Idaho Senior Independent Vol 9 No 4 by Montana Senior News

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Wheelchair tennis has helped Randy Corbett heal from accident

Randy Corbett doesn’t stop at playing and coaching wheelchair tennis; he also coaches and instructs able-bodied athletes. To teach local students about adaptive athletic equipment, Randy has started a Wheelies Team. [Photo by Dianna Troyer]

By Dianna Troyer Sure, scuba diving and whitewater rafting thrilled Randy Corbett, but they did not peg his funmeter the way wheelchair tennis does. “I’ve been playing for 20 years, and it’s still exciting for me,” says the 51-year-old Boise resident who learned to play the sport after his legs became paralyzed in a motorcycle crash. While returning home from Idaho City in May 1990, he lost control of his cycle on a winding road and sailed over a cliff. An Air Force veteran, he did his rehab at a Veterans Administration Hospital in Seattle. “Wheelchair tennis helped me heal and recover after the accident,” says Randy. “It suits my personality. It fulfills my desire to exercise, compete, and meet new people in a friendly atmosphere. I want to share with others what the sport has done for me.” With an outreach grant from the U.S. Tennis Association, Randy and other members of the Boise-based Idaho Wheelchair Tennis Association offer wheelchair tennis clinics throughout Idaho. “We’d like to expand the sport statewide and to let players know about the national wheelchair tennis circuit. We have about 30 members from the Treasure Valley in the association, and about eight of us play competitively.” For those who want to try the sport but balk at the $2,000 price tag of a lightweight and maneuverable wheelchair designed for tennis, the association has loaners. “We want people to be able to see if they really like the sport before committing to a large financial outlay and buying their own chair.” Randy never played tennis until his accident. He had become involved with a program for disabled people through Boise Parks and Recreation and learned to scuba dive and whitewater raft. Eventually he was introduced to tennis and discovered his life’s passion. “I realized I loved everything about it: the competition, the traveling, and the social aspect.” After joining the association in 1993, Randy served primarily as the group’s program director and was president several years starting in 1995. (Continued on page 36)

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Observance Contest Comments Hey! What a fun contest. I had no idea that there were so many observances. Felt Hat Day? My favorite is International Drive Your Studebaker Day. Thanks for the entertaining reading! Kristine Uravich Moscow This was quite a challenge, it took three gothroughs to find this many [observances]. I wonder how many were missed! Pat Bodas Activity Director, Presbyterian Community Care Center Ontario, Oregon

What an entertaining web site – goes the same for your paper! Armand and Billie French Hayden

When Did World War II Start? Reading the latest issue of the Idaho Senior Independent, I came across an article by Jack McNeel about Marvin Smith, P.O.W. In the article is the statement that Marvin signed up for the Army on October 1, 1940, “still a year before World War II started.” With all due respect, I would like to say that by this time World War II had already been raging for 13 months. The war started in 1939 but the Americans were not to take part until the

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bombing of Pearl Harbor in December of 1941. Ann J. Schafer (an English expatriate) Mountain Home ED: World War II started in Europe on September 1, 1939 when Germany invaded Poland. On September 3, 1939 Britain and France declared war on Germany. ISI

Jokes That Aren’t Funny By Bill Hall I am probably just behaving like a silly Danish senior citizen, but a reader offended me the other day. A fellow elder emailed me what he considered a joke about black people and brown people going to heaven where they stole the Pearly Gates. I was doubly irked, both because my children and grandchildren are part Mexican and because the careless jokester thought I was the sort of oddball who would enjoy a joke that paints my little peeps as thieves just because of what color they are. When I emailed the guy back and called him out on it, he asked me an allegedly naive question, one that I frequently hear from people my age. Bear in mind, racist jokes were rampant during our childhood in the 1940s and 1950s. Jokes at the expense of minority groups and women were constant themes in the humor of the movies, the radio, and in everyday life among people we knew back then – the white people we knew then. And yes, before I learned better about 60 years ago, I used to laugh at some of those jokes. So when I emailed the guy, telling him that it’s

long past the time when we should have cleaned up our acts – and our jokes – he responded with a common defense among members of my age group. He wanted to know why English or Danish jokes are tolerated in today’s world while jokes about black and brown people are still offensive. In effect, we are dealing with insult humor and that’s a tricky business. It is partly a matter of whether you are truly and plainly kidding. And that, in turn, is partly a matter of “says who?” For instance, if my friends and family joke with me about my stunning lack of hair, I take that as good-natured and even affectionate. But if you blatantly hate my guts and call me “baldy” with the intent to offend, then the word may sting a bit (though I should be an adult and feel sorry for someone so overhaired). But if you don’t mind, let me explain why a joke can be fun if it is about people like me who are part Danish – while such a gag is rude and usually offends people who are black, brown, or yellow. The difference is that few people in the world still believe that Danish or other western European peoples are racially inferior. They are not routinely accused of being capable of stealing the Pearly

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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.

Jack W. Love, Jr., Publisher/Editor Colleen Paduano Lisa Gebo Rachael Lowrance Jonathan Rimmel Sherrie Smith Nann Parrett

Office Manager Production Supervisor/Sales Advertising Sales Graphic Designer Admin/Production Assistant Editing Assistant

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Gates. Deserve it or not, they have arrived. But while you may not believe dark-skinned people are inferior, there are quite a few unobservant white inhabitants of this country who still hold that view. So a joke based on the ignorant premise of the inferiority of others is still uncouth. Some degree of prejudice remains especially strong among white people of my advanced age. And they are being socially careless when they exchange jokes like that one sent me the other day. As long as quite a few white people continue to demonstrate prejudice against people of color, then most people of color (and their white grand-

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pas) are going to be far more huffy than amused. On the other hand, isn’t it funny that it is some of the most stupid members of the white race who think white people are superior? Meanwhile, sad to say, most of these black, brown, and dumb-female jokes that are sent to me are sent by my fellow seniors. That is ironic because there are quite a few young twits in this country who believe that we elders are pretty much washed up and stupid. We are laughed at in ways that are unflattering. And some age bigots among young comics on television make jokes about how gross it is that

As a child, it is easy to remember the rituals and habits that existed in our families… how certain events evolved in certain ways. However, the insight we have now as we recall those childhood events is expansive. And, as we appreciate the nuances of the observed behavior and understand its circumstances from our mature perspective these events can certainly bring smiles to our faces. Our winning Remember When selection The Painter Is Coming by Pearl Hoffman of Los Angeles is a look one such ritual – the arrival of the painter and his bending to the clever efforts of the woman of the house. Thank you, Pearl! Remember When contains our readers’ personal reflections or contribu-

anyone past 50 would have the poor taste and the gall to enjoy sex. Meanwhile, if you respect me no matter what my age and are plainly just kidding, then have at me with your geezer jokes – but only if you agree that bald and old are not the afflictions of inferior beings. And yes, I consider myself a shining example of the elderly, but it is probably just an effect created by the sun bouncing off my white head. Hall may be contacted at wilberth@cableone. net or at 1012 Prospect Ave., Lewiston, ID 83501. ISI

tions describing fictional or non-fictional accounts from the “Good ol’ Days,” or reflections on life in general. Contributions may be essays, stories, letters, artwork, poetry, etc. Photos may be included. Each issue of the Idaho Senior Independent features the contribution deemed best by our staff. The contributor of the winning entry receives a $25 cash prize. We look forward to receiving your contributions for our December 2013/ January 2014 issue. Mail your correspondence to Idaho Senior Independent, P.O. Box 3341, Great Falls, MT 59403; email to idahoseniorind@bresnan.net; or call 1-866-360-5683 or 208-318-0310. Visit us online at idahoseniorindependent.com.

The Painter Is Coming By Pearl Hoffman, Los Angeles My parents never owned a home. Mom, Dad, sister Jeanne, and I always lived in walk-up rental apartments. Every year, our landlord, Mr. Hirshkovitz, would send a painter to each apartment, to apply a clean coat of paint to the timeworn walls. This was an event for which my mother made careful plans. On the day of the painter’s arrival, my mother’s routine was always the same. For a half hour, Mom leaned on the rail of our third floor, wooden porch, waiting for him to appear. When he arrived, before he began to carry his ladder and painting materials to the first floor, Mom would call to him. “So, when will you start painting our apartment, up here?” “I’ll be in the building all week,” he would reply, evasively. “Could you give me a more definite time?” Mom would ask, a practiced smile on her face. In this instance, patience was not merely a virtue it was a necessity. “I’ll be in the building all week.” Did Mom detect a “tone” in his voice? Undaunted, my mother would continue, “I asked because if you were

coming to our apartment first, I was going to put up a fresh pot of coffee to go with the chocolate cake I baked. But, listen if you can’t, you can’t. “I’ll be in the building all week,” the painter would reply, adding, “But I’ll start on the third floor by you first.” After enjoying a cup of coffee and a generous slice of chocolate cake, the painter would begin his “magic.” Before the painting was finished, my sister and I were thoroughly briefed by our Mom, the drill sergeant. “Don’t touch the walls. Don’t touch the woodwork with your hands, with your elbows, or with whatever you are carrying.” “Yes, Mom.” “…and if you do, you better not have done it!” “Yes, Mom.” “…because if you did what you shouldn’t have done, you’ll be plenty sorry that you did it!” “Yes, Mom.” She would then turn to the next order of business – her annual “paint the toilet seat” project. When the painter began removing his drop cloths, ladder, and paint cans, Mom issued her request for “a tiny bit, a smidgen, whatever you can spare, just a drop of paint – to dress up the toilet seat, so the bathroom wouldn’t look so neglected.” “This paint is not good for toilet seats. It takes too long to dry,” the painter would reply, dismissing the subject and continuing to gather his painting equipment. “Well, if you can’t give me a bit of paint, you can’t. But if you could, you wouldn’t have to worry about how long it takes to dry. My family would accommodate. Anyway, would you like a cup of coffee… maybe a nice sandwich just to tide you over?” The painter had coffee and a sandwich. He issued another warning and then gave Mom the paint she asked for. She painted the toilet seat and the bathroom had no cause to feel “neglected.” The painter was right. For what seemed like an eternity, the paint would not give up its hold on us. Using that paint was Mom’s mistake, and we all paid for it in the end. ISI

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Indian summer has come and soon will be replaced with fall’s chilly mornings, beautiful sunrises, spectacular sunsets, and frost on the pumpkins. We are all enjoying the brightly colored changes brought by the new season. Wouldn’t it be nice to have someone new in your life with whom to enjoy the beauty of this time of year? 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 December 2013/January 2014 issue, the deadline is November 20, 2013. SWF, 73 - Liberal/non-political, spiritual/nonreligious, planetary citizen. Passionate about human rights, cultural diversity, environmental protection, non-violence, and forgiveness. As a healthy, active, slightly overweight retired teacher, I enjoy gardening, creative projects, and country living in north Idaho. Not relocatable. Desire correspondence/friendship with gentleman having

similar values and interests and all things that bring beauty and joy to life. No S/D. Reply ISI, Dept. 9401, c/o Idaho Senior Independent, Box 3341, Great Falls, MT 59403. To a lonely widower – I am looking for someone to share the rest of my live with. My husband passed away 4 years ago. We were married forty-five years. He died of cancer after 5 years of suffering and I took care of him until the end. He died at home with me. However, it is time to move on. I do not smoke, drink, or take prescription or illegal drugs. I take vitamins and am healthy. I enjoy motorhome travel, dancing, puzzles, and I like to read and walk. I prefer someone mid 60s to late 70s with blue eyes, happy disposition, and retired. If interested please contact. Reply ISI, Dept. 9402, c/o Idaho Senior Independent, Box 3341, Great Falls, MT 59403. I am a 70-year-old, good woman looking for a good man. I am 5’5” tall, attractive, and have a good sense of humor. I’m a non-smoker and nondrinker. I love to dance, travel some, do yard work, fish, camp, picnic, watch movies, listen to music, and sing. I love animals and have two small dogs, outside cats, and a few free range chickens. I own my own home and more. If you’re a man, happy with yourself, and want to share comfortable, peaceful, times together, to hold hands and hug after we get to know each other, please contact me. Seeking a man, 70-75 with same interests at least 5’9” tall, healthy, and can treat a woman respectfully, and as an individual. Reply ISI, Dept. 9403, c/o Idaho Senior Independent, Box 3341, Great Falls, MT 59403. SWCF Relocatable. 5’7” tall, full figured, natural blonde, green eyes, easy to look at. I love music, movies, motor-

Complaints from Travelers Submitted by Julie Hollar “One sign of an accomplished traveler is that you do not laugh openly at any of these complaints. Instead, you manage to sit at your dining table away from people who would say such things. We should admit, however, that after we have actually heard such statements, we will remember them forever and perhaps mention them to others at some later date.” – Tour Guide 20 yrs. experience Following are actual complaints received by Thomas Cook Vacations from dissatisfied customers. 1. “I think it should be explained in the brochure that the local convenience store does not sell proper biscuits like custard creams or ginger nuts.” 2. “It’s lazy of the local shopkeepers in Puerto Vallarta to close in the afternoons. I often needed to buy things during ‘siesta’ time – this should be banned.” 3. “On my holiday to Goa in India, I was disgusted to find that almost every restaurant served curry. I don’t like spicy food.” 4. “We booked an excursion to a water park but no-one told us we had to bring our own swimsuits and towels. We assumed it would be included in the price.” 5. “The beach was too sandy. We had to clean everything when we returned to our room.” 6. “We found the sand was not like the sand in the brochure. Your brochure shows the sand as white but it was more yellow.” 7. “They should not allow topless sunbathing on the beach. It was very distracting for my husband who just wanted to relax.” 8. “No-one told us there would be fish in the water. The children were scared.” 9. “Although the brochure said that there was a fully equipped kitchen, there was no egg-slicer in the drawers.” 10. “We went on holiday to Spain and had a problem with the taxi drivers as they were all Spanish.” 11. “The roads were uneven and bumpy, so we could not read the local guide book during the bus ride to the resort. Because of this, we were unaware of many things that would have made our holiday more fun.” 12. “It took us nine hours to fly home from Jamaica to England. It took the Americans only three hours to get home. This seems unfair.” 13. “I compared the size of our one-bedroom suite to our friends’ three-bedroom and ours was significantly smaller.” 14. “The brochure stated, ‘No hairdressers at the resort.’ We are trainee hairdressers and we think they knew and made us wait longer for service.” 15. “There were too many Spanish people there. The receptionist spoke Spanish, and the food was Spanish. No one told us that there would be so many foreigners.” ISI

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cycles, and more. I am an artist type and love to have fun. Being close to someone is important to me. I have all I need: home car, friends, and two turtles – but no partner. Why don’t you take a chance and reply? Reply ISI, Dept. 9404, c/o Idaho Senior Independent, Box 3341, Great Falls, MT 59403 SWCF. I want an honest and loving Christian cowboy who likes to ride horses, take walks, eat out, go to the lake and have a picnic, go to rodeos and fairs, and help me if I need help. I have brown hair and brown eyes. I’m 5’7” tall and I weigh 140lbs. I like animals. I hope to hear from the man I want from my ad. Reply ISI, Dept. 9405, c/o Idaho Senior Independent, Box 3341, Great Falls, MT 59403. ISI

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A Christmas Journey Around the World

By Neil Wyrick I have been fortunate enough to travel all over Europe and extend these travels in either direction, toward Moscow or Beijing. And why? Because this old world is so different when we travel beyond one border and then another and no less so than at Christmas time. So journey with me around this globe and be entranced at how time and space affect this December ritual. For most people in Scandinavian countries the official beginning of the Christmas season is December 13. Called “little Yule” the oldest daughter in a family dresses in a long white gown encircled by a bright red sash. To

complete the costume she wears a crown of twigs that sends forth light from nine candles. The family then eats a breakfast brightened by more candles. In Argentina, Father Christmas’ boots are placed at the door, which made me think that perhaps the stockings we used to hang from the mantle really were for Father Christmas. No one ever said but why not? On the west coast of Africa, in Liberia, their Christmas tree is an oil palm decorated with bells. Christian children in China call their Christmas trees “trees of light” and Santa Claus is referred to as Dun He Lao Ren, which

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means “Christmas Old Man.” In Germany, where my ancestors lived, the Christmas preparations begin on the eve of December 6. Folk set aside evenings for cooking cakes and cookies and making little dolls of fruit. Children place letters on windowsills for Christkind, a winged figure wearing a golden crown and a white robe – who in this case is the supposed distributor of gifts rather than our Santa. Even in our giant land of America, the miles make changes in how we celebrate. And yes, we see evidence of Christmas earlier and earlier. In Alaska, a star is attached to a pole that is carried from door to door followed by Herod’s men whose purpose it is to try to capture the star. In New Orleans, a gigantic ox with holly and ribbons tied to its horns parades

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through the streets. In Arizona, the Mexican ritual called Las Posadas is a procession and play that represents the search by Mary and Joseph for a room at an inn. Families take different roles at each other’s houses as they re-enact the 2000-year-old drama. However it is celebrated, there is always emphasized the underlying message of love and good will – gifts given, families together – falling snow in the north or tropical breezes south, it is a favorite season for all. A time when the secular and the sacred do sometimes collide but “peace on earth, good will to man” still echoes across malls and meadows. So to you my reader, I wish a Merry Christmas to you and to all those you love and are loved by. ISI

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Reviewed By Connie Daugherty Bound for the Backcountry: a History of Idaho’s Remote Airstrips by Richard H. Holm Jr.; Cold Mountain Press; McCall, Idaho, 2012 While air travel has become as common as driving a car, landing a small plane on a remote, minimally maintained strip of land in the wilderness is still considered adventurous and is anything but commonplace. In Bound for the Backcountry, Richard Holm Jr. explores the history of Idaho’s remote landing strips – how each strip came to replace packhorses as a means of access, who owned the land on which the strips existed, and the pilots who used the remote airstrips. This painstakingly researched book pays tribute not only to the use of airplanes in the backcountry, but also to the daring pilots who flew to the remote mountain locations delivering supplies, mail, and people. Each chapter includes mini-biographies of the pilots from the 1930s to the present. Over 1,000 black and white photos of people and places add to the story. “Nick Mamer first landed an airplane in the Idaho backcountry circa 1925 at the Stonebroker Ranch hayfield in Chamberlain Basin.” Recently returned from World War I, and involved in the National Guard, many pilots like Nick Mamer joined

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with the U.S. Forest Service using airplanes to detect and suppress wild fires in these remote mountain areas. The use of remote airfields for fire suppression and general land management quickly became economically profitable for the U.S. Forest Service. The idea of creating designated “wilderness areas” also developed during this era. “At the same time… an economic shift took place in the backcountry. Homesteads in the region that had originally relied on selling goods and services to miners began to fade away. In an effort to make the homesteads profitable landowners transformed the properties into destinations for hunting, fishing, and other outdoor activities.” This was a great idea, but getting customers to the remote, roadless homestead sites sometimes proved to be a challenge – aviation was the answer. And the pilots from several private aviation businesses in Idaho and Montana were more than willing to fly customers to the remote sites. “Eventually over half of the homesteads along roadless river corridors build runways.” A new age of aviation and adventure grew in the remote mountains of Idaho. “Proprietors constructed airstrips in places once thought to be impossible, while the USFS enlarged many of their facilities to accommodate bigger airplanes to move men and equipment. The period between 1946 and 1963 saw the most active use of backcountry airstrips in Idaho,” with about seventy remote airstrips in operation. In Bound for the Backcountry, Holm details the development, the use, and, sometimes, the closure of many of these seventy airstrips. The body of the book is divided into geographic areas: Middle Fork of the Salmon River – Loon Creek, Camas Creek and Big Creek; South Fork of the Salmon River, East Fork of the South Fork of the Salmon River, Chamberlain Basin, Main Salmon River, Clearwater Mountains and Vicinity, and Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. Each section includes stories of specific airstrips – the people, the place, and the planes. One vital aspect of the U.S. Forest Service aviation from the very beginning has been the use of smokejumper aircraft. As Holm acknowledges, entire books have been written about the history of smoke jumping, and in Bound for the Backcountry, he includes some specifics about the history of smoke jumping in the mountains of Idaho. Fire lookouts have also been an integral part of wildfire suppression since the 1930s and these tall structures became excellent navigational reference points for pilots. “Most pilots who have flown the backcountry… have at least one fond story of a fire lookout… buzzing a roof, dropping food, newspaper deliveries, or radio chatter to a lonely observer.” Communication in the backcountry has gone through its own evolution from random postal deliveries to single line telephones – neither very

reliable – to radio communication which has been the mainstay for over fifty years. “Over the years the business has served people in Oregon and as far north as the Selway River… helped countless times in emergency situations involving downed aircraft, mining cave-ins, and injured recreationists.” Recently, satellite phones and internet have begun to provide access in these remote areas. Planes have also been used in the backcountry for applying insecticides during outbreaks of spruce budworm, distribution of salt for big game, aerial relocation of problem animals, game management, and fish planting. “Many campers and fishermen… have looked up with their jaws dropped in amazement as the Cessnas skim by spraying fish.” In the 1950s with a declining backcountry population, and at the same time an increase of private airstrips on remote ranches, mines, and USFS lookouts, aerial mail routes were established. Today, “Arnold’s backcountry mail route remains as the last official aerial delivery in the lower forty-eight states… featured in countless media ranging from the Wall Street Journal to Time Magazine.” In the winter of 1943, two significant Army Air Force crashes occurred just two months apart. “Both stories involve heroism, survival, triumph, and tragedy on the part of the AAF airmen and local citizens.” Holm presents a detailed account of the incidents and the people involved. Between 1964 and 1980, the use of aircraft came into conflict with the concept of “wilderness” and designated wilderness areas as places unmarred by any evidence of human activity – especially airstrips. The argument that finally won the day for continued use of aircraft was that of allowing people to “enjoy the remote and less accessible part of the region.” While some airstrips were preserved, many were also abandoned. The controversy continues today and while some abandoned landing strips remain forever lost to the re-growth of brush and forests, some have been reopened. “Fly-in events and gatherings helped to increase use by private aircraft… in spite of increase use, the Idaho backcountry is arguably one of the most unique, rugged, and remote areas that offers challenging flying found nowhere else in the lower forty-eight states. The region’s rich aviation history, lore, and legend are a fascinating subject to anyone traveling into the area.” Bound for the Backcountry is truly an intriguing and informative read for anyone interested in aviation or the history of Idaho’s backcountry. Richard Holm Jr. is a historian, commercial pilot, and outdoor enthusiast. He has written numerous articles related to the backcountry including Points of Prominence: Fire Lookouts of the Payette National Forest. Holm, a third generation Idahoan, lives in Boise and McCall with his wife. ISI

