Montana Senior News Aug/Sep 2011

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August/September 2011 Vol 27 No 6 Glacier Park Photo

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Gros Ventre Hide Artist Al Chandler Good Strike By Bernice Karnop Back in 1940, when Al Chandler Good Strike was growing up on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation he watched an old man make a hand drum for his grandfather in the same way Indian people made drums centuries ago. He was deeply impressed then and he still remembers the process today. “You remember the things that fascinate you when you were young,” he says. When he was in school at the Pierre Indian

School in South Dakota, he learned to draw and paint the ancient way of the Plains Indians called ledger (hide) painting. Again, the art made an impression. He did not do much with his interest during the years he spent working and raising three children with his wife, Carol. The family danced at pow wows in regalia he made but only after he retired in 1992 was he able to devote himself to traditional arts. When he was 18 years old, Al hitchhiked off the reservation and joined the Air Force. Serving as an airborne radio operator, he traveled the world, notably in the Far East and North Africa. He loved it. While stationed in Japan Al on a crew that ferried a C-119 back to the U.S. so he spent his time off with his brother in Oakland, Calif. Here he discovered another childhood fascination. At school in Pierre, kids who made the honor roll each quarter were allowed an unchaperoned trip to the movies, complete with money for popcorn and soda. Al never made the honor roll, but each quarter he watched an exceptionally bright girl march off to

the movies. He was impressed and at that tender age, Al said to himself, “I’m going to marry her.” That day in California he caught a glimpse of that same girl on the city bus. He and his brother paid her a visit, and his childhood impression proved valid. Today Al’s wife, Carole Falcon Chandler is president of Fort Belknap College. After 8 years in the Air Force, Al earned a certificate in electronics from Northern Montana College (now MSU-Northern). He worked for Xerox for nearly 30 years, in California, then Glendive, and finally in Billings. “I really enjoyed life,” he says. “I wish I could do it all over again.” After he retired and the Chandlers bought 240 acres on the reservation near the Little Rocky Mountains and Al turned his focus to the traditional arts that captured his attention as a child. One of the first things he made was a drum like the one the old man made for his grandfather. He wanted to use the old ways of tanning buffalo hide so he did some research and tanned his own hides. Al gained a whole new respect for the women 200 years ago who tanned the heavy buffalo hide in the traditional way. “They were very strong,” he observes, a fact he learned by working with the heavy wet hide himself. You can’t just lift it out of the water, he says with a laugh. You pull one side out of the water, then go over to the other side and pull it out of the water while you watch the first side slip back in again. (Continued on page 63)

PAGE 2 MONTANA SENIOR NEWS

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011

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The Democrats have caved into the Republicans on spending cuts to the tune of trillions of dollars. Now it is time for the Republicans to give a little on tax hikes for their millionaire and billionaire buddies - but they won’t budge. We cannot have a one sided solution. The middle class cannot continue to bail out the billionaires. The middle class barely exists anymore. For forty years, the wealthiest 10% have accumulated all of the increased productivity of the American worker. The workers have gotten nothing – their average income has stayed static all that time, while the wealthiest have quadrupled their income. They are now sitting on about 2 trillion dollars of idle capital that they could invest in America, but they sit on it, while the workers are sitting on Trillions in debt. Note to Democrats - the majority of voters favor fairly taxing the wealthy. The rest of us are out of money. Mike Thomas Helena

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I want to thank you for sending the Montana Senior News to me. I have enjoyed reading it so much. I also noticed the next day in our library that we have copies. I guess they must have been picked up in the past before I got to them. Now I will get there faster. Elaine Nixon Missoula Earlier this summer we visited friends in Stanford, east of Great Falls to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary. While there, I picked up a copy of the Montana Senior News. I was interested in your contest about the British royal family and decided to try my entry. Chris McClaren Central, South Carolina

Jesting At Montana Optimism From L.A.

I

I read each issue of the Montana Senior News with avid interest. Am always impressed by the cheerful articles written by your readers. This letter is in reference to their gleeful contributions. Optimism is not one of my personal attributes. When faced with an unknown outcome, I fear and fret, worry and wonder, and consider all possible follies and eventualities. Having a strong social

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011

conscience, I do not conceal my apprehensions, but eagerly share my nervous contentions with anyone who is foolish enough to hope for the best. The happy material your readers contribute heightens my concern. I fear they are not fully aware of life’s perversities, its pitfalls, pratfalls,

and spitballs. I hope that those happy Montanans whose cheer I fear will someday realize all is not well, and that if everything seems to be coming their way, they are probably in the wrong lane. Pearl Hoffman Los Angeles, California MSN

