply forward your message, address, 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 your address, phone number, and/or email address to the person placing the ad. When you answer 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 be sure you submit your correct address plainly printed, so you can promptly receive responses. 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 true love! Responses to personal ads appearing in this column can be submitted at any time. However, to place a personal ad to appear in the June/ July 2013 issue, the deadline is May 10, 2013. I am a SWF, 70 years young. 5’4� in good condition. I am a Christian. I enjoy country music, song, blue grass gospel, camping, fishing, fun, and good sense of humor. I enjoy dance, quiet romantic dinners, and movies. I do not drink alcohol or smoke anything. I am a widow after being married since 1959 with the same man. He passed away last year from a long battle with cancer. I live alone with two small dogs. I am interested in phone visits, e-mail, and sharing letters first. Reply ISI, Dept. 9101, c/o Idaho Senior Independent, Box 3341, Great Falls, MT 59403. SF. Are you a male 70+ not ready for a rocking chair? Non-smoker, positive, fun loving. Waiting to hear from you. Picture please. Reply ISI, Dept. 9102, c/o Idaho Senior Independent, Box 3341, Great Falls, MT 59403.

IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT PAGE 11

SWM, widower, 6’2�, 180#, 70-years-young, N/S, N/D, N/Drugs, nondenominational Christian, retired professional searching for a woman who has everything except a loving man. Am looking for real love (spiritual and physical). She must be joyful and a down-to-earth woman comfortable in Levis or an evening gown. I like the outdoors, travel, flying, bicycling, walking, hiking, dancing, exploring, etc. Am looking for a woman who makes her man number one in her life – who would like to follow the sun with her man without being tied down to relatives, home, or pets. Please write if this fits you. Reply ISI, Dept. 9103, c/o Idaho Senior Independent, Box 3341, Great Falls, MT 59403. SWM, N/S, N/D, very active, healthy, and secure, down-to-earth gentleman with a wide range of interests and abilities. Seeking a lady partner who likes conservative politics, antiques, cultural events, art, nature, and exploring life. Believes in personal responsibility and integrity. Want to retire in rural Boise area. Reply ISI, Dept. 9104, c/o Idaho Senior Independent, Box 3341, Great Falls, MT 59403 SWF, I love to laugh and have fun. I am not high-maintenance, but I am old fashioned, honest, and a team player with a lot of respect for others. I love to go to Rodeos and look great in jeans. I enjoy spending time in the sun and dancing, crafts, junk sales, RVing, and college football. I would even relocate for the right guy. I am looking for an extroverted senior, not ready for the rocking chair. 70+, 5’8� non-smoker, social drinker. Reply ISI, Dept. 9105, c/o Idaho Senior Independent, Box 3341, Great Falls, MT 59403. I ain’t much, baby, but I’m all I’ve got! Healthy SWM, 82, and on the go. I play table tennis and croquet. I ride my bicycle, do short hikes, and occasionally camp out. I do lots of yard work and home upgrades. My investments all took a nosedive. I like day

Dear Milkman... A collection of notes It is probably a rarity when anyone in the United States today gets their milk home delivered – a regular event in the 1950s – but the notes below are good for a laugh, remembering the good ‘ol days of home milk delivery. Dear Milkman: I’ve just had a baby, please leave another one. Dear Milkman: Please leave an extra pint of paralysed milk. Dear Milkman: Please don’t leave any more milk. All they do is drink it. Dear Milkman: Please close the gate behind you because the birds keep pecking the tops off the milk. Dear Milkman: Please cancel milk. I have nothing coming into the house but two sons on the dole. Dear Milkman: Sorry not to have paid your bill before, but my wife had a baby and I’ve been carrying it around in my pocket for weeks. Dear Milkman: Sorry about yesterday’s note. I didn’t mean one egg and a dozen pints, but the other way round. Dear Milkman: When you leave my milk please knock on my bedroom window and wake me because I want you to give me a hand to turn the mattress. ISI

trips, back roads, home BBQs, companionship, and a wholesome woman. I am not religious and am a non-smoker. Greenacres (Spokane Valley) is home to me. I like to LOL every day. I also can be on the quiet side and a bit of an introvert. Coffee? Tea? Glass of wine? Walk in the park? Email buddy? Reply ISI, Dept. 9106, c/o Idaho Senior Independent, Box 3341, Great Falls, MT 59403 I am a WWF looking for a pen pal for friendship. I love to write and will answer all letters. Please send name, address, and phone number. I await your reply. Reply ISI, Dept. 9107, c/o Idaho Senior Independent, Box 3341, Great Falls, MT 59403 ISI

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Doing It Cheaper By Clare Hafferman If you were raised during the Depression as I was, you probably have achieved what you have and what you give to others – by doing things cheaper. Using that idea in the world of gardening, I have thought of several things either you don’t need or for which you can substitute. Don’t hit me with your elbow and say, “Oh yeah?� because I do admit to saving for strictly nonutilitarian items, but that’s the point. If you make

do with homemade, then there are bucks you can spend for extras. What brought this to mind were different ads for compost containers, those receptacles for coffee grounds, tea bags, eggshells, vegetable and fruit peelings, citrus remains, and unwanted cooked vegetables. If you want to be on top of it all and buy the latest container and all the equipment necessary to monitor the pile, you will buy a number of items, beginning with one metal bucket, 11� high and 7� wide, priced at $55.95. Once you accumulate enough kitchen scraps to aim for the bin or pile, count on buying some Vermipods. These should contain at least one earthworm case, which when hatched will start chewing away. Vermi-pods cost $16.95 each. If you get tired of scrubbing out the container, you can purchase biodegradable bags. One bag handles 3 gallons of food for the worms and then can be tossed into the pile; where, you’re right, it will decompose. Twenty-five bags sell for $10.95. Less expensive is something labeled as QR starter for $5.95. The QR stands for Quick Return and is advertised as being a powder made and used in Great Britain for the past 40 years, where we know each citizen has or longs for their own little plot. You mix this powder with water and it immediately starts decomposition in your compost pile. Then to be sure things are heating up as they should, purchase a compost thermometer, which sells for $33.50. The information that comes with it should tell you what degree of warmth is necessary to assure that decay is taking place. To keep things stirred up to achieve that, look for a compost aerator, a long 32� tool worth $29.95, that has a wooden handle at the top and hinged blades at the bottom. When you turn the handle, the blades open to pull material out

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and create a new passage of air in the pile. Then the last item to make you the best compost maker on your block would be a soil sieve, which will sift soil or compost into a fluffy medium. The sieve is made of stainless steel and has three screens with different size holes. You sieve over a bucket and throw any big chunks back in the pile. Sieves sell for $25.50, guaranteed to last for years. All the items I have mentioned total $156.40, plus shipping. But let’s imagine you are only beginning a compost operation to create that “Black Gold� to spread on your plot. There is no gardener who has successfully created compost, who hasn’t said to himself, like the old gold miners in the past, “Dear God, I wish I had more!� Having described the more expensive solutions, let me list some more expedient ideas. In 1989, my husband and I moved into the house he had built with some help from one of our sons, and which I mostly painted. We hired a friend to do the taping and texturing of the drywall. He left me one of the small mud buckets and for 22 years, it has lived under my sink as the compost container. I empty it every two days and wash it out. My husband built me a compost bin out of old lumber and put it against the west wall of our old garage. It’s about 8 ft. long and 4 ft. wide. I stir up the compost with a pitchfork or a shovel and when I dig down in the pile, I fork up the black stuff and sift it over a wooden frame that has chicken wire tacked under it. I put this frame over the wheelbarrow, use my gloved hand to push compost through, and throw the big chunks back. The compost is alive with the worms doing their job, and I didn’t buy even one of them. If I want to see if things are heating up, I take off a glove and feel down to the bottom. If it’s warm or getting hotter, I’m happy. If you’ve started production and can dig under a couple of layers, you can make “compost tea,� which just spreads the benefits via added water. Take a pair of nylon knee high stockings, tie a knot in the foot, open up the top, and fill the sock with compost. Tie another knot in the top and drop the sock in a bucket of water. When this has soaked a couple of days, use this “joy juice,� to water your garden. To make more compost than what your bucket

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or your yard can provide in the way of grass clippings, cut off stems and flowers, apples that fall and discarded plants, you might check with any neighbors who don=t maintain “golf course lawns,” or with your local Park & Recreation Department. Some cities collect leaves, maintain a dump for

IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT PAGE 15

these, and give them away to citizens who will sack and haul them away. One word of caution if you are new to the world of compost buckets, don=t add any meat scraps or grease to your container. This just attracts wandering animals. Avoid grass that=s been treated with

an herbicide, and if the weather turns hot, give the pile a drink of water. There is always a cheaper way to do things. It only requires a thinner wallet and some imagination. Think about it! ISI

Real Estate Investing – How to get started By Andy Ballentine You’ve heard the stories about people making millions in real estate, so is it really any surprise why so many people view real estate as a serious investment vehicle? Real Estate investing offers more security than the stock market and provides returns of at least equal magnitude, coupled with attractive tax benefits. Let’s face it; anybody can trade stocks from their phone or home computer. Real estate investment, however, is a real head turner whenever it comes to tangible assets. One of the greatest challenges in real estate investment is finding the money up front to acquire your first real estate investment property. Surprisingly, though, this is not your biggest obstacle. That’s right! Finding the cash upfront is not the greatest obstacle to real estate investment. Facts are, hardly anyone who buys real estate has the money in their personal account to pay for it. And that’s where your banker comes in. Let’s face it; do you know anyone who owns their own home? I mean really owns it? Of course you’ll know many people who have a property in their name they call their own. Take a look, however, into their personal finances and soon you’ll discover who really owns their property. It’s the bank, of course. Remember, your liability is your bank manager’s asset. So if these people can use the bank’s money to buy a property, then why can’t you? I know ‘owning’ your own home may sound like the obvious way to go, but if you really want to get on the first rung of the real estate investment ladder, then this is the best way to get started in real estate investment. Why then is this first step completely overlooked by many people? Just take a look at how many are still renting instead of buying property. Now of course the relationship between rented and private housing prices varies from area to area. But wherever you go, you will still find many people renting, simply because in their minds “they don’t have enough money to buy a house.” In reality, though, it may be much cheaper for them to buy! When you rent, you are more or less throwing good money down the drain. Of course, you have the pleasure of a home, but from the point of view of real estate investing, you are not actually building for the long term. Remember, every dollar you spend on rent is a dollar you will never see again. Whereas if you own your own home, instead of paying rent you are paying your mortgage. And even though there’s a variance in terms of what mortgage deals are offered across the market, the basics of mortgages are more or less the

same. Every month you make a payment that than the mortgage resting on it. So make sure consists of two parts: interest and principle. You you don’t overstretch yourself financially by might compare the interest part to rent. These taking on too much. In the long run, real estate dollars are gone once they’re paid; however, the prices have risen, but in any cycle, there are part of the payment that goes to the principle is down periods. By staying within your limits and money you keep. Every dollar that is used to pay being patient, you’ll be able to sit tight through the off the principal is a dollar in YOUR own pocket. hard times yet profit from the long term upwards So if you’re thinking about getting started trend in real estate investing. Copyright © Andy Ballentine & Loanstarmtg. in real estate and you don’t yet ‘own’ your own home, now’s the time to take your first step to- com. All Rights reserved. http://EzineArticles. wards building capital with your own real estate com/?expert=Andy_Ballentine. ISI investment. Financially, it makes sense because the real estate investment vehicle also supplies greater opportunity for building your net worth. Simply put, when real estate prices go up, so does the value of property. Conversely, the money you owe at the bank – your mortgage – remains the same. Compare this to the financial reality of those people who continue paying rent. Their net worth remains the same. However, their landlord’s net worth is doing very nicely, thank you, and their landlord is happy for the status quo to continue. So if you would rather build your own capital, then consider buying your own home! Many homeowners accumulate more money through appreciation of their property assets than they do working a full time job. Be warned, though, this is not always the case. As we have all learned recently, the price of real estate can go down as well as up. If for some reason you have Maintenance Free Living to sell your home in a Custom Single Family Homes Gated Entry down market, it can be Western Community Clubhouse Putting Green a costly venture. In fact, Montana’s Convenient Location Parks & Walking Trails you wouldn’t be the first Energy Star Efficient Homes to end up with a house Only 55+ worth considerably less 406.546.6930 KootenaiCreekVillage.com Community

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Elmer Crow Keeps The Nez Perce Culture Alive Article & Photo By Jack McNeel The Nez Perce are hunters and fishermen. Before modern equipment, for centuries it was a subsistence living using obsidian knives, bows and arrows from yew and other woods, nets made of hemp, and gaff hooks of deer antler. That culture began to ebb after Lewis and Clark arrived and after missions and trading posts were established across Nez Perce traditional homelands. Today that knowledge has been largely lost in favor of modern weapons, nylon nets, and steel knives. Elmer Crow, Jr. in Lapwai still knows the old ways and creates these items both to use and to teach school youngsters the ways of their

ancestors. Elmer, 69, was born here, is an enrolled Nez Perce, and has been working with the tribal fisheries agency for the past 16 years. Before that, he had his own construction company for 26 years. Elmer and his wife Linda have been married for 43 years and have four children and six grandkids. Sitting with him, listening to him, looking at the many items he has made, is an education in itself. Asked if others are still making similar traditional Nez Perce items, he responds, “Not that I know of.” Elmer picks up a dip net and says when he started talking to school classes he showed them modern items but realized, the kids didn’t get to see the traditional ones and I knew how to build them. This dip net he now uses in classes. “That’s a yew wood hoop. It took about 2½ weeks to bend to where I wanted it. It’s got a hemp line for net. The black stuff on it is pitch to waterproof it. It doesn’t make it any stronger.” One wall in Elmer’s home is lined with gear he’s made. He points to another object about 6 feet long. “That’s an old guy’s fishing tool. You walk along early in the morning or late in the evening in high water. The fish float up and down and you can see them and you aim that toward his gills. You run it through the gills and pull real quick. The point is made of deer horn. When you jerk back it turns sideways and there’s no way the fish is going to pull free. That’s cool and the kids like it. It’s all traditional.” Elmer made it out of red fir and

hemp line. He picks up a traditional gaff pole. The business end is made of a whitetail antler. “There’s nothing stronger than the 2nd and 3rd tine from a white-tailed deer. It will not break. It’s a perfect hook. You don’t have to do a thing to it.” Taking salmon with a gaff requires some special skills as Elmer explains. “When you feel for the fish you’re touching rocks and can feel it. A lot of this is in the touch. A lot of people can’t do this. I was one of the fortunate ones. I have a very, very good touch. I can tell whether I touch the head, the body, or the tail. When you feel the fish you jerk. This (antler) pops off. You drag him in.” Much of this knowledge came to Elmer as a youngster from adults living in the area. He used a large net for catching eels as one example. “Uncle Jones lived right down here when I was small. I would go by and he had one of these hanging in his shed. Every time I went by I inspected it. Sixty years later I sat down and built one. The net is hemp and the wood is yew.” He points to the small cross piece and says, “This is basically a handle and you move the net through the water like moving a paddle. You fish for eels when they are traveling in the evening or early morning while it’s still dark.” That also makes it less likely they’ll see the net. “This is probably the first eel net that’s been built in 60 years,” he adds. Few eels travel up