Book Review – Charlie Salter Mysteries By Clare Hafferman I have been remiss in not writing this review sooner, especially for you vigilant readers who enjoy reading mysteries, don’t go to sleep without reading something, are probably familiar faces at the local library, and don’t believe that everything in print needs to be viewed on a Kindle. I had forgotten about Eric Wright until I picked up one of his paperbacks, read it, and remembered why I liked his writing. Wright, a Canadian who emigrated as a young man, from England, was a teacher in Toronto, married with two daughters, and was born in 1929. St. Martin’s Press printed his last book, titled The Last Hand, in 2002, when he would have been 73. I think it is one of his best, but don’t start there. What you need to know about Wright’s series of books about a detective named Charlie Salter, is that they are lucid. Charlie solves the crimes he is

presented by using his methodical methods drawn from dogged detail work. For example, Charlie was working with a young assistant who questioned why Charlie was noting so many things. Charlie replied, “I’m doing it by the book. That’s to cover my... if anybody asks, and maybe to cover yours, too.” Details count, but no blood and guts and very little mayhem occur in these stories. Interspersed with his daily chores are a background description of the bosses he works for, his two sons and his wife, Annie. Charlie grew up in Cabbage town, a lower down the scale part of Toronto and married a girl from Prince Edward’s Island. Annie’s family members run various enterprises on the island and would like to see Annie, Charlie, and their boys move over and become involved. His wife mentions this option once, and although Charlie gets along with her in most discussions, he heads for the door on this one, saying, “Forget it. I’m a cop.”

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One of the crimes Charlie is involved in, is titled A Body Surrounded By Water, and does happen on Prince Edward’s Island, so there is a detailed description of that green piece of turf off the coast of Canada. And yes, it was the site for Lucy Montgomery’s story about the orphan named Anne. The other tales in Mr. Wright’s tales about Detective Salter are A Sensitive Case, A Fine Italian Hand, Smoke Detector, A Question Of Murder, Final Cut, and The Night The Gods Smiled. The author was awarded an Arthur Ellis for Distinguished Achievement and an Edgar for another book not in this series.

I found the ones I read through inter-library loan and recently re-read The Last Hand. In it there is a description of a poker game that Charlie is invited to sit in on, by a group of local lawyers. I know nothing about poker, but evidently Charlie did aided by a tip from one of the lawyers who had been involved in one of Charlie’s cases. As a result, Charlie wins the pot. These same lawyers move in and out of the story, which has an intriguing conclusion. When Mr. Wright was penning Charlie’s problems, the praise given the author would make any writer and his publisher happy. For Wright,

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the National Post said, “This is a tale that shows detective novels need not rely on DNA testing, excessive violence, and high body counts to challenge and entertain.” The Toronto Star declared, “Salter and Wright are very close to their top form in one of crime fiction’s most absorbing and rewarding series.” You can prepare your own opinion once you have followed Charlie and his cases, and if it is what I think it will be, pass it on to your fellow readers of good writing. ISI

Alphabet Soup? Nope, Those are Real Estate Agent Designations! By Joe Cline What do the letters behind a real estate agent’s name stand for? Real estate agents, like doctors, lawyers, and other professionals can earn designations, certifications, and other credentials. These are usually shown by putting a series of initials after the agent’s name. The most common designations and certifications are Broker, REALTOR, e-Pro, CHMS, GRI, ABR, and CRS. What does an agent have to do to obtain the designation or certification? e-Pro requires an agent take a class on basic computer skills. It has no real estate content, but ensures your agent can use email and the web. It should really be a bare minimum bar for the technology aptitude of your agent. REALTOR is the one of the easier credentials to obtain (but one of the hardest to live up to). A REALTOR is a real estate agent that belongs to the National Association of REALTORS and agrees to follow the Realtor Code of Ethics. You can read about the code at realtor.org/mempolweb.nsf/ pages/Code?OpenDocument. Broker is a bit harder to obtain than REALTOR is. In some states, a broker license is required to be able to operate your own real estate company. An agent must have their license for 2 years and complete over 600 hours of real estate education prior to applying for a broker’s license. The broker’s license is granted upon completion of an exam administered by the state. Brokers are real estate agents with advanced educations. GRI stands for Graduate Realtor Institute. Less than 50% of agents have this designation. The GRI requires 12 days of continuing education with passing grades on three exams. There are no production or time requirements so an agent can literally earn this designation by sitting in class for 12 days and passing the tests. This designation is in no way a measure of real estate sales experience. ABR stands for Accredited Buyer’s Representative. Less than 30% of agents have this

designation. This designation combines 2 days of classroom work and an exam with the requirement that the agent show proof of at least five buyer sales. This designation shows that the agent has had both formal classroom time and in-the-field experience. CRS stands for Certified Residential Specialist. Less than 4% of all agents have this designation. This is the most difficult designation to obtain and is a measure of a high degree of formal education and real world transactional experience. To obtain a CRS, the agent must attend three 2-day classes, pass three exams, and provide proof of 25 closed transactions within the last 24 months. While the transaction experience isn’t a huge amount, it does weed out the inexperienced agents and the classes weed out those agents who aren’t dedicated to continuing education. SRES or Seniors Real Estate Specialists designees are REALTORS qualified to address the needs of homebuyers and sellers age 50+. By earning the SRES designation, the agent has demonstrated the necessary knowledge and expertise to counsel clients age 50+ through major financial and lifestyle transitions in relocating, refinancing, or selling the family home. Other designations are out there, but for the most part they are issued by inconsequential groups, have no real bearing on the agent’s abilities, and are used more for marketing purposes than anything else. ISI

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PAGE 10 IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013

Leave No One Behind! By Jim Cotsana With the approach of Veterans Day and the daily reports of our troops still fighting two wars along with possible intervention in Syria, I pictured the young officers and men currently in harm’s way. This got me thinking about my days at the USMC Officers Candidate School (OCS) in Quantico, Virginia. In 1970, I reported to Quantico and was assigned to a platoon of approximately 35 other “candidates.” The first couple of days were spent getting our uniforms, boots, socks, and buzz cuts before we began the trials and tribulations hoping to become “90 day wonders” and commissioned as 2nd lieutenants. As I recall, each platoon had a 1st lieutenant in charge along with two E-6 staff sergeants and two E-5 sergeants, who all had significant combat experience in Vietnam. Their goal was to begin molding young, raw men into officers capable of leading troops in

combat situations. First, we had to learn the military language, how to salute and march, and the very basics with respect to weapons and tactics. However, the emphasis was on conditioning and pushing the body far beyond what we felt we were capable of. When you thought you could not go on any further or take another step, the platoon sergeants pushed you even harder. After the third or fourth week, one of my platoon’s staff sergeants, whom I will call Staff Sgt. Smith, for some reason had my number. Whenever I made a mistake (and there were many), he belittled me, called me every name in the book, and rode me. No candidate was immune to his wrath but, for some reason, I received extra attention. In addition, I swear all the platoon sergeants must have gone to stand-up comedy school. Some of the comments and remarks they came up were hysterical and it took all my effort not to laugh aloud. However, I could not control my facial expressions and, of course, this caught the attention of Staff Sgt. Smith. He could be at the far end of the squad bay chewing a candidate up one side, down the other, and come up with a comment that would break me up. He knew it and would immediately turn to me and say, “So you think this is funny?” I would reply, “No, platoon sergeant.” But that was for naught. All he said was “begin” which meant for me to start doing “bends and thrusts.” I had to ask how many and he would say “forever.” I was only allowed to stop after a large pool of sweat was on the deck (floor) surrounding me. This went on for the majority of time I was a candidate and the others kept asking how I got on his bad side, but I had no answer. However, during the last two to three weeks, I got the impression he took some special interest in me and was pushing me to excel; to go beyond what I thought my capabilities were. During the last week of OCS, even though we started with approximately 35 in my platoon, some washed out during the initial training for a

variety of reasons – medical, did not demonstrate leadership skills, could not maintain the physical requirements, or just could not cut it. Finally, graduation day came, and those who successfully completed the 90 days from all the other platoons entered a large auditorium with our brown 2nd Lt. bars in our pockets. Included in the graduation ceremony were the all platoon staff along with candidate’s family members and other invited guests. Upon completion of the ceremony, we were officially commissioned 2nd Lt. and many of the newly commissioned officers had family pin on their bars. I had no family attending but I walked over to Staff Sergeant Smith and rather sheepishly asked if he would pin on my bars. To my great surprise and delight he said, “It would be an honor.” Once pinned, he was the first to salute me and call me “Sir,” a whopping change from what I had been accustomed to. What he said next I have never forgotten. The man who tormented me for nearly 90 days said the following: “Remember that a 2nd Lt. is lower than “whale dung” (although he used a different, more descriptive word). Also, “once you’re in-country (meaning Vietnam) pay close attention to your experienced NCOs, they will keep you and the people you lead alive.” And finally, “Marines leave no one behind.” I took all this to heart and have never forgotten his advice. Finally he said,” It would be an honor to serve under your command.” After graduation, we immediately spent another six months at the Basic School, also in Quantico, for far more advanced training. Unfortunately, we never did meet up again but I often think of him and his advice and the torture he put me through that made me a better man. I only hope that the young officers currently fighting and leading their troops were blessed to have a Staff Sergeant Smith instill in them what it means to be a United States Marine Officer. ISI

Work With the Best Real Estate Agent The decision to buy or sell real-estate properties requires substantial planning and commitment from the owner or owners. Property or home valuations are constantly changing and are affected by a variety of external factors such as the economy, the growth of the area, market demand, and other considerations. Whether you are buying a new house or considering selling your current one, it’s hardly ever a quick decision-making process. For most transactions, there are several steps to follow and procedures to be completed to make sure that everything is completed smoothly and without too much hassle. Amidst all the paperwork to be filled out and steps to be undertaken in real estate transactions, a real estate agent can be of much help especially with all the elements that you may not know a lot about. Finding the best real estate agent for your needs can be a challenge as well, so make sure to keep a few things in mind as you look for the most competent real estate agent. Of course, the agent you work with has to show in-depth knowledge of the local area and its property realities. The agent has to have extensive and proven experience in successfully closing deals within the same area as the property you are interested in, or the property you are selling. On the other hand, if while talking to a prospective agent you get a sense that he or she doesn’t have a lot of understanding of the area; it might be a sign to look elsewhere. If you are looking to sell a piece of property, the real estate agent you list with should be someone who is an expert in selling that type of property. Selling and marketing a 2-bedroom condominium unit, for instance, is different from selling a three-bedroom house in the middle of real estate suburbia, so your agent has to be someone who has a proven track record in selling the type of property you have. The success of a real estate agency or firm also relies much on the quality of its support staff, so take some time to get to know the team behind your prospective agent or firm also. Are they competent, professional, and patient in dealing with you and other clients? For big-name real estate agents, for instance, it is the support staff that could be making and answering phone calls or email inquiries, and their demeanor and professionalism can determine how quickly and successfully your transaction can be completed. The entire team should be one that is driven to succeed in all areas of the process. ISI

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013

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Birds will take to the skies for outdoor flight demonstrations at the World Center for Birds of Prey Falcons, hawks, and owls will demonstrate their impressive flying skills at outdoor flight displays at The Peregrine Fund’s World Center for Birds of Prey beginning Friday, October 4. “Come Fly With Us!” will be held at 3 p.m. (weather permitting) each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through November 10. People should arrive by 2:30 p.m. to allow adequate time for seating. There will be no late seating after the program begins. The dates are Oct. 4-6, Oct. 11-13, Oct. 18-20, Oct. 25-27, Nov. 1-3, and Nov. 8-10. For several months, education birds at the World Center for Birds of Prey have been training with staff members, who use traditional falconry techniques to highlight the birds’ natural behaviors. The rotating seven-member flight crew will include a Peregrine falcon, Swainson’s hawk, Lanner falcon, Harris’s hawk, two Aplomado falcons, and a Eurasian eagle-owl. Where: World Center for Birds of Prey, 5668 W. Flying Hawk Lane, Boise When: 3 p.m. Friday-Sunday, Oct. 4-Nov. 10. The visitor center is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. TuesdaySunday. Visitor center admission: $7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 youth 4-16, free to members Driving directions: From I-84, take the Cole Road exit and continue south on Cole Road for 6

miles to Flying Hawk Lane. Information: 362-8687 Website: peregrinefund.org/flight-demo Visitors who join or renew their Peregrine Fund membership at any of the demonstrations will be entered in a raffle to win airline tickets, courtesy of Alaska Airlines. Major sponsors of “Come Fly With Us!” are Alaska Airlines and Larry Miller Subaru. The shows will be held outdoors at Raptor Ridge, a 300-person seating area with scenic views of the Boise Valley. Prior to the flight demonstration, visitors can tour the interpretive center, where there are live birds of prey and hands-on activities for children and adults. A tour of The Archives of Falconry, featuring an authentic Middle Eastern hunting tent, will be held at 11 a.m. only on flight show days. The Peregrine Fund was founded in 1970 to restore the Peregrine falcon, which was removed from the U.S. Endangered Species List in 1999. That success encouraged the organization to expand its focus and apply its experience and understanding to raptor conservation efforts on behalf of 102 species in 65 countries worldwide, including the California condor and Aplomado falcon in the United States. The organization is non-political, solution-oriented, and hands-on, with a mission to: • Restore rare species through captive breed-

Does your current Medicare plan provide the coverage you need? Are your Medicare beneﬁts changing? Can you get better service and coverage—and save money? Get answers from a local Medicare plan advisor at a seminar near you. CALL NOW to reserve your seat. October 22 at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM Elmer’s Restaurant 1385 S Capitol Blvd, Boise October 24 at 2:00 PM Louie’s Pizza and Italian Restaurant 2500 E Fairview Ave, Meridian November 7 at 2:00 PM Louie’s Pizza and Italian Restaurant 2500 E Fairview Ave, Meridian November 19 at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM Elmer’s Restaurant 1385 S Capitol Blvd, Boise

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PAGE 12 IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT

ing and releases. • Improve capacity for local conservation. • Conduct scientific research and environmental education. • Conserve habitat. The Velma Morrison Interpretive Center opened in 1994 at the World Center for Birds of Prey, which was established by The Peregrine Fund in Boise in 1984. The interpretive center features interactive displays, multi-media shows, and

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013

live demonstrations with hawks, falcons, eagles, and owls. Visitors may observe live California condors, a Harpy eagle, and other birds of prey. The environmental education program has three components: general public, school-endorsed programs, and outreach. All three use live raptors as an avenue for promoting conservation of birds of prey and their habitat. The interpretive center draws approximately 30,000 visitors annually. The Archives of Falconry (originally called The Archives of American Falconry) was founded in 1986 by The Peregrine Fund to collect and

preserve the history of American falconers. The growing collection eventually reflected the international origins of this ancient sport, and the name was changed in 2000 to the Archives of Falconry. In 2006, the Archives grew significantly with construction of a wing that honors falconry in the Middle East, where the sport is more than 3,000 years old. The only one of its kind, the Archives contains art, books, sculptures, and artifacts – many of them priceless. It is open for public tours daily. ISI

Caldwell Fine Arts Presents Exciting, Diverse Season Of World-Class Entertainment Caldwell Fine Arts (CFA) 53rd season opens October 14 with the Midiri Brother’s Sextet, a feature of the Sun Valley Jazz Festival, playing the music of the Benny Goodman Sextet. “Exhilarating!” Everything Fitz, a Celtic family group of champion fiddlers and dancers from Canada, performs October 30 followed by Mexico’s most popular Ballet Folklorico “Quetzalli” from Veracruz in November. For the young and the young-at-heart, Eugene Ballet’s “Nutcracker” is very popular at the holidays. CFA has added four Clara’s Tea Parties for young families in the adjacent Langroise Center, and Missoula Children’s Theatre presents its newest “Rapunzel” on February 7-8. Boise Baroque performs in February with an oboe soloist and again in March featuring a double bass soloist. The winner of the 2011 Cleveland International Piano Competition and the elite BYU Singers conclude the spring season. Enjoy lower prices for reserved seats, special youth discounts, and easy, free parking. Our new Flex Packages let patrons get a great discount, but enjoy the flexibility to skip a show or take along a couple of friends. Ticket Packages begin at only $49. Order online at caldwellfinearts.org or by calling 208-459-5783. Enjoy “Your Arts. Your Way.” ISI

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Preserving What Makes Idaho a Gem State The Idaho Fish & Wildlife Foundation was established in 1990 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Its mission is to preserve and sustain Idaho’s fishing, hunting, and wildlife heritage. We recognize the importance of preserving wildlife habitats for many generations to come and support statewide restoration projects and access to public lands. We also help to fund conservation education programs for youth. We are fortunate to have a bounty of nature’s most beautiful landscapes and wonderful wildlife right out our own backyards. We enjoy and appreciate the unique outdoor opportunities that Idaho gives to all of us – a quality of life we sometimes take for granted. Everyone can make a significant difference in preserving what makes Idaho so special. Legacy gifts for future generations take many forms. Gifts include bequests made in a will, endowed funds, special project funds, charitable annuities, land donations, and conservation easements. Those who make personal gifts to the Foundation have an important impact on our work. Planned gifts help us to continue our mission of preserving Idaho’s wildlife heritage. If you would like to learn more about the Foundation’s work or to discuss legacy giving through your estate plan, please call us at 208-334-2648.

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OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013

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PAGE 14 IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013

From the time we were small children and someone was reading to us until we were reading to our children or grandchildren, we have been familiar with nursery rhymes, television cartoons, animated movies, and children’s storybook characters. And what enjoyment we had, whether it was our own big eyes imagining the story or the eyes of our children and grandchildren. This issue’s winning quiz, Characters for Real and from Reel, was submitted by Jean Carr of Twin Falls and will reacquaint you with some of those personalities. Thank you and congratulations, Jean! Thank you to all who participated in our Can You Find These Observances quiz that appeared in the August/September issue – and there were many, many of you! Whether you were one of the winners or not, we hope that you had fun playing the game and reading the Idaho Senior Independent. The winners with correct answers selected from the people submitting answers are:

• $100 winner – Joyce Reas from Burley • $75 winner – Sarah Barnes from Rigby • $50 winner – Eleta Creutz from Ammon. With the exception of special contests such as last month’s, 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, challenging, and interesting puzzles! 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 November 10, 2013 for our December 2013/January 2014 edition. Be sure to work the crossword puzzle on our website idahoseniorindependent. com.

Favorite Animal Pets and Cartoon Characters for Real and from Reel Submitted by Jean Carr, Twin Falls This month’s quiz challenges you to name the character/personality that goes with the numbered description. Just number a sheet from 1-25, write your answer to each question, and mail or email your answers to us. Have fun! 1. Who said, “The sky is falling, the sky is falling”? 2. Who is the talking horse of television fame? 3. Who was famous for building dams in the ponds? 4. Who in film is the little deer in the forest? 5. What was Fred Flintstone’s pet’s name? 6. Who had a little lamb with fleece as white as snow? 7. Who was Santa Claus’ famous red-nosed reindeer? 8. Whose nose grew longer when he told lies? 9. In the cartoon, who is Odie’s cat friend? 10. Who is the bird that hammered holes in trees?