Legislators Wanted To Fix State Government In The Worst Way... And They Did By Bob Campbell If you watched the televised committee hearings and floor debates of the last legislature, you could see what they lacked in knowledge about state government they made up for in their frenzy to eliminate state spending at any cost. They refused to listen to the testimony of people whose lives would be devastated by their cuts and now they are destroying the lifelines which were part of an already shredded safety net. Priding themselves in ignoring these pleas, they continued hell bent for leather to cut every program regardless of the severity to families now losing necessities. The super majority of Republicans in both chambers even intimidated members of its own party calling them an enemy of free enterprise. In addition, inexperienced lawmakers passed a host of ridiculous bills that made them the laughing stock of the nation. It was painful to watch the rigged committees jammed with twice the number of Republicans than Democrats run these committees with open contempt for the public appearing before them. It was a relief to see them leave Helena but they had done their damage by passing bad legislation. Worse still, they placed ten proposals on our November 2012 ballot that restrict our freedoms in the Montana Constitution! This year on July 1, the first of the cuts kicked in and we are seeing in the papers each day how their actions are denying access to essential services for the poorest among us. With the financial crisis continuing to plague a majority of our residents, we need good government now but instead we are experiencing a broken system of state government services, which are painful to see. There is no doubt that the governor shares in the blame for our current crisis by his early and personal attacks on all Republicans in the legislature. Instead of the statesmanship we have seen in past governors, he has slammed the door on any cooperation from him - suggesting proposals that could be passed in a special session. This means the damage will continue during the next eighteen months of his lame duck tenure. Never have we experienced such a shameful paralysis of state government services based upon such blatant partisan politics. Both parties have successfully used special sessions to meet an occasional crisis between sessions of our biennial citizen legislature. On October 1, the remaining cuts will hit us and by year’s end, the picture will be complete. An angry electorate will not remain silent when those seeking re-election come knocking on doors asking to return them to the offices that have

MONTANA SENIOR NEWS PAGE 3

Montana Senior News A Barrett-Whitman Publication

P.O. Box 3363 • Great Falls, MT 59403-3363 406-761-0305 or 800-672-8477 FAX 406-761-8358 www.montanaseniornews.com email: montsrnews@bresnan.net The Montana Senior News is published six times each year in February, April, June, August, October and December at 415 3rd Avenue North, Great Falls, MT 59401 and is distributed free to readers throughout the state of Montana. The mail subscription rate is $8.00 per year (6 issues). The Montana Senior News is written to serve the reading interests of mature Montanans 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 Montana Senior News 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 Kathleen McGregor Lynn Hencley Rhonda Lee Peter Thornburg Sherrie Smith

Production Supervisor Advertising Sales Advertising Sales Advertising Sales Graphic Artist Distribution Admin/Production Assistant

Contributing Writers Bob Campbell Connie Daugherty Clare Hafferman Sue Hart Kim Thielman-Ibes Gail Jokerst Bernice Karnop Craig Larcom Liz Larcom Michael McGough Jack McNeel Dianna Troyer Š 2011

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Visits always give pleasure if not the arrival, the departure. - Portuguese Proverb

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011

produced these failures. Adding insult to injury is the fact that we are already being flooded by negative out-of state personal attack ads from well-financed special

interests. This is not the quality of life we have expected to receive from our state government and it certainly is not what we can be proud to pass on to future generations. MSN

Whistle while you work… Whistler’s Mother… whistle to call your dog… whistle a tune… it seems that whistling was a part of everyday life. What happened? This issue, our winning Remember When contributor Bill Beckett of Great Falls shares his sentiments about the apparently lost art of whistling. Thank you and congratulations to Bill, the winner of our $25 Remember When prize. Remember When contains our readers’ personal reflections, contributions describing fictional or non-fictional accounts from the “Good ol’ Days,” or reflections on life in general. Contributions may be stories, letters, artwork, poetry, etc. Photos may

be included. Each issue of the Montana Senior News features the contributions deemed best by our staff. The contributor of the winning entry receives a $25 cash prize. We look forward to receiving your contributions for our October/November 2011 issue. Mail your correspondence to Montana Senior News, P.O. Box 3363, Great Falls, MT 59403; email to montsrnews@bresnan.net; or call 1-800-672-8477 or 406-761-0305. Visit us online at www.montanaseniornews.com.