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this far up anymore but at one time Elmer says, “We had thousands of them.” One of the projects of the fisheries department is to increase the return of eels to these waters. Elmer displays more of his work. “That’s my war club. It’s buffalo horn and rawhide with a yew wood handle. I use yew a lot because it’s very, very strong.” We then moved to bows. “This is a yew wood bow.” Then he shows another of Osage orange. “I have no problem hunting with them. In fact my wife’s first experience hunting with me was with a bow.” Then he produces one I’d never seen before. “Here’s one of rocky mountain sheep horn with eel skin.” Still another is made of syringa with sinew backing for strength. “It doesn’t make the bow stronger but what it does, when you stretch the bow the sinew will stretch and the release of the

arrow snaps that sucker right out there.” Another bow is backed with salmon skin. “It works on the same order as sinew,” he explains. Elmer then hands me his grandson’s small bow. “Don’t think it’s a toy. You could shoot rabbits, small game with this. It’s got about a 25-30 pound pull. Kids had to learn how to use them and treat them properly when they were young.” The power of these bows is astounding. They are rather short and designed for shooting from a horse. They needed to be easy to handle while hunting buffalo with short, quick shots. “You could make these with 80- to 100-pound pull.” The one he’s holding has about a 75-pound pull. “Grandpa Johnson, who was a warrior in the 1877 War when the Nez Perce made their run – he taught me how to make this one.” Knives of obsidian with antler handles were in

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another box. The obsidian comes from Oregon. Another has a handle of sheep horn. “Kids think it’s plastic,” he says with a laugh. One with antler handle he had used in the buffalo country of Montana to take care of a buffalo. “It still has grease on it,” he points out – and it’s sharp! Elmer talks of the time when the Nez Perce would use sturgeon skin for their moccasins to make them waterproof. “I was very fortunate. I was raised by my grandmother and my teachers, five of them, were in the Nez Perce War. I actually got to learn from my elders.” Elmer Crow is descended on his mother’s side from the Nez Perce band that first met Lewis and Clark. His dad’s side is Cayuse and he is a direct descendent of Five Crows, one of the signers of the 1855 Treaty. “He was head chief of the whole Cayuse Nation,” Elmer adds. ISI

Fishing outfitter Evelyn Kaide Article & Photo By Jack McNeel Evelyn Kaide has spent most of her adult life working in the outfitting and guiding business for hunters and anglers. It’s an unusual occupation for a woman and perhaps even more unusual in that all her guides are men. “I don’t know anything else,” she says with a laugh. “I was in my early 30s when I started seriously.” She is now 68 and chuckles when she says, “I’m pretty proud of getting there.” Evelyn is celebrating her 21st year as a fishing outfitter at Orofino on the Clearwater River and owns The Guide Shop where she employs about 10 men as guides while she oversees the whole operation as the outfitter. The number of guides varies a bit during the year as fishing seasons change but it’s a twelve-month business. Evelyn was born and raised in the Phoenix area and married after high school. They hunted lion and bear in Arizona before moving to Montana and buying an outfit they called the Birch Creek Outfitters. From there in was on to Challis, working the Frank Church Wilderness Area from 1983 until 1994. In 1992 they also bought the fishing business in Orofino to offer something a little different to their customers as well as something extra for their guides. The next move was in 1994 when they sold the business in Challis and moved the hunting part to British Columbia. Then a divorce split the business and Evelyn moved to Orofino permanently as owner and outfitter for The Guide Shop. She is obviously very proud of the men who work for her. “They’re awesome guides. They’re just like my kids. They’re all in that age, early 30s. Some have been with me 18 years and most have been here about 10 years. They stay with me.” The guides come from McCall, Missoula, Hailey, Boise, and more locally. “They’re just really good guys,” she adds. Steelhead are the most important resource and the Clearwater River is noted for having a run of large steelhead. Overall size is down a bit from years in the past but it’s still possible to catch the occasional 20-pound fish. Success rates were down this past season as the fish run was smaller but the previous two seasons were exceptional. “Everybody caught fish then,” she relates. Evelyn gives credit to the agencies involved with steelhead management. “They’ve done a good job raising them and getting them back in the last few years.” Evelyn’s time is largely spent in the shop or in shuttling people around but she does like to fish. “When I get a little grumpy the guys say, ‘You need to fish!’ They’re right, I do.” Fishing for steelhead begins with fly fishing from September through mid-October. Then it’s catch and keep and fishing continues through

about mid-March, depending on winter run-off. something to let them know we’re here for them. Salmon fishing takes over in May and June. The It’s one of the things I’m really proud of doing.” An remaining months feature fishing on Dworshak unusual aspect to this group is that all the women Reservoir for a variety of species with smallmouth were once outfitters. “Some still are and others bass and kokanee perhaps most noteworthy, along have retired,” she added. with “some good trout and nice crappie,” Evelyn The fishing event is in the planning stages says. “And it’s beautiful! That’s my favorite time and will actually take place next February. Evelyn because we’re not really busy here and it’s warm. explains, “We’re going to do an eye care fishing The limit is 25 kokanee and you can frequently event for two days. All that money is going to go limit out. The bass limit is 6 to eye care. All my guys are on board. They’re goand depending on what size ing to donate their time. I think it will be awesome. you want to keep you can limit Fishing should be good in February and I think it out on them too. It’s a good time to bring your family because the kids can pull those kokanee in.” The state record smallmouth came from Dworshak Reservoir and approached the 10 pound mark. The oldest age class of kokanee in the reservoir averaged about a pound each, good size for kokanee. Twenty-one years of operation have created many repeat customers. “Word of mouth is where we get most of our clients,” Evelyn says. The majority come from a radius of about 400 miles around Orofino: Boise, Spokane, Billings, Bozeman, Twin Falls, and Idaho Falls. “We have some fly in but most drive,” she says. They also come from across the country as far away as New York. One group from France has come the last five or six years as well. Clearwater “Sales • Installation • Service” steelhead fishing has that kind of draw. She also takes groups: a bunch of vetIf you’re one of those people who have put off doing business at OVERHEAD DOOR COMPANY OF LEWISTONerans from Spokane is one and a group CLARKSTON, then you’re missing out on a comfortable of Cessna owners is another. “We have experience. quite a few corporate groups that have OVERHEAD DOOR COMPANY OF LEWISTONbeen with us for 10 or 15 years. Those CLARKSTON is located at 422 20th Street North in Lewiston, sorts of things are really fun,” Evelyn phone 743-8485 or 1-800-950-8485. We understand how very, adds. very important repeat customers are. That’s why you will notice Evelyn also does a lot of volunteer the extra personal attention that’s given such a high priority here to work, and some pertains to fishing. She every person who comes to us. We specialize in offering Overhead door sales, installations and service. We offer manual, electrically belongs to Kiwanis and participates in operated and remote control systems with a model for every its activities. About five years ago, a conceivable application. Repeat customers are a long tradition and group of women started an eye care a way of life. Let us have an opportunity to earn your trust. program called Cancer Assisted Recovery. “We do fund raisers to help people who have cancer,” she explains. Activities have included a hometown barn dance, a chili and pie contest and dance, and a wacky-tacky wine event. “In April we have a big rib-eye steak cookout in the park and we feed about 250 people. Half the money goes to eye care. We’ve helped almost 100 people in the last 5 years. Just

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will be a really good fund raiser.” The normal rate charged for a day of fishing is $225 but for this event that price is being reduced to $100 – and the entire amount will go to the eye care cancer fund.

Senior Games Bicyclist Continued from page 9 I started CrossFit training in January so besides that and the cardio I do, and the weight training – yep, I’m going to be faster this year. Or that’s my goal,” she says. Kelly describes herself as a “gym junkie. A gymnaholic.” She says her mother, now 77, could also qualify for that description. “Mom does yoga, body pumps, spinning, and cardio at the gym. I spin three days a week and lift weights,” in addition to the CrossFit training and the bicycling. “I also do a ‘fit and fall’ class for seniors, to get seniors moving. We have a great time. I’m the youngest. The oldest is 95.” Kelly encourages others to become involved. “Competing can be fun because it can be a personal goal. You don’t have to beat anybody. It’s just fun to compete against yourself, to see what you can do.” And remember – cycling does burn lots of calories. ISI

“There’s so much cancer out there,” Evelyn explains. “We had five new calls this past week from people who are getting treatment. You just fill out an application, say you’re getting treatment and what kind. We don’t get real nosey. It’s a helpful thing and we’re doing a lot of stuff like that.” ISI

Ralph Crawford is a painter, sculptor, and even a wine maker Article & Photo By Jack McNeel Visitors to the home of Ralph Crawford are greeted by a large bronze sculpture of Arnold Schwarzenegger during his body building days, which Schwarzenegger commissioned along with other bronzes more recently. Ralph’s interest in art dates back to his school years in Los Angeles. “I did very well in high school art,” he says. “I guess I was a natural. I spent most of my time studying art from the time I was about 10 years old.” Art remained his primary interest but after high school his desire was to have a family. He married and subsequently had four kids. His artistic talents were sidelined as he got into roofing and became a roofing contractor. His move to Lewiston came in 1967. “It was the right time,” he says. “I decided it was time to be an artist.” Initially he was primarily doing portrait art. “I’d go to a bar and draw people.” But he began studying mold making and casting. Sculpting soon surpassed painting and remains his primary art form. He first worked with clay but soon got into wax. “Wax is good for bronze sculptures and the western thing was really kicking off about 1972,” he says. He started doing art shows like the Charley Russell Show in Great Falls, the Spokane Show, and others. “That’s when it really went full time,” he remembers. He did the usual western subjects: horses, Indians, pack strings, wildlife. He has a massive bronze in his home entitled Buffalo Run featuring Indians hunting buffalo. It’s about six feet long, two feet tall, three feet wide, and weighs about 360 pounds. He also did a series of Indian chiefs about that same time. “Most of them were well known in the Custer battle,” he relates. “They were Sioux and Crow and Cheyenne.” The set contained eight figures, each about ten inches tall. Then he was contacted by the World Museum in Tulsa asking if he’d do them in a larger size. Two of that larger size are displayed in his home: Chief Gall and Chief Rain-in-the-Face. “I feel that’s one of my best pieces,” he adds.

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In the late 70s he built a small gym to work out in and saw that Joe Weider collected western art. Weider was the body builder who turned that passion into a career and published Muscle Builder magazine. Ralph wrote him wanting to trade some of his artwork for body workout equipment. Ralph created a bronze of Weider that graced the cover of Muscle Builder in November 1979 and was described as a masterpiece. It was through this contact that Ralph met Schwarzenegger and created the bronze of him. That was in 1979 and it’s another casting of that same figure in Ralph’s yard. “About every ten years he (Schwarzenegger) would get in touch with me. He had me do one of Joe Gold of Gold’s Gym because he was a partner in that. In 2010, he asked me to do an 8-footer for a museum where he grew up in Austria. He has asked me to do a triptych of him as a body builder, an actor, and as governor of California. It will have three sides, three different angles. I’m still working on that.” Ralph has done many sports figures. Among them are the fighters: Joe Louis, Rocky Marciano, Bruce Lee, and Muhammad Ali. His home in Lewiston contains many of his

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bronzes and he is presently looking for a museum to give them to. “These are pieces I saved for myself. I’d like to have them in a big gallery. There would be enough of my pieces to make a nice show.” Ralph is also a historian of early western life. He talks easily of people like Wild Bill Hickok and his years as a stagecoach driver. Ralph later portrayed him in a piece along with Annie Oakley and Buffalo Bill. It is his research and knowledge of that era that gives his artwork much authenticity and realism. Ralph will turn 80 this year but he maintains an active pace. “I’ve got a list of things to do,” he says, along with interests outside the art world. One interest is designing a wing-and-ground craft with similar specs as an airplane but that just flies above the water and takes off from water.” The designs for that craft are evolving on the drawing table in his home office. Ralph and his wife Ann also have a small vineyard for producing grapes for wine. The list of grapes includes three Cabernets, Chardonnay, Semillon Riesling, and Gewurztraminer. “We drink it or give it away. We’re down to not even two glasses a day now. Ann drinks a glass at lunch. Later some friends will want some and I’ll

drink a couple of glasses then,” Ralph comments. They produce about a hundred gallons a year to give away and to enjoy. Ralph says they’ve generally had to pick the grapes before they were at their peak, which might have cost a bit in wine quality, although probably it was not noticeable to anyone but a wine connoisseur. “We had yellow jackets, which I call bees, and starlings, which I call birds – the birds and the bees. And deer. Each took a third. We finally got smart or something as the bees didn’t come back this last year and the starlings didn’t bother us. The deer, we slept out on the ledge above the vineyard with the dogs for the month of September when the grapes are ready,” he says with a laugh. The result turned out well with the grapes having a little higher sugar content. “That is the secret of making good wine,” he adds. This writer can vouch for the quality of the Riesling. Ralph says it needs to age for a while longer – but it sure tastes good now. ISI

Can There Ever Be Too Many Puns? Submitted by Julie Hollar Brantley I changed my iPod name to Titanic. It’s syncing now. I tried to catch some fog. I mist. When chemists die, they barium. Jokes about German sausage are the wurst. A soldier who survived mustard gas and pepper spray is now a seasoned veteran. I know a guy who’s addicted to brake fluid. He says he can stop any time. How does Moses make his tea? Hebrews it. I stayed up all night to see where the sun went. Than it dawned on me. This girl said she recognized me from the vegetarian club, but I’d never met herbivore. I’m reading a book about anti-gravity. I can’t put it down. I did a theatrical performance about puns. It was a play on words. They told me I had type A blood, but it was a Type-O. A dyslexic man walks into a bra. PMS jokes aren’t funny, period. Class trip to the Coca-Cola factory. I hope there’s no pop quiz. Energizer bunny arrested. Charged with battery. I didn’t like my beard at first. Then it grew on me. Did you hear about the cross-eyed teacher who lost her job because she couldn’t control her pupils? When you get a bladder infection, urine trouble. What does a clock do when it’s hungry? It goes back four seconds.