11. Who is the forest fire prevention mascot? 12. Name any two famous television or movie dogs. 13. Who was married to Minnie Mouse? 14. What materials did the three pigs use to build their houses? 15. How many men were washing in a tub? 16. What did Cinderella lose on her midnight dash home? 17. Who went to the cupboard to get her doggie a bone? 18. Whom did the princess kiss to get her prince charming? 19. Who called himself the “sailor man?” 20. Who was the little girl without parents? 21. Who took goodies to her grandmother in the forest? 22. Who was called to come blow his horn? 23. Who said, “I thought I saw a puddy cat?” 24. Who was the friendly ghost? 25. Who sat on a tuffet? ISI

Answer To “Can You Find These Observances?” PG 6 9 9 10 12 12 13 13 13 16 17 18 20 21 22 22 22 22 23 23 23 23 25 28 28 29 32 32 32 33

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OBSERVANCE National Tooth Fairy Day National Safe at Home Week National Call Before You Dig Day Mold Awareness Month National Prime Beef Month National Fruit and Veggies Month (Also June) All American Breakfast Month Felt Hat Day National Coffee Day Children’s Eye Health & Safety Month September Is Healthy Aging Month National Fresh Breath (Halitosis) Day Aviation Day Ancestor Appreciation Day National Good Neighbors Day World Tourism Day Best Friends Day National Potato Day National Grandparent’s Day Senior Citizen’s Day Hobbit Day Sea Cadet Month International Drive Your Studebaker Day National Assisted Living Week One-on-One Month National Rehabilitation Awareness Week Build A Better Image Week American Indian Heritage Month Happy Cat Month National Hunting and Fishing Day

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35 36 36 36 37 40 41 42 42 42 43

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National Waffle Day Be Kind To Editors & Writers Month National Rehabilitation Day National Underwear Day Simplify Your Life Week Johnny Appleseed Day World Hearing Aid Awareness Week Whole Grains Month Fish Amnesty Day Respect For Parents National Caregivers Day

ACROSS 1. Promo piece 6. *Ruler of prime time 9. Voyeurâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s glance 13. Film director Sergio _____ 14. Black gold 15. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tops at a beauty pageant 16. Multibillion dollar power company 17. *This countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s viewers determine winner of â&#x20AC;&#x153;American Idolâ&#x20AC;? 18. Bitter 19. *It stars Simon Cowell 21. *Crime-solving novelist 23. Consumes 24. â&#x20AC;&#x153;SNLâ&#x20AC;? segment, e.g. 25. *UK prime time giant 28. French â&#x20AC;&#x153;placeâ&#x20AC;? 30. Cause to become 35. Commuter line 37. Abounding with elms 39. Red _____ of 20th century 40. â&#x20AC;&#x153;____ the Wild,â&#x20AC;? movie 41. Word of mouth 43. *Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s choice 44. Like a lemon 46. Opera house box 47. Often goes with Scotch 48. Silently agreed 50. French Riviera city

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52. â&#x20AC;&#x153;___ and the Cityâ&#x20AC;? 53. Sleep in a convenient place 55. One to one, e.g. 57. *Claire or Phil, surname 60. *A hit show revolves around this theory 64. East Asian peninsula 65. Caustic chemical 67. *_____ Boo Boo 68. Southeast Asian org. 69. Campaigner, for short 70. _____ poll 71. One rotation around sun 72. QB exclamation 73. Slides or slips DOWN 1. Show the guns? 2. Table extension 3. I, to a Greek 4. *_____ â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nuckyâ&#x20AC;? Thompson 5. Travelerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mode of transportation 6. NCAAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Final ____ 7. Post-Soviet Union alliance 8. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Car Talkâ&#x20AC;? brother 9. Scot of long ago 10. Between marquees and viscount 11. Buffaloâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lake 12. Often found under

a mouse 15. Gustatory sensations 20. Twig of willow tree 22. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hot in some people 24. Court call 25. *Canine on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Family Guyâ&#x20AC;? 26. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bankâ&#x20AC;? in Venice 27. Commended 29. Twelfth month of Jewish civil year 31. *Mark Harmon/Sasha Alexander show 32. Wainscots 33. Lose ground 34. Chill 36. He ruled the flies 38. Quotable Berra 42. Straight muscles 45. Patientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s toilet 49. *Homerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s catchword 51. Crazy ______ card game 54. Airy spirit 56. Kindle download 57. 2 aspirin, e.g. 58. Carbamide 59. Getting warm 60. Aaron Rodgers pantomimes this 61. Not in favor of 62. Opposite of want 63. Training spots 64. Mary ___ 66. Texterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s u ISI

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IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT PAGE 17

Five Myths About Hospice That You May Believe Article provided by Heart â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;n Home Hospice & Palliative Care Many individuals have the wrong idea about hospice care, which usually arise from personal family experiences or those of friends. It is important to recognize that every hospice is different. Call your local hospice service and ask questions to make sure you know the facts and will be able to get the best care and service for you and your loved one when you need it most. Below are several common myths about hospice that you should understand. Myth 1: Hospice care should begin in the last days of a personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life. The earlier a person is referred, the more hospice can do to help. Sadly, many people believe that hospice is unavailable until literally the final days of life. Hospice is a highquality care that focuses on comfort and quality of life. Myth 2: Hospice care is expensive. Hospice is covered 100% by Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurances. Some hospices elect to charge co-pays for medications or as much as five percent of any respite care that is given. Fear of costs should never prevent a person from accessing

hospice care. MYTH 3: Hospice is only for people with cancer. Hospice serves anyone with a life-limiting illness, regardless of age or type of illness. These illnesses include, but are not limited to AIDS, Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, stroke, kidney disease, lung disease, dementia, failure to thrive, ALS, liver disease, and many others. MYTH 4: Hospice patients cannot keep their own physician and receive hospice care. Hospice does not require a patient to change physicians in order to receive hospice care. In fact, hospice patientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; primary physician works in coordination with the hospice team. Hospice is an added bonus, an extra service that works with the many other services that are available in the medical field. MYTH 5: After a hospice patient passes away, there is no grief support for the family. Hospice offers grief and bereavement services to family members to help them adjust to the loss in their lives. Prior to signing your loved one up on hospice services, ask what type of grief support is available for families. Some hospices will offer visits, while others may only send information

through the mail. If this information about hospice surprises you, take the time to find out more. No one is exempt, and the best time to learn about hospice is before you or someone in your family is facing a terminal medical crisis. Hospice gives you and your loved one the power to live the end of your life as you choose; to be at home if your wish; to be pain-free; and to be comforted and cared for. ISI

Transitional Care When You Only Need To Visit

How to Get Paid for Being a Family Caregiver By Jim Miller for in-home care, as well as assisted living and any people happily call Royal Plaza home. But To get paid as a family caregiver, various gov- nursing home care. This benefit can also be used many donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need to live here, they just need a ernment programs, tax breaks, and family payment to pay family caregivers. visit to get back on their feet after hospitalization for an injury, illness or surgery before they go home. options may be able to help you, depending on To be eligible your mom must need assistance your momâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s financial situation. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s where to with daily living activities like bathing, dressing Our Transitional Care Unit has the comforts of home: look for help. or going to the bathroom. And, her income must â&#x20AC;˘ Private Rooms â&#x20AC;˘ Great Food State Aid â&#x20AC;&#x201C; If your mom is low-income and be under $13,362 as a surviving spouse â&#x20AC;&#x201C; minus â&#x20AC;˘ Wonderful Caregivers eligible for Medicaid, you may be able to get medical and long-term care expenses. If your mom And the care needed paid a small amount by the state. In 15 states, is a single veteran, her income must be below too get you home: Medicaid offers a Cash & Counseling program $20,795 to be eligible. Her assets must also be â&#x20AC;˘ Physical Therapy â&#x20AC;˘ Speech and Occupational Therapy (see cashandcounseling.org) that provides an less than $80,000 excluding her home and car. â&#x20AC;˘ Skilled Nursing allowance that can be used for various services, â&#x20AC;˘ Meds & Pain Management To learn more, see va.gov/geriatrics, or conRETIREMENT CENTER â&#x20AC;˘ Transportation for Medical Visits including paying family members for care. tact your regional VA office, or your local veterans Many other states have similar programs for service organization. For contact information, call 2870 Juniper Drive Lewiston, ID 83501 Care Center: RoyalPlazaLewiston.com 208.746.2855 low-income seniors, even if the person receiv- 800-827-1000. ing care doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t quite qualify for Medicaid. To find out about these opWe bring healing tions contact your local Medicaid office. we are devoted to enriching the lives of those entrusted to us. Veterans Aid â&#x20AC;&#x201C; In some communities across the U.S., veterans who are at risk of nursing home placeThis facility is a Joint Commission accredited agency. ment can enroll in the Veteran-Directed Home and Community Based *RRGLQJ Â&#x2021; Services program, that ,GDKR )DOOV Â&#x2021; allows veterans to manage their own care, in0HULGLDQ Â&#x2021; cluding hiring and paying their own caregivers. 1014 Burrell Avenue 3RFDWHOOR Â&#x2021; Prestige Care & Rehabilitation Also available to Lewiston, Idaho 83501 T h e O r c h a r d s wartime veterans and Phone: 208-743-4558 7ZLQ )DOOV Â&#x2021; Fax: 208-746-7657 their spouses, is a benwww.prestigecare.com CMS 5 Star Rating efit called Aid and AtLHCgroup.com Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s All About Helping People.ÂŽ tendance that helps pay

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PAGE 18 IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT

Tax Breaks – Uncle Sam may also be able to help if you pay at least half of your mom’s yearly expenses, and her annual income was below $3,900 in 2013 (not counting Social Security). If so, you can claim her as a dependent on your taxes, and reduce your taxable income by $3,900. See IRS Publication 501 (www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/ p501.pdf) or call the IRS help-line at 800-829-1040 for information. If you can’t claim your mom as a dependent, you may still be able to get a tax break if you’re paying at least half her living expenses including her medical and long-term care costs, and they exceed 10 percent (or 7.5 percent if you’re 65 or over) of your adjusted gross income. You can include your own medical expenses in calculating

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013

the total. See the IRS publication 502 (www.irs. gov/pub/irs-pdf/p502.pdf) for details. Family Payments – If your mom doesn’t financially qualify for the government aid or the tax breaks, can she afford to pay you herself or do you have any siblings that would be willing to chip in? After all, if your mom had to pay for home care services, the costs would be anywhere between $12 and $25 per hour. If she agrees to pay you, it’s best that you or an attorney draft a short written contract detailing your work and payment arrangements so everyone involved knows what to expect. A contract will also help avoid potential problems should your mom ever need to apply for Medicaid for nursing home care.

Another payment option to consider is for your mom to adjust her will, so you receive a larger portion of her estate for providing her care. But to avoid conflict, be sure all family members are aware and in agreement. Also, check to see if your mom has any longterm care insurance that covers in-home care. If she does, in some cases those benefits may be used to pay you. 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

You can help find new Alzheimer’s treatments! You can help advance research, too! You may not be a scientist, but are you a caregiver? Or, do you have Alzheimer’s disease? Provided by Greater Idaho Chapter Alzheimer’s Association Alzheimer’s disease is a public health crisis. More than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s, a number that could triple by 2050. Roughly, every minute someone is diagnosed with this devastating disease, the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. In 2011, more than 15 million family members and friends provided over 17 billion hours of unpaid care. The personal and financial cost – projected to exceed $200 billion in 2013 – will devastate families and cripple Medicare. Alzheimer’s Association TrialMatch® is our hope for the future. TrialMatch® is a free, easy-to-use clinical-studies-matching service that connects individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, caregivers, healthy volunteers, and physicians with current studies. Our continuously updated database of 130+ Alzheimer’s clinical trials includes both pharmacological (drug) and non-pharmacological (non-drug) studies being conducted at nearly 500 trial sites across the country. As a caregiver and a person who cares about the future, you have an opportunity to participate in vital research that could change the course of Alzheimer’s disease and improve the lives of those it affects. Here is how! • Take part in studies specifically for caregivers. Quality-of-life studies provide insight into the stresses and effects of caring for a person with de-

mentia. These studies explore ways to improve quality of life. • Participate in studies as a healthy volunteer. Researchers gain insights by comparing the patient groups to healthy volunteers, people with no known significant health problems. Healthy volunteer participation is vital in advancing research. • Encourage a person with dementia to participate. Clinical trials enable people with the disease to play a more active role in their health care by accessing potential treatments before they are widely available. If you have Alzheimer’s disease, you hope for a cure. You hope new treatments will come along that will improve your quality of life. And you hope future generations will not have to endure what you must while living with dementia. Participating in clinical trials gives us optimism for today and promise for the future. They provide some participants with access to cutting-edge treatments and expert medical care. And some day they will lead us to the end of this devastating disease. We need clinical trials to accelerate progress and provide valuable insight. We need your help. Without participation, finding a cure is virtually impossible. As Alzheimer’s patient Ron Grant says, “I never had the ability to help anyone with Alzheimer’s disease until I got the disease and participated in a clinical trial. It would be hard to overstate the importance of getting involved.” Using Alzheimer’s Association TrialMatch® is easy. • Step 1: Access TrialMatch® online at alz.org/trialmatch or by calling 800-272-3900.

4 Full Time Nurses

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013

â&#x20AC;˘ Step 2: Complete a brief questionnaire, either online or over the phone, to create a profile. â&#x20AC;˘ Step 3: The Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Association will compare your unique profile to its comprehensive, continually updated clinical trial database. â&#x20AC;˘ Step 4: With your permission, a TrialMatchÂŽ specialist will contact you to provide a list of trials that match your specific eligibility and criteria. Specialists will not recommend any particular trial. Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s-related clinical trials include: â&#x20AC;˘ Treatment trials that test new treatments or combinations of treatments. â&#x20AC;˘ Diagnostic studies that find new tests or pro-

IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT PAGE 19

cedures for diagnosing the disease or conditions that may lead to the disease. â&#x20AC;˘ Prevention trials that investigate ways to prevent the onset of the disease. â&#x20AC;˘ Screening studies that test methods to identify the disease or relevant conditions at the earliest stages. â&#x20AC;˘ Quality of life studies that explore different ways to improve quality of life for individuals who have a chronic illness, their caregivers, and family members. For more information, call 800-272-3900, visit alz.org/trialmatch, or visit alz.org/Idaho. ISI

Elder Abuse Can Be Reduced by Teaching Caregivers about Dementia By Jacqueline Marcell Elder abuse is an expanding, serious problem affecting hundreds of thousands of elderly people in the United States. And since the abuse is often at the hand of a family member or friend, the issue remains largely hidden by the families, causing gross under-reporting of the crisis. It is estimated that only 1 out of 14 incidents comes to the attention of authorities. And criminal prosecution rarely occurs, because by the time law enforcement gets involved the incident has long passed and the family does not want to bring attention to their disgraceful family secret. Dementia Compounds Problem â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Statistically families (and many doctors who are not dementia specialists) ignore the early warning signs of dementia because they incorrectly believe that the intermittently odd behaviors are just a normal part of aging and untreatable senility. Most say that the behaviors just â&#x20AC;&#x153;arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t that bad yetâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; which is a costly mistake in every regard. Since one out of every eight persons by the age of 65 gets some form of dementia and nearly one out of every two by the age of 85 is afflicted, dementia adds an enormous burden on families who are already ill prepared for the strain of caring for an aging loved one. Caregiver Stress and Depression â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Overburdened caregivers ride a roller coaster of emotions â&#x20AC;&#x201C; feeling overwhelmed, out of control, sad, angry, guilty, and obligated to be in constant demand. They lose touch with friends who do not understand, their careers suffer when they must take time off or quit work, they suffer sleep deprivation, and they rarely get adequate nutrition or exercise. They feel overwhelming frustration and grief that they are not able to make their loved one better â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and experience ominous thoughts of impending death. The National Center

for Elder Abuse (NCEA) reports that the rate of depression for caregivers of non-demented patients is 35.2%, which is twice the public average. Among dementia caregivers, the rate is a whopping 43-46%. And caregivers who experience the greatest levels of ongoing stress were 63% more likely to die within the next four years than their non-caregiving peers were. Challenging Elders Increase Chance for Abuse â&#x20AC;&#x201C; When a patient becomes very difficult to manage, the caregiver experiences yet another level of frustration. Since there are 5 million people with Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in the U.S., and agitation occurs in 40-60% with 7 out of 10 being cared for at home, is there any surprise that elder abuse can occur when overstressed caregivers reach their limit with a challenging elder? (Continued on page 21)

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PAGE 20 IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013

People who would have never dreamed of crossing the line are finding themselves lashing out in a moment of utter frustration. Of course, overwhelming guilt and hopelessness is the outcome. NCEA reports that 20% of caregivers live in fear they will become violent – and this rate increases to 57% among caregivers who have previously experienced violence from those they now care for. Researchers conclude that previous violence by the care receiver appears to move persons who are fearful of becoming violent – actually to commit violent acts. Denial of Early Stage Dementia Costly – Misunderstood is the fact that Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) precedes Alzheimer’s and can last five to ten years. Not all of those people, but a large percentage, will progress to Stage 1 Alzheimer’s, which typically lasts 2-4 years — yet is still mild. Then there is often some type of crisis when the family realizes that full-time care is now essential. This usually signals the beginning of Stage 2, which can last 2-10 years as the family tries to care for their loved one at home. Then the illness gets worse, which is Stage 3, which lasts 1-3 years and is when many people are placed in a nursing home. Seeking help early from the right doctor, a neurologist specialized in dementia, can save families so much heartache and money – and save our society the burden of caring for so many elders who decline sooner than need be. What everyone needs to know is that with proper care and medication (Aricept, Exelon, Razadyne or Namenda), in most people dementia symptoms can be masked/slowed down – keeping the patient independent and in milder MCI and Stage One longer. Instead, healthcare professionals do not get the call until the patient has progressed to Stage 2, but there is no going back – even with medication. National Attention Needed – Elder abuse is an issue that needs to be examined as closely as domestic violence, which has fortunately been deterred by abundant public service announcements and radio and television discussions. Also, the availability of battered women’s shelters and counseling has made a huge difference in the awareness of the issue. The same is needed for elder abuse. Through public awareness and education, another taboo can be brought out in

the open so offenders will think twice before they lash out. Ideally, they will know to seek the help of a mental health professional before they cross the line. The bottom line is that when families have fewer frustrations and difficult behaviors to cope with (because their loved one’s dementia was diagnosed and treated early); and caregivers know how to obtain coping resources sooner – elder abuse can be drastically reduced. Solutions – Doctors and healthcare professionals (who are not dementia specialists) need to understand the early warning signs of dementia and be open to referring their patients to specialists for an early and accurate diagnosis and treatment. With national education and extensive media awareness and community support, the over 50 million American caregivers can learn how to better cope with the challenges of caregiving. Family doctors and therapists should routinely screen their patients for caregiver burnout – so stress, frustration, and depression can be addressed immediately. Eldercare workers in the home or in professional settings should be required to undergo extensive criminal background checks. Anyone who suspects any type of elder abuse must be encouraged to report it immediately. Support groups (in person and online) can help caregivers cope and feel less alone. Stressed caregivers should be encouraged to seek alternate care for their patient, so they get a break (respite) and recharge before caregiver stress erupts into any level of abuse. Caregivers and healthcare professionals need to know about The National Center for Elder Abuse (http://www.ncea.aoa. gov), which provides resources to find assistance, publications, data, and answers to elder abuse questions. ISI

Now I Understand What Was Happening With Mom By Becky Faller I can remember when Mom was first diagnosed with dementia, I had no clue what that was. All I knew was that she was irritating me with the same question 30 times in 30 minutes! I would say, “Mom, you just asked me that.” She would stop, look at me with a perplexed stare, and ask it again. So, without any knowledge on the subject, I would say, “Don’t you remember?” But, now I see. The answer is no! After I started working at Wedgewood Terrace Assisted Living in Lewiston, it clicked and I wished I had her back to let her know that she was okay, and I was the one with the problem. For all us who have loved ones with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, we cannot scold them; we can’t place them in time out or even ground them because it is something they cannot control. It is part of life! At Wedgewood Terrace Assisted Living and Stepping Stones Secure Alzheimer’s Unit, we understand the dimensions of dementia, we know and understand our residents, and we make a real home for them. Please call us at 208-743-4545. We are ready when you need that helping hand! ISI

Dogs come when they’re called; cats take messages and get back to you later. - aryM ly B

IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT PAGE 21

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OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013

Working With The Pros – How To Build Good Relationships With Health Care Providers By Lisa M. Petsche As you age, and especially if you are caring for someone with a chronic illness, you are likely to meet a variety of health care providers. These may include doctors, nurses, and allied professionals such as dietitians and physical and occupational therapists, whom you will meet in various settings: home, clinic, hospital, and perhaps even long-term care. Health care today is a partnership between the patient and provider, with both parties responsible for ensuring constructive relationships. Patients and caregivers are taking a more active role than ever in this regard. The following are some ways you can do your part to enhance interactions with health care professionals. Prepare questions in advance of phone conversations and meetings, and prioritize them. Have a note pad and pen handy during phone conversations, and

bring them along to appointments as well. If you, or your loved one if you’re a caregiver, has a hearing or vision impairment, let the professional know at the outset of the conversation. The same goes for any communication challenges, such as those that may result from a stroke – for example, difficulty with word finding or processing information. Share information that will help the professional better understand and assist you or your loved one: medical history, relevant social history, lifestyle, abilities and limitations, temperament, and relevant likes and dislikes. Educate yourself about your or your loved one’s health condition, to facilitate communication with professionals. Don’t try to be an expert, though. Educate yourself about the roles of involved professionals, and ask about their goals and plans for assessment and treatment. Ensure you are dealing with the right person by briefly stating the nature of any questions or concerns.