The Whistler By Bill Beckett, Great Falls Do kids today learn how to whistle? Seventy years ago, it seemed that all young males practiced the art. Young ladies did not whistle - it was considered to be very unladylike. There are many ways of whistling. The common pursing of the lips to form an “O” and expelling air is the easiest. This method is used to whistle tunes that express the performer’s mood at the moment and done solely to entertain him or her. Whistlers do not need an audience. This method can also be used to call your dog and every dog

recognizes master’s whistle. I never see a kid put his fingers in his mouth to create that ear piercing sound that will carry for some distance. This may be done using the forefinger and middle finger of one’s hand or with the forefingers of both hands inserted in the mouth. A variation of this is to for form a letter “O” with the thumb and forefinger of either hand then insert it in the mouth and blow. I never did learn how but one of my daughters-inlaw was adept at this. Many construction workers were experts at whistling and practiced the art openly to express appreciation when an attractive lady walked by a worksite. Of course, this was in the days before sexual harassment laws. I find it hard to believe that any young woman resented those unsolicited complimentary comments. I guess learning how to whistle is not considered important anymore. It apparently has gone the way of games like Follow the leader, where everyone had a turn as leader; Sandlot baseball, where all the kids rotated positions; Hide and seek; Relievo; King of the Hill; and numerous other games that I’ve forgotten but that were very important in teaching kids to relate to each other by kids’ rules without interference from biased parents. I have always whistled, sometimes consciously but mostly unconsciously. I remember one incident

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011

related to my not always appreciated musical skills. Delivering newspapers one morning at dawn, I heard a man’s irate voice calling to me. On a second floor porch stood a man in his pajamas. He said, “Will you please stop that awful whistling? You wake me up every morning!” Like any kid my age in that era, I said sincerely, “I’m sorry sir, I won’t do it anymore.” I then

MONTANA SENIOR NEWS PAGE 5

proceeded to walk away... whistling. I had had an unconscious, unintended relapse. Whistling is like riding a bike. You can be told how, but must to it yourself. Once learned, it is a skill you will always enjoy. Your audiences, however, may not feel the same way. Happy whistling! MSN

Bringing the Past Alive in Glacier County The Glacier County Historical Museum is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and interpreting the history of the area through exhibits and public programming that are creative, stimulating, interactive, and educational. The museum has exhibits about the Marias Expedition 1806 (Lewis and Clark) and the Blackfeet Experience, Homesteading, Ranching, the Oil Industry, the Early History of Cut Bank, and more. We also have areas set up as the Halvorson Store (1910), Dr. Neraal’s office (1920s), Public Drug (1950s), and the Great Northern Depot (1950s) which features an interlocking plant. Visitors can tour our historic structures: Marias School (1917), Lois Maltby homestead (1915), Hegg Family oil worker’s house (1930s), Burling-

ton Northern caboose (1981), Jeffrey Cable Toole oil derrick (1936), and the P. P. Lee Mercantile (1901, under restoration). Occasional living history demonstrations provide interactive opportunities for visitors. The museum also has a library and archives for researchers with letters, diaries, business papers, photographs, maps, books, and other materials that document the life and development of Glacier County. In our reading room, we have workspace for researchers and a microfilm reader/scanner. If you are interested in history, the Glacier County Historical Museum is the place to be. We look forward to seeing you in Cut Bank at 107 Old Kevin Hwy or give us a call for more information at 406-873-4904! MSN

New Exhibit At The Conrad Transportation & Historical Museum The Conrad Transportation and Historical Museum in Conrad opened its doors to its first visitors in 2006 and in each season has added new displays. This year, the new display is arrowheads, which belonged to Carl and Tillie Levitt and were donated by their son, Richard Long. Every fall we have a special exhibit that we use in cooperation with the schools. Students from area schools will be excited to see the second half of our NASA exhibit - the Moonwalk to the present. We are open 10-4 on weekdays, 1-4 on

Saturdays, and closed Sundays until August 31. During the month of September, we are open 1-4 Monday - Saturday and closed Sundays. October 1-8 our special exhibit hours will be 10-4 Monday - Saturday and closed on Sunday. Our prices are $3 for adults and $2 for students and seniors. Bus/group tours are welcome. Please call the Museum at 406-278-0178 for additional information and for scheduling large group tours. For off-season tours, call 407-278-7769 or 406271-2774. MSN

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Vacation to Costa Rica - A Tropical Paradise Heroes in the Heartland Canyonlands including the Grand Canyon New England Fall Foliage “featuring 4 nights in the Boston area”