I wondered why the baseball was getting bigger. Then it hit me! Broken pencils are pointless. What do you call a dinosaur with an extensive vocabulary? A thesaurus. England has no kidney bank, but it does have a Liverpool. I used to be a banker, but then I lost interest. I dropped out of communism class because of lousy Marx. All the toilets in New York’s police stations have been stolen. Police have nothing to go on. I got a job at a bakery because I kneaded dough. Haunted French pancakes give me the crepes. Velcro - what a rip off! Cartoonist found dead in home. Details are sketchy. Venison for dinner? Oh deer! Earthquake in Washington obviously government’s fault. I used to think I was indecisive, but now I’m not so sure. Be kind to your dentist. He has fillings, too. ISI

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Crazy Horse an inspiration for 65 years In 1948, the average U.S. worker earned $2,950 a year. A new house cost around $7,700, while a new car ran about $1,250. Gasoline was 16 cents a gallon. You paid 14 cents for a loaf of bread, 45 cents for a pound of hamburger and 60 cents for a movie ticket. Families were finding that they could eat popcorn at home and play such new games as Scrabble. Their old reliable tube radio had competition from something called a transistor. Although radios were getting smaller, music records were growing to add songs on plate-size disks called “LPs.” Television was the rage, with at least one set in 1 million homes. TV viewers spent a lot of time watching wrestling and boxing, but they also tuned in to new shows like Howdy Doody, Ed Sullivan’s Toast of the Town, and Meet the Press. The day’s news reported that federal taxes were going up to provide billions of dollars to help Europe rebuild after World War II. Those troubles were not over. The U.S. sent airplane loads of aid to help Berlin after the Soviet Union sealed off the German city.

Suspected communists in Washington, D.C., and Hollywood were being jailed. President Truman won re-election. Israel became a country, although its biblical fights with others continued. The space race saw the first monkey (Albert) launched into orbit. Scientists pondered the heavens as they peered through the new giant Palomar Observatory telescope and considered the newly published “big bang” life creation theory. It was not a big bang, but a 10-ton dynamite blast on June 3, 1948 that also earned a footnote in history. Under an invitation from Lakota (Sioux) elders, sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski began carving a figure of Crazy Horse into rock in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Ziolkowski had worked under Gutzon Borglum at nearby Mount Rushmore. Although much in life has changed over 65 years, the Black Hills and their mountain sculptures still inspire. And the family of Korczak still leads the development of Crazy Horse Memorial. Korczak married Ruth Ross, who had joined friends and followed him from West Hartford, Connecticut. The Ziolkowskis raised 10 children while starting the world’s largest artistic undertaking. The Crazy Horse Memorial mountain carving, 641 feet long and 563 feet tall when completed, began as the dream of Chief Henry Standing Bear. He and other Lakota elders saw Mount Rushmore develop and asked Korczak to carve a mountain to show that “the red man has great heroes also.” The elders wanted it named for Crazy Horse, who famously helped defeat cavalry troops at the Battle of the Little Big Horn in 1876. Since Korczak’s death in 1982, “Mrs. Z” has led the Crazy Horse Memorial operations from her dining room office in the log home that she helped Korczak build.

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Located on U.S. 16/385, just 17 miles from Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial draws more than 1 million visitors a year. Open every day, Crazy Horse features: • The Welcome Center, where the “Dynamite & Dreams” program explains the Memorial’s history and purpose to honor the heritage and living cultures of North America’s Indian people. • The Indian Museum of North America, an expanding showcase of tribal artifacts and contemporary art. • Korczak’s family home, filled with antiques, fine art and his earlier sculptures. • The new Mountain Museum, which focuses on the carving’s history and current efforts to create the giant granite sculpture. • Hands-on activities, historic Edward Curtis photographs, and American Indian artisans working in the Native American Cultural Education Center. • Indian University of North America for American Indian and other students preparing for college. The students help guide summer tours of the visitor complex. • Legends in Light, the laser-light program shown nightly at dusk from Memorial Day weekend through Native Americans’ Day in mid-October. • An optional bus ride to the foot of the mountain to see the carving up close. • Laughing Water Restaurant, which has a fullservice menu, evening buffet, snack shop, and free coffee every day. • Museum gift shops offering American Indianmade items and exclusive Crazy Horse souvenirs. So, put us in your travel plans! To learn more, visit www.crazyhorsememorial.org, call 605-6734681 or e-mail memorial@crazyhorse.org. ISI

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Close Encounters of the Scenic Kind – Devils Tower in Wyoming By Craig & Liz Larcom Devils Tower National Monument is the kind of place that just seems to beg, “Shoot me.” And so people whip out their cameras and do. Tall, dark, and mysterious, there is nothing else quite like the tower in the far northeastern corner of Wyoming, where the Black Hills spill over from South Dakota. Little did Theodore Roosevelt know how many Americans this landmark would appeal to when he signed the country’s first national monument into existence in 1906. Geology buffs are only the beginning of the list. Rock climbers love the tower’s challenge, though seeing chipmunks race past can be humbling. Climbing the landmark is a historic tradition, begun in 1873, when William “Bill” Rogers and W.A. Ripley pounded a 350-foot ladder along a crack. Rogers, wearing a red, white, and blue suit, clambered to the summit on the Fourth of July as 2,000 people cheered below. Techniques and equipment have changed over the years, but the remnants of a wood ladder still cling high up on the landmark. Interpretive guides point it out to the visitors they lead on the mile-long trail around the tower’s base. Plenty of climbing records have been set at the monument. Most climbers take four to six hours to get to the top, but in the 1980s climber Todd Skinner summitted in only 18 minutes. Just last year 56-year-old Frank Sanders, a climbing guide, established another kind of record, climbing the tower 365 times in 365 days. Then there are the movie buffs, who visit the monument to see the setting for Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Steven Spielberg’s 1977 blockbuster film. The movie put Devils Tower on the map for the American public and boosted attendance at the monument dramatically. Even today, a common question for park interpreters is “Where did the UFOs land?” (The movie was vague on this point. Although the crew shot much of the movie on site, they filmed the alien spaceship in Mobile, Alabama, on a movie set.) Just don’t plug the coordinates from the movie into your GPS. You’ll arrive somewhere near Greeley, Colorado instead of at the monument. Another segment of visitors comes for the special energy they say they feel. For many visitors, the unusual feel of the place is the absence of sound. For most Americans these days, the chance to experience true silence is a novelty. Plans are afoot to move the parking lot a little farther from the tower to quiet the place even beyond what a remote location and a surrounding forest have accomplished. Many Native Americans make it a point to visit here, too. For a number of them, the landmark is sacred, and some come to perform ceremo-

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Crew Working on the Mountain p Twin Theaters Welcome Center p Indian Museum of North America Native American Educational and Cultural Center American Indian Artists and Performers Sculptor’s Studio-Home and Workshop p Antiques Museum Gift Shop p Exclusive Crazy Horse Gifts Restaurant p Snack Shop O Nightly Laser Light Show in Season YEA P E N R

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May 3: Korczak Day May 6: Anne’s Day May 24 thru May 27: Open House June 3: Dedication Anniversaries June 1-2: 28th Annual Volksmarch June 14-16: Stampede Rodeo and Gift from Mother Earth Celebration June 26: Night Blast Aug. 30 thru Sept. 2: Open House September 6: Night Blast NEW EVENT Sunday, September 29 and Monday, September 30: Volksmarch October 14: Native Americans’ Day October 20: Korczak Remembrance Day We would be happy to send a more detailed events calendar if you give us a call or email memorial@crazyhorse.org

PAGE 22 IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT

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nies. Though a Colonel Dodge called it the Bad God’s Tower in 1876, claiming that this was the translation of a Native American name for it, most Native American titles for the landmark translate to something like “Bear’s Lodge.” Later the name was changed from Bad God’s Tower to Devils Tower. Allowing climbers on the tower is controversial for Native Americans. To compromise, the monument sets a voluntary climbing closure each year for the month of June, which is observed by many climbers. Nature enthusiasts are yet another group of people drawn to the monument. Prairie falcons nest on the tower each year, and tame prairie dogs amuse many visitors. With a meeting of mountain and prairie, birders like to visit the place, too. In particular, the oaks appeal to wild turkeys and other birds. Visitors of any stripe enjoy gawking at the 867-foot tower that looks something like a giant tree stump with long vertical scratches. A closer look shows that the tower is made of columns that are 4-, 5- or 6-sided, and which run 8 to 15 feet across. Inside, the tower is solid. “Slice it off and what you see would be just like you sliced a bundle of pencils across the middle, “an interpretive guide says. Though a substantial pile of rubble rests around the bottom of the landmark, erosion is apparently slow. Guides say no columns have tumbled during historic times. And what’s on top? Climbers say it is slightly domed and about the size of a football field. The monument includes a visitor center, campground, and a network of trails. Devils Tower National Monument is open daily year round, though the visitor center and campground are seasonal. Phone 307-467-5283 to learn more, or visit www.nps.gov/deto. ISI

Virginia City, Montana Celebrates 150th Anniversary of Alder Gulch Gold Strike The six men had been traveling on foot for weeks, escaping encounters with hostile Indians and ultimately just trying to get back to where they started. But when they set up camp beside a small stream in the high mountains of present-day Southwest Montana, the wayward prospectors made a discovery that would transform the fortunes – and even the map – of an entire region. The flecks of gold they found in the bottoms of their pans on that warm May afternoon 150 years ago hinted at vast underground riches – and quickly drew a crowd. The town of Virginia City sprang up virtually overnight: Within three months, its population swelled to more than 10,000. The town on the banks of Alder Creek soon was named the capital of the new Montana Territory. Over the next quarter-century, at least $90 million in gold was extracted there, making it the richest placer gold strike in history. Today, Virginia City stands as one of the best-preserved ghost towns in the Northern Rockies. More than 100 historic false-front shops and rough-hewn cabins echo the boomtown sizzle of Montana’s first major settlement. Thanks to the dedication of preservationists as well as year-round residents who embrace the town’s history and mystique, Virginia City buzzes with activities that reflect its deep, colorful heritage. Every summer, visitors flock to the town to experience reenactments, demonstrations of pioneer skills, nightly cabaret at the Gilbert Brewery, and authentic 19th century melodrama performances by the Virginia City Players at the old Opera House. This spring and summer, to celebrate the gold strike’s sesquicentennial, Virginia City and nearby Nevada City will host an even richer schedule of events, including a weekend-long festival May 24-26. Visit www. VirginiaCity.com for details. Virginia City is just one of many cultural treasures to be found in Southwest Montana, a large swath of mountains, valleys, rivers, lakes and hearty communities smack dab in between Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks. Southwest Montana offers a sampling of all of Montana’s lightly-tread amenities, including megamountains, lunker trout, budding melting pots for art and culture in Butte and Helena, remote yet luxurious escapes, and a slice of the Wild West through the numerous and well-preserved ghost towns in its mineral-rich hills. For more information, please visit http://southwestmt.com. ISI

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Take A Spin Into Health, History, & Hot Springs With Adventure Cycling By Gail Jokerst; www.gailjokerst.com With a motto like, “to inspire and empower people to travel by bicycle” it’s no wonder Adventure Cycling (AC) offers bicycle tours to suit every ability. Based in Missoula, AC is the largest non-profit cycle touring organization in North America. Since its beginnings in 1976, when AC arranged a bicentennial ride from Oregon to Virginia for over 3,000 participants, it has drawn cyclists from around the globe to pedal across some of our nation’s most majestic vistas. For bicycle aficionados intrigued by intimate glimpses of Montana and Idaho, AC offers two fully supported tours each summer. Both feature spectacular views of countryside from the saddle of a Trek or Schwinn two-wheeler and both take about a week to complete. They include catered meals, luggage shuttling, and reserved campground sites. In addition, AC provides a “sweep rider” to assist cyclists when help is needed plus a roving mechanic. With the parts arsenal lodged in his fully equipped van, the mechanic can tackle emergencies of any magnitude. And that’s just the beginning of the services on which AC has built its well-deserved international reputation. “Idaho Relaxed is the less challenging of the two tours and has been offered for the past eight years. You don’t have to be a strong cyclist to do it. As long as you’re physically active you can make these miles,” says Arlen Hall, AC’s Tours Director. “It covers around 125 miles with participants averaging 25 miles a day. We wanted to engage as many beginners as possible so we designed this as an easy tour. Since there are activities along the way such as ice cream stops and swimming, it’s also a great trip to take with teens.” Riding past lush wetlands, lakes, meadows, and forests makes Idaho Relaxed especially enticing for novices or for experienced cyclists seeking a mellow tour. And because the route follows bike trails and old railroad beds, it is traffic free. Participants never have to share the road with cars or trucks. Nor do they have to deal with steep inclines or mountain passes as these routes meander across gentle terrain. Riders begin with the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes in the Silver Valley of Idaho, which follows an old Union Pacific Railroad bed to Plummer, Idaho near

the Washington border. The second half of the tour traverses the Route of the Hiawatha with its memorable railroad tunnels and trestles. Cycle Montana, AC’s other local multi-day tour, has attracted accomplished cyclists for 15 years. It qualifies as an intermediate-plus level expedition. This ride into history and hot springs starts in Missoula then moves on to the Bitterroot and Big Hole valleys. Next, riders pedal along the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway towards the Flint Creek and Blackfoot valleys. “With five mountain passes to cross and 410 miles to cover in eight days, this is not an easy tour. Averaging 60 miles daily is not for novices but it is good for those who like to push themselves and enjoy a challenge,” observes Arlen. “It’s a great way to stretch yourself.” He has found that while the age range of participants spans from 21 to 75, men age 55 and over – most of whom are retired – comprise the largest demographic. Some 20 percent of the riders on each tour are repeats who can’t resist coming back for more. “Cycling and a healthy life style go together. So these tours attract people who want to stay healthy. Cycling is good for developing lower body strength,” adds Arlen. “It’s a non-weight bearing activity. There is no extra strain on your body but you do have to build stamina by riding more not necessarily by riding faster.” While plenty of differences exist between these two tours, you will also find similarities. “You can ride at 8 miles per hour or 20 miles per hour. But you have to finish that day’s ride by 6:00 o’clock. If you don’t want to ride every mile of either route, you don’t have to,” explains

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Arlen. “You can always get picked up by the van at any rest stop along the way.” He estimates that about half of the participants arrive solo and the other half show up with a spouse or partner. The cyclists soon find others who pedal at the same pace and ride together. But they also tend to share a group consciousness. That means they watch out for one another and take turns keeping the slower riders company. “People meet people that also like cycling. Many new friendships and even some romances result from these tours,” says Arlen. “I’ve seen people meet and come back for other tours. Sometimes sharing the same tent.” Since Cycle Montana can accommodate as many as 75 riders and Idaho Relaxed up to 40, AC has found that camping is the only affordable way to quarter those kinds of numbers in remote country. However, participants who prefer to sleep one or all nights in a motel, if