If they can’t help you, ask them to direct you to someone who can. Ensure the person has time to talk if you have numerous questions or a major concern. If not, ask to schedule an appropriate block of time. When making telephone contact, be prepared to leave a concise voice-mail message if the person is not available. Include the date and time of your call, your name and, if applicable, your loved one’s name and your relationship to him or her, the nature of your call, your daytime phone number, and the best time to reach you. If either one of you is hard to reach, you may need to make an appointment to talk by phone or in person. Write down key information that is shared with you during conversations and conferences. Request an explanation if you don’t understand medical terms, and ask for clarification when instructions are not clear. Be forthcoming about what you need and expect – don’t assume others know. Learn to be assertive and proactive. Address a concern directly with the relevant care provider. Express it as calmly as possible and in a timely fashion. Provide details and include an example or two; prepare notes if you are easily flustered. Involve the provider’s supervisor only if the issue does not get resolved. If a situation causes you significant distress, try to compose yourself before addressing your concern – otherwise, it is difficult to have a constructive discussion. Depending on the issue and the number of people involved, you may wish to request a meeting. If you are anxious or angry, have a relative or friend present – preferably someone less emotional – for support and to help you stay focused. Whenever possible, suggest solutions to problems. Be courteous and give others the benefit of the doubt; expect to be treated likewise. Keep in mind that you and professional care providers are partners, and do your best to work with them. When you are pleased with the care that medical professionals have provided, express appreciation; a little goes a long way. Lisa M. Petsche is a medical social worker and a freelance writer specializing in boomer and senior health matters. ISI

Dear Betty Addresses Medical Errors

history of caring.

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Dear Betty, My neighbor told me she read an article stating that about 15 percent of hospitalized Medicare patients experience some kind of serious medical error. Great! I am heading to the hospital for a hip replacement and I am scared to death enough already. I can hardly walk now, so I cannot postpone this. I am just going to say a prayer and hope for the best - and ask if you have tips for coming out of this in one piece. Ideas? - Scared of Surgery Dear Scared, While it is estimated that one in seven hospitalized Medicare patients may experience an adverse event, there are things you can do to reduce your chances of landing in that group. For starters, find an advocate who will stick with you from doctor visits to hospital time. When you’re worried, stressed, heavily medicated, or in pain you’re not in the best shape for remembering information, reading medication labels, or checking to see if healthcare workers are following safety protocols. Ask your spouse or another close family member or friend to be your advocate. Once you have got your “back-up,” get going on these other safety measures: Know your medicines, including dosage, and

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why you take them. Be sure your doctor has a list, too, and knows about any allergies you have. When new medicine is prescribed, learn why you need it and about possible side effects. Make sure the medicine you are given is what the doctor ordered for you. A recent study of hospitalized Medicare patients showed that medication errors â&#x20AC;&#x201C; wrong drug, wrong dosage, or not addressing side effects â&#x20AC;&#x201C; were a factor in more than half the patient fatalities. Be informed about your condition and recommended treatment. Physicians and hospitals frequently offer patient literature. Websites of respected medical groups offer information, too. Above all, ask questions when you do not understand what your doctor is telling you. Make sure your doctor and your surgeon agree on what will be done during your operation, and find out who will manage your care in the hospital so you can contact that person if you have concerns. When tests are ordered, know when to expect results. Do not assume the results were fine if you do not hear anything. Paperwork could have been misplaced or sent to someone else. When results

come, read them carefully. You want to make sure they are your tests and not someone elseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, and note any questions for your doctor. Be sure your care providers wash their hands before they touch you. If you are embarrassed to ask, remember that hospitals all across the nation are currently engaged in hand-washing campaigns. This simple step has been shown to help prevent hospital-acquired infections, of which 1.7 million occur each year causing nearly 100,000 deaths. Also, check out the patient safety record of your hospital, particularly for surgical measures, at www. hospitalcompare.hhs.gov. Switch hospitals if you need to. Finally, before you leave the hospital make sure you know which problems to watch for and who to call if they happen (see www.medicare.gov/ publications/pubs/pdf/11376.pdf). For more checklists see www.campaignzero. org and www.hospitalinfection.org/protectyourself.shtml. Consumer Reports has good tips on protecting yourself in the hospital as well (www. safetypatientproject.org: Topics/Medical Errors/ Staying safe in the hospital). ISI

Aging In Place â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Staying At Home As Long As Possible Provided by Home Care Assistance For many years, there have been different ways to take care of yourself or your elderly family member. The hardest part is choosing the right direction to go. Should you put them in a care home? Or should they continue to live with family members who can take care of them? The best thing about assistance at home is that it allows the individual to maintain a more independent lifestyle, rather than being confined in a care home. This kind of normalcy can be very important for people who are used to doing things for themselves. They can continue to remain in comfortable and familiar surroundings with the personal belongings, friends, family, and pets. The cost of home care can be lower than that of an outside facility. Because you only need to pay for the time a caregiver is present, there is much more flexibility and you can better stay within your personal budget. In some cases, your elderly loved ones or parents do not need the full time

care that these facilities provide. In an in-home care program, you can set how many hours each day that you need help. You can very easily personalize the care of an individual when they are getting this assistance. Their exercise regimen, medications, and doctor appointments can all be integrated into your plan. This kind of assistance also makes it easier for family members to visit and take their loved ones on day trips, vacations, and even simply to the grocery store. This kind of control and involvement is something that a full care facility may not be able to offer to the desired degree. Overall, home care assistance is a great idea for those individuals who need just a little help, but not full time care. It is much more affordable and allows for more customization to the needs of each individual person. The freedom that these programs offer though, regardless of the other benefits, is a priceless treasure in caring for your loved one. ISI

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Five Ways Older Adults Can Be More Active By The National Diabetes Education Program (NAPS) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; As you get older, your risk for health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, increases. You also have a greater chance of getting type 2 diabetes if you have a family history of the disease. But itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s never too late to lower your risk. Research shows that modest weight loss through healthy eating and being active can help to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes in people over age 60. If you are overweight, losing 5 to 7 percent of your current body weight can help you prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. If you weigh 200 pounds, this means a weight loss of about 10 to 14 pounds. Talk to your doctor about setting safe weight loss goals and ways to be more active. Getting Started & How to Get Moving â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Once you set your goals, decide what small steps you will take to get started. For example, you might say, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I will walk for 10 minutes after lunch to be more active each dayâ&#x20AC;? until you reach at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week. Be active, move more and sit less to help yourself lose weight or stay at a healthy weight and be more flexible and strong. Ask your health care provider how you can safely start to be more active. Before being active, be sure to warm up to

get your body ready. Shrug your shoulders, swing your arms, or march in place for three to five minutes before you begin any activity. Five Ways to Be More Active â&#x20AC;&#x201C; There are many ways you can get active at little or no cost, such as walking or doing chair exercises. Find an activity you can enjoy so you can stay at it. This will make it easier to stick to your plan and reach your goals. Try these ideas: â&#x20AC;˘ Around the House. Things that you do every day can help you be more active. Stand up from a chair and sit down again without using your hands. Rise up and down on your toes while standing and holding on to a stable chair or countertop. When you watch TV, stretch and move around during commercial breaks. You can also walk around the house when you talk on the phone. Follow along with a video for older adults that shows you how to get active. â&#x20AC;˘ Around Town. Being more active can also be a great way to meet friends. Join a local walking group. Always walk in safe places such as the mall, museum, or a community center. Wear shoes that fit your feet and provide comfort and support. â&#x20AC;˘ While Running Errands. Make getting active a part of your regular day. If it is safe, park the car

farther away from stores or restaurants. If you take the bus or train â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and the area is safe â&#x20AC;&#x201C; get off a stop earlier and walk the rest of the way. â&#x20AC;˘ With Your Family. Get your family involved to make being active more fun. Teach the younger people in your life the dances you enjoy. Plan a trip to the local pool and go for a swim together. Moving around in the water is gentle on your joints. â&#x20AC;˘ Get Outside. When you can, get active outside. Take care of a garden or wash your car. Enjoy a brisk walk with friends or family around a park, museum, or zoo. For more tips to help prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes, download or order the Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Not Too Late to Prevent Diabetes. Take Your First Step Today tip sheet or Small Steps. Big Rewards. Your Game Plan to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes: Information for Patients booklet from the National Diabetes Education Program at www.YourDiabetesInfo.org or call 1-888-693-6337; TTY: 1-866-569-1162. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Servicesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; National Diabetes Education Program is jointly sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) with the support of more than 200 partner organizations. ISI

Shingles Vaccine Protects And Is Covered By Medicare Older adults who get the shingles vaccine can actually cut their risk of getting the painful condition in half, and those that do happen to get it are likely to have a milder case if theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been inoculated. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what else you should know about the shingles vaccine, along with how itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s covered by Medicare. Shingles Overview â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a burning, blistering, often excruciating skin rash that affects about 1 million

Do you have type 2 diabetes?

Americans each year. The same virus that causes chickenpox causes it. What happens is the chickenpox virus that most people get as kids never leaves the body. It hides in the nerve cells near the spinal cord and, for some people, emerges later in the form of shingles. In the U.S., one out of every three people will develop shingles during their lifetime. While anyone whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s had chickenpox can get shingles, it most commonly occurs in people over age 60, along with people who have weak-

Do you have difficulty in controlling your blood sugar levels on your current antidiabetic medication?

Understanding Diabetes

If the answer is yes, you might be suitable to participate in a clinical research study. This study will look at whether an investigational medication (a new medication, which is under development) is safe and effective in people with type 2 diabetes who are taking antidiabetic medication but whose blood sugar levels are not effectively controlled.

The Diabetes Education Program at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center: Helping you understand, prevent, and control diabetes.

You might be able to participate in the GRAND-303 Study if you: t BSF ZFBST PG BHF PS PMEFS t IBWF CFFO EJBHOPTFE XJUI UZQF EJBCFUFT t IBWF EJGĂ˝DVMUZ JO DPOUSPMMJOH ZPVS CMPPE TVHBS MFWFMT The study will last 30â&#x20AC;&#x201C;38 weeks and will require between 13 and 15 visits to a study center. Suitable participants will receive study-related medication and health assessments at no cost.

Diabetes education classes and individual appointments for prediabetes, and diabetes type 1 and 2. Consultations on diabetes medication management, blood glucose monitoring and preventing complications.

Our staff of Registered Nurses, Dietitians and CertiďŹ ed Diabetes Educators can help you live a healthy life!

To find out more, please contact: Advanced Clinical Research

208-529-6700

2950 E. Magic View Dr. Suite 182, Meridian, Idaho 83642 208-377-8653 x102, x104, or x121 www.acr-research.com www.facebook.com/ACRIdaho

At our â&#x20AC;&#x153;walk and talks,â&#x20AC;? patients walk with a diabetes educator and can ask questions about all things diabetes. Been through our program? We offer follow-up classes: stress management, grocery store tours, meal planning and diabetes review.

Advancing Medicine. Enhancing Life.

Our program is recognized by the American Diabetes Association. Ask your provider for a referral to the program, and check with your insurance company for coverage questions.

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013

ened immune systems. But you can’t catch shingles from someone else. Early signs of the disease include pain, itching, or tingling before a blistering rash appears several days later, and can last up to four weeks. The rash typically occurs on one side of the body, often as a band of blisters that extends from the middle of your back around to the breastbone. It can also appear above an eye or on the side of the face or neck. In addition to the rash, more than one-third who get shingles go on to develop severe nerve pain that can last for months or even years. Vaccination Coverage – The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone age 60 and older should get a one-time shingles vaccination – called Zostavax. Even if you’ve already had shingles, you still need the vaccination because reoccurring cases are possible. See zostavax. com or call 877-974-4645 for more information or to locate a vaccine provider in your area. The vaccine is also very safe. For most people the worst side effect is mild redness or arm soreness. You also need to know that Medicare covers the shingles vaccine as one of its preventive benefits. But, unlike some other vaccines that are paid through Part B, the shingles vaccination is covered by Part D.

Another defense department By Bill Hall As I write this, the American West is toasting over huge fires like a giant marshmallow. Even people who never lie are glancing down to make certain that their pants are not on fire. While this summer of fire and sooty lungs is beginning to look unprecedented, the friends of Smoky Bear and other good souls have come to the rescue. They are struggling against the fires with bravery and skill. You can almost feel in their efforts that this battle is dedicated to those 19 wild fire fighters who were killed June 30 by a wind that turned the fire in Arizona around and more or less murdered those men. That memory feeds the resolve of brother and sister fire fighters who now test the theory that you can slow a fire with tears. The fire fighters and their overwhelming support from the people of this land demonstrate that, in most matters, this nation will not hesitate for a moment if any of its citizens are in danger. When people are dying or threatened with death, this country has the capacity and the zeal to come running with all the money, machines, blood, and sweat that it takes to save as many as possible. And that is true whether you are talking about the national government, the states, the cities, or the counties. Witness that throng of exhausted fire fighters. Lives are threatened along with homes. This country is not going to take that lying down, no matter what the price tag. And because of that, few if any will die. Similarly, city and county fire departments race into danger if so much as one small home is on fire. Virtually every community in the nation is stubbornly prepared with training and equipment for that kind of danger. And because of that, not many die. The same is true of floods, hurricanes, and tornadoes. One false move from an angry, storm and both the professional and the volunteer responders come to the rescue. Because of that, the death toll is remarkably low in such emergencies. The picture is the same on a global scale. If lethal cranks kill 3,000 people in New York City, the whole nation and many good international friends pitch in. Because of that and modern ways of minimizing death while making war, fewer than 1,000 of the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have died each year. Compare that to the enormous death tolls of the Civil War, World War I, and World War II. Even though the expense in dollars has been massive, few citizens have questioned the cost. When people are dying, even on a small scale, few begrudge the expenditure. With one glaring exception: Medical care. About half the people in this country prefer not to provide all of their fellow citizens with medical care. They decline to pay for saving the lives of what are now about 22,000 of our citizens who die each year of treatable diseases because they can’t afford to seek treatment. Nearly every one of those 22,000 deaths can be avoided. These are not terminal cases. They could be saved if that cause had support in the same spirit as war, forest fires, home fires, and lethal storms. How strange that the people of the United States understand and appreciate virtually every use of state and national defense – except the one

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If you have a Part D prescription drug plan, it will pay for the vaccine itself and for your doctor or other health care provider to give you the shot. You are only responsible for paying the plan’s approved copay at the time you get vaccinated, which usually runs $60 to $80. But, you need to make sure you follow your plan’s rules in order to keep your out-of-pocket costs down. If you’re vaccinated at a drugstore, check to make certain it’s in your Part D plan pharmacy network. Otherwise, the shot will cost you more than your usual copay. If you’re inoculated in a doctor’s office, check to make sure the office can bill your plan or at least can work through a drugstore in your plan’s network. Otherwise, you’ll have to pay the entire bill upfront and then claim reimbursement from your plan. Just to be safe, call your Part D drug plan ahead of time and ask which pharmacies and doctors in your area you can use to receive the shingles vaccine at the plan’s regular copay. 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

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defense that lets the most people die. If terrorists attack, the defense department rides to the rescue. It protects 100 percent of those who are threatened. If diseases, cancers, and strokes are killing thousands of Americans each year, that’s considered unfortunate, but large numbers of voters are not interested. They support fighting fires, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, and terrorists, but not bacteria and viruses – at least not for everybody. Why aren’t attacks on us by diseases and physical malfunctions also considered an enemy? What difference does it make whether it is a hu-

man disease or a mentally diseased bomber that that tries to snuff out lives? Perhaps it is time to make universal health care part of the Defense Department. Germs and viruses kill more of us each year than fires, weather, and war. But we don’t try to save all endangered medical patients. That’s like defending everyone in the country from foreign terrorists except for the residents of Idaho. Hall may be contacted at wilberth@cableone. net or at 1012 Prospect Ave., Lewiston, ID 83501. ISI

New Research Advances From The Alzheimer’s Association International Conference® 2013 New studies reported at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference 2013 (AAIC® 2013) in Boston cover the spectrum of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia research, including novel treatment and prevention strategies, possible new risk factors, advances in early detection and diagnosis, and an updated model of disease progression. Potential Alzheimer’s Disease Risk Factors Most kinds of cancer associated with decreased risk of Alzheimer’s; Chemotherapy adds additional decrease in Alzheimer’s risk. A study of the health records of 3.5 million U.S. veterans indicated that most kinds of cancer are associated with a significantly decreased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Results suggested that chemotherapy treatment for almost all of those cancers conferred an additional decrease in Alzheimer’s risk. The researchers found no association between cancer history and reduced risk of any other typical age-related health outcome. The scientists concluded that the findings indicate that the protective relationship between most cancers and Alzheimer’s disease is not explained simply by increased mortality among cancer patients. More research is needed to determine the cause(s) of the reduced risk, and therefore identify potential new therapeutic avenues for Alzheimer’s. Diabetes drug associated with reduced risk of dementia. Type 2 diabetes may double the risk of dementia. However, in a study of nearly 15,000 type 2 diabetes patients age 55 and older, patients who started on metformin, an insulin sensitizer, had a significantly reduced risk of developing dementia compared with patients

who started other standard diabetes therapies. Trials are currently under way to evaluate metformin as a potential therapy for dementia and mild cognitive impairment. Older age at retirement is associated with a reduced risk of dementia. An analysis of health and insurance records of more than 429,000 selfemployed workers in France found that retirement at older age is associated with a reduced risk of dementia, with a lower risk for each added year of working longer. The researchers suggested that professional activity might contribute to higher levels of intellectual stimulation and mental engagement, which may be protective against dementia, though more research is needed in this area. Socioeconomic factors may explain higher Alzheimer’s risk. In the United States, older African-Americans are about twice as likely to have Alzheimer’s and other dementias as older whites are. But in a study of 3,075 black and white elders who were free of dementia at the beginning of the study, the risk difference was no longer statistically significant after researchers adjusted for socioeconomic factors including education level, literacy, income, and financial adequacy. Alzheimer’s Disease Detection and Diagnosis Online tests for Alzheimer’s do not measure up. A panel of Canadian experts – including geriatricians, human-computer interaction specialists, neuropsychologists, and neuroethicists – reviewed 16 freely accessible online tests for Alzheimer’s disease, and found that the tests scored poorly on scales of overall scientific validity, reliability, and ethical factors. Self-reported changes in memory may be earliest clinical markers of Alzheimer’s. Four studies supported increasing evidence that subjective cognitive decline (SCD) – the self-reported perception of memory or cognition problems – is a potentially valid early clinical marker of brain and cognitive changes that may indicate Alzheimer’s disease. One study of cognitively normal older people showed a significant relationship between

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self-reported cognitive concerns and evidence of buildup of beta-amyloid protein, the main component of Alzheimer’s brain plaques, as revealed by PET scans. Another study indicated that a subjective concern about memory could be a marker of subsequent decline in objectively measured memory. Alzheimer’s Disease Therapies Update Preliminary results in studies of two new potential Alzheimer’s therapies. It has been suggested that amyloid plaques can stimulate microglia, the brain’s first-line immune cells, to produce inflammatory compounds that cause brain cell damage in Alzheimer’s patients. The experimental compound

CHF5074 (Chiesi Pharmaceuticals), has been shown to prevent formation of brain plaques and reduce deficits in mouse models of Alzheimer’s. In a 90-week clinical trial of CHF5074 in people with mild cognitive impairment, powered only for safety and dosing, not for efficacy, an interim analysis of cognitive tests of 32 patients showed statistically significant, dose-dependent improvements in participants’ cognitive abilities. Researchers reported results of an earlystage, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multiple-dose study of the experimental medication MK-8931 (Merck), which inhibits beta secretase - one of two enzymes that produce

IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT PAGE 27

beta-amyloid - in people with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s. They found that the drug lowered beta amyloid in cerebrospinal fluid at the highest dose, and the drug was generally well tolerated. About the Alzheimer’s Association – The Alzheimer’s Association is the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support, and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. Visit alz.org or call 800-272-3900. ISI

Tinnitus: What To Do For Ringing In The Ears By Suzy Cohen Buzzing, clanging, whooshing, musical tones, humming, ringing, even jack hammering... tinnitus can drive you absolutely bonkers. I cannot stand it even when my neighbor fires up his leaf blower, and that is over in 20 minutes. You may recognize these celebrities who have confessed to bouts of tinnitus: Eric Clapton, David Letterman, and Steve Martin. The internal racket can be caused from exposure to sudden or chronic loud noises, free radical damage, age-related hearing loss, medication side effects, ear wax, and a number of diseases. That is just for starters. All I can do here is give you some more perspective about options. If your tinnitus does not yield to simple remedies, see your doctor for an evaluation. Look in your medicine cabinet. There is a surprisingly long list of prescription and OTC drugs that have been tied to tinnitus: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), loop diuretics (like furosemide), and many antibiotics, anti-depressant drugs, and salicylates (like aspirin). Auditory-related side effects might develop suddenly, even if you have been taking the drug a long time. Discuss this possibility with your doctor and pharmacist. In cases of reversible tinnitus, sometimes switching medications brings relief. Stress ramps up the noise! Consider biofeed-

back. Studies suggest that biofeedback training could help you find your internal control knob and turn down the volume. Deficiencies of specific nutrients can sometimes affect hearing health: zinc, coenzyme Q10, vitamins D and B12. Also, magnesium - a mineral in spinach and leafy greens - has been shown repeatedly to support auditory mechanisms, improve hearing loss, and ease tinnitus. As we speak, the Mayo Clinic is conducting a clinical trial to verify this. And an Israeli study long ago found that military personnel with tinnitus were often short on B12. Asian folks seem to have good grip on this condition. Chinese medicine doctors use acupuncture and a variety of herbals to deal with tinnitus. These treatments vary considerably, but could be very effective. I keep up with Korean news because my 24-Hour Pharmacist book is published in this language. A recent study concluded that two compounds: Bojungikgitang and banhabaekchulchonmatang significantly improve tinnitus. Ameri-

can health food stores are going to screech and whine if you ask them to order that stuff, so don’t even bother. A few studies support the herbal gingko biloba, which may help by improving blood flow and scavenging free radical toxins. Other herbs worth looking into include black cohosh root and vinpocetine which improve blood flow and oxygen to the brain; goldenseal could help too, and also mullein herb which addresses inflammation. Did You Know? People with pale skin (who burn easily) appear to be more likely to be deficient in vitamin D. Become a fan on my facebook page and interact with me about health topics: Facebook.com/ SuzyCohenRPh. ISI

Now You Can Hear Loud & Clear By Erika Blanchard, M.S. CCC-A, F-AAA Elks Hearing & Balance Center In today’s society, everything from shoes to personal sound amplifiers can be purchased online. One thing that should never be purchased online, however, is your hearing healthcare. Hearing health care represents more than just hearing aids. It includes a diagnostic evaluation to rule out medical conditions requiring referral to and treatment by a physician. Audiologists perform diagnostic evaluations, provide training on care for hearing aids, counseling on communication strategies, and on-going follow up. In Idaho, audiologists are licensed by the state, have a master’s degree or doctorate in Audiology, and have been through rigorous training. The best option for guiding you through the process of identifying, diagnosing, and managing your hearing difficulties is your local audiologist. Personal Sound Amplifiers – The Food and Drug Administration warns consumers to know the difference between hearing aids and personal sound amplifiers. Personal sound amplifiers are not intended for use by people with hearing loss. Hearing aids are effectively used to manage hearing loss that cannot otherwise be treated by surgery or medication. Personal sound amplifiers should only be used after seeing a health care professional for a diagnostic hearing evaluation to rule out serious medical conditions. Audiologists are your best resource for hearing health care. ISI

Compassionate Care for families and individuals of all ages

HEARING & BALANCE CENTER

The Holidays are just around the corner! Are you missing the little things in life? Do your grandkids wonder why you don’t hear and respond to them? Don’t

We are currently accepting new patients. We do accept Medicare and Medicaid. Please call us at 677-6070 for an appointment.

miss those important moments, make an appointment with a Doctor of Audiology at Elks Hearing & Balance Center and join the conversation again in time for the holidays.

Call 208-489-4999 today and mention this ad to

Clean living keeps me in shape. Righteous thoughts are my secret... and New Orleans home cooking. - Fats Domino

Cassia Family Practice and WorkMed Clinic 1501 Hiland Avenue, Suite K, Burley, Idaho 83318 (On the South side of the hospital campus)

schedule your free hearing aid evaluation. www.elkshearingandbalance.org

Boise 489-4999 Meridian 489-5999 Eagle 489-4975 Nampa 489-5950 Ontario 541-881-0970

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Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Beyond the Controversy of Screening Pioneering psychotherapist shares three exercises for maintaining emotionally while coping with a diagnosis Breast Cancer Awareness Month has been one of the most successful campaigns to raise public awareness in recent history. Unfortunately, in terms of successfully reducing breastcancer mortality, the results have been mixed, which has caused fierce debate among doctors, researchers, non-profit groups, and patients. “Embedded in the message driving the campaign every October includes instruction to women to strongly consider getting screened for breast cancer, which is often asymptomatic during the early stages, in the hopes of finding cancer before it metastasizes,” says cancer psychotherapist Dr. Niki Barr, author of Emotional Wellness, The Other Half of Treating Cancer, (canceremotionalwellbeing.com). Debate over the efficacy of screenings has arisen as new studies reveal possible shortfalls. Self-examinations have not been proven effective; younger women experience false positives due to denser breast tissue, as well as missed positives, despite clinical examinations; and recently published studies such as The New England Journal of Medicine’s findings on three decades of screening have been mixed, Dr. Barr

says. The latter found that screenings did reduce late-stage cancer rates, to a small extent, but mammograms also drastically increased overdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment, including surgeries, toxic drugs and an incalculable amount of stress and suffering, she says. “I think each woman needs to consider screenings on an individual basis. Family history, age and other risk factors should be considered in their decision,” Dr. Barr says. “It’s equally important to remember that, should you or a loved one be diagnosed with breast cancer, you should care for your emotional well-being as much as you take measures to restore physical well-being.” While doctors, nurses, and medical staff tend to your body, you can tend to your mental health with some of these exercises she recommends to her patients: • “Catch” anxious feelings before they become anxiety. Prevent anxious thoughts from becoming full-blown anxiety by “catching” those feelings before they intensify. If you find anxious thoughts repeating themselves in your mind, take out some index cards and a pen and write them down, one by one, one per card. When you’ve written them all down, try to identify which one thought started the chain reaction. Then find the thought that came next. Continue until you have each thought in order. Now, go back to the first thought and write down a new thought that does not make you feel anxious. When the first thought comes to mind, substitute it with the second thought. Continue through the list until you have positive, empowering thoughts for each negative, anxious one. • Release painful feelings and then let them go: Writing down painful thoughts and feelings

through journaling is an excellent way of exorcising them. Some people find rereading what they have written can be helpful, but others hesitate to use this tool for fear someone will find it and read their private thoughts. For those people, Barr suggests an extra measure of release: Shred the pages while focusing on “letting go” of those feelings. • Give your mind respite by escaping through music and meditation: Music is a tonic for many things: It can help us relax, lift our spirits, and provide an escape from anxious thoughts and the here and now. Always have favorite CDs easily accessible so you can escape with music whenever you need to. Meditation CDs are available to help you learn how to meditate and to provide guided imagery for meditation, which is scientifically proven to trigger soothing chemical changes in the brain. Try Meditation for Beginners by Jack Kornfield or Guided Mindfulness Meditation by Jon Kabat-Zin. Finally, sleep is an absolute must for both physical and emotional health. If you are having trouble sleeping, there are CDs and downloads to help! Try Sleep Through Insomnia by KRS Edstrom. “Having an actual box, with three-dimensional items, gives patients something tangible to use during a confusing time,” Dr. Barr says. Niki Barr, Ph.D. founded a pioneering psychotherapy practice dedicated to working with cancer patients in all stages of the disease, along with their family members, caregivers, and friends. In her book, she describes an “emotional wellness toolbox” patients can put together with effective and simple strategies, ready to use at any time, for helping them move forward through cancer. Dr. Barr is a dynamic and popular speaker, sharing her insights with cancer patients and clinicians across the nation. ISI

Back Pain Causes You Won’t Hear about from Your Doctor Knowing these Causes Can Help You Get Relief and Prevent Future Problems, Expert Says By Ginny Grimsley Benjamin Franklin’s famous quote, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” has never been more apt considering the millions of Americans who suffer from back pain. “But how can anyone take preventative measures when most back-pain specialists take a one-dimensional perspective on this common problem after back trauma has occurred?” asks expert Jesse Cannone. Most people experience significant back pain at some point in their lives; unfortunately, the response from the medical community is too often surgery, which fails 60 percent of the time, according to a consensus of surgeons. “The back consists of many intricate anatomical parts, all of which are dependent on the smooth functioning of each other, but there are many factors people don’t know about that affect the back’s function throughout a lifetime,” says Cannone, author of “The 7-Day Back Pain Cure,” (www. losethebackpain.com). “In order to better heed Franklin’s advice, more people need to know how back pain starts. Sadly, in most cases, they won’t get this profoundly helpful info from their doc.” Health should always include a comprehensive view, including vigilance for mental, dietary, and physical well-being, he says. Below, Cannone covers in detail the physical causes that often lead to back pain over time: • Minor problems can lead to major back dysfunction: When a physical condition isn’t corrected, the body starts to break down. Tight muscles can pull the vertebrae out of alignment, pinching a nerve or creating a herniated disc. Physical

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013

dysfunctions can pressure joints and, over time, stress them to the maximum until they develop inflammation and injury. Overworked muscles can go into spasm, causing pain and forcing the body into physical dysfunction. Pain from this condition is often triggered by a specific activity, like heavy lifting, which is why most people believe they’ve “thrown out” their back in a singular event. In reality, however, it was a long process. • Muscle imbalances – the tug of war inside your body: We’re born with well-balanced bodies, but rarely do they stay that way. Over time, we tend to favor one side of our bodies, and with repetitive activities, we often create imbalances by working some muscles too much while underutilizing oth-

Thoughts On Aging Do you know how to prevent sagging? Just eat until the wrinkles fill out. *** These days about half the stuff in my shopping cart says, “For fast relief.” *** The Senility Prayer Grant me the senility to forget the people I never liked anyway, the good fortune to run into the ones I do, and the eyesight to tell the difference. *** An elderly woman decided to prepare her will and told her preacher she had two final requests. First, she wanted to be cremated, and second, she wanted her ashes scattered over Wal-Mart. “Wal-Mart?” the preacher exclaimed. “Why Wal-Mart?” “Then I’ll be sure my daughters visit me twice a week” *** I feel like my body has gotten totally out of

IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT PAGE 29

ers. Sitting is one way of creating imbalance, but various activities – writing, eating, cleaning, cooking, laundry – in which we favor one hand over the other can, too. • Lack of muscle use: Unlike other machines, which wear out the more they’re used, the human body grows stronger the more you use it. When you don’t use all of your muscles regularly, the muscles that keep the body balanced wither. • Loss of muscle flexibility: Women who frequently walk with high heels often suffer a variety of problems as a result. One problem is the shortening of the calf muscle. Imagine the muscle as a rubber band that extends from the back of your knee to your heel. When you wear high heels, the

rubber band shortens and, over time, the muscle adapts to this contracted position. When you take off the heels, the calf muscle will feel pulled. This frequently happens to other muscles in the body, throwing off body balance. Jesse Cannone is a leading back-pain expert with a high rate of success for those he consults. He has been a personal trainer since 1998, specializing in finding root causes for chronic pain, and finding solutions with a multidiscipline approach. Cannone publishes the free email newsletter Less Pain, More Life, read by more than 400,000 worldwide, and he is the creator of Muscle Balance Therapy™. ISI

shape, so I got my doctor’s permission to join a fitness club and start exercising. I decided to take an aerobics class for seniors. I bent, twisted, gyrated, jumped up and down, and perspired for an hour. But, by the time I got my leotards on, the class was over. *** Reporters interviewing a 104-year-old woman asked, “And what do you think is the best thing about being 104?” She simply replied, “No peer pressure.” *** Just before the funeral service, the undertaker came up to the very elderly widow and asked, “How old was your husband?” “Ninety-eight,” she replied, “Two years older than I am.”’ “So you’re 96,” the undertaker commented admiringly. “Hardly worth going home, is it?” replied the widow. MSN

there is a simple informal test he could perform to give the doctor a better idea about her hearing loss. “Here’s what you do,” said the doctor, “Stand about 40 feet away from her, and in a normal conversational speaking tone see if she hears you. If not, go to 30 feet, then 20 feet, and so on until you get a response.” That evening, Peg was in the kitchen cooking dinner, and Brian was in the den. He thought, “I’m about 40 feet away, let’s see what happens.” Then in a normal tone he said, “Honey, what’s for dinner?” There was no response. So Brian moved closer to the kitchen, about 30 feet from her and repeated, “Peg, what’s for dinner?” Still there was no response. Next Brian moved into the dining room where he is about 20 feet from Peg and asked, “Honey, what’s for dinner?” Again, there was no response. So, Brian walked up to the kitchen door, about 10 feet away and again asked, “Dear, what’s for dinner?” Again, there was no response. So Brian walked right up behind her and said, “Peg, what’s for dinner?” “For crying out loud, Brian, for the fifth time, chicken!” ISI

The Deaf Wife Brian feared his wife Peg was not hearing as well as she used to and he thought she might need a hearing aid. Not sure how to approach her, he called the family doctor to discuss the problem. The doctor told Brian

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Casper, Wyoming: Historic Trails, Cowboys, Oil, and More By Bernice Karnop Red and black lines showing the nation’s highway system crisscross maps of the United States like a closely woven net. Maps of the Western U.S. in the 1840s didn’t look like that. One broad red line slashed across the country from Independence, Missouri, to South Pass in what’s now Wyoming. And that red line isn’t a highway, but a Trail. It splits into paths leading to Oregon, California, or Salt Lake City. People today are fascinated and amazed by how difficult it was then to cross the continent and by how many people did just that. A good place to learn the stories of these pioneer immigrants is at the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center in Casper, Wyoming. The National Historic Trails Interpretive Center. More than 500,000 people – roughly the population of Wyoming today – crossed the North Platte River at Casper on their way west to Oregon, California, and Salt Lake Valley between 1840 and 1869. The unpaved trails through this area carried one of the most impressive human migrations in the history of the world. The National Historic Trails Interpretive Center tells the migration story through the experiences of those travelers, and qualifies for the must-see list of any visitors to Casper today. The center is near Interstate 90 on the north side of town, just before you drop down into the city. Near the entrance, which resembles a covered wagon, guests linger out on the veranda to enjoy an overview of the city and the river with Casper Mountain in the background. Inside a visit begins with a short multi-media program called Footsteps to the West. It recreates the lives of the pioneers, often in their own words taken from journals and diaries. After this introduction, visitors explore seven galleries, starting with a look at the Native Americans who lived in the Casper area and then moving to the earliest European Americans to travel west, the trappers, traders. and missionaries. Separate galleries for the Oregon Trail, the Mormon Trail, and the California Trail explain the different reasons people left the relative comforts of the east for the grueling journey west. Special features include a virtual river crossing of the North Platte River, which could be 300 yards across and four feet deep. Participants crawl into the wagon and follow a man on a horse who guides them though the water. They feel the jolts from the uneven riverbed and witness an upset. In another area, a visitor can heft a backpack like the miners carried to the gold fields in California. Visitors may try pushing and

pulling a handcart like the ones Mormon converts took over the mountains. One group of handcart pushers, according to a DVD playing in the center, was the Martin Handcart Company party. They started too late in the season and were caught in an October blizzard west of Casper. They took shelter in what is now called Martin’s Cove but nearly 200 of the Martin party died from hunger and exposure before a rescue party from Salt Lake reached them. Another gallery at the Historic Trails Interpretive Center This striking bronze meets visitors as they come to the National Historic Trails tells the short but exciting history Interpretive Center in Casper, Wyoming. [Photo by Bernice Karnop] of the Pony Express. The Pony Other Interesting Things to do in Casper. Express carried the mail from St. Joseph, Missouri, to San Francisco, California, in ten days. Fittingly enough, today’s Casper also has an Before this, delivery took six months. The Pony outstanding network of recreational trails for its Express lasted for 19 months and halted when citizens and visitors to enjoy. The Platte River Parkthe telegraph lines were completed from coast way Trail follows the river for ten miles through the to coast. This story is a revelation for people of city. Other trails feed into it, including the Casper the digital age as they learn about the men, the Rail Trail that follows the former Chicago & Northhorses, the organized relay, and the dangers of western Rail Line through downtown, and a spider web of city trails and streets with bike lanes. sending messages in the 1860s. Casper Mountain, 8,500 feet high, multiplies Fort Caspar Museum and Nearby Trail Sites. A short drive from the Interpretive Center the outdoor recreation possibilities with fishing, to the river takes visitors to old Fort Caspar. At canoeing, other water sports at Alcova and Paththis recreated fort, originally called Platte Bridge fineder Reservoirs, cross-country and downhill Station, where hoards of people crossed the river, skiing and other winter sports, hiking, hunting, visitors see replicas of the Mormon Ferry, estab- picnicking, and more. Other museums in Casper include the Salt lished around 1847, and the Platte Bridge, built Creek Oil Field Museum that explains Wyoming’s in 1859. The museum at Fort Caspar covers cultural oil history, the Tate museum that explores local history from prehistoric times through recent de- geology, the Casper Planetarium where one can study the universe. The Nicolaysen Art Museum velopment. Those who are interested in seeing other trails features modern art. Casper’s interesting downtown was built with sites may drive out to Bessemer Bend, Prospect Hill, Independence Rock and other places a short cowboy and oil money and is filled with historic distance from Casper. Wagon ruts may be spotted buildings, good independent restaurants, and lots in many places across the landscape, notably the of shopping. If your “trail” leads to Casper, plan to stop and deep ruts in the rocks near Guernsey. enjoy some of what it has to offer. ISI

Visit The Logan Area And Find More To Do Than You Can Imagine Escape to beautiful Cache Valley, Utah, just 30 minutes south of the Idaho border. Crimson red maples and yellow aspens will be bursting in our canyons through mid-October. Take a deep breath. Relax. Enjoy a slower pace. Logan is close enough and just far enough to be the perfect getaway. Downtown Logan is only a five-minute drive from the Wasatch Cache National Forest. Go hiking in the morning, play a round of golf in the afternoon, and top it off with great food at one of our unique restaurants and a night in one of our cozy bed and breakfasts or classy hotels. Explore our majestic mountains with a drive along Logan Canyon

National Scenic Byway. Stop and fish. Go biking or geocaching. Rent horses or canoes, go bird watching, or eat Aggie ice cream and head to a football game. Take advantage of our colorful arts scene. Catch a concert by the 250-member American Festival Chorus and Orchestra, hit a comedy night, or see a production at the elegantly restored 1923 Ellen Eccles Theatre. Stroll through historic downtown Logan or across the campus of Utah State University. New discoveries are waiting for you. Fall in love with fall. Visit Logan today. For more information call 800-882-4433 or visit www.visitlogan. com. ISI