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Article & Photos By Jack McNeel Costa Rica also has two seasons, but they are Incredible flowers, beautiful summer weather, both warm: rainy season and dry season. This sandy ocean beaches, pyramid shaped volcanoes, is very important when planning a trip. Basically, many roadside fruit stands with a multitude of tree- the dry season runs from December until April, or vine-ripened fruits and vegetables, plus a wealth although this varies a bit from region to region. of birds, butterflies and other animals - Costa Rica Most tourists come during the dry season but it is was living up to the also when prices are fantasies I had when highest and accomplanning this vacamodations might tion. be harder to get. It was not until I We booked places made the decision to stay before we to visit this Central left, but it probably American country was not necessary, that I realized just other than to ease how popular it had our worries about become as a vafinding just what we cation destination. wanted. Mentioning Costa Many people Rica to others inbook a tour and let variably brought the tour company responses of how make all the armuch they loved rangements. It is their trip, comments certainly the easiest Harvesting coconuts – Coconut palms are abundant and these just about friends who off the Pacific shore are ready for harvest. [Photo by Jack McNeel] method of travel, but had loved it, or stateif you are a bit more ments that they hoped to visit one day themselves. adventurous and have specific places you want Costa Rica is small, comparable in size to West to see, you can arrange your own tour through a Virginia, but has an amazing assortment of plants number of tour companies who offer options. Or, and animals. This biodiversity is as great as that you can simply make your own bookings, rent a found in all of the U.S. and Canada. In its geologi- car, and be totally independent - but this does take cal past, it had been an island whose incredible considerably more planning. biological diversity was a gift from the evolving It also means learning to drive differently from North and South American continents. how you have driven in the United States. They Because the government was far-sighted in do drive on the same side of the road as we do, realizing the importance of this biodiversity, over but the similarities end there. We soon learned, one-fourth of the country is protected through and laughed, that stop signs, speed limits, and National Parks, Na- no passing lanes are treated more as suggestions ture Reserves, Marine than laws. And, secondary roads are not quite Sanctuaries, Wildlife what we are used to with one-lane bridges being Refuges, and the like. fairly common. There are nearly 900 We combined methods by taking a tour the species of birds, 1,000 first 10 days. Our experience was with Caravan. species of butterflies, They schedule 10-day tours starting every day and 1,200 species of during the dry season and less often during rainy orchids alone. season. Modern, comfortable buses can handle Here in Montana up to 42 people. Our driver and tour director were we joke about having outstanding. Our accommodations were great two seasons: winter and our daily itinerary took us to many interesting and road construction. places from the Caribbean to the Pacific. Most in

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our group were retired and activities were directed at that age range. Space here does not allow a rundown of the tour but visit www.Caravantours. com for more information. Being somewhat adventurous, we decided to extend our trip for an additional two weeks, rent a car, and take off on our own. I have a friend who owns a beach house on the Pacific Coast. Coconut palms and mangoes surround the house and we went to sleep and awakened to the sound of the surf. It is in a quiet, residential neighborhood, but we enjoyed dining at two small hotels within walking distance. You can find rental homes or condos through the internet, or you can stay in a motel or two and use them as a base for daily excursions. We created our own agenda and used those days to explore up and down the Pacific Coast, do some of the touristy things Costa Rica offers,

or simply to kick back, walk the beach, and enjoy the temperatures in the mid-80s, so unlike what we had left at home in March. Canopy tours (zip-lining) are a big thing throughout Costa Rica, so we had to do it. We arranged to go with Canopy Vista Los Suenos as it sounded professionally operated and was also the longest in the area. After being outfitted with helmets and heavy straps that attach to the cables, we climbed aboard a trailer pulled by a tractor and were taken to the top of the mountain. We were again given instructions before getting hooked to the cable and sent flying at tree-top level to the next platform. The entire length is roughly 2 miles with the 13th of the 14 individual cables being 2,400 feet long; you can attain speeds upwards of 50 mph. Exhilarating? Yes, but thoroughly enjoyable. We were told their visitors ranged in age from 5 to 82.

MONTANA SENIOR NEWS PAGE 7

Another day was spent in Manuel Antonio National Park, one of the most visited parks in the country. We saw white faced and howler monkeys, sloths, lots of iguanas, plus a variety of birds and other animals. Yet another day was spent on horseback riding to Nauyaca waterfalls, a gorgeous setting with impressive falls and a pool at the base where you could enjoy swimming and, for the more adventurous, scaling the rocks above the pool and diving in. The six-hour roundtrip also included breakfast at the house on this privately owned property during the horseback ride in and then lunch on the ride out. It seemed like a super deal for $50 and created ever-lasting memories. We also stayed in several B&Bs. Kayak Inn near Quepos provided the opportunity to kayak through the mangroves, the dense stands of trees that survive in the (Continued on page 14)

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PAGE 8 MONTANA SENIOR NEWS

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011

It’s summertime - time to enjoy all those classic rock and roll tunes of years gone by. This month’s quiz, Name that Tune - Hit Songs of the 1950s, created by our staff, will test just how well you really know the lyrics of those golden oldies. Congratulations to Pat Madler of Baker, who submitted the winning answers to The Royal We: Britain’s First Family quiz that appeared in our June/July 2011 issue. She receives a $25 prize. Thank you, Pat. Two $25 cash prizes are awarded from the “Contest Corner” in each issue of the Montana Senior News. One prize goes to the person who submits the entry selected by our staff as the featured quiz or puzzle in the “Contest Corner” for

that issue. Turn your creativity loose and send us some good, 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 Montana Senior News, P.O. Box 3363, Great Falls, MT 59403 or email them to montsrnews@bresnan.net by September 10, 2011 for our October/November 2011 edition. Remember to work the crossword puzzle in this issue and on our website www.montanaseniornews.com.