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available, can pay to do so. For the 90 percent of the riders who camp, it doesn’t mean they miss life’s luxuries. If no showers are available at the campground, AC brings in a shower van. And all the catered meals are tailored to meet the culinary tastes of each group as well as any specific dietary requirements. As Arlen recalls, before one tour started a man noted on his application that spinach was the only vegetable he could eat. AC’s caterer was up for the challenge. Just for him, she sautéed fresh spinach with different spices nightly or tossed together a spinach salad. “I’m sure he was very generous to the caterer when he tipped her at the end of the tour,” says Arlen. Though the sign-ups for both tours opens in October, their rosters don’t tend to fill until about two months before the tours are slated to begin. This year, Cycle Montana runs from June 22 to 29 and Idaho Relaxed runs from July 14 to

19. Both tours typically reach capacity, though Cycle Montana often fills first and generates a waiting list. So, if you have ever contemplated pedaling your way through Big Sky country or the Gem State, get ready to strap on your helmet. This just might be the year to take a spin into cycling paradise. To learn more about Cycle Montana and Idaho Relaxed or other types of tours and services AC offers, visit www.adventurecycling.org/ tours or call 800-755-2453. ISI

More Notes... To The Milkman It is probably a rarity when anyone in the United States today gets their milk home delivered – a regular event in the 1950s – but the notes below are good for a laugh, remembering the good ‘ol days of home milk delivery. Dear Milkman: Please knock. My TV is broken and I missed last night’s Coronation Street. If you saw it, will you tell me what happened over a cup of tea? Dear Milkman: My daughter says she wants a milkshake. Do you do it before you deliver or do I have to shake the bottle? Dear Milkman: Please send me a form for cheap milk, for I have a baby two months old and did not know about it until a neighbor told me. Please send me details about cheap milk, as I am stagnant. Dear Milkman: Milk is needed for the baby. Father is unable to supply it. Dear Milkman: From now on please leave two pints every other day and one pint on the days in between, except Wednesdays and Saturdays when I don’t want any milk. Dear Milkman: My back door is open. Please put milk in fridge, get money out of cup in drawer, and leave change on kitchen table in pence. We want to play bingo tonight. Dear Milkman: Please leave no milk today. When I say today, I mean tomorrow, for I wrote this note yesterday. Dear Milkman: When you leave the milk, please put the coal on the boiler, let dog out, and put newspaper inside the screen door. P.S. Don’t leave any milk. Dear Milkman: No milk. Please do not leave milk at No. 14 either as he is dead until further notice. ISI

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Senior Games Liven Up Summer Fitness You don’t stop training because you get old. You get old because you stop training. By Bernice Karnop Men and women of all sizes, shapes, abilities, and ages participate in Idaho’s Senior Games despite age, knee replacements, hip surgery, cancer, and more. Those who cannot run races may compete in shuffleboard, table tennis, croquet, billiards, chess, or bridge. What about you? Challenge yourself this summer by taking part in the heady excitement of a Senior Games near you. You will be the winner. Your trophies will include health, well-being, and enhanced quality of life - trophies that need no dusting and take up no space on a shelf. Lewis-Clark Senior Games, Lewiston The first senior games of the summer are in sunny Lewiston, June 19-23, 2013. The slogan for the North Idaho Senior Games is “Explore the Possible!” And have FUN while you’re at it! Manager Cathy Robinson explains that, while athletes revel in the competition with others, their main goal is to go faster, do better, and play smarter than they did the last time, whether they are swimming, running, and jumping or playing shuffleboard, croquet, and bridge. Cathy loves watching active seniors beat the stereotypes at these games. In any given year, for example, the cycling events may include contestants from their early 50s and up, with the oldest well into their 70s and beyond. And there are events to peak every interest at the North Idaho Senior Games including horseshoes and billiards. Cathy says that pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports. Described as a mini-tennis game played on a badminton-sized court using paddle racquets and a plastic baseball, it has gone from being a backyard pastime to a sport that is played in schools, parks, and retirement communities.

Detailed information, on-line registration, and contact information on this five-day promotion of healthy lifestyles is available at northidahoseniorgames.org, stop by 1424 Main St., Lewiston, ID 83501, phone 208-746-7787 or 888-546-7787, or email crobinson@northidahoseniorgames.org. Southeast Idaho Senior Games, Pocatello/ Chubbuck The Southeast Idaho Senior Games will be held in the Pocatello/Chubbuck area July 6-13, 2013. This years’ games will consist of 225 events and 29 venues – something for everyone – including archery, basketball, billiards, bowling, bridge, chess, croquet, cycling, dance, disc golf, fun run/walk (every age can compete), golf, various cards, horseshoes, mini-golf, lawn games, mountain bike, pentathlon, pickleball, racquetball, shuffleboard, softball, swimming, table tennis, triathlon, tennis, and track and field. On July 8, the opening ceremony will be held at O.K. Ward Park where there will be the presentation of the Idaho and U.S. flags and the lighting of the cauldron by members of the community. There will be entertainment, dinner, and the welcoming of the athletes. If you wish to join for dinner, please contact the Senior Games Office at 208-233-2034. Turnout is expected to exceed last year with over 1,000 participants and one-third of them being visitors from outside of Idaho who will utilize hotel, restaurant, and other local services to the benefit of area businesses. To participate, you

Living Well in Idaho for Adults Experiencing Chronic Health Problems The Area Agency on Aging Serving Southwest Idaho (AAA), a division of Idaho Council of Governments, serves seniors in the ten counties of southwest Idaho. We deliver essential services for individuals aged 60 years and older, enabling them to lead independent, meaningful, and dignified lives. One of our most popular programs is Living Well in Idaho, a six-week workshop for adults experiencing chronic health conditions such as hypertension, arthritis, heart disease, stroke, lung disease, and diabetes. The workshop, an evidence-based, self-management program developed by Stanford University, helps individuals gain the confidence and motivation they need to manage the challenges of living with chronic health conditions. The workshop is offered for a nominal fee (currently $25 per participant) and participants who complete the course will receive a Living with Chronic Disease book and a relaxation CD. We are looking for sponsors to assist with the cost of the classes so if you can donate please contact us. To learn more about our Living Well in Idaho program and a schedule of classes, please contact Dolly Baughman at 208-991-5607 or email dbaughman@idahocog.com. You can also visit us online at www.seniors.idahocog. com. ISI

When your work speaks for itself, don’t interrupt. - Henry J. Kaiser

don’t have to be the best competitor… you just have to come and have fun. As one of the founders of the SEI Senior Games Jody Olson says, “If people would visit the Senior Games just to watch (there is never any cost to watch), they might catch the bug too. Not everyone is fast, and some people might have problems. They might finish last, but they have won. We have a lot of people in that category.” For additional information on the games visit seidahoseniorgames.org, E-mail: southeastidahoseniorgames.gmail.com, call the office at 208233-2034, or call Debbie Green at 208-234-6179. Idaho Senior Games, Boise The 2013 Senior Games in the Boise area will be held in August. The web site for registration for this year’s games is idahoseniorgames.org. The site is being updated, but for additional information contact Mike Thornton, PO Box 45464, Boise, ID 83711, email idahoseniorgamesinfo@gmail.com,or phone 208-297-2032. ISI

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Adverse Drug Reactions are the number four killer in the U.S. Genetic test could save your life. According to reports issued on adverse drug events submitted to federal health officials, the number of complaints associated with prescription medications has jumped 90% over the past four years. Although some adverse drug reactions (ADR) are not serious, others cause death, hospitalization, or serious injury to more than 2 million people in the United States each year, including more than 180,000 fatalities. Patients 65 and older were more than twice as likely as middle-age patients and nearly three times likelier than patients between 25 and 44 to experience adverse drug events serious enough to send them to a doctor or hospital, the study said. After adjusting for age, gender, insurance status, and other factors, patients taking six drugs or more had the highest odds of experiencing adverse drug events. It is well recognized that different patients respond in different ways to the same medication. Estimates show that genetics can account for 20 to 95 percent of variability in drug disposition and effects. Unlike other factors influencing drug response, inherited determinants generally remain stable throughout a person’s lifetime. Some important facts to remember include: • Prescription drug reactions cause more than 4000 hospital admissions – every day in America. • More than 180,000 American patients die every year from taking their medications. • Prescription medication use is the fourth leading cause of death in America – dwarfing automobile accidents, AIDS, alcohol and illegal

drug abuse, infectious disease, diabetes, and murder. • Patients who experienced adverse drug events (ADEs) were hospitalized an average of 8 to 12 days longer than patients who did not suffer ADEs, and their hospitalization cost $16,000 to $24,000 more. • 50% of the deaths and 40% of hospitalizations from adverse drug reactions were in people over the age of 60. What is the answer to avoiding an Adverse Drug Reaction? Doctors now have a Pharmacogenomics test. This genetic test gives them a patient’s individual compatibility to the different groups of medications. By using information about your genetic makeup, doctors are able to avoid the trial-and-error approach of giving you various drugs that are not likely to work for you until they find the right one. “Eight months ago, I implemented genetic testing,” says Dr. Huey McDaniel, Cardiovascular Surgeon at St. Dominic’s Cardiovascular Surgery Associates, “Nearly one third of my patients undergoing screening lack the genetic machinery to effectively metabolize the anti-platelet agent Clopidigrel (Plavix) into its active form.” The test is now a simple cheek swab only requiring a few minutes, once the lab results are available, your doctor has additional information to get each patient the right dose for the right medication. For more information for you or your doctor on ADR prevention testing, go to www.1PGx.com, email info@1PGx.com, or call 208-507-7311. ISI

Making Healthcare Make Sense Provided by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Q. Can you explain the better health insurance choices coming in October 2013 that I’ve heard called the Health Insurance Marketplace? Is this a part of the Affordable Care Act or what has been called Health Care Reform? A. When key parts of the health care law (the Affordable Care Act) take effect, there will be a new way to buy health insurance for yourself, your family, or your small business: the Health Insurance Marketplace. Whether you are uninsured or just want to see what is available, the Marketplace offers more choice, more transparency, and more control over your health insurance options. To clarify, this health insurance is not for those who have Medicare, as Medicare beneficiaries already have health insurance. This is for those individuals, families, and small businesses that do not have health insurance through an employer or as an employer, or they cannot get health insurance on their own that fits their budget, and offers a comprehensive set of health insurance benefits. The Marketplace is designed to help you find health insurance that fits your budget, with less hassle. No matter where you live, you’ll be able to buy insurance from qualified private health plans that cover a comprehensive set of benefits, including doctor visits, preventive care, hospital visits, and prescriptions. New laws mean plans must treat you fairly and cannot deny you coverage because of pre-existing or chronic conditions. One application, one time, and you and your family can explore every qualified health insurance plan in your area. You will be able to take control with better information to help you choose, including details about benefits and price presented in clear language you can understand, so you know what your premium, deductibles, and other costs will be before you make a choice. At the Marketplace, you’ll also get information about Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and a new kind of advance tax credit you can use right away to lower your monthly health plan premiums. In fact, more people than ever before will be able to get a break on costs — you may even qualify for free or low cost plans. You will see all the programs you are eligible for right after you apply. When enrollment in the Marketplace starts in October 2013, you will be able to find insurance that fits the way you live, at a comfortable price. You can enroll directly through our website at HealthCare.gov. Enrollment starts October 2013. Sign up NOW at HealthCare.gov to get email or text alerts to keep you on track.

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The Marketplace will let you compare health private plans and check eligibility for several low-cost and no-cost insurance affordability programs all in one place, with a single application. The Marketplace at HealthCare.gov will be much more than any health insurance website you have used before. Insurance companies will compete for your business on a level and

transparent playing field, with no hidden costs or misleading fine print. When open enrollment starts in October 2013, you will have more choice, more control, and more clout when it comes to health insurance. And if you have difficulty finding a plan that meets your needs and budget, we are working to make sure there will

Oral Hygiene Tips And Homemade Mouthwash Recipe Follow: Annual spring-cleaning rituals should also include taking inventory of teeth cleaning routines, according to experts at the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). The following are five habits dentists recommend that adults do each day to keep oral hygiene in top shape. 1. Use an Electric Toothbrush – At more than 30,000 strokes per minute compared to the average of 100 strokes per minute with a manual toothbrush, electric toothbrushes work harder by pushing fluid between teeth and around the gum line, which provides a more effective cleaning. Dr. Kellee Kattleman Stanton, a Minnesota cosmetic dentist and Sustaining Member of the AACD says, “Regardless of whether or not you have cavities, using an electric toothbrush over time prevents gum inflammation, gingivitis, and periodontal disease.” 2. Floss at Night – The CDC reports that nearly 65 million Americans – one out every two adults 30 and older have gum disease. Therefore, flossing once a day is crucial to avoid plaque and tartar, a hard mineral deposit that can cause gums to become swollen and inflamed, leading to gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease. “My recommendation is to floss at night,” says Ronald M. Goodlin, DDS, president, AACD. “During sleep cycles, less saliva is produced to naturally clean teeth and gums, so oral bacteria are free to do more damage. Therefore, it’s important to brush, floss, and scrape your tongue

every night to get rid of bacteria and go to bed with your mouth as clean as possible.” 3. Select the Right Toothpaste – Dr. Jack Ringer, president-elect of AACD who practices cosmetic dentistry in Anaheim, Calif., cautions his patients to be skeptical of any toothpaste that promises to “whiten” teeth. The reality is that removal of surface stains by toothpaste will make the tooth “look” lighter, but not change its inherent color. To lighten or “bleach” teeth, schedule a professional in-office whitening treatment, or use over-the-counter name brand bleaching products that work on the internal aspect of the tooth, not just the external aspect as a toothpaste does. 4. Don’t Forget Mouthwash – A refreshing and cost-effective alternative to store-bought mouthwash is creating a Homemade Anti-Cavity Mouth Rinse. The following recipe was developed for the AACD by Dr. Shawn Frawley, a cosmetic dentist with a

IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT PAGE 27

be people in local communities who can give you personal help with your choices. Keep checking back for more information about the Health Insurance Marketplace, and sign up for updates to get ready to enroll in the fall. For more information visit medicare.gov or phone 800-633-4227. ISI