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013

IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT PAGE 31

Hot Springs Bubble in the Canadian Rockies By Bernice Karnop The Rocky Mountains increase in majesty and beauty as you travel north along the east slopes from Glacier National Park in Montana to Waterton, Banff, and Jasper National Parks in Alberta. Recently I was surprised to learn that it was not these snowy, rugged peaks and lovely lakes that inspired Canada to designate Banff as its first National Park. Instead, it was the discovery of hot mineral springs bubbling in these mountains. In 1885 when Banff was established, natural hot springs were highly valued, not just as an enjoyable place to hang out on a lazy afternoon, but also as a place to regain your health. To discover a treasure akin to the European Spas like BadenBadan, Germany, thrilled the entire nation. Back then, hot water did not come easily for most folks. It meant lugging water from the pump if you were lucky, a creek, or stream if you weren’t. It meant firing up the wood stove to heat the water and pouring it into a galvanized tub not quite big enough to sit in. The water stayed warm just long enough for a family to get clean. What a blessing, this hot water coming right out of the earth in an endless supply, ready to enjoy. What a treat to sit up to your neck in the hot water for as long as you wanted to. The excitement over the therapeutic value of hot springs waned as remedies of other kinds replaced its healing allure. However, the old cures have made a comeback. Hot tubs are popular these days and people seek out holistic health professionals rather than rushing to have surgery. Alternative health providers often suggest a cure-all my grandmother swore by – Epsom salts, which is akin to the natural mineral baths of the hot springs. Each of these hot springs in the Canadian Rockies boasts its own signature mix of minerals, gasses, and temperature. Test them out like gourmet coffee and find your ideal blend. Banff Upper Springs – The Banff Upper Springs in the town of Banff is the highest hot springs in Canada at an elevation of 5,200 feet. The water is pushed up from deep within the earth’s crust through a big crack called the Sulphur Mountain Thrust Fault. In spite of this long trip, the water comes from the ground at 117 degrees. The outdoor pools are kept at comfortable temperatures of 98 degrees and 104 Fahrenheit. Minerals in Banff Upper Hot Spring include sulfate, calcium, bicarbonate, magnesium, and sodium. The Banff Upper Springs is open all year. You can indulge yourself in the restaurant, gift shop, and spa, as well as in the hot water. To get there from the town of Banff follow Banff Avenue over the Bow River and turn east at the last set of traffic lights. The Hot Springs parking lot is at the end of Mountain Avenue. Miette Hot Springs – Miette Hot Springs is in Jasper National Park, but it is not as easy to find as the hot springs in Banff. It is about 35 scenic miles east of the town of Jasper. Follow highway 16 to the Pocahontas Bungalows and then take the Miette Road to the plunge. From the outdoor pool you relax with stunning views of the Fiddle River Valley and the peaks that surround it. At these “hottest hot springs in the Canadian Rockies” water flows from the mountain at 129º F. They make sure it is cooled down to a reasonable 104º before you dip your toes in, however. Upgraded in 2007, the pool is wheelchair accessible. You will need to plan to enjoy a relaxing time here. There are no service stations and no overnight camping, although there is a motel, cabins, a picnic area, and a restaurant. West Side of the Canadian Rockies – On the west side of the Canadian Rockies, you will find another series of hot springs. Like those in Alberta, the healing waters are augmented by stunning views and all the outdoor recreation you can imagine. Lussier Hot Springs – Lussier Hot Springs are the least developed pools in our list. Near the

entrance to Whiteswan Lake Provincial Park off Highway 93, they are checked on by Park Rangers. Lussier is north of Kimberly on the park turn-off beyond Skookumchuck. The well-marked springs are about 11 miles down this road. You can change clothes in the toilet in the parking. It is about a 5-minute walk down a maintained trail to the Lussier River and four small pools. The water in the first one is about 110 degrees and cools with each successive pool. The bottom pool next to the river is about 94 degrees. Brave souls can cool off fast with a dunk in the icy creek nearby. Fairmont Hot Springs Resort – Fairmont Hot Springs is just north of Lussier on Highway 93. This destination resort at Columbia Lake has everything – spa, skiing, golf courses, hiking, trail rides, mountain biking – and more. It is open year-round and is a family friendly place to spend a few days with the grandchildren. They will enjoy not only the water but can stay as busy as they want on the trails, and all the activities offered by the resort. Fairmont Hot Spring has more than a million and a half gallons of mineral-rich hot water flowing through the pools daily. At night, they drain the pools, scrub, and refill them so they are clean. If you have had a hip or knee replacement, come here for rehab you can really enjoy. Fairmont Hot Springs is on BC 93 about an hour north of Cranbrook. Radium Hot Springs – If you do not like the rotten egg smell of the Yellowstone Park hot springs, Radium Hot Springs might be the place for you. The hot water here is odorless. On its journey to the surface, this mineral water encounters oxygen. This, they say, takes care of the hydrogen sulfide “fragrance” before the mineral water reaches the surface. Radium Hot Springs is a Canadian Parks Service plunge that’s just one mile east of the West Gate of Kootenay National Park. Nakusp Hot Springs – This community owned plunge with nearby camping and cabins, claims to have the cleanest, clearest healing water in British Columbia. Amenities include heated floors in the locker rooms, guides to outdoor recreation, snacks, and more.

What is food to one man may be fierce poison to others. -- Lucretius

PAGE 32 IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT

From Nakusp, go one mile north to the junction on BC 23 and signs will direct you to the springs eight miles east. Halcyon Hot Springs – Halcyon Hot Springs Resort is also near Nakusp on the east shore of Upper Arrow Lake. It opened as a luxury hotel back in 1894 but after it burned in 1955 was left undeveloped for nearly half a century. In 1998, they rebuilt it into a beautiful resort and kept the fitting old-fashioned name, which means calm or tranquil.

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The pools are outdoors so you can enjoy the stellar scenery while you take to the restorative waters. Ainsworth Hot Springs – The distinctive feature of Ainsworth Hot Springs is its horseshoe shaped cavern where you can sit on the underwater ledge and breathe in the steam while you soak in the water. This cave is where the water surfaces. It has to be cooled down a bit from 117 degrees to around 107 degrees before guests can

enjoy it. The water drips from the ceiling forming an interesting array of stalactites. Since this water is also odorless, you won’t smell funny when you come out. Water flows through the main pools, constantly freshening the water all day long. The resort overlooks beautiful Kootenay Lake and is less than two hours north of the U.S. border, and about half an hour north of Nelson. ISI

Geographer Tony Lewis Knows What He Sees By Cate Huisman Remote sensing has made much of the world familiar to geographer Tony Lewis. Over 30 years, he’s taught or lectured on five continents about what he calls “collecting data without coming into physical contact with it.” His expertise has enabled him to contribute to the work of a wide variety of organizations, including NASA, the United Nations, and the World Bank. Lewis’s specialty is interpreting images generated by data collected from satellites and aircraft. These airborne “platforms” can carry several different kinds of sensors. Light sensors

generate photographic images, such as those from Landsat. Other sensors identify heat and generate images from thermal data, and radar signals generate yet another kind of image. Lewis looks at these images to see what they reveal about the landforms they portray. That’s an art as much as a science, Lewis says. “It’s based on the convergence of evidence that leads to an answer that is the most likely solution.” When he looks at an image, he uses his knowledge of what kind of sensor generated it, as well as his experience from seeing thousands of comparable images, to form an opinion of what is shown. “Even after all of that, the conclusion reached is still only a best guess,” he adds. Lewis has a particular fondness for radar images, because radar can see through clouds so it is just as useful at night as during the day. When he was doing his graduate work in Panama, it was a big help. “The problem in Panama is they don’t have very many photos because of cloud cover,” says Lewis. An aircraft equipped with radar sensing equipment was able to generate plenty of useful data in just 10 flying hours. Radar also took him to China, where he first taught about the geosciences applications of

side-looking radar in 1987. “I was in the second wave of scientists who went over there” after Nixon opened US-China relations, he says. “They asked me to come over and teach for a month in a UN project.” His Chinese connection has given him a valued colleague and enduring relationship with the Chinese scientist Guo Huadong. Professor Guo was originally assigned to work with Lewis as an interpreter, but he, too, uses radar images. Another advantage to radar is that it can, in some areas, “see” several meters underground. Using radar, Professor Guo has found buried parts of the Great Wall of China. Lewis is amazed at the developments in remote sensing technology over the 50 years since he first entered the field. When he started graduate school in 1963, the satellites circling the earth were limited to weather and intelligence data gathering, and only government agencies had access to the data. Now, anybody can look at Landsat images on the internet. “In 1960 you would usually only see regional scale features, and since it was a weather satellite, mainly clouds. In the early 70s, with the launch of the Landsat series of satellites, you could discretely see fields that were 5 acres or

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larger, urban street patterns, and interstate highways. Now with commercial high resolution satellites, individual trees, vehicles, and often humans, and farm animals are identifiable.â&#x20AC;? Lewis adds that even more recently, â&#x20AC;&#x153;with the development of sensors such as LIDAR and radar interferometry, we can map the land surface morphology and seismic changes to better than one foot and occasionally around several inches.â&#x20AC;? Since Lewis retired after 30 years of teaching at Louisiana State University in 2008, he has been returning to China twice a year as a visiting professor at the Chinese Institute of Science. But he feels his main contribution is help with their understanding of western culture. The Chinese invite experts from all over the world to interact with their own scientists. Lewis recalls a meeting with Professor Guo and a group of foreign experts. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m thinking itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a pretty exciting meeting â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a good discussion with critical comments and all.â&#x20AC;? But at lunch Professor Guoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s special assistant Lie Jie told Lewis she was very disturbed by the visitorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; behavior. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Criticism! Criticism! Just constant criticism. This is awful.â&#x20AC;? When he asked her what happened at meetings among her Chinese colleagues, she replied, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Guo Huadong comes in, and he talks, and we all applaud.â&#x20AC;?

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;I told her that these people are smart and intellectually critical. You canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take it personally.â&#x20AC;? But his time of teaching in China is ending as he settles into north Idaho. Why Sandpoint? Lewis and his wife, Barbara, came to visit their oldest daughter there and loved it. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We came through at Christmas time, and the place was just magical,â&#x20AC;? he says, recalling the holiday charms of the classic small town. As heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s settled into his new home, Lewis has had an opportunity to learn and teach about the local phenomenon that would set any geographerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s heart aflutter â&#x20AC;&#x201C; prehistoric Glacial Lake Missoula and the repeated floods that sculpted the inland northwest landscape. While the self-reliant individuals of the intermountain west who are now his students donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t show quite the reverence for him that his Chinese associates did, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re more than happy to have a teacher and scientist of his stature in their midst. ISI

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By Jack McNeel Some people make a career of bringing joy to others and for Katherine Owen, that journey has gone on for almost a century â&#x20AC;&#x201C; she turned 99 on March 9 and still brings joy to those around her. Katherine lives in Silverton, the small burg in the Silver Valley adjacent to Wallace. She has lived in the same home she and her husband bought in 1946, although he passed away fifteen years ago. Her childhood history is a good place to start learning about this remarkable woman. She moved to the town of Cabinet in northern Idaho with her parents when she was just 15 months old, a town few people remember. Even Google does not provide much more Katherine th i O Owen, a young 99 99. than a name and location. Unlike most ghost K [Photo by Jackie McNeel] towns in the area, it was not a mining town. It was created more as a community for the construction of the Northern Pacific Railway that came from Montana along the Clark Fork River toward Sandpoint. Very little remains today to indicate where the town once stood. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The town was divided by the beautiful Clark Fork River,â&#x20AC;? Katherine explains. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We lived on the north side with very few residences. The other side was where town was with a mom and pop grocery store and depot. There were ranches around. It was a good place to grow up. We lived there twelve years. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The ranches wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t sell you meat, it all went to butchers in Sandpoint, and so we lived on fish from the river. It was mostly char. We ate plenty of fish and I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t care for fish today,â&#x20AC;? Katherine says laughing. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Many people think my longevity is due to eating fish as I grow up. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know, that could be true,â&#x20AC;? she adds with a chuckle. Katherine has some other ideas on what might have contributed to her longevity. One is simply that she has always loved the outdoors. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was outside a lot. I roamed through the forest and along the riverbanks. We had good fresh water, not the things that contribute (negatively) in this day and age.â&#x20AC;? Getting back and forth to school might also have contributed to her long life. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I had to go about three blocks to the river. We were taken across by boat until they put the footbridge in. Then I went up through town with my sister, who was seven years older than I was. Then we went another hill to

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the schoolhouse on the hill. It was about two miles and we walked it every day. I think that contributed to my strength. Occasionally, a girl that lived behind us rode her horse and she would give me a ride. They built the brick school in my third year of school. It was two stories and a full basement but had just one outside door.” Chinese laborers were brought in to work on the railroad and Katherine remembers, “They lived in a little bit of a home, all of them. Only one could speak English, and haltingly at that.” She also remembers the supervisor was Japanese who lived alone in a larger home than the single building where all the Chinese lived. “I always wished I could write a book about the natives of Cabinet. We had some real characters.” The family moved to Kellogg after her 10th grade year and she graduated high school in Kellogg. “It was depression days and that’s as far as I went. Not many went on to college.” She was in her teens when she started playing piano, something that still brings joy to her and many others. “The piano teacher was a young woman and she walked about three miles to our place. She charged 25 cents a lesson. We couldn’t afford that,” she explains. “I only took four lessons. I play by ear.” Katherine married and the family spent a couple years in Portland before returning to the Silver Valley to stay. The depression was just ending and World War II about to start. “I worked at six jobs,” she adds. “I opened a sports shop in Kellogg at 8:00 in the morning and then cut stencils for two daily mimeographed newspapers. I was the Kellogg representative for the Wallace Press Times paper.” During World War II, she and her husband were plane spotters. “The station was in Wallace, on a hill, and not much bigger than a walk-in closet.” Their job was to spot planes and then call the information in to Spokane. She also became a piano accompanist in different places, including her church. Katherine is a religious person, who says she “served the Lord as best I can.” Katherine was involved with Child Evangelism from 1947

to 1996 along with her close friend Ruby Hill. Hundreds of children were involved in the program during those many years. “That has been the one thing that strengthened me and made me a useful person I guess. The Lord has been very good to me and that’s what I’m here for, I think,” she notes. About 1990 she started coming to the Good Samaritan Nursing Home in Silverton, volunteering to play the piano for their sing alongs and monthly birthday parties. On Tuesday nights, she plays for her bible study group. She is here three or four days a week in a volunteering role, and has been for upwards of 20 years. She also plays the organ in the chapel of her own church, the non-denominational Silverton Community Church. The music keeps her busy and provides a lot of joy for those in the nursing home and at church. The days she is not playing piano one can usually find her home, in her kitchen, baking. “I bake about three days a week,” she comments. “I bake for friends and for pie sales and things like that. Our bible study is presided over by an ex-minister with three children so I bake cookies and different things to send back with him.” She does not have a particular specialty but says she does a lot of baking with pecans: pecan rolls, pecan pies, and pecan-filled cookies. “But I don’t bake bread. I never had any success baking bread,” she laughs. Other than one or two exceptions, she has lived a healthy life. She acknowledges she had “all the usual childhood diseases,” and at the end of World War I, she came down with the Spanish flu. Seven people in the Clark Fork Valley died from it and Katherine spent six weeks in bed. She was five at the time. Then last year she fell, breaking bones in one wrist and the other arm, plus her nose and cheekbone and a deep gash across her forehead. “The hardest thing; they had to cut my favorite jacket off me with scissors,” she laughs. But now, at 99, she keeps going out to bring joy to others with her music. She is a remarkable person with an equally remarkable story to tell. “In 99 years I have a lot to say,” she says with a smile. ISI

Dance for exercise and fun – Sheryl Bentz-Sipe Article & Photo By Jack McNeel Dancing and little girls go hand in hand but relatively few make it a career. Sheryl Bentz-Sipe is one of those few. “I definitely became interested as a child,” she says. “I hoped to end up in this type of work but being raised in this area, there wasn’t a lot of opportunity. And, growing up on a farm, it didn’t seem like a practical thing to do. Going into teaching seemed like the practical thing.” Sheryl was born and raised in Coeur d’Alene and has her own dance studio in Coeur d’Alene, Dance Tales Studio, and she teaches both at her studio on East Sherman and at North Idaho College. Her bachelor’s degree from the University of Idaho was in dance and physical education. That led to the Coos Bay area of Oregon where she taught dance and physical education in high school. “Dance is pretty much integrated into the curriculum in the schools there.” She says she was lucky to get a job in such a situation but with a teaching certificate it was a good fit. Sheryl then returned to college, getting a Masters Degree in dance from the University of Oregon. She was on a fellowship that included doing choreography for the dance troupe that performed at Oregon Ducks football

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013

games. Oregon had a good team, eventually going to the Rose Bowl. “That choreography was always seen on television,” she remembers. “We traveled a lot and went to the Rose Bowl. That was one of the highlights of my career.” From there it was on to Portland where she taught dance classes and aerobic dance but Coeur d’Alene was where her family remained and that brought her home. Sheryl was hired by North Idaho College in 1999 as its dance instructor. During her interview for the job she explained the curriculum she thought would be the direction a dance program should take. “One by one my classes were added,” she says. Classes now include social swing, Latin social, multicultural dance, and a rhythm and movement dance class. In the social swing class alone, she teaches lindy hop, east coast swing, triple step, single step, fox trot, waltz, and nightclub two-step. “All those are partner dances,” she explains. An equally wide variety of dances are taught in the Latin social class. Sheryl’s students at Dance Tales Studio vary in age from about 5 to 80 with a median age around 40. “The young students don’t start at ballroom, social type dances, until they’re about 15,” she explains, saying the youngest ones aren’t comfortable dancing with adults or vice versa.

“With older people I think they really enjoy getting out and mingling. Actually everybody does. It’s social for everyone. They get out. They come to class and are getting exercise but aren’t sweating and feeling ‘this is so hard.’ They’re concentrating on the footwork, not only where your feet are but the position with your partner. They’re getting a workout even though they don’t realize it at the time.” Sheryl adds that studies have proven that dancing is good for the mind as well and helps protect against dementia. “With most sports it’s more muscle movement. Dancing gets involved with the brain. You’re trying to think about the next move and constantly following or leading somebody. It’s a good way for folks, as we age, to keep our minds as crisp as our muscle. If someone has lost a partner, it’s a great way to interact with the opposite sex. We have a lot of folks who will come single. It gives them the opportunity to mingle, meet people, and it’s a nice safe social environment. We rotate everybody so you’re dancing whether you brought somebody or not.” Maximum class size is about 25 – limited by the size of the dance floor at the studio. Mark Vesterby is one of several instructors who work at Dance Tales Studio. He formerly took classes from Sheryl and now performs with her, competing in various events throughout the

Church Ladies With Typewriters Are At It Again! Submitted by Julie Hollar-Brantley They’re back! Thank God for church ladies with typewriters and their wonderful church bulletins. These communications (with all their bloopers) actually appeared in church bulletins or were announced in church services. 1. The Fasting & Prayer Conference includes meals. 2. The sermon this morning is “Jesus Walks on the Water.” The sermon tonight is “Searching for Jesus.” 3. Ladies, don’t forget the rummage sale. It’s a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands. 4. Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our community. Smile at someone who is hard to love. Say, “Hell” to someone who doesn’t care much about you. 5. Miss Charlene Mason sang “I will not pass this way again,” giving obvious pleasure to the congregation. 6. For those of you who have children and don’t know it, we have a nursery downstairs. 7. Next Thursday, there will be tryouts for the

choir. They need all the help they can get. 8. Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24 in the church. So ends a friendship that began in their school days. 9. A bean supper will be held on Tuesday evening in the church hall. Music will follow. 10. At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be “What Is Hell?” Come early and listen to our choir practice. 11. Eight new choir robes are currently needed due to the addition of several new members and to the deterioration of some older ones. 12. Scouts are saving aluminum cans, bottles, and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children. 13. Please place your donation in the envelope, along with the deceased person you want remembered. 14. The church will host an evening of fine dining, super entertainment, and gracious hostility. ISI

IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT PAGE 35

northwest. They even did a stint on Dancing with the Stars. He had taken instruction from a variety of dance teachers before starting with Sheryl in 2001. “I couldn’t believe the difference in learning from her versus learning from others. Sheryl is an incredible instructor,” Mark explains. “Nobody can even come close. Her background in teaching really shines through.” He also pointed out that Sheryl received the Mayor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts in 2000 for her contributions. They’ve recently formed another group called the Coeur d’Alene Dance Connection. “We now put on dances about every three months. All the proceeds go to some charity,” Sheryl says. The first two dances raised money for Hurricane Sandy via the Red Cross, and the American Heart Association. May’s dance supported the Children’s Miracle Network for local children. Sheryl has also danced professionally. She has been in small dance companies and been hired as a soloist many times. “Part of my career that I like so much is not only do I get to teach, I get to perform as well. Part of what I love to do is to be out on the stage.” Dance is a family affair for Sheryl. Her daughter is pursuing a dance and English degree at the University of Idaho and will graduate next year. She also travels during the summer and her goals are to join a dance company. “That’s one of my claims to fame, my daughter,” Sheryl says. Her teenage son “dances a little bit too,” she adds. ISI

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Randy Corbett heals from accident - continued from cover “Quality programs are the heart of an organization. My persistence and never giving up on the sport of wheelchair tennis has helped to take this organization to the level of success it is today.” His vision for the sport and the association came from traveling to other wheelchair tennis tournaments. At a memorable international tournament in Florida in 1996, he was among more than 300 competitors. “My first match was with a man from France who didn’t speak English. Figuring out how to communicate the score was challenging,” says Randy, who won the match. “At that tournament, I had a clear vision to have a huge international tournament in Boise one day. I’ve never given up on that dream and vision.” Currently, he is focusing on player development and bringing new players to tournaments. “That way, they can see what the sport is really all about. I want as many people in chairs as possible to see how life-changing this sport can be.” Randy is also working to integrate wheelchair and able-bodied tennis. “We have able-bodied players involved in competitive up/down tennis during winter.” When he is off work from the Boise State University Appleton Tennis Center, Randy has traveled from Florida to California and won countless titles and trophies. He recently won in singles and doubles in a Portland tournament.