Name that Tune – Hit Songs of the 1950s By MSN Staff Below are 25 song lyrics from the 1950s along with 25 song title/artist combinations. On a numbered sheet of paper, match each song lyric with its song title and artist and send it to us. The winner will receive a $25 cash prize. Good luck! 1. “When somebody needs you, it’s no good unless he needs you” 2. “I keep the ends out for the tie that binds” 3. “When tears come down, like falling rain” 4. “We fired our guns and the British kept a’comin” 5. “Now d’ja hear ‘bout Louis Miller?” 6. “I’ll tell you story, happened a long time ago” 7. “Well, I wish I was a catfish” 8. “Well before the light, hold me again with all of your might” 9. “Havin’ their fling again, younger than spring again” 10. “He rocks in the treetop, all a-day long” 11. “Shake, baby, shake” 12. “I owe my soul to the company store” 13. “Is it only ‘cause you’re lonely?” 14. “Life could be a dream, sweetheart” 15. “We’ll be right in seventh heaven” 16. “It smelled like turpentine, it looked like India ink” 17. “You say you’re gonna leave, you know it’s a lie” 18. “Hello, emptiness, I feel like I could die” 19. “Oh how my heart yearns for you” 20. “I asked my sweetheart what lies ahead” 21. “From the early, early morning till the early, early night”

Opening Early August

22. “I can’t seem to stand on my own two feet” 23. “Yo no soy marinero, soy capitan” 24. “I hate to leave you, but I really must say” 25. “Deep down Louisiana close to New Orleans” A - Rollin’ Stone; Muddy Waters B - That’ll Be The Day; Crickets C - La Bamba; Ritchie Valens D - The Battle of New Orleans; Johnny Horton E - Rock Around The Clock; Bill Haley and his Comets F - Goodnight, Sweetheart, Goodnight; The Spaniels G - Mack the Knife; Bobby Darin H - Papa Loves Mambo; Perry Como I - Peggy Sue; Buddy Holly J - Your Cheatin’ Heart; Hank Williams K - Good Golly Miss Molly; Little Richard L - Sixteen Tons; Tennessee Ernie Ford M - Bye Bye Love; The Everly Brothers N - Little Bitty Pretty One; Thurston Harris O - Que Sera, Sera; Doris Day P - Johnny B. Goode; Chuck Berry Q - All The Way; Frank Sinatra R - Whole Lot Of Shakin’ Going On; Jerry Lee Lewis S - All Shook Up; Elvis Presley T - Sh-Boom; The Chords U - In The Still of the Night; Five Satins V - Love Potion No. 9; The Clovers W - Rockin Robin; Bobby Day X - I Walk The Line; Johnny Cash Y - Mona Lisa; Nat King Cole MSN

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011 52. A ___ hold in the market? 53. There is no age limit for the Roth variety 54. Vital element in any negotiation 55. Research available data for potential course of action 56. Electrical resistance

Across 1. Written completion of a negotiation? 6. Seals the deal 10. That is, abbr. 11. Based on a proper estimation of the facts 13. Proposals 15. Voice 16. Finance personnel agency, with Robert 18. Establish, policy for 19. Insertion order, for short 21. Mortgage giant 22. Example of what is being discussed (3 words) 27. Found to be workable and correct 28. Obtain 29. Wanting to do a good job.... 32. Advantage 33. Test version 35. Drink with jam and bread?

36. Relative, for short 37. Principle by which it is thought employees will rise to their highest level of competence and then be promoted to and remain at, a level at which they are incompetent 38. Excel ____ chart 40. Helping people learn their jobs 41. Gentleman’s agreement, with shake? 42. A good manager should be seen to be this 43. Inside, prefix 44. Media handler 45. Football scores 46. Principal 48. Gets to an agreement with an opposing party 51. Personal magnetism..... an X factor in management

Down 1. Selected 2. Smart and brilliant 3. Golf course deal-making location? 4. Billboard features 5. Psychiatrist’s diagnosis for the US economy (3 words- goes with 30 down) 6. Vital quality in a successful management team 7. Limited liability, abbr. 8. Pundit or guru 9. In business, the flexibility in relation to being in an impossible situation (2 words) 12. Emotional intelligence 14. Santa __ 17. Network type 20. ____ door policy 22. Warning 23. Federal Reserve former Chairman, first name 24. Web promotion resources 25. Overtime, for short 26. Word to avoid in a sale presentation 27. Atmosphere, slang 29. Law that what can go wrong will go