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family practice in Beverly Hills, Calif. This recipes uses xylitol, a sugar substitute that studies show prevents tooth decay. Ingredients: 8 ounces water; 2 teaspoons PreviDent Gel (1.1% Sodium Fluoride); ½ teaspoon baking soda; 1½ Tablespoons xylitol*; ¼ teaspoon peppermint oil extract or favorite flavor. Directions: Blend ingredients together with an emersion blender or regular blender. Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Usage: Rinse with 2 teaspoons for approximately 1 minute, 1-2 times per day after brushing. For best results, do not eat, drink, or rinse for 30 minutes after expectorating. Do not swallow. This

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recipe makes approximately a 2-week supply. 5. Eat Foods Good for Healthy Teeth – Research studies show that certain foods naturally cleanse your teeth while you eat them. The AACD developed nine nutritious recipes from breakfast to dinner using these key ingredients: • Fruits like strawberries and pineapple are high in fiber and vitamin C. The citric acid in pineapple also provides an all-natural bacteria-fighting mouthwash. • Veggies like kale and broccoli are high in minerals that strengthen tooth structure and prevent enamel erosion (or yellowing). • Onions and wasabi – a type of Japanese

Is Your Foot Fracture an Early Sign of Osteoporosis? Foot Surgeons Urge Patients Not to Ignore Foot Pain (NAPSI) Unexplained foot fractures may be the first sign of osteoporosis, a bone-thinning disease that affects over 28 million Americans and accounts for 1.5 million bone fractures a year. According to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, osteoporosis is frequently referred to as the “silent crippler” since it often progresses without any symptoms or is not diagnosed until a person experiences pain from a bone fracture. Georgeanne Botek, DPM, FACFAS, a Cleveland foot and ankle surgeon, explains that the porous nature of bones in people with osteoporosis makes them more susceptible to bone fractures, especially in the feet. “Because the bones are in a weakened state, normal weight-bearing actions like walking can cause the bones in the foot to break,” says Dr. Botek. “In fact, many patients visit their foot and ankle surgeon suffering from foot pain only to find out they actually have a stress fracture, without having experienced an injury.” While osteoporosis is most commonly seen in women over age 50, younger people and men are also affected. Early symptoms can include increased pain with walking accompanied by redness and swelling on the top of the foot. “Of-

tentimes, patients don’t seek treatment for their symptoms for weeks or even months, thinking the pain will pass,” says Dr. Botek. “The best advice is, don’t ignore foot pain of any type. Early intervention can make all the difference in your treatment and recovery.” Foot and ankle surgeons are able to diagnose osteoporosis through bone densitometry tests, which measure calcium and mineral levels in the bones through low-dose radiation X-ray, or possibly through a routine X-ray. “This is why prevention and early intervention are key; women should make sure bone densitometry tests are part of their wellness examinations when indicated by their physicians,” Dr. Botek explains. If you are diagnosed with osteoporosis, it is important to protect your feet from stress fractures. Wear shoes that provide support and cushioning, such as athletic running shoes, to provide extra shock absorption and protection. Custom orthotics may also be recommended to protect the foot from pressure and provide shock absorption, particularly during exercise. For more information on osteoporosis of the foot, visit the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons’ website, www.FootHealthFacts. org. ISI

horseradish – both contain compounds that reduce oral bacteria. • Quinoa has minerals including calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus to strengthen teeth. The Recipes for a Healthier Smile e-booklet is free and available to download at www.aacd. com/smilerecipes. About the AACD – The AACD is the world’s largest non-profit member organization dedicated to advancing excellence in comprehensive oral care that combines art and science to optimally improve dental health, esthetics, and function. Visit www.MyAACDdentist.com. ISI

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Mental Health Deteriorates in Caregivers of Loved Ones with Dementia By Jacqueline Marcell When I began caring for my elderly parents (both with early Alzheimer’s not properly diagnosed), I was shocked to read that family caregivers are often more depressed than those they care for. And caregivers who have a chronic illness have a 63% higher death rate than their peers of the same age do. A year later, without a day off from my challenging elderly father — I was surprised the statistic was that low! Additionally, caregivers of loved ones suffering with dementia are twice as likely to suffer depression as those providing care for non-dementia patients — and the deeper the dementia, the deeper the depression is likely to be. Since 5.2 million people in the United States are afflicted with Alzheimer’s (just one form of dementia), and 7 out of 10 are cared for at home by family and friends who provide 75-80% of their care — millions of caregivers are suffering from depression or are at great risk of developing it. Overwhelming Responsibilities - Depression often occurs when a caregiver gets overwhelmed trying to manage too many responsibilities. Emotions fluctuate among sadness, loss, grief, isolation, anxiety, exhaustion, anger, and frustration — and the resulting guilt for having those feelings. Caregivers tend to sacrifice their own careers, neglect healthy family members, ignore their own physical and emotional needs, and postpone their own medical checkups resulting in undiagnosed and sometimes serious ailments. Denial and Desperation - Oftentimes family members do not even consider themselves caregivers and think they just need to toughen up and then they will be able to cope with the situation. And since they have always been able to manage stressful situations and solve problems in the past, the perceived failure damages self-esteem and compounds depression. But who wouldn’t be depressed when as a devoted family caregiver day after day, you probably: • Watch a loved one suffering and declining. • Worry about money and finances. • Spend hours and days at doctor appointments and hospitals. • Think about life and death issues and fears now that the end is near. • Hate the world and everyone in it for what has befallen your loved one. • Wonder how long your caregiving will last and if you will have a normal life again. • Feel ashamed for not having enough pa-

tience, persistence, and strength. Seek Help - Even though the stigma of seeing a healthcare professional for depression is lessening, many still feel it is a sign of weakness and that they will snap out of it on their own. A National Mental Health Association survey found that many people do not seek treatment for depression because they feel ashamed and are embarrassed. Compounding the problem, often friends and family who are not directly involved with the caregiving do not know how to give the support a caregiver needs. They may be unable to handle the situation and back away, causing the caregiver to feel even more isolated and depressed. By making a list of those who are willing to help and a list of chores needing to be done, a caregiver can ask friends and family to pick the tasks they feel most comfortable. If hands-on caregiving is too stressful, there’s always things like: cleaning, organizing, fixing things around the house, organizing the pantry, attic, or garage, taking the car in for service and having the tires rotated, grocery shopping, cooking meals for the freezer, tending the garden, having clothes mended, taking the patient to have their hair done, or simply taking the caregiver out to lunch. Adult Day Care - Enrolling an elderly loved one in adult day care provides several hours of respite for an overwhelmed caregiver and is often the best thing for the patient. Their day is filled with social interaction and activities led by healthcare professionals trained to work with them. It takes a couple of weeks, but soon they’ll enjoy participating in the singing, dancing, cooking, games, crafts, bingo, movies, current events, lectures, exercise, etc. The caregivers get a much-needed break enabling them to have better coping skills later when their loved one comes home again. Additionally, all the activities tire the patient out, helping them to sleep through the night instead of being a sundowner and up all night

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with an exhausted caregiver. Risk of Elder Abuse - Caregivers who make sure they take breaks from their responsibilities may be saving themselves from reaching a breaking point and committing elder abuse — even though they never dreamed they could ever cross that line. When a cranky, nasty, loved one becomes unappreciative of the extraordinary efforts being made to care for them, says the most hurtful demeaning things, accuses the caregiver of stealing from them, hits, spits, throws things, and pushes the caregiver to their absolute limit — the elder-abuse line can be crossed even in very subtle ways. Instead of gently sitting their loved one down in a chair, the angry caregiver may suddenly be inclined just to let the person flop down in retaliation for a momentary punishment. Of course, the result is guilt, which leads to more depression and desperation. Support Group a must - The realization that a once-competent loved one is no longer who they used to be, even though still physically there, can cause profound feelings of sadness and loss. However, when caregivers attend a support group regularly and learn creative solutions and strategies during sessions with others going through similar experiences — they tend to feel less alone and often report lower levels of depression. The ideal place to find and attend a support group is at a loved one’s adult day care center, as the professionals there will be familiar with the specific situation. Support groups educate caregivers on how to manage challenging behaviors and help them develop an emotional shift so hurtful statements no longer cause the pain and devastation they once did. They learn not to argue or use logic or reason, but practice using distraction and redirection instead. And when a caregiver desperately needs someone to talk to but it is 4 a.m., online support groups can be very helpful. The good news is that it is daytime somewhere and online caregivers offer help and support from every corner of the world. Depression in the Patient - Depression

IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT PAGE 31

should also be suspected in the one being cared for and evaluated by a healthcare professional. Imagine yourself, having to rely on someone to care for you (usually the child you sacrificed and did so much for) and telling you what to do every hour of every day. You are not allowed to drive, you have lost many of your friends and family and been to dozens of funerals, you have constant aches and pains and health problems, your mobility, sight, hearing, and memory are slipping, and you are facing mortality directly. Okay, who wouldn’t be depressed? Be sure to walk a mile with their walker and ask the doctor if an anti-depressant might be tried, which may greatly help the patient’s and caregiver’s quality of life. Conclusion - The emotional roller coaster of watching a loved one decline is one of the hardest experiences of life. Therefore, as soon as the caregiving journey begins, caregivers must realize their increased risk for developing depression and/ or a serious ailment and respond to the earliest symptoms to lessen the severity and duration of an episode. The level of depression may be greatly reduced with exercise, a healthy diet, positive self-talk, using adult day care, focusing on a loved one’s present rather than the decline, attending a support group, seeing a mental health professional, and possibly using an anti-depressant. Signs of Depression • Feeling tired and listless most of the time. • Change in eating habits resulting in unwanted weight gain or loss. • Change in sleep patterns - too much or not enough. • Loss of interest in people and activities that used to be pleasurable. • Becoming easily agitated, anxious, angered, frustrated, or overwhelmed. • Feeling that nothing is ever good enough. • Persistent “what’s the useâ€? thinking. • Thoughts of death or suicide. • Ongoing physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain. ISI

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Tips for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Visits By Catherine Heppner When a grandparent or other relative gets custody of their grandchild, most of the time, the child and their biological parents have a relationship that continues. All too often custody or guardianship papers do not give enough guidance on how visits should be conducted. The following is not a substitute for written visitation orders, but these tips can make visits better. • Visits with the biological parents are for the benefit of the children. • Acting out is NOT a sign that the child had a bad experience. • A visit just prior to a holiday or birthday can relieve the child’s stress of wondering if they will see the biological parent. • Take pictures of the child and the parent together. Give the children the gift of good memories. • If the biological parent does not show up or is late, you and the child can still have fun. • A visit in a public, neutral location makes it easier for you and the child to leave if the biological parent acts inappropriately or other problems arise. • Consider ending the visit early and scheduling for another day, if the biological parent: is drunk or high; becomes violent or abusive; makes inappropriate promises to the child; or brings friends or is otherwise not paying attention to the child. • Don’t make promises over which you have no control. If the child asks if they will see the biological parent, give non-committal answers like, “I hope we’ll see them.” • Your relationship with the biological parents and the extended family is separate from the relationship the child will have with them. Even if the other grandparents or other family members have gone all year without contact, try to be flexible. • Deal with inappropriate gifts on another day. The biological parent may give a gift that is not age-appropriate – either too young or too old for the child. Be a role model in saying “thank you” politely. As with all advice, do what works for your family. More ideas can be discussed at your local support group meeting. For further information and a support group in your area, contact 2-1-1 Careline. Catherine Hepner is a grandmother who has been raising her granddaughter for the last six years. She is a member of the Treasure Valley GAP Support Group in Boise. ISI

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Ten Natural Allergy Relief Tips For millions who suffer from allergies, spring means sneezing, coughing, itchy and watery eyes, and upper respiratory congestion. Dr. Holly Lucille shares her solutions to breathe easier this spring. Spring showers may bring May flowers, but for many, springtime brings the misery of allergies. “People with seasonal allergies are especially sensitive to pollen and mold spores,� noted Dr. Holly Lucille, a naturopathic physician specializing in family medicine at Healing Within Healthcare in Los Angeles. “There are natural solutions to deal with the sneezing, stuffy nose, itchy eyes, and all the other symptoms that can come with the spring.� Having practiced in the natural health field for over 16 years, Dr. Lucille has found that reducing exposure to allergens and using proven herbal formulas go hand in hand. “Dealing with seasonal allergies requires a comprehensive approach,� she said. “I advise patients to take an herbal formula that’s been clinically shown to soothe symptoms and provide safe and effective seasonal allergy relief.� She added, “Herbal formulas work with the body and help patients avoid the side effects of prescription or over-the counter medications.� Dr. Lucille’s top 10 tips for allergy relief are: 1. Go herbal. Look for a formula with caper, olive leaf, black currant, and Panax ginseng, like Seasonal FreedomTM from Enzymatic Therapy. It has been clinically shown to decrease the body’s response to allergen triggers by up to 70 percent. This dietary supplement contains a 4-SeasonsTM herbal blend that is fast acting and delivers relief without making you sleepy or jittery. For more details on Seasonal Freedom natural allergy relief go to www.enzymatictherapy.com. 2. Get your probiotics. Because imbalances of intestinal flora are common for people who have allergies, probiotics may be a good choice. Probiotics are the good bacteria, such as Lactobaccillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium longum that live in our intestines and are essential for the maintenance of strong immune systems.

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Getting your probiotics, whether in yogurt or in a supplement such as Acidophilus PearlsTM, is a great way to boost total body immunity. 3. Stay hydrated. Drinking lots of liquids helps to flush out mucus. However, when you hydrate, you also need minerals to hold onto the water. Sodium maintains water balance outside the cells, while potassium, magnesium, and calcium - all available in a good multivitamin with minerals - help to maintain water balance inside the cells. 4. Nasal flushing: Flushing with saline (salt) water can be an effective way to relieve sinus symptoms. It works by flushing out pollen and thinning out the mucus to help clear nasal passages. 5. Save exercise or yard work for the afternoon, since pollen counts are highest from 5-10 am. If possible, delegate the yard work. If you must do yard work, use a pollen-filtering mask. 6. Monitor air quality and check pollen count reports. Rainy, cloudy, and windless days usually have lower pollen counts. The best time to go outside is after a good rainfall, which helps to clear pollen from the air. 7. Keep your windows closed at home or in the car during high pollen days and take off your shoes when you come in the house. Much of the household dirt, dust, and allergens come from the bottom of shoes. Dust regularly. 8. Wash bedding in hot water (130oF) on

a weekly basis. You will also want to wash any stuffed animals. If the stuffed animal is too delicate or too large for the washer, you will want to put it in a plastic bag and put it in the freezer for 24-48 hours. This will help to kill dust mites. 9. Cover mattresses and pillows in zippered dust-proof covers. These allergen-impermeable covers help minimize the penetration of allergens. 10. Keep humidity levels low. Keep the air conditioning set at a lower temperature and reduce moisture around the home. Dehumidifiers will help reduce both mold and dust mites. “By taking care to avoid pollen and using a natural sinus relief formula, a person with allergies can reduce their symptoms and the number of days they’re out of commission,� added Dr. Lucille., For more information on Dr. Lucille’s practice, Healing from Within Healthcare, go to http://www. allheallucille.com. ISI

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How to Choose a Medigap Supplemental Policy By Jim Miller If you’re planning to choose original Medicare for your health coverage, getting a supplemental policy too (also known as Medigap insurance) is a good idea if you can afford it, because it will help pay for things that aren’t covered by Medicare like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. Here are some tips and tools to help you choose an appropriate plan for you. Medigap Plans – Medigap policies, which are sold by private health insurers, come in 10 standardized benefit packages labeled as the letters A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M and N. Plan F is the most popular, followed by plan C because they provide the most comprehensive coverage. Plans M and N, the two newest options, are cost sharing plans that have cheaper premiums, which make them appealing to healthier retirees who don’t use as much health care.