“Two weeks before that at the Denver Open, I made it to the finals in singles and doubles, but it rained on Sunday, so I couldn’t finish it,” says Randy who plays in the A Division. “The other divisions are C, B and open. I’m moving up to the open division soon.” Besides being a player, coach, and instructor for the association, Randy also offers private lessons to able-bodied athletes and teaches at the Idaho Youth Wheelchair Sports Camp during summer. He also started a Wheelies Team to teach local students about wheelchair sports. “We went into schools to show kids adaptive athletic equipment. Then we’d challenge the teachers to a wheelchair basketball game. The kids loved it. Parks and Recreation eventually picked up the program.” Wherever he travels, Randy urges people to become physically active. “Get involved in whatever excites you. Move toward your excitement and whatever activity makes you feel good, and the rest takes care of itself.” Randy says he plans “to play another 20 years and win more titles. Plus, I want the sport to be around in Idaho long after I’m gone.” For information about wheelchair tennis, call Randy at 208-890-2099. ISI

The Plotts celebrate an unforgettable overseas anniversary By Dianna Troyer Photo Courtesy Of Rusty & Judi Clarke Larry and Marilyn Plott had already checked off the usual wedding anniversary celebrations of cruises, dinner and a movie, and flowers. “For our 54th anniversary, we wanted to celebrate by having a hands-on experience we would remember for a lifetime,” says Marilyn, 73, who began brainstorming with Larry, 75, last year. The Bellevue residents decided to do a medical mission and began researching their options. “Most organizations that plan medical missions naturally want participants to have a medical background, which we don’t have,” says Marilyn. Larry worked in law enforcement for 37 years, while Marilyn cared for their home and four children. After retiring in 1997 as director of the Idaho Peace Officers Standards and Training Academy in Meridian, Larry worked for the U.S. Department of Justice. He was assigned to Eastern Europe and helped establish police academies in Bosnia, Macedonia, and Montenegro after Yugoslavia’s civil war ended. As the Plotts read about various overseas missions, they chose Jewish Voice Ministries International. Because the ministry didn’t require participants to have health care training, Larry and Marilyn, members of the Cavalry Bible Church, were accepted for a five-day medical mission to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from Feb. 27 to March 4. The organization provides medical care to Jewish tribes dispersed from the Middle East and tells them about Jesus being the risen Messiah. While the group’s focus is the lost tribes, it provides services for anyone. “No one was turned away, no matter what their faith was,” says Marilyn. Just as they hoped, the Plotts celebrated their anniversary on March 1 in a memorable way. “We were so tired from working 12-hour days,” recalls Marilyn, “so we just went to the dining room of our hotel and shared a fruit salad.” Larry says, “We agreed there wasn’t any other place that we would rather have been.” With Larry’s background in law enforcement, he was assigned the job of crowd control. He organized people in lines, depending on the type of medical care they needed. Marilyn was assigned to a prayer team. “I sent patients to one place for eye care, another for dental care, and another for medical care,” says Larry, who placed a colored band on each person’s wrist, indicating the need. Patients sought treatment for a variety of medical issues including AIDS, cancer, indigestion, blindness, deafness, and lameness. “This is a culture in which people aren’t accustomed to standing in an orderly line to wait their turn,” says Larry. “They tended to push and crowd each other, so it was exhausting. In one day, 1,900 people were treated.” It reminded him of Jews being banded during World War II before they were placed in ghettos and concentration camps. “Here we were banding Jewish people again, but this time it was for a humanitarian reason,” he says. “That’s what kept me going and energized.” Marilyn’s spiritual faith motivated her. “We started at 6 a.m. and worked intense12-hour days, so there’s no way we could have done what we did with our own energy. God’s love was flowing through people. Despite our different backgrounds, we all got along because we had a common goal of expressing God’s love.” The staff was diverse. There were 40 doctors, mostly Ethiopians, and 120 lay people working at a four-story clinic. The Plotts were among 34 volunteers from the U.S. and Canada.

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013

After patients received medical treatment, they were asked if they would like someone to pray with them. “We prayed with 3,807 people and had 310 supernatural miracles that reminded us of the kinds of miracles Jesus performed,” says Mari-

lyn. “After we prayed, some blind people saw, and some deaf people were able to hear.” When the mission concluded, 8,708 patients had been treated. After returning to Idaho, the Plotts resumed their active schedule. They hike, dance, compete in local fun runs, travel, and keep in touch with their children, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Larry is in his eighth year serving on the Bellevue City Council. “We do a lot of different activities to not only help ourselves, but to be an example to motivate others to stay physically active,” says Larry. They recently started clogging. “As we age, focus and physical balance become critical, and dancing is great to work on those issues,” says Larry. “We had our first recital a few weeks after we got back. We hoped people who saw us on stage might have said to themselves, ‘If they can do that, we can give it a try.’”

IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT PAGE 37

Next year when Larry and Marilyn celebrate their 55th anniversary, they say they will consider a similar trip. “We got what we asked for and more,” says Larry. Marilyn says, “We have countless memories of a lifetime.” ISI

Planning Ahead – Charitable Giving By Randi Regli Rudd & Company, PLLC Charitable giving can make the world a better place for our children and future generations. Moreover, well-structured charitable gifts can provide benefits to the causes you care about while providing personal tax benefits. Charitable contributions are frequently overlooked as they appear to be only a standard way to offset a relatively small portion of your tax liability; however, with appropriate planning and strategy, they may be able to provide you with a greater benefit. The tax code is often confusing and overwhelming but it can be used to your advantage. Standard Cash Donation – Generally, a charitable gift will allow you to take a tax deduction equal to the amount of the gift multiplied by your marginal income tax rate. For example, if you’re in the 39.6% tax bracket, a $100 charitable gift in 2013 will reduce your income tax bill by approximately $39, subject to certain itemized deduction phaseout limitations. Contributions to public charities are limited to 50% of your adjusted gross income. However, this seldom becomes an issue for most individuals. Appreciated Securities – Donating stocks or other capital items that have appreciated in value since their acquisition offers two tax benefits. If the stock is held for more than one year, a deduction may be claimed for the full fair market value and the

capital gain tax on the appreciation (increase from purchase price to fair market value) is avoided. If the security is held for less than one year, the deduction is limited to the purchase price. If the stock has fallen in value, the deduction is limited to the fair market value. Donation of capital gain property is limited to 30% of one’s adjusted gross income. Charitable Donation from IRAs – Recent legislation has extended the qualified charitable distribution provision for 2012, 2013, and potentially 2014. A qualified charitable distribution is a distribution from an IRA (other than an ongoing SEP or SIMPLE IRA) owned by an individual over 70½ years that is paid directly from the IRA to a qualified charity. The donor may exclude from gross income up to $100,000 in qualified charitable distributions for a year. The amount of a qualified charitable distribution is not deductible as a charitable contribution; rather, they are excluded from income. Furthermore, these distributions satisfy IRA required minimum distributions for the year. This allows the donor to avoid paying income tax on the amount distributed while also fulfilling the requirement of taking an annual distribution. Charitable Remainder Trust – If you are not ready to make a gift during your lifetime, another option to consider is establishing a charitable remainder trust. A contribution can be made to the trust at any time and the assets will go to a charity

What is Fall Open Enrollment? Fall Open Enrollment occurs each year from October 15 to December 7. During Fall Open Enrollment, people with Medicare can make changes to their Medicare coverage with their new coverage taking effect January 1 of the following year. Outside of this time, people with Medicare generally cannot make changes to their Medicare coverage unless certain circumstances qualify them for a Special Enrollment Period. During Fall Open Enrollment, people with Medicare can do the following: • Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan; • Switch from a Medicare Advantage plan to Original Medicare; • Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another Medicare Advantage plan; • Switch from one Medicare prescription drug plan to another Medicare prescription drug plan; • Join a Medicare prescription drug plan for the first time. Before making any changes during Fall Open Enrollment, it may be helpful for you to look at your current Medicare coverage to see whether your benefits and costs will change in 2014. If there aren’t any changes to your Medicare cover-

age and you’re satisfied with your coverage, you don’t need to make any changes during this time. However, if there are changes to your Medicare health and drug coverage or you are unsatisfied with your Medicare coverage, you have the right to make changes during this time. You can make as many changes to your Medicare coverage during Fall Open Enrollment, but keep in mind that your last coverage decision made during this time will take effect January 1, 2014. To avoid enrollment problems, it’s best to call 800-MEDICARE when making any changes to your Medicare health and/or drug coverage. If you plan to switch from a Medicare Advantage plan to Original Medicare during Fall Open

of your choice after your death. However, you will retain income from the donated asset during the remainder of your lifetime! You are still permitted to take an income-tax deduction for the years in which you make donations to the trust. Charitable remainder trusts can also allow you to sell highly appreciated assets free of capital gains tax. Once the property is contributed to the trust, the trustee will sell the appreciated asset at fair market value and reinvest the proceeds in income-producing assets such as bonds. The trust will then pay you the income from such investments. Upon your death, the remaining trust assets will be distributed to the charities you have selected. Plan Ahead – The tax law is structured to encourage giving; and, there are ways to maximize the tax benefits of doing so. When considering whether to make a charitable donation, it is important to take an approach that will provide the maximum tax benefit for your donation. Furthermore, it is important to have someone you trust help you in the planning process whether it is an attorney, financial advisor, or accountant. Charitable giving is truly a win-win for all parties involved. ISI

PAGE 38 IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT

Enrollment, can you also sign up for a Medigap plan during Fall Open Enrollment? Whether you are allowed to buy a Medigap plan during Fall Open Enrollment (October 15-December 7 of each year), depends on your circumstances and your state’s specific rules on Medigap enrollment. A Medigap plan is supplemental coverage designed to pay for out-of-pocket Original Medicare costs, such as deductibles and coinsurances. Medigap plans do not work with Medicare Advantage plans. You can only have a Medigap plan if you have Original Medicare. Under federal law, you have the right to buy a Medigap plan at certain times. Federal law allows people 65 years or older to buy Medigaps; however, some states may extend that right to people who are under 65 years old and become eligible for Medicare due to disability, End-Stage

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013

Renal Disease, or Lou-Gehrig’s Disease (ALS). For exact rules and protections in your state about Medigap enrollment periods, contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) or State Department of Insurance. If you receive a grey notice in the mail that says you will no longer automatically qualify for Extra Help. What does this notice mean? Sometime in the fall, certain people with Medicare may receive grey Extra Help notices from the Social Security Administration (SSA). This grey notice informs people that they will no longer automatically qualify for Extra Help, beginning the first of the following year. Extra Help is the federal assistance program that helps pay the cost of prescription drugs for those with limited finances. Generally, people who receive this grey Extra Help notice automatically qualified for the program

in the past by having Medicaid, a Medicare Savings Program or by receiving Supplementary Security Income. The grey notice is sent to individuals who will no longer qualify for Extra Help in the upcoming year, because they no longer qualify for Medicaid, have a Medicare Savings Program, or no longer receive Supplementary Security Income. People with limited income and resources may still qualify for Extra Help. However, they must apply directly to Social Security to continue receiving the benefit. They can do so by filling out the application attached to the grey notice or by visiting https://secure.ssa.gov/i1020/start. Marci’s Medicare Answers is a service of the Medicare Rights Center (www.medicarerights. org), the nation’s largest independent source of information and assistance for people with Medicare. ISI

As you near retirement age, know your Social Security options Q: This year I will be turning 66 and I am planning to retire. What do I need to know about my Social Security benefits as I make my plans? Roy, Great Falls A: About 10,000 Montanans will mark their 66th birthdays in 2013. And every day, nationally, more than 10,000 Baby Boomers will turn 66 – a milestone birthday also known as full retirement age for the purposes of Social Security retirement benefits. If you are one of the lucky ones turning 66 this year – or even 62, the earliest age of Social Security retirement benefits – “Congratulations!” Here are helpful tips from AARP financial security expert, Jean Setzfand to consider as you anticipate this special birthday. • Learn more about the Social Security retirement program. AARP’s Financial Security team offers a free webinar series on Social Security. Check out the archive and listen to the one that interests you most – whether it is Social Security benefits for couples or a more general Social Security 101. Visit www.aarp.org/moneywebinars. • Get your Social Security questions answered. AARP has valuable resources to answer the questions that come up as you prepare to claim your retirement benefits. Wondering if you are eligible for benefits from a former spouse? Not sure if you should claim if you are going to continue working? Find the answers to these questions and more by using the AARP Social Security Q&A Tool at www.aarp.org/ssqa • Get your Social Security statement online. Visit www.ssa.gov and create an online account, which will give you access to your Social Security benefits statement. The statement, sent each birthday to those 60 and older who have not yet claimed, is available at any time online.

• Explore when to claim your benefits. Use AARP’s Social Security Benefits Calculator to determine when it makes the most sense for you to claim your benefits, in order to maximize your monthly income for life. Use the tool at www.aarp.org/socialsecuritybenefits. Check out claiming strategies for you and your family, and the implications of working after claiming. • Invest some time in further reading about the strategies available to you. AARP’s six tips sheets on Social Security cover the gamut of issues you will need to know prior to filing for benefits. Visit www.aarp.org/orderfinancialpubs for access to tip sheets on how marriage, divorce, work, and taxes affect Social Security benefits. • Include Social Security in your retirement planning and see how you stack up. Will you have enough money to live the way you want in retirement? Use AARP’s Retirement Calculator to take a deeper look at your individual numbers. Visit www.aarp.org/retirementcalculator. You do not have to claim at 62 or 66 – or anywhere in between. You can claim as late as age 70. If you do, you will reap the rewards of your patience – an even higher monthly benefit for life, and a higher benefit for your eligible dependents after you pass away. And in case you are wondering, the Social Security program turned 62 quite a while ago – it turns 78 in August of this year. Jean C. Setzfand is Vice President of the Financial Security Team in the Education and Outreach group at AARP. She leads AARP’s educational and outreach efforts aimed at helping Americans have a financial ‘peace of mind’ in retirement. jsetzfand@aarp.org. ISI

Can Social Security Checks be Garnished? By Jim Miller Dear Savvy Senior, I have some outstanding debts and would like to find out if my Social Security checks can be garnished. What can you tell me? Old and Indebt Whether your Social Security benefits are garnishable or not depends on who you owe. Banks and other financial creditors, for example, can’t touch your Social Security checks. But if Uncle Sam is collecting on a debt, some of your benefits are fair game. Here’s what you should know. Creditor Protections – If you have credit card debts, medical bills, unpaid personal loans, or pay day loans, you’ll be happy to know that your Social Security benefits are safe from your creditors (those you owe). But, be aware that your creditors can still take legal action against you to recover what you owe them, and depending on your state’s law, they may be able to garnish your wages and tap into other allowable assets, if you have any. But they can’t take the money you receive from Social Security. Nor can they touch Supplemental Security Income (SSI), veteran benefits, federal

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employee and civil service retirement benefits, and benefits administered by the Railroad Retirement Board Administration. To ensure your Social Security or other government benefits are protected from creditors, you need to have them direct deposited into your bank account, or to a Direct Express Debit MasterCard account (see godirect.org). Benefits deposited by check into your bank account aren’t protected. Also, be sure you don’t transfer your benefits to another account, or else the protection is void. And don’t have credit cards or other loans at the bank where your benefits are deposited. Money owed to a bank, if it also holds the deposit account, can be frozen. Government Garnishment – If, however, you owe money to Uncle Sam, it’s a very different story. The federal government can garnish a portion of your benefits for repayment of several types of debts, including federal income taxes, federal student loans, child support and alimony, nontax debt owed to other federal agencies, defaulted federal home loans, and certain civil penalties. (If you receive SSI, those benefits cannot be garnished under any circumstance.) How much can actually be garnished depends on the type of debt. If you owe back taxes to the IRS, 15 percent of your Social Security benefits can be taken each month until the debt is paid in full. The government uses the Federal Payment Levy Program to garnish your payments. If you owe money on a student loan – it doesn’t matter how long ago you were in school – the first $750 of your monthly benefits is off-limits to garnishment. After that, the government can shave off up to 15 percent. And if you owe past or current child or spousal support, you could lose as much as 50 to 65 percent of your benefits. Delinquent child support and alimony cases are processed through the national Court Ordered Garnishment System. In these situations, the maximum reduction to your benefits depends on the state where you live. The garnishment is limited to either the maximum allowed under state law or the maximum under the Consumer Credit Protection Act, or CCPA, whichever is less. You also need to know that before your Social Security benefits are garnished, you’ll receive several letters of notice from the IRS, and be given ample opportunity to make a pay arrangement. If you don’t, the agency will start docking your monthly checks. Get Help – If you believe your accounts are being frozen or garnished improperly, you’ll need to seek legal help. The American Bar Association provides links to free and low-cost legal help in your area at findlegalhelp. org. Or, call the Eldercare Locator at 800-677-1116 for referrals. ISI

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013

IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT PAGE 39

Horses fulfill and guide Myron and Debbie Amsden Article & Photo By Dianna Troyer When she first met the man who would become her husband, Debbie Amsden never imagined he had an equine background. “He wore wingtip shoes and a business suit,” says Debbie, who at the time was Circle K’s district manager for Colorado and Montana, while Myron Amsden was manager of the Northwest Division. During the corporate executives’ courtship, Debbie soon learned horse lingo and eventually embraced a lifestyle that she never foresaw for herself. “Before Myron, I didn’t own jeans or boots, didn’t know what tack was, couldn’t tell the difference between a halter and a bridle – and had never ridden a horse,” says Debbie. After their marriage in 1992, the couple eventually traded their corporate offices for corals. They live on a ranch in Star, 22 miles northwest of Boise, where Myron trains and shoes horses and gives riding lessons while Debbie does pleasure riding. “We have nine horses, board horses for others, and raise and sell horses,” says Debbie. They have become immersed in Idaho’s equine world and put their marketing skills to work to benefit organizations they joined. Myron, 69, is president of the Idaho Horse Council. Debbie, 60, is executive director of the council and cocoordinator with Charlene Cooper of the Idaho Horse Expo. “The council works with all horse groups in the state,” says Debbie. The organization’s iconic event is the Expo, an event in its 27th year that promotes the horse industry, a western lifestyle, and attracts thousands from throughout the Northwest. This year, more than a dozen clinicians, and horse breeds are scheduled for the Expo April 19-21 at the Idaho Horse Park in Nampa. The council and Expo embrace Idaho’s diverse breeds and equine disciplines including dressage, endurance riding, three-day eventing, reining, mounted cowboy action shooting, driving, cutting, racing, and rodeo events. “Members of the council represent the interests of dozens of diverse horse organizations in Idaho, yet we all share the same goal – promoting the welfare of the horse and horse industry,” says Myron. The council’s wide-ranging projects deal with supporting legislation that benefits the horse industry, providing scholarships, and funding a horse census every five years. The 210,000 horses in Idaho have a significant impact on the state’s economy, according to the most recent census in 2010. Annually, equine owners pay more than $48 million in salaries to full-time and part-time workers for the care and training of their horses. Equine owners had $1.6 billion in assets related to their horses, barns, and equipment. Debbie described a couple of keynote events at the April Expo. One popular activity showcases a reiner and dressage rider, who demonstrate the similarities and differences between western and dressage disciplines. Another popular event is the breeds contest. “We take horses representing 10 breeds including Andalusian, quarter horse, Peruvian Paso, and Friesian, and they navigate obstacles. The four finalists compete Sunday for a $1,000 purse.” In addition to those popular events, clinicians

will give training tips, and farriers will demonstrate their craft. Miss Rodeo Idaho, Erica Greenwood, will also give advice to prospective queen contestants. Through horses, Myron’s life has come full circle, back to the equine roots of his childhood. “When I was a kid growing up near Bozeman, instead of bikes we had horses. We raised cattle and also did some logging with our horses,” he says. “One of our jobs was cutting timber on the forest where the Big Sky Resort is today.” After high school, Myron enlisted in the Army from 1964 to 1967 and served with an airborne artillery unit for a year in Vietnam. When he came home, he enrolled at Montana State University, graduating in 1971 with a degree in industrial arts. He surveyed his scarce job prospects in Montana. “I could have either herded cattle or done some logging.” Instead, he moved to Boise and worked for Circle K. “I was away from horses for years, then in 1977, a friend invited me to do an endurance ride, and I was back in the game.” His daughters did 4-H and EhCapa, a group of precision bareback riders who picked their group name because it’s the word Apache, a tribe revered for its finesse with horses, spelled backwards. In 1993, Myron left Circle K. “I looked around and realized there were other things I’d like to do.” He began shoeing horses, a skill he had learned while growing up in Montana. “Then, people needed some horses trained, so I said,

‘I can do that, too.’” He was soon surrounded by horses again. As a trainer, Myron enjoys working with horses to overcome behavioral problems and starting weanlings so they will be willing partners. He relies on non-violent, patient, and progressive training methods advocated by a variety of clinicians including Clinton Anderson and Pat Parelli. “Throughout my life, horses have kept me grounded,” says Myron, “and the work I’m doing now is a way to pay that forward to help others.” More information about the Expo can be found at www.idahohorsecouncil.com. ISI

It’s never too late to plan for a better retirement If you are 62 or older, call to see if a reverse mortgage is right for you. I’m here to make you feel right at home. Doug Cook - NMLS# 487433 (208) 989-0644 doug.cook@sterlingsavings.com

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Haunted happenings slated at Old Pen By Dianna Troyer Several signature Halloween events are scheduled at The Old Idaho Penitentiary on Warm Springs east of Boise, where the West’s most notorious criminals were once confined inside imposing gray sandstone buildings. On Oct. 25 and 26, from noon to 5 p.m., with the last admission at 4:15 p.m., the “Frightened Felons” program is offered. Actors will portray inmates and tell stories of life at the prison including famed scandals, daring escapes, and executions. After opening in 1872 with its infamous cellblocks, gallows, and solitary confinement, the prison ran for 101 years, confining more than 13,000 prisoners until it closed in December 1973. The penitentiary on 4.5 acres encompasses 30 historic buildings and includes a special exhibit, the J. Curtis Earl Memorial Exhibit of Arms and Armaments.