MONTANA SENIOR NEWS PAGE 9 wrong.... 30. See 5 down 31. End up in a problematic situation (4 words) 33. Giant, usually company 34. Poker card 35. Principle 37. Desktop 39. Des Moines locale 42. Liberates 44. Negotiation tactic 47. Immediate or Cancel (stock trade order), for short 49. Eternity, almost 50. Total, for short 53. Computer department MSN

Answers to The Royal We: Britain’s First Family By MSN Staff 1. M - April 29, 2011 2. T - 20 3. O - 2 4. F - Edward VIII 5. L - George VI 6. Y - Royal Consort 7. A - 59 8. W - Prince Albert

WE DO OUR PART. YOU DO YOURS.

9. G - August 31, 1997 10. U - Queen Victoria 11. B - Windsor Castle 12. N - Queen Elizabeth I 13. J - Catherine Parr 14. R - 16 15. D - Prince Harry 16. I - Prince Philip 17. V - Charles I

18. E - Roman Catholicism 19. P - Westminster Abbey 20. X - Duke of Edinburgh 21. C - Palace of Holyroodhouse 22. S - Duke of Cambridge 23. K - The Church of England 24. H - September 15, 1984 25. Q - Buckingham Palace MSN

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PAGE 10 MONTANA SENIOR NEWS

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011

Finally, it really is summer. It is warm and the bees are working hard, so isn’t it about time you gathered some honey too? What could be a better time to let passion bloom in your life? Sweeten up your love life by answering one of these ads or write your own ad. You never know when you will find a wonderful queen (or a king). To those who wish to respond to any of these personal ads, simply forward your message and address, phone number, or email address to the department number listed in the particular personal ad, c/o Montana Senior News, P.O. Box 3363, Great Falls, MT 59403. We will forward your response, including your address, phone number, and/or email address to the person placing the ad. If 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 make 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 October/November 2011 issue. There is no charge for this service and your ad may bring a breath of fresh air to your heart as well. Responses to personal ads appearing in this

column can be submitted at any time. However, to place a personal ad in the October/November 2011 issue, the deadline is September 10, 2011. Fifty-nine-year-old French-Canadian, Scotch, Native American male seeks female companion between 45-59 years of age. I am fun, kind, joyous, have a nice smile, and enjoy baking (delicious fruit pies), cooking, pottery, sewing, leather and beadwork, and playing Scrabble. I have brown eyes and hair and am 5’8” tall and weigh 235#. Reply MSN, Dept. 27601, c/o Montana Senior News, Box 3363, Great Falls, MT 59403. SWF, 55, non-smoker, light drinker, active and in very good health, loves to camp out, explore new places, hike, paddle my kayak on calm lakes, rock hound and just be outdoors. I love Montana and the woods and hope to see as much of the Northwest as I can. Looking for a male to enjoy the outdoors with and maybe do a little snowbirding. Kindness, personality, and the desire to do things and go places. If this sounds like we share common interests, please reply. Reply MSN, Dept. 27602, c/o Montana Senior News, Box 3363, Great Falls, MT 59403. Would like to meet a nice gentleman 60-70. I do not drink, smoke, nor do drugs. I like to fish, hike, camp, go on picnics, and go out to dinner. I enjoy traveling on day trips. I am not religious, but spiritual in my life. I am 4’8”, weigh 130#, and have gray hair and freckles. I own my home and would like to share my life with someone special. If you are that person please send a photo, and I will answer all replies. Reply MSN, Dept. 27603, c/o Montana Senior News, Box 3363, Great Falls, MT 59403. I would like to meet a nice lady for companionship and to dine, go to movies, go on trips (long or short), or just go for walks. I am 68, retired, have my own home. I do not do drugs, smoke, or drink. Please respond and I will answer all replies. Reply MSN, Dept. 27604, c/o Montana Senior News, Box 3363, Great Falls, MT 59403. SWM seeks a very affectionate female companion 55-75 looks unimportant. I live in Great Falls, do not smoke or drink. All replies welcome and I