If, however, you live in Massachusetts, Minnesota, or Wisconsin you have different standardized Medigap plans that you can buy. For more information on the different types of plans, call Medicare at 800-633-4227 and ask them to mail you a free copy of the Choosing a Medigap Policy guide (publication 02110), or see medicare.gov/pubs/pdf/02110.pdf. How to Choose – To choose a policy, consider your health status and family medical history. The differences among plans can be small and rather confusing so you’ll need to do some homework to pick a plan that works best for you. To help you choose, use the Medigap online search tool at medicare. gov, and click on “Supplements & Other Insurance” at the top of the page, then on “How to Compare Medigap Policies.” This tool will breakdown what each plan covers along with premium cost ranges, and lists the companies that offer them in your area. Since all Medigap policies with the same letter must cover the exact same benefits, you should shop for the cheapest policy. You’ll get the best price if you sign up within six months after enrolling in Medicare Part B. During this open-enrollment period, an insurer cannot refuse to sell you a policy or charge you more because of your health. You also need to be aware of the three pricing methods that will affect your costs. Medigap policies are usually sold as either “attained-age” policies which are premiums that start low but increase as you get older. “Issue-age” policies that increase prices due to inflation, not age. These policies may start out a little more expensive than attained-age policies but generally have few rate increases over time. And “community-rate” policies, where everyone in an area is charged the same premium regardless of age. Issue-age and community-rated policies will usually save you money in the long run. No Drug Coverage – You also need to know that Medigap policies do not cover prescription drugs, so if you don’t have drug coverage, you need

APRIL/MAY 2013

to consider buying a separate Medicare Part D drug plan too. You can compare plans and cost at medicare.gov/find-a-plan. Also note that Medigap plans do not cover vision or dental care, hearing aids, or long-term care, either. Alternative Option – Instead of getting original Medicare, plus a Medigap policy and a separate Part D drug plan, you could sign up for a Medicare

IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT PAGE 35

Advantage plan that provides all-in-one coverage. These plans, which are sold by insurance companies, are generally available through HMOs and PPOs. To find and compare Advantage plans visit medicare.gov/find-a-plan. If you need help, contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), which provides free Medicare counseling. See shiptalk.

org, or call 800-677-1116 to locate a counselor in your area. 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

Better Business Bureau Celebrates Secure Your ID Day

Don’t Miss The Really BIG Raffle

Saturday, April 20 is a day that is all about protecting your identity. Most people love it for the free paper shredding. Go ahead, dig back to the deep recesses of that closet pulling out decades-old check registers. Pull the drawer out and dump the receipts. Grab that bag of unopened preapproved credit card offers and plan to join us 10 a.m. to noon at the Idaho Transportation Department headquarters, 3311 W. State St., Boise and Potelco Federal Credit Union, 1873 Bench Road, Pocatello. Bring up to three bags or boxes of paper and watch the great folks from Cintas and Western Records Destruction rush the paper into the industrial truck-mounted shred machines to be torn to indistinguishable bits before your eyes. Whether you are a packrat or a skimpy saver, it is easy to confuse what should be saved versus what should be shredded when parsing through personal documents. With free shredding so close (geographically and chronologically), now is the time to get your personal documents in order. For details, go to bbb.org and click the link in the Announcements section. Special thanks to sponsors Right Now Heating & Air Conditioning and Potelco United Credit Union for making this free event possible. ISI

North Idaho College’s largest annual fundraiser, the Really BIG Raffle, is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. For twenty years, NIC Carpentry Program students have constructed the grand prize home. Each July, the home and several other large prizes are raffled off to lucky winners. This year’s prize package includes a $250,000 Coeur d’Alene home, a $20,000 car, a $10,000 boat, a $3,500 vacation, and a $2,000 shopping spree. Although the student construction process has remained steady throughout the years, the raffle has evolved into quite an annual community event. The first raffle began in 1994 with just 4,000 tickets being sold for a chance to win a house valued at $165,000. Throughout the years, organizers have increased the number of tickets sold to 5,000, and have also increased the total prize value for the event by close to $100,000. All proceeds of the raffle are used to fund student scholarships and program needs at the college. Plan to support the 20th annual Really BIG Raffle by participating in the festivities and by purchasing a ticket! Tickets are $100 each. For more information visit www.nic.edu/rbr or call 208-769-3271. ISI

Free File Alliance Partners with IRS to Kickoff 11th Year of Free Online Tax Services WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Free File Alliance, a nonprofit coalition of industry-leading tax software companies partnered with the Internal Revenue Service, today announced the launch of the 2013 Free File program. Since its inception in 2003, Free File has offered free online commercial tax preparation software for 70 percent of taxpayers. This year, taxpayers with a 2012 Adjusted Gross Income of $57,000 or less – about 100 million Americans – may visit www.IRS.gov/ freefile to prepare, complete and e-file their federal tax returns at no cost. In addition to offering comprehensive tax services for 70 percent of taxpayers, Free File also offers basic federal e-filing services with no income limitations. This basic e-filing service, called Free File Fillable Forms, allows taxpayers who are familiar with tax law and need no preparation assistance to complete and file their federal income tax returns electronically. There are no income limitations to use Free File Fillable Forms. “Free File is the one-stop shop for 70 percent of taxpayers to prepare and e-file their federal tax returns,” said Tim Hugo, executive director of the Free File Alliance. “The service is unique because it gives taxpayers access to 15 different tax software offerings so they can choose the one that works best for their tax situation. With Free File, the industry’s top software is all in one place, and it is all free. “The Free File Alliance is committed to making e-filing fast, safe, and free for 100 million taxpayers. Free File provides step-by-step assistance to take the guesswork out of doing your taxes. We invite eligible taxpayers to visit IRS.gov/freefile and join the 36 million Americans who have already used this program during the last 10 years,” said Hugo. To begin, taxpayers should visit the IRS website www.IRS.gov/freefile. Users will find a list of Free File Alliance member companies and may either choose one that fits their needs or utilize the “Help Me Find a Company” tool. After selecting a tax software company, users will be transferred to the company’s website to prepare, complete, and electronically file their federal income tax returns. The service is also available in Spanish. The Free File Alliance is also partnered with the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) – a walk-in service for low-to-moderate income taxpayers – that offers Free File software on self-assist kiosks at VITA sites in 29 states.

Through its partnership with VITA, the Free File Alliance will be able to provide e-filing services for taxpayers who do not have Internet access at home, as well as those who want to e-file, but need additional help. Free File Alliance member companies have worked closely with the IRS to strengthen the Free File program, and taxpayers have consistently reported the program as being user-friendly and efficient. Responding to a 2009 IRS survey, 96 percent of users said they found Free File easy to use, while 98 percent said they would recommend the program to others. About the Free File Alliance – The Free File Alliance is committed to giving 70 percent of Americans free access to the industry’s top online tax preparation software. For more information, visit www.freefilealliance.org. ISI

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Boise biologist kept Afghan runways safe Article & Photo By Dianna Troyer George Graves slept through rocket explosions and never took a day off during the past five months when he kept runways clear of birds and wildlife at Bagram Airfield in northeastern Afghanistan. “If you thought of the danger of being in a combat zone, you would never get any work done,� says George, 59, assistant state director for USDA Wildlife Services in Boise. The biologist returned home in late March after serving his second tour at Bagram Airfield, the third busiest single runway airport in the world.

“Both my tours were rewarding and gratifying despite the challenges, occasional mortar and rocket attacks, and inconveniences. After a while, you accept the explosions, sirens, and warnings to take cover. In late February, I slept through rockets landing about 300 yards away.� For George, his mission was an expression of his patriotic duty and a desire to contribute to science. Keeping the runways clear helped pilots avoid costly and potentially fatal collisions with birds. Shipping the frozen carcasses of non-endangered birds and small mammals has helped U.S. scientists. In 2007, Wildlife Services, the federal agency that helps keep U.S. runways clear of birds, was asked to provide expertise in the Middle East

after a black kite at Bagram flew into an F-16 engine and caused $1.2 million in damage. Wildlife Services biologists began to volunteer for the assignment of working at bases in Afghanistan and Iraq and have since reduced bird strikes 65 percent. During his tours, George shipped more than 2,000 specimens to the Smithsonian Institution’s Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. “Scientists at the museum are grateful because Afghanistan has been in war or turmoil for hundreds of years, and it’s too risky to send expeditions to collect specimens.� The most common species he sent were Libyan jirds, which are similar to gerbils, Eurasian tree sparrows and Spanish sparrows, house mice, dwarf gray hamsters, great white-toothed shrews, European hares, and other small birds. Like the researchers, military personnel appreciated George’s work. “Brigadier General Joseph Guastella’s office was just two doors down from my office, and he and others stopped me in the hallway or on the flight line to thank me,� says George, who received six awards for his work. “That recognition and those awards have been one of the highlights of my 27-year career with the agency.� Before George arrived at Bagram, he was told what to expect and the importance of the base 35 miles north of Kabul. “Bagram Airfield is the busiest single runway airfield in the Department of Defense and the third busiest single runway airport in the world. There’s a monthly average of 21,500 aircraft landings and departures, which include military and civilian and fixed-wing and rotor aircraft.� About 33,600 military personnel and civilians from all over the world live on the 5-square-mile base, which is controlled by the U.S. Army. Within the base is the 1.5-square-mile airfield managed by the U.S. Air Force. For, George, it was easy to adjust to the climate each time he arrived at Bagram because conditions were similar to Boise’s weather patterns. “When I came this past October, lows were in the 20s and highs in the 50s,� he says of Bagram,

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a dry and dusty area at an elevation of 4,895 feet. The spectacular mountainous scenery impressed him. “The Hindu Kush Mountains rose in all directions. This winter, we had a lot of snow, about 30 inches, so the mountains were snowcapped since November.” He settled into his home, an eight-room 18foot by 36-foot plywood hut with a tin roof and no insulation or running water. “When I needed to use the toilet or shower, I had to run outside in the rain and snow about 50 yards to the bathrooms.” He worked his two tours without a day off. “That was my choice. The only things to do were eat, sleep, and work,” says George, who worked 127 days from November 2010 to March 2011 and 150 consecutive days this tour. “My pay was capped at 144 hours per two-week pay period, so I basically volunteered about 40 hours over that every two weeks. But again, that was my choice.” Each day was a mystery for George, who didn’t know if he would encounter explosions or what type of wildlife he would find. He was often reminded not to take the security on base for granted. During the first week of this tour, a mortar exploded 100 yards from his office. On Christmas, insurgents fired mortars and rockets at the base at 7:55 a.m. while

IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT PAGE 37

George was working on the flight line. Once, he found a live U.S. grenade that had likely fallen from a helicopter. Another time, he picked up a piece of machined steel, not realizing it was an old Russian explosive. His typical 12- to 15-hour days started at 5:30 a.m. “I left the office packing a 12-gauge shotgun and .22 rifle or handgun to scare away birds along the runway and taxiways,” says George, who also removed bird nests from razor wire around the airfield and filled in fence holes to stop jackals from getting on base. At 8 a.m., he began checking 100 to 150 traps and snares for jackals, sparrows, raptors, and rodents. By late afternoon, he patrolled the runway and taxiway until dark. The most common mammals he removed were jackals, hares, porcupines, jirds, hamsters, shrews, and mice. “The larger mammals posed a threat to aircraft landing or taxiing. Should an aircraft strike a large mammal such as a jackal, a significant amount of damage could occur to the landing gear, hydraulic lines, and other parts. The smaller mammals had to go because they were prey species for large birds and attracted raptors.” After dark, he wrote reports until 9 p.m. “I was constantly busy, so time passed quickly.”

On Saturdays and Sundays, he surveyed bird activity at three different intervals. “Each survey took about three hours.” During the spring migration, George documented dozens of birds including white wagtails, variable wheatears, black-headed gulls, Eurasian skylarks, common mynas, little bustards, long-legged buzzards, kestrels, bramlings, starlings, magpies, short-eared owls and Eurasian eagle owls, hoopoes, European rollers, Kentish plovers, green sandpipers, and Eurasian thickknees. During his tours, George said he was impressed with the soldiers’ sacrifices. “I don’t take our fighting military men and women and their dogs for granted. These are average Americans who put their lives on the line every day.” Although George missed his family and friends, he has no regrets about his missions to Afghanistan. “Working in Afghanistan nine months was a small sacrifice, which my wife and children wholeheartedly supported. Our oldest son recently re-enlisted in the Idaho National Guard. I missed my wife’s birthday and our 30th wedding anniversary, but we’re deciding how we’ll make up for it.” ISI

Museum Exhibit Displays 150 Things that Make the Gem State Unique Idaho’s territory just turned 150 years old and the Idaho State Historical Museum is kicking off the sesquicentennial in a big way. One of the largest exhibits ever shown at the Museum, Essential Idaho: 150 Things that Make the Gem State Unique features intriguing people, places, and events that make Idaho what it is today. The exhibit runs through December 31, 2013. In order to create Essential Idaho, nominations were solicited from counties, local museums, historical societies, Idaho tribes, and the public. Using these nominations, a committee of historians chose the 150 items reflecting the rich diversity and storied history of Idaho. The exhibit features rare artifacts, hands-on learning stations, and compelling stories about the Gem State. Jody Ochoa, Museum Director, says many people will be surprised at what they will learn from this exhibit. “Idaho has the only state seal that was designed by a woman. Events like the Fire of 1910, the Teton Dam Disaster, and Ruby Ridge are all examples of events that shaped Idaho and had national implications.” From Polly Bemis’s tennis shoes to the Pulaski, a commonly used firefighting tool created by an Idahoan, the exhibition tells the unique story of

the history of Idaho. The exhibit has something for every age and interest whether it is dressing up as Lewis and Clark, building a model state capitol, or posing inside a giant baked potato. The Idaho State Historical Museum is located in Boise’s Julia Davis Park at 610 N. Julia Davis Drive. Museum hours are Tuesday-Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday. Admission: $5 adults (13+), $4 seniors (65+), and $3 children 6-12 and students with a valid student ID. On First Thursdays, the Museum is open by donation to the public from 5–9 p.m. For more information, call 208-334-2120. For more information about Get Territorial: Idaho at 150 call the Idaho State Historical Society at 208-334-2682 or go to www.Idaho150.com. The Idaho State Historical Society is an extraordinary system of cultural and historic resources comprised of the Idaho State Historical Museum, State Archives, State Historic Preservation Office, and Historic Sites Program. We seek to inspire, enrich, and engage all Idahoans by leading the state in preserving, sharing, and using history and cultural resources relevant to today to inform and influence the future. Learn more about ISHS at www.history.idaho.gov. ISI