On Thursday, October 31, doors will be open later from 5 to 9 p.m. with docents describing its haunting history. Treats will be supplied for trick-ortreaters. Night tours are scheduled on Nov. 1, 8, and 15 from 6 to 10 p.m., with the last admission at 9 p.m. Guided tours on the half-hour start at 6:30 p.m. The last tour leaves at 8:30 p.m. The tours will discuss the history of the old pen and its most infamous inmates. Self-guided tours are also available. People are advised to bring a flashlight and dress for the weather. Cost is $10 (all ages okay, but recommended for 10 and up). For more information, call 208-334-2844. The penitentiary, operated by the Idaho State Historical Society, is located at 2445 Old Penitentiary Road in Boise and is open seven days a week. ISI

The Nelsons find kindred spirits in a ghost town Article & Photos By Dianna Troyer It is debatable whether running a 150-year-old hotel in the ghost town of Silver City is a summer job or a calling for Roger and Jerri Nelson. The town 70 miles southwest of Boise that once mesmerized miners first captivated the couple in 1984. “Some friends who knew we were history buffs invited us to camp up here,” says Jerri, 52, a structural drafter. “As we drove along the desert floor, we both looked at each other because we don’t care for camping in sagebrush with rattlesnakes. We’re tree people, and there weren’t any. Then we started climbing a dirt road and finally arrived in town. We had gone from the desert with an elevation of 2,500 feet to a mountain at 6,800 feet.” At the end of a dirt road, they found a town tucked on a high desert mountainside. Thriving in the late 1800s, Silver City attracted miners who extracted gold and silver from nearby claims. In its heyday, it had a population of

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about 1,250 people in the area and 75 businesses. The Nelsons instantly felt at home, as if they had stumbled onto a place where they would meet kindred spirits. They strolled down the street and started talking to a gregarious man, the late John Rogge. When John realized Roger, 56, was a carpenter, “he offered to let us refurbish the carriage house behind his house, the Stoddard House, and we could stay there, which we did on weekends during the summer season,” explains Roger. Roger and Jerri soon realized that ghost stories abound in a ghost town, but never dreamed they would one day own a paranormal hotspot, the Idaho Hotel. When the hotel’s owner, Ed Jagels, realized he had terminal cancer, he looked for prospective buyers who would cherish the hotel as much as he did. “As he got sicker, we helped him run the hotel. We wanted to buy the town’s drug store, which he also owned, but he would only sell it to us if we agreed to buy the hotel, too,” recalls Jerri. “It was his life. He worked on it for 30 years and wanted it to stay open to the public and be operated as a hotel.” The Nelsons put together a group of investors in 2000 and bought it. Their guests appreciate that they kept it running, especially paranormal enthusiasts, whose instruments blink and hum with activity throughout town, especially at the hotel. “We’ve had people take photos in the hotel and in town, and sometimes there are iridescent orbs in the photos ranging from 2 to 3 inches to about 6 inches in diameter. We’re told they’re the lingering energy of people who have passed on but don’t want to leave here.” The Nelsons are too busy running the three-story hotel, booking 13 of their 22 rooms from May to October, to notice such things. They laugh when asked about their experiences with local ghosts. “We’re not the type of people attuned to that activity,” says Jerri, although she can tell detailed stories of local ghosts, who appear frequently, not just at Halloween. “Over the years, we’ve had different guests describe seeing the same figures.” The most frequent sightings are of a man wearing a long cowboy duster, thought to be Samuel Lockhart, who died in a gunfight in front of the hotel. Another is a fellow in a tuxedo, who fits the description of a former owner, O.D. Brumbaugh. Alice, another apparition, broke her wrists after stumbling down a flight of stairs in the hotel. She planned to leave town after her husband and children died from the measles and had been staying at the hotel, waiting for the stage. Sometimes two children are seen playing marbles on Washington Street. The ghostly activities are not the only thing that draws people to Silver City from May to October. “During our open house weekend, we get about 800 people in town, and about 200 to 300 on regular weekends,” says Jerri. “People like coming here to see the historic buildings and to imagine what it was like to live here. Some people who hope to see ghosts like to stroll through the cemetery at dusk.” Jerri advises visitors to be careful as they drive out along dusty treacherous roads. “It’s only 70 miles from Boise, but it takes about two hours. The first 50 miles of the drive is paved, but the second part is up dirt roads with hairpin turns.” Some guests occasionally ask the Nelsons for advice about running a seasonal bed-and-breakfast as a part-time retirement endeavor. “To run a historic building like this, you have to be able to fix things because repairs have to be made constantly,” she advises. “Roger is like MacGyver because he can do wonders with copper wiring and electrical tape. You also have to like being around people, yet still take a day for your own downtime. It’s constant work. We’re glad to work here, but it’s not for everyone.”

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013

Depending on the weather, the Nelsons run the hotel through mid-October and live in Boise during winter. The town’s other nine to 12 summer residents leave, too. “Only two people hired as caretakers stay here

during the winter,” says Jerri. “It can start snowing early in the fall.” As for the ghost town’s ghosts, well “you have to draw your own conclusions,” says Jerri. “We can’t claim to have ghosts and joke we might have

IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT PAGE 41

to charge an entertainment fee if you happen to have a sighting.” Find more information about Silver City at www. historicsilvercityidaho.com. ISI

Treasure Valley wines achieving popularity and notability Article & Photo By Dianna Troyer An avid wine taster, Gail McClellan-Parker had misgivings about moving from Spokane to Boise for retirement in 2005 because she would miss monthly wine tastings. “We moved to Boise to be closer to our children and grandchildren, but I knew I would miss the monthly events with the Spokane Enological Society,” says Gail, who had joined the wine-tasting organization in the mid-1980s. “It’s a large group with about 300 members and 100-plus members at monthly events,” she explains. Her misgivings were unfounded. “We soon learned about the Treasure Valley Wine Society (TVWS) and met some wonderful people,” she says. She and her husband, Bob, joined the society, which has about 60 members who meet monthly to sample wines and have an educational program. Bob, who was an accountant at Spokane’s local NBC affiliate before retirement, served as treasurer for two years. With her experience as an administrative assistant to two deans at Spokane Falls Community College, Gail volunteered to be board secretary before taking on her current duties as the society president. The board selects a theme for each meeting. “We have picked a region of France, or a particular winery, selected wines from that area or winemaker and paired it with a menu of food that

Too Many Services To List – That’s CCOA! Looking at the converted restaurant that houses CCOA – Aging, Weatherization and Human Services’ (CCOA) offices, few would imagine the range of services CCOA provides to the seniors and low-income residents of nine southwest Idaho counties. For 40 years (1973-2013), CCOA as a nonprofit organization has efficiently, and frugally helped Idahoans with transportation to and from medical and other important appointments; assisted with bill paying; helped in navigating the maze of free or low cost medication; provided education in Medicare and how to avoid fraud, supplied emergency food for owners and their pets; and helped with house cleaning and many other form of informal assistance. As government funding decreases and sometimes disappears, CCOA is finding new sources of funding and is innovating the most cost effective ways to allow seniors and limited income individuals to maintain independence and autonomy. We are proud of what we do and how we use the resources entrusted to us. We welcome all visitors to 304 N. Kimball Ave. in Caldwell. We also invite those who can to help us celebrate our 40 years of service by donating to our $40 for 40 campaign! Find us at www.ccoaidaho.org or call 208459-0063 for more information. ISI

complements it,” says Gail. “Other times we’ve had presentations on how to make wine or to explore the nuances of tasting on the palate. We always have an educational component to the meetings in addition to the socialization.” Gail was pleasantly surprised to learn how competitive Idaho wines are becoming at national contests. “Excellent wines are being produced here,” she says. The Idaho Wine Commission describes Idaho’s wine industry as being in its infancy in spite of the fact that the first grapes grown domestically in the Northwest were planted in Lewiston in 1864. Since then, the number of vineyards has grown steadily. In 2002, the state had 11 wineries, and now boasts 50, with 1,600 acres of grapes planted. A 2008 economic impact study showed the industry had a $73 million impact on the state and had created 625 jobs. In the next 15 years, the commission predicts remarkable growth will occur as Idaho’s awardwinning wines gain recognition. The state’s geography and rich volcanic soils produce quality grapes and are comparable to other famous wine-growing regions of the world. The Snake River Valley with a large concentration of vineyards is similar to the Columbia Valley in Washington, while elevations of 1,500 to 3,000 feet and latitudes near the 43rd parallel are similar as

high mountain deserts in Spain, according to the commission. Idaho’s climate is ideal, too, for certain grapes. Its characteristic cold winters help kill bugs and hamper disease from growing. During summer, cool nights and warm days balance grapes’ sugars and natural acids, which are crucial to a wine’s taste and longevity. Idaho’s dry climate is ideal because too much precipitation can hinder grapes’ development. Irrigation allows for controlled watering at specific times. “Many Idaho wines compare favorably to those from France and Italy,” says Gail. Wine experts Bob and Robin Young, longtime society members, agree. “The quality of Idaho wines in the past five years matches wine from any place in the world,” says Robin, who has wine credentials dating to 1973 and has judged numerous wine competitions. “Wines are fascinating,” says Bob reflecting on where grapes are raised, the timing of their harvest, and how the wines are made. “Each one has a story behind it that we learn about at meetings. We have fun together and enjoy some awesome dinners.” She and Bob maintain a website, www.rockinrs. com, listing menus to complement various wines. Gail says her retirement to Boise has had unexpected benefits. “I’ve never had more fun, and a large part of that is due to the wonderful people involved in TVWS.” This month, the society is celebrating Oktoberfest with a beer tasting, while in November, Robin will present a tasting of Native American grapes. “People of all ages are welcome to our meetings,” says Gail, “including “POLS (Prime of Life – Seniors).” More information about the TVWS may be found at www.treasurevalleywinesociety.wordpress.com or by emailing Gail at gailmcc@cableone.net. ISI

Travel To The Basque Provinces With The Caldwell Chamber The Caldwell Chamber of Commerce invites you join them for exciting travels to Explore the Basque Provinces of Spain and France April 6 – 15, 2014. This is the third Chamber of Commerce trip in the past four years. Previous trips were to Ireland and China. These amazing trips were educational and relaxing for everyone. This type of event is an exciting opportunity for Chambers of Commerce to develop economic development for their areas as well as to introduce the community to various customs, languages, and people from all backgrounds. Many Basque families live in our region of Idaho and their customs and traditions are dis-

played at the museum and cultural centers in the Boise area. This trip is custom made – there is no other trip like it with the number of options built into the itinerary. We believe those who go with us to the Provinces of Spain and France will thoroughly enjoy the pace and opportunity for extraordinary memories. It will give all of us a finer understanding of the wonderful Basque culture, its history, language, traditions, and a greater appreciation of our neighbors here in Idaho. Businesses and individuals are invited to learn more by calling the Caldwell Chamber of Commerce at 208-459-7493 or emailing thardin@ caldwellchamber.org. ISI

PAGE 42 IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT

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The Weiser River Trail Wins With These Terrific Twins Article By Natalie Bartley Photo by Dave Lindsay Twin sisters Shirley Atteberry and Pattie Heldt are still going hard and fast at age 79. These terrific twins lead active lives on their ranches near Cambridge and through their volunteer work with the Friends of the Weiser River Trail (FWRT) and the Cambridge-Midvale Senior Center where they are on the board and work on fundraising activities. Born and raised in southern California, they graduated from Fresno High school in 1952 and went their own ways for a few years. Shirley headed to northern California and settled in Roseville, 20 miles north of Sacramento, where she raised two children. In 1969, Shirley became the first woman licensed as a professional land surveyor in California. Subsequently, she was licensed in Nevada and Idaho. After high school, Pattie studied accounting and then moved to Pasadena where she obtained Contact our Aging & Disability Resource Center for information about services available in your community for older adults and adults with disabilities.

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a position in the banking industry. She and her husband brought up three children. In 1967, she relocated to Roseville, attended Sierra College, and there met and married current husband, Woody Heldt. Shirley met her husband John Atteberry in Sacramento in the 1960s. His work as a civil engineer complemented her survey skills, and they ran an engineering and survey company from the late 1960s until they retired in 1992. Pattie worked for John and Shirley for over a decade doing field surveys and performing engineering calculations. Identical twins often have fun with strangersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; reactions. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Shirley and I would be out on the road surveying. People would wave at Shirley, then down the road they would wave at me and be confused as to how the first surveyor they passed got to the other end before the drivers did. It was very comical,â&#x20AC;? Pattie says. On vacation, the couples hunted and fished along the Middle Fork of the Salmon River, so moving to Idaho upon retirement was a natural extension of their love for Idaho. Finding a location a dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s drive from their relatives in Roseville emerged as a determining factor. Thus, the couples bought land in the Cambridge area in 1977. Pattie and Woody moved to Idaho in the late 1970s. The Atteberrys followed in 1992. With the move to Cambridge came the twinsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; skills in surveying, construction, and financing. As do many siblings, Shirley and Pattie did not always have a close relationship. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The hardest time was when we were teenagers. And then we went different directions after high school,â&#x20AC;? says Shirley. Now they are best friends and live within a mile of each other. Both husbands have passed away and the twins are as close as ever with frequent daily contact. The twins are passionate about the Friends of the Weiser River Trail, a non-profit organization overseeing the maintenance and development of the Weiser River Trail. This former Pacific & Idaho Northern Railway corridor is Idahoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s longest rail trail. FWRT formed as a nonprofit volunteer group in 1996 and opened the first section of the trail in 1997. The Weiser River Trail received status as a National Recreation Trail within the National Trail System in 2010. Shirley first volunteered with the FWRT in 1996 and soon became a life-long board member. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I loved surveying and I wanted to continue my career, but gave it up when I found out about the

proposed Weiser River Trail,â&#x20AC;? says Shirley. In 1996, the FWRT obtained the right-of-way maps from the railroad, and Shirley spent months in Washington and Adam County recordersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; offices researching land ownership for the trail. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My survey background really helped,â&#x20AC;? says Shirley, who now serves as the grant writer, membership chair, and elected president for the FWRT. When asked if she has any advice for retiring folks, Shirley says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think the biggest thing for me has been the volunteering. It is probably the one thing that keeps my mind sharp and keeps me going.â&#x20AC;? Pattie joined FWRT as a founding member in 1996 and initially assisted with grant writing. Currently she is a board member in charge of fundraising and management of the noxious weed treatment program along the 85.6-mile trail. Pattieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s efforts raise about half of the trailâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual maintenance and operating funds and include overseeing the annual â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tickets Fore Charityâ&#x20AC;? from the Albertsons Boise Open Golf Tournament event and tracking the pointof-purchase donation program at Ridleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Family Markets â&#x20AC;&#x153;Home Town Advantage Program.â&#x20AC;? For weed management, Pattie helped launch a program using grazing goats to control leafy spurge and started the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Adopt a Goatâ&#x20AC;? fundraising program within the FWRT membership. Pattie also supervises three teams working on Weiser River Trail weed control through the Northwest Youth Corpsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Mediterranean sage weed eradication efforts in Adams County. She says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is a lot of satisfaction in doing things for others. Plus the trail contributes to the local economy by bringing visitors to the area and enhances the healthy lifestyle of the local population.â&#x20AC;? Watch for upcoming annual trail events such as the two-day October Trek bicycle ride, the spring one-day Bike Ride, the spring four-day Wagon Train Ride, the early summer 50k Relay/ Solo Run, and the summer equestrian Fun Poker Ride. For more information, visit the FWRTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website at weiserrivertrail.webplus.net/index.html. Natalie Bartley is a freelance outdoor writer/ photographer based in Idaho. She has over 800 magazine and newspaper articles to her credit. Look for her mobile app travel guide Boiseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Best Outdoor Adventures and trail guidebooks Best Easy Day Hikes Boise and Best Rail Trails Pacific Northwest. Visit www.nataliebartleyoutdoor.com. ISI

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013

IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT PAGE 43

Travel and history at Salmonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chokecherry Festival Article & Photo By Jack McNeel Dump cake from a Dutch oven and Indian frybread. Teepees and wickiups, mountain men and Indians. In August, it all comes together in Salmon, Idaho during the three-day Chokecherry Festival Days. If you enjoy travel and history, this is an event to put on your calendar next summer. It was formerly called Heritage Days where settlers, mountain men, and back country horsemen were featured, along with their food and lifestyle. Those aspects were united with the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first residents, the Lemhi Shoshone Indians, to make it more inclusive, more representative of the incredible history of this corner of Idaho, and was renamed Chokecherry Festival. It was the early home of Sacajawea, one of the most important women in U.S. history, and the event takes place at the Sacajawea Center, just east of downtown Salmon. Plan to spend several days to take in all the activities and enjoy Salmon and the surrounding region. The program will vary somewhat in 2014 so check their website for specific events as the time approaches. We watched a Dutch oven cooking class the first afternoon to gain new knowledge on this old but very practical way of cooking, were given recipes, and then had a chance to sample the results. Excellent! The second day had an even larger variety of Dutch oven delights and for $5, you could sample seven different dishes ranging from pork to stews to desserts â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and full sized servings! If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t already own Dutch oven cooking items youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll likely be tempted to buy some. The food is that good. Although it is not all about food. There were demonstrations on making candles, spinning, and weaving. The backcountry horsemen were present as was a mountain man encampment where you could talk with people camped in the ways of that period in history. And then there was the Indian involvement. Salmon and the Lemhi Valley were part of the indigenous lands of the Lemhi Shoshone. They had lived here for centuries and would have continued into the future if it were not for the huge numbers of settlers that started arriving in the mid-1800s. Chief Tendoy, whose gravesite is in this valley, could see the handprint on the wall. In 1868 he and eleven sub-chiefs met with the U.S. Government near Virginia City, Montana and signed a treaty giving up the vast percentage of their aboriginal homeland in order to keep a small permanent reservation in the Lemhi Valley. The Lemhi Shoshone never fought a battle against the U.S. Army and came to the treaty discussion in good faith, offering most of their homeland for a small reservation. The treaty was signed but was never ratified by Congress. President Grant did sign an executive order for a treaty but it only was good for 30 years. In 1905 it was cancelled and between 1907 and 1909 they were told to leave â&#x20AC;&#x201C; immediately with what they could carry on their backs. They left for Fort Hall, never receiving anything for the vast acreage they gave up. But Salmon is still home to the Lemhi Shoshone and they return for such events as the Chokecherry Festival. They held a spiritual walk/run from Tendoy to Lemhi Pass in memory of their history. Teepees were erected on the Sacajawea Center grounds and many tribal members camp here in tents. A childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s powwow was held one night and a powwow for the adults the following day, all open to the public. Tribal members also hosted a dinner with salmon and buffalo plus salads, desserts, and the

inevitable frybread, all provided without charge to visitors. Dr. Orlan Svingen from Washington State University has worked with the tribe for over 20 years and he spoke at length about the history of the tribe, how it provided horses and a guide to lead the Lewis & Clark expedition over the mountains to the headwaters of the Columbia River. Without that help itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very likely the expedition would have gone no further and the history of the west would have been dramatically different. Dr. Svingen stressed the importance of Sacajawea in making this happen. Make plans to visit the Festival in 2014, explore the Sacajawea Center, and learn this history. Take me to discover Salmon and enjoy the rivers, scenery, and wildlife in this special part of Idaho. ISI

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