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011

will answer them all. Reply MSN, Dept. 27605, c/o Great Falls, MT 59403. Montana Senior News, Box 3363, Great Falls, MT 59403. DWF, 66, LDS, new to Great Falls. I enjoy PBR, rodeos, bluegrass music, dancing, and adventures. SWM, NS, ND, ND, from Lincoln with good I am looking for a non-smoking gentleman to share reputation and financial security. I know a very nice, the excitement of life. Reply MSN, Dept. 27613, c/o blonde (long), attractive lady from Lincoln who has Montana Senior News, Box 3363, Great Falls, MT a great figure whom I would like to take to dinner. 59403. I have talked to her at times, but don’t know what she thinks of me. Male in his late 80s, non-smoker, non-drinker, If you have any interest beautiful blond lady, and no drugs of any kind. I enjoy traveling, dining please respond to this ad. I await your reply. Reply out, fishing, and watching TV. I am looking for a MSN, Dept. 27606, c/o Montana Senior News, lady companion around the same age to share life’s Box 3363, Great Falls, MT 59403. golden years together. Will answer all letters. Reply MSN, Dept. 27614, c/o Montana Senior News, Box SWF mid 60s - down-home, country girl, NS, 3363, Great Falls, MT 59403. social drinker. Like to dance, hike, camp, and travel. Missoula to Thompson Falls area for convenience - yours and mine. Please send picture with your reply. Reply MSN, Dept. 27607, c/o Montana Senior News, Box 3363, Great Falls, MT 59403. Ladies, will one of you be my traveling companion? All you need is the right baggage and we can go far. I have the means, am considered attractive, have a sense of humor and a pleasing personality. I am easy going, a good listener, and very understanding. It will be helpful if you are understanding too. Reply MSN, Dept. 27608, c/o Montana Senior News, Box 3363, Great Falls, MT 59403. I am a SWW, 55 years young. I have medium length, natural, curly hair, blues eyes, 4’11’’ & 135 lbs. I am healthy and vibrant. I do not smoke or need drugs. I am a self-employed licensed massage therapist. I enjoy cooking, gardening, making wine, and keeping a home. I also enjoy many outdoor activities such as swimming, boating, hiking, biking, and soaking in hot springs. I love to dance, and I am passionate about traveling at home and abroad. My grandchildren are very special to me. I am not religious, but have a spiritual nature. To give joy is my joy. I prefer a man that is secure enough to be sweet and tender with me, and can make me laugh. I love to spoil my man and to be spoiled. Love to hear from you. Reply MSN, Dept. 27609, c/o Montana Senior News, Box 3363, Great Falls, MT 59403. SWM 68, retired, looking for a nice lady 56-68 years of age, NS, ND. If you like to dine out, go for walks, take trips, go to the movies, or just have fun - maybe we can get together in the Great Falls area. I will answer all replies. Reply MSN, Dept. 27610, c/o Montana Senior News, Box 3363, Great Falls, MT 59403. I am a retired, 74 year old, WWM from Billings. No drugs, smoking, or drinking. I am looking for a retired, independent, secure lady from the Billings area in her late 60s or early 70s who likes to travel. Interest in museums, country music, and home time a plus. If you are interested in a friend and travel relationship, please send picture and phone number. Reply MSN, Dept. 27611, c/o Montana Senior News, Box 3363, Great Falls, MT 59403. Man looking for a woman between 45 and 62 to share a relationship with, hopefully long-term. Life is too short to live alone. I am 57, 6’4”, 235 lbs. I am a very sincere, honest, and romantic person. I have a heart of gold and I’m looking for somebody special to spend time with. I love candlelight dinners at home with a bottle of wine, a fire burning, and good, romantic music. Reply MSN, Dept. 27612, c/o Montana Senior News, Box 3363,

MONTANA SENIOR NEWS PAGE 11

SWM, 60s, fit, non-smoker from Red Lodge area. Enjoy all outdoor activities, fishing, hunting, some hiking. Looking to find a lady to enjoy life with. Age and looks unimportant - it is what’s inside that counts. Please send photo and phone number - I look forward to hearing from you. Reply MSN, Dept. 27615, c/o Montana Senior News, Box 3363, Great Falls, MT 59403. DWF, 5’5” and youthful. ND, ND, funny, pretty, opinionated, tenderhearted with good morals. Longtime recovered alcoholic searching for someone with 5+ years who loves the 12-step program as much as I do. Enjoy singing, dancing, classic rock, camping, games, movies, quiet home life, and good communication. Prefer slim to medium build but height, age, and race (Continued on page 23)