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Idaho eye doctors help legally blind to see Local low vision doctor helps those with vision impairment to keep reading and driving. retired rancher from Utah, approached the Low By Elena Lomabardi Just because you have macular degeneration Vision Clinic last February. “I could not read the street signs soon enough (or other vision-limiting conditions) doesn’t always when driving, and I couldn’t read my morning mean you must give up driving or reading. Ever look through a pair of field glasses or paper.” He was fit with bioptic telebinoculars? Things look bigger scope glasses. “Amazing,” says and closer, and much easier Ross, “to be able to see things to see. Dr. Jared L. Cooper far away again. Even the televiof Southern Idaho/Utah and sion is so much better now.” He Dr. Cheryl Dumont of Coeur was also provided with a Clear d’Alene are using miniaturized Image Microscope glasses for binoculars or telescopes to help reading the newspaper. people who have lost vision from “Telescopic glasses usually macular degeneration or other cost over $2000,” says Dr. Cooeye conditions. per, “especially if we fabricate “Some of my patients consider me the last stop for people who have vision them with an automatic sunglass.” Not all low vision devices are that expensive loss”, says Dr. Cooper, a low vision optometrist who limits his practice to visually impaired patients in - reading glasses start at $500 and hand magnifiers under $100. Every case is different because his offices throughout Southern Idaho. “People don’t know that there are doctors who people have different levels of vision and different are very experienced in low vision care, many of desires. Call Dr. Cooper or Dr. Dumont for a free my patients have been told that there was nothing left that they could do to improve their vision, telephone interview at 800-451-2015 or visit Dr. Cooper on the Internet at www.drjaredcooper.com. fortunately this is usually not the case.” Dr. Jared L. Cooper Idaho License #ODP“My job is to figure out everything and anything possible to keep a person functioning.” said Dr. 100238. Cooper. “Even if it’s driving”. A patient of Dr. Cooper, Ross Johnson, 73 a

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By Dianna Troyer they retired a year ago. Ginger, 65, worked as a Despite being coddled while starring in films registered nurse, and Paul, 66, was a clinician at and television commercials, Ginger and Paul the Idaho State School and Hospital, working with Meeker’s British shorthair cats are not demanding. special needs patients and with troubled children Along with their feline fame, they have retained with the Region 6 Children’s Mental Health Unit their charming, low-maintenance demeanor. in Caldwell. Those traits endear them to the Caldwell “With our workload being cut back, we felt we couple who welcomed one into their home for the had a little more time to give back as an expresfirst time in 1984. sion of our gratitude for meeting wonderful people “Our cat had died, and a friend suggested from all over the world because of these cats,” says we get a British shortGinger. hair. We fell in love She and Paul along with the breed,” says with other members Ginger of the gentle, of Idaho Cat Fanciers quiet, stocky, plush, help organize Idacats, 14- to 16-pound cats a show held in Boise with mesmerizing every March. copper-colored eyes. “We not only show The breed has 19 colpedigreed cats but also ors and patterns, with work with local cat rescream being predomicue organizations and nant and gray, which the local Humane Sois called blue among ciety to adopt cats at breeders. the show,” says Ginger. “The blue color is Ginger and Paul Meeker show Castlkatz Luna Lovegood at They also have the 1,000 Cats World Show in Columbus, Ohio in Novemalso the most popular ber. She placed eighth out of 1,000 cats. [Photo courtesy of helped Hong Kong resiin the U.S., and for the Ginger and Paul Meeker] dent Chloe Chung meet first time in Cat Fancithe requirements to ers Association history, the Brit is on the list as one become a CFA judge, a process that takes about of the Top 10 most popular breeds,” says Ginger. 8-10 years to complete each step. “They’re not talkative, so you don’t have to “She called us, wanting to improve the breed in listen to yowling and meowing all the time, yet her country, and we got to know her,” says Ginger. they can have a steady purr like a motorboat,” “She has stayed with us, and we’ve taken her to says Ginger. shows. We worked together to help translate writ“They’re happy lounging on the couch or let- ten cat standards, which is difficult because some ting a 4-year-old put them in a doll buggy. You words don’t translate.” won’t find them shredding your drapes, hanging Visitors like Chloe meet the Meekers’ 12 Brits, from the ceiling fan, prowling the kitchen counter- which have the run of their house south of Caldwell. tops, or hopping up on the fridge. They’re great “We have three breeding boys, five breeding companions for kids and dogs and naturally like girls and the rest are neuters and spays,” says to play fetch.” Paul. “Even though we have so many, our house Because British Shorthairs are easy to train, doesn’t smell like cats. Our boys are non-territorial, they’re often sought out for use in films and ad- so they don’t mark. All of our cats even enjoy getvertising. The Meekers’ trainable, charismatic cats ting a bath.” have had cameo roles in the films Pet Sematary, Remarkably, the cats all get along. Girl, Interrupted, Beaches, and a major role in the “If they didn’t, we’d find other homes for them,” children’s film Stewart Little. says Paul. “In our breeding program, temperament “For Stewart Little, a trainer bought five of our is equally important to conformation, especially boys: Fred, Wooster, Jeeves, Elton, and Burton, when you consider their size. Our females can all blue neutered males,” says Ginger. “In the film, weigh up to 14 pounds, and the males up to 16 a Brit played Smokey, the leader of the bad-guy pounds. That’s a lot of cat. They’re bigger than cats. It was a Brando-type role.” some of the toy dog breeds.” The Meekers’ cats had prominent roles in a This year, the Meekers have traveled to shows Super Bowl commercial for herding cats, which “from coast to coast and everywhere in between” can be seen on YouTube. to exhibit Luna Lovegood, a spayed female cat “You can see them running with the herd, and currently ranking third nationally, according to the at the end a cowboy is holding a blue Persian in Cat Fanciers Association. one arm and one of our blue Brits in the other,” “We go to about 25 to 30 shows a year,” says says Ginger. Paul. Like their cats, the Meekers are easygoing The Meekers exhibit at shows “because it’s a celebrities nationally among cat breeders. Ginger good way to know where your breeding program was featured in the book, Women and Their Cats, is going,” says Ginger. published in 1992. She also wrote articles for the Some breeders want to change the standards Cat Fanciers Journal for a number of years and for the British Shorthair to reflect how their cats serves as a regional di- look. rector of the Cat Fanci“What’s the challenge in that?” she asks. “We ers Association’s North- strive for perfection but fail to reach it, and that’s western region. okay. We shouldn’t change those standards. To The Meekers also us, they’re about as close to a perfect cat as you are known for their vol- can get.” ISI unteerism, even before

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IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT PAGE 39

Falconer’s spirit takes flight with his Harris’s Hawk Article & Photo By Dianna Troyer While volunteering at the interpretive center at the World Center for Birds of Prey in Boise, Mike Garets routinely discourages inquiring visitors from becoming falconers. Yet the 71-year-old has no regrets about the wisdom of ignoring his own advice whenever he watches Arya, his 4-year-old Harris’s hawk, soar and stoop. He flies her several times a week outside of Boise’s city limits where she catches rabbits. “She’s a striking bird, and her training is coming along well,” says Mike, who purchased her in late August. Mike says the center’s visitors often tell him they would like to become a falconer and wonder what it involves. “Out of about 30 people I’ve talked to about it during the past few years, only two have actually become a falconer,” he says. “It’s unlike other sports because you need to have a strong commitment and such a passion for it. It’s not like golf where you can just stick your clubs in the closet if you need a break. With falconry, you’re dealing with your bird every day.” A highly regulated sport, falconry requires state and federal permits and licenses. Earning a falconry license is a lengthy process designed to eliminate those who have a fleeting interest in the sport and might inadvertently endanger a raptor. First, an aspiring falconer must find a master falconer to be a sponsor and provide guidance, Mike says. Next, you must pass a written exam through the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. After acquiring equipment, you must provide a mews where the bird can safely live and stretch its wings, and also a weathering area where the bird can safely be outdoors. After those facilities are inspected by department personnel, a permit is granted to trap one of five species of wild birds. After completing a two-year apprenticeship, you become a general falconer. After seven years, you can become a master level falconer. Mike’s interest in falconry was piqued six years ago when he retired from the contract food service business and returned to his hometown of Boise. He began to volunteer at the center, leading tours, feeding raptors when needed, and giving talks offsite with the birds. “I’d always been interested in birds, and the more I was around them, the more fascinated I became. Naturally, there were a lot of falconers at the center, so I started to think seriously about it.” About four years ago, Dave Smith, a master falconer and president of the Idaho Falconers As-

sociation, volunteered to sponsor Mike. “I was probably the oldest apprentice falconer in Idaho,” says Mike, who has since flown three kestrels, two merlins, and a sharp-shinned hawk before meeting Arya. “I was giving a talk at Cabela’s and met her owner who had medical issues and was unable to fly her after buying her from a breeding facility in Oregon.” Because Mike had never flown a Harris’s hawk, he wanted to try. “They’re fairly easy to work with and can be trained to hunt rabbits and upland game such as quail, pheasants, and ducks. Unlike other raptors, Harris’s hawks are one of the few social raptors. They hunt in family groups and transfer that type of bond to a falconer. The bond is strengthened through food and positive reinforcement.” Sometimes, Harris’s hawks tend to bond so strongly with their owner that they’re difficult for others to handle. “I didn’t want her to bond only to me, so a friend, Monica Pittman, one of the two people I talked to who actually became a falconer, and I flew her in training,” Mike says. Monica suggested the name Arya, naming the hawk after a character from the book and TV series, Game of Thrones. “Arya is a 12-year-old who lives by her wits, a perfect name for my hawk,” says Mike. Mike generally flies Arya three to four times a week from September to March, depending on the weather. Native to the Southwest, Harris’s hawks don’t function well in temperatures below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, “so we stayed home when it got so cold in January.” In March or April, falconers quit flying their birds when they begin to molt. “We put them up and make sure they have a nutritious diet, so they can grow strong feathers. Once they’re done molting, they’re ready to fly again in the fall.” Harris’s hawks can

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live up to 30 years in captivity. Because Arya is so attractive, she would be prized in a breeding program, Mike says. “Eventually, I’d like to find a good home for her, so I can fly a prairie falcon next. Raptors and how they fit into their environment are endlessly fascinating to me.” More information about falconry may be found at www.idahofalconers.org. ISI

PAGE 40 IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT

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Life comes full circle for Basque museum docent By Dianna Troyer As Begone Zabala leads a tour of Boise’s Basque Block, she stops at the Cyrus JacobsUberuaga Boarding House where she performed as a child. “My sister and I used to sing Christmas carols in our Basque language for the sheepherders who worked in the area and stayed at the house from late fall to early spring after the sheep were sent to market,” says Begone, a first generation American immigrant, who grew up several blocks away. “Many herders were from the Basque country and missed their families. They were so glad to

hear the songs in our language, that they had tears in their eyes. My parents made sure we could speak Basque because it had been illegal to speak their native language in public in the Basque country where they came from. They were so grateful for the freedom to speak Basque in America.” The boarding house, the oldest surviving brick structure in Boise, was built in 1864 by Cyrus Jacobs, who owned several businesses including a mercantile. After his death, the building eventually became a boarding house operating from 1910 to 1969. Photo by Patty Miller “I love sharing my culture with people,” says Begone, 63, who leads tours on Saturdays at noon indoor European handball court was built inside and 1:30 p.m. She began working at the museum the hotel,” she says. “That court is such a hidden as a docent in June 2010 during her time off from treasure.” working as a registered nurse at St. Luke’s Boise When museum visitors ask Begone about how Medical Center. her family came to Boise, they hear a harrowing “Since I retired in August, I have more time to story. help out in the gift shop or to do whatever needs “My mother and mother-in-law both survived to be done. Right now, I’m helping catalog a col- the bombing of Gernika in 1937 during the Spanish lection of materials donated from the estate of a Civil War. Germans bombed the village in northern man who was active in the Basque community. My Spain in support of Franco, which Pablo Picasso favorite thing, though, is giving tours.” immortalized in a famous anti-war painting. After She tells visitors that the boarding house was that, my mom was a prisoner of war for 27 months. renovated to look like it did during its heyday from My father-in-law was a soldier with the anti-Franco the 1920s to the 1940s. forces.” “The vintage house décor represents two eras,” While Gernika was being bombed, Begone’s says Begone. “Items at the front of the house are dad was living in Idaho, where he had moved in authentic to the 1860s with kerosene lamps, while the 1920s to herd sheep and get a green card. the back of the house is dated to 1938 with the “He disliked being around the sheep and only period knob-and-tube wiring.” did it until he could find another job. Later, he found The house and Basque Museum and Cultural work as a lumberjack and in construction. When he Center are in the Basque Block, a cultural hub for decided he wanted to marry a Basque woman, he the Treasure Valley’s 15,000 Basque residents. went back to the province of Biskaia in Spain. My The block on Grove Street between Capital Bou- parents met each other late in life. They married levard and 6th Street has several restaurants, a in the late 1940s and moved to Boise.” market, and other businesses including the FronBegone’s parents taught her a work ethic, a ton (Anduiza) building, a former hotel. trait that helped her earn a degree as a registered “Many people don’t realize that the nation’s first nurse. “I loved my job and worked hard at it,” says Begone. “I’ll always remember an older nurse who said, ‘Your heart must sing for your job.’ I loved the people and patients I met.” Her parents also taught her the value of honesty “with yourself and others and to seek joy in life. Music and dance are so important in our culture.” The heart and soul of the Basque culture is the language, which Begone and her husband, Lino, 66, still speak at home. “It’s just easier for us to communicate in our language,” she says. “We made sure our daughters, Amaya, who is now 30, and Mait, who is 34, could speak it, too. It’s still as important to us as it was to our parents.” More information about the museum can be found at www.basquemuseum.com. ISI

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Frank Eld - Roseberry Village Cont’d from Cover The icon of his restored village is the Roseberry General Store and Museum. Beside the store, which was built in 1905, Frank has parked a vintage buggy. “As visitors cross the store’s threshold, I always remind them, they are stepping back in time 100 years,” says his daughter Jennifer, 38, who has worked at the townsite since childhood. “Here, you can buy one-cent gumballs, long-handled underwear, wooden toys, and vintage replica tin signs.” On immaculate shelves and in tidy showcases, the Elds display countless antiques including button-up shoes, pistols, household products, sheriff badges, and even a suit of armor. The Elds also sell contemporary items including Finnish knives, handcrafted Finnish-Scandinavian gifts, wine made in Idaho, and huckleberry jam. Jennifer and Frank tell visitors about the history of Roseberry, which thrived until 1914 when railroad tracks were laid 1.5 miles west at Donnelly. As a result, the town shriveled, yet business remained brisk at the store for a couple of decades. In 1939, it closed and was unused until the 1950s when it became a honey-processing plant. By the summer of 1969, the year Frank graduated from Columbia University, the store was unused due to the owner’s poor health. “Most people looked at it and saw firewood, but I saw potential,” says Frank, who has received awards for his preservation projects at Roseberry and volunteers as a board member of Preservation Idaho. He is also a presenter at folklore and humanities conferences, sharing his insights and research about the Finnish culture in America. “Ever since I was 16 and worked on an Idaho Territorial Centennial exhibit for Valley County, I wished we had a museum. This seemed to be the perfect location.” He talked to a banker in Cascade, borrowed $1,000, bought the store, and began to restore it during summers off from teaching industrial arts and social studies in high schools and middle schools in Pennsylvania and later New Jersey. In 1971, he and his late mother, Ella Eld, helped found the Valley County Museum, and in 1973, he and other local residents established the Long Valley Preservation Society, basing it at Roseberry to interpret and display county history. In 1984, Frank moved back to Idaho permanently. “I tell people I never left Idaho because I always came back in the summers. Anyone born in Idaho has a big rubber band attached, and it’s only a matter of time before it pulls you back.” After owning a manufactured home business and serving as a Valley County commissioner, Frank retired in 2010. At Roseberry, he lives in a two-story 1,200-square-foot house his father built. “I didn’t know it until after I had it moved here to the townsite. Carpenters often signed the houses they built, and I found a piece of paper under the siding with his name on it. He died when I was 8, so I wasn’t aware of everything he built.” Frank’s next restoration project is the Mahala House, which was moved to Roseberry last summer. “We’ll start with the front porch, then work on the interior. It will be the focal point of an exhibit about pioneering women in Long Valley and is one of eight buildings that will almost complete our Finnish Heritage Center group of buildings.” In addition to its historic museum displays, The Preservation Society rents its buildings in Roseberry for music and art festivals, weddings, family reunions, and other celebrations. “Roseberry still appeals to people because it’s a beautiful and peaceful place where people can relax,” says Frank. “It’s more than a venue. It’s an experience.” More information about the store can be found at www.roseberrygeneralstore.com. It is open in May and September from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Starting June 15 and during July and August, the store is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Wednesday to Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Information about the preservation society can be found at www.historicroseberry.com. ISI

IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT PAGE 41

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Father Time and his relentless clock provide us no escape from inevitable age. Trace our lives from childhood through raising families to our twilight years and we can be blessed with irreplaceable experiences, knowledge, and life’s inescapable lessons. Our winning Remember When selection One Into Sixty by B. Elwin Sherman is an insightful and humorous look at the process and progress of our aging and the importance of keeping a healthy

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perspective. Congratulations! Remember When contains our readers’ personal reflections, 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 contributions deemed best by our

staff. The contributor of the winning entry receives a $25 cash prize. We look forward to receiving your contributions for our June/July 2013 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 208-3180310. Visit us online at www.idahoseniorindependent.com. ISI

One into Sixty

True friendship comes when silence between two people is comfortable. - Dave Tyson Gentry

That’s Mother Pauline. If you even hint to her that it’s okay if being in her 80s slows her down a little, she’ll defiantly stop what she’s doing, stoop over, and plant her palms flat on the floor without bending her knees (you try it). End of that discussion palms on the floor, and straighten those knees: By B. Elwin Sherman I know that pushing an elevator button more As Jack Benny would tell it, this week I’ll be celebrating the 21st anniversary of my 39th than once won’t help, but I still do it, and will continue to do it. birthday. I know that pounding on a steering wheel will Sixty-years-old. In this culture, that officially moves me into sometimes start a cold engine, jiggling the toilet aged status, though until now I really hadn’t handle will always work, and body English can given it much thought. My dictionary defines turn back baseballs curving foul or bowling balls “sixty” as “the natural number following 59 and headed for the gutter. I know that science and poetry are more preceding 61.” That’s about the amount of significance I’d applied to it until another still-junior entertaining and sometimes work better when they switch job descriptions. citizen friend reminded me: I know that I’d like to live long enough to see “So… turning 60 soon, eh? Where should I the world’s first head transplant. send the sympathy card?” I know that I’d like to be part of the world’s Sixty. There’s something about the number that demands my coming to attention, but I’m not first head transplant, but I can’t decide whether sure how I’m supposed to feel about it. Accom- the role donor or recipient would be more fun. I know that it’s easier in this life to accept plished? Depressed? Surprised? Amazed? Six decades here and I should feel like something losing a thing or a person (wedding ring, wife) more than the dictionary definition of my sitting when you know where they went (down the drain, between passengers 59 and 61 on the flight Cleveland) than it is if they just disappear. I know that no atheist ever killed another atheist o’life, but that’s about all I can muster. It can’t simply be the numerical age. My mom for not being a devout enough atheist. I know that I agree with the person who said is 80-something, and in many ways, she’s living that we only succumb to the effects of aging younger and better than I do now, so that’s not it. when we give up the urge to throw a snowball. It’s been said that most of us aren’t really afraid I know that in 60 years, I’ve still never met of aging, anyway, but rather of how people treat anyone who can say “black bug’s blood” three us or don’t treat us as we get older. times fast. I know that is why I love language. That’s Mother Pauline. If you even hint to her I know that “A horse walks into a bar and the that it’s okay if being in her 80s slows her down bartender says, ‘Hey, why the long face?’” is still a little, she’ll defiantly stop what she’s doing and stoop over and plant her palms flat on the floor the funniest joke and maybe the most profound without bending her knees (you try it). End of hidden meaning of life ever recorded. I know that some people, when they smell that discussion. Still, as a humor reader, you’re right to flowers, will always look around for a passing expect something from me upon my reaching hearse. I know that I never saw a hearse pulling a threescore years, if only because of its mere numeration. An inventory? A comparison study? trailer. I know that a young grandson painting his I must owe us both something 60ish for my movfirst picture is my definition of a miracle, and that ing into 60-something. I once asked a woman on her 100th birthday living long enough to see it is my good fortune. I know, as I embrace my new sexagenariif there was some secret she’d kept, some special formula or practice anism, that I still never want it explained to me she’d used to achieve by scientists masquerading as poets and vicelongevity that she’d be versa, exactly how a migrating bird can tell north willing to share with from south, or what a dog thinks when it watches the rest of us. She an- television. I know that knowing how many atoms swered without hesita- are in which of my elements does not change my tion, “Don’t die, you life one iota. I don’t know how many iotas make up a smidgeon, and I don’t care. Some things damn fool.” So, at this new should remain mysteries. I know that scooping up a snowball as I did milestone, let’s not die today, and just making it smack into that furthest and instead try summing up some of the fencepost again this year (insert your own body things I’ve come to English)… makes 61 worth shooting for. I know that sixty divided by one is thirty-nine, know, believe, and still and I’m keeping it that way. ISI wonder about at 60. Ready? Bend over,

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Classic DVDs: Disabilities By Mark Fee Since the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1989, disability awareness has increased significantly and Hollywood has produced even more films about disabilities. Forrest Gump (1994) won many Academy Awards and was an unprecedented success at the box office. Geoffrey Rush won an Academy Award playing a schizophrenic artist in Shine (1996). Sling Blade (1997) was a shattering film about a disabled man and won Best Screenplay. Hollywood has also produced unthinkably mediocre and worthless films about disabilities. I was flabbergasted at Mike Nichol’s banal Regarding Henry (1990) about a lawyer, who recovers from a traumatic brain injury. Nichols, who began directing films with the razor edged, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966), treats brain injury recovery like a Hallmark greeting card. Harrison Ford gives a wooden performance. Arthur Hiller’s sophomoric comedy, See No Evil, Hear No Evil (1988) is a mess. The film about a deaf man and blind man’s misadventures in New York is sloppy and foul-mouthed. The comic skills of Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor are wasted. However, there are many classic DVDs related to disabilities that are worth watching. Many films like Children of a Lesser God with Marlee Matlin (1986) are deeply affecting. Matlin, who is deaf, won an Academy Award for her performance as a deaf woman. Rain Man (1988) still resonates years after Dustin Hoffman won an Academy Award for Best Actor, as an autistic savant. Listed below are some of my favorite classic disability DVDs, a few sleepers, and a comedy.

In John Sturges’s Bad Day at Black Rock (1954), Spencer Tracy plays a WWII veteran, who lost an arm during the war. He visits Black Rock to find a Japanese farmer and deliver a medal to him. The farmer’s son saved Tracy’s life during the war. As soon as Tracy arrives in Black Rock, he faces increasing hostility. His life is in danger. He has to find out what happened to the farmer and his family. The film is a relentless masterpiece of chilling terror. Robert Ryan is ruthlessly effective, as the town boss. Tracy has never been better. Not rated; four stars. Anthony Perkins plays a tormented baseball player in Robert Mulligan’s Feat Strikes Out (1957). The film is based on the life of baseball star, Jimmy Piersall. Piersall’s father applies remorseless pressure to his son, to be the star, he never was. His Dad didn’t even make it to the majors. Piersall cracks under the pressure and is sent to a mental hospital. Perkins gives an exceptional performance. Malden is excellent as the father, whose ambition overwhelms his son. Not rated; 3½ stars. In The Gambler (1974), James Caan plays a literature professor, who is crippled by his addiction to gambling. He is a high roller and bets on basketball teams. He has to borrow from his Grandfather, an eminent businessman, to subsidize his addiction. He borrows money from a loan shark, who is as kind, as he is brutal. Caan gives one of his best performances. Rated R; three stars. Jenny Agutter plays a young woman, who runs away from a terrible marriage in Walt Disney’s rarely seen, Amy (1980). The film takes place in the early 20th century. Amy leaves her

husband, (Chris Robinson), who is abusive and finds employment working with deaf and developmentally disabled. Amy is poignant film; endearing with a happy ending. Rated G; three stars. Anthony Hopkins plays a compassionate doctor, who rescues a grotesquely disfigured man in The Elephant Man (1980). Based on a true story, Hopkins plays Victorian doctor, Sir Frederick Treves. John Hurt plays the Elephant Man, John Merrick. Treves notices Merrick at a carnival show and is horrified by Merrick’s treatment. He has Merrick hospitalized and cared for. Treves is fascinated and appalled by Merrick’s condition. Merrick becomes something of a national phenomenon. Hopkins’ performance is phenomenal. Hurt’s performance is a tour de force. Rated PG; 3½ stars. In Crazy People (1989), Dudley Moore plays an advertising executive, who is burned out with the industry. His boss notices his production has deteriorated. Dudley’s ads are completely off-thewall. He sends Dudley to a psychiatric hospital to recuperate. Dudley becomes friends with some of the residents, and they develop ads, which Dudley thinks will sell. The ads are childlike and truthful. Japanese car executives are impressed. Moore’s boss is stunned. He does not believe what is happening. The film is relentlessly funny. Some scenes are unbelievably hilarious. Rated R; three stars. Living with a disability or disabilities can be humorless and exhausting. Classic DVDs can help provide a context and understanding of the challenges faced by disabled people. Until the next time, enjoy these great films. ISI

Post Falls Is A Complete Destination

Four Shows Make Their Premier At Coeur D’Alene Summer Theatre

Post Falls is a must-see stop on the highway to adventure in North Idaho, just off I-90, between Spokane and Coeur d’Alene. The Post Falls Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center is a great place to start. From there you are just two blocks from Falls Park, a handicap-friendly city park with picnic areas, paved trails, and a viewing platform above the roaring falls. Nearby is the beautiful 78-acre Q’emiln Park on the Spokane River. On the west side of the park is the Q’emiln Trail System – including connected trails winding along the river canyon. More adventure awaits aboard authentic paddle wheeler cruises on the Spokane River Queen. The scenic beauty of the river and fabulous views of spectacular waterfront residences make for a great outing. Enjoy three 18-hole golf courses in town and several more nearby. For a taste of native culture, there is the annual Julyamsh Pow Wow and Tribal Encampment. Arts and family entertainment abound the city center during the Post Falls Festival in July. Discover Post Falls – you will come back year after year! Info and travel resources: 800-292-2553 or www. postfallsvacations.org. ISI

It is hard enough to bring one new show to theatre fans after producing shows for over four decades. But Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre (CST) manages to bring four new shows to the area this season. Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre is one of only a handful of theatres to be awarded rights to perform Disney’s and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins, the recent stage adaptation of one of the most beloved musicals of all time. “We’re absolutely honored to be selected by the folks at Disney to perform Mary Poppins,” said CST Artistic Director, Roger Welch. “It’s a huge feather in our cap, and we jumped at the opportunity. I think our audiences will be thrilled with the shows we are presenting this summer. We have a fantastic line-up, which will appeal to all generations. What other form of entertainment can grandma, parent, and child all equally enjoy?” You won’t want to miss Big River (June 13 - 22) Based on Mark Twain’s novel, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn; Disney’s and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins (July 5 - 14); Romance/Romance (July 25 - Aug. 4); and Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5: The Musical (Aug. 15 - 25). For show and ticket information, call 208-769-7780 or visit cdasummertheatre.com. ISI

Only a golfer would understand Submitted by Julie Hollar A man and his wife walked into a dentist’s office, and the man said to the dentist, “Doc, I’m in one heck of a hurry. I have two buddies sitting out in my car waiting for us to go play golf, so forget about the anesthetic. I don’t have time for the gums to get numb. I just want you to pull the tooth, and be done with it! “We have a 10 o’clock. tee time at the best golf course in town and it’s 9:30 already... I don’t have time to wait for the anesthetic to work!” The dentist thought to himself, “My goodness, this is surely a very brave man asking to have his tooth pulled without using anything to kill the pain.” So the dentist asked him, “Which tooth is it sir?” The man turned to his wife and said, “Open your mouth Honey, and show him the tooth. ISI

PAGE 44 IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT

APRIL/MAY 2013

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