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PAGE 12 MONTANA SENIOR NEWS

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011

MON TANA

SENIOR LIVING GUIDE

TM

T H I R D

I N

Paying for Care By Karen Powers, The Goodman Group

You are at the point when staying home is not an option anymore-you need care. One of the circumstances that seem insurmountable when it comes to the need to move into an assisted living or nursing care is how to pay for it. Amounts seem shocking at $2,500-$4,500 for assisted living care and $6,000-$6,500 for nursing care. Especially coming from a point of view that your house has been paid for since 1982; you don’t have a lot of expenses living at home with just yourself and maybe a spouse, and you have been living on just your monthly social security. Understanding now the costs of care and your resources, will help you and your family make the transition when it is time. Resources for paying for care can be broken down into two categories – private pay and subsidized payment. Private Pay You pay for the monthly cost out of your own accounts. This is the rainy day that you have been saving for – It is time to access retirement accounts, savings accounts, property equity and investments. This can be an emotionally difficult transition, because after years of earning and saving, all you see is cash flowing out. But again, care for yourself is the reason for the years of saving and investments. Some people want to preserve their estate for their children, but honestly most children would rather you get the right care that you deserve. Subsidized Payments have several categories, Medicare, private insurance, Veterans’ benefits, and Medicaid. Veterans' benefits depending on the level of disability/length and type of

A

S E R I E S

service VA benefits can help cover some or all of care costs. Medicare Benefits and private insurance for skilled nursing care These are payment sources for short term stays. Medicare and private insurance have certain numbers of days that will be 100% covered and a certain number of days that will require an out-of pocket co-pay. These benefits are paid when you are receiving care, rehabilitation or medical treatments that are aimed at restoring your health. Once you have improved, recovered as far as you are going to, or reached the plan’s limit, coverage will end. At that point the circumstances need to be reviewed, are you going home or staying long term? Staying long term returns to the question of paying privately or needing Medicaid assistance. Medicaid benefits For people who do not have assets, savings accounts, investments, or monthly income that can cover care costs. It is hard to embrace the idea of upwards of $6,000 per month when you only have a limited Social Security income and do not have retirement savings or assets. The ideas to reconcile yourself with are a) you need care and can no longer remain at home and b) in trade for your limited monthly income, Medicaid will pay for your nursing home or assisted living stay and your medical care costs. Just as you still have choices when needing more care and getting the right care, when paying for care there are still choices you can make. Choices within what you want to afford and what you can afford. Size, location, atmosphere, environment, where you feel like you will fit in and get the best quality of life are still your choice.

See this article and more resources and news on montanasenior.wordpress.com

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MONTANA SENIOR NEWS PAGE 13

Recommended Reading By Connie Daugherty Murder in the Senior Manor by Kathryn Braund; Kathryn Braund, 201l “I, a ninety-year-old woman, am wrongfully suspected of killing another old lady, who is not quite old, being only eight-six,‌ I discovered her body in the laundry room‌. And now the police consider me the prime person of interest.â€? Thus begins Murder in the Senior Manor, a cleverly crafted, fun, romp of a read by Kathryn Braund. Two years ago, when Louise Knight reluctantly sold her home - at the insistence of her sons - and moved into the Senior Manor in Great Falls she anticipated a quiet, worry-free stage of her life. The last thing she ever expected was that she would be involved in a murder. Who would ever expect a murder in a senior living complex anyway? Although Louise insists that she is completely innocent - that she hardly knew “poor sweet Maddie,â€? the evidence points to her. She was in the laundry room at 3am. The murdered woman’s blood is on her hands and her clothes, which she threw in the garbage. There is a bloody cloth under the detergent bottle in her laundry cart. “They put me in the police car and drove me into the city to the police station. They didn’t even allow me to get my dogs or my Blackberry.â€? Although the evidence is strong it is not strong enough to arrest her. She has a logical explanation for all everything that happened - except, of course for Maddie’s murder. Eventually, Louise is released and returns her to her apartment at the Senior Manor where she is eagerly greeted by her two Havanese dogs and her favorite neighbor, Maxine. News travels fast at the Manor and before long everybody knows, not only what happened to Maddie, but also that Louise is the prime suspect. Of course, anyone who knows Louise knows she could never have murdered Maddie. Now they need to prove it. It seems that the only way they can prove Louise’s innocence is to find the real murderer and they do not have much time. The police will come again to arrest Louise or the murderer will come after Louise. Maxine

and Louise cannot do it alone; they need some help - from their tablemates. The dining room in the Manor is designed for collegiality, comfort, and convenience. “Lazy Susans adorn the center of each table‌ carrying ‌ different condiments‌ and it can be difficult to locate the salt and pepper‌. If a fussbudget is seated at the table, the cinnamons, mustards, sea salts, and special peppers are sometimes removed because the fussbudget fusses. This is an ongoing senior diversion.â€? Gathering for meals at the Manor is a threetimes-a-day experience that forms a connection among tablemates. Louise and Maxine share a table with Connie, Elizabeth, Marsha, and Jeannette. All the women are eager to help and they arrange to meet later to devise a plan. After much discussion, the plan turns out to be a simple one; they will all “start spying on people.â€? They will observe the other residents’ actions and listen to their conversations looking for a clue. They need to bring in a few others to help with this part. And they have their first clue, Maddie’s purse is missing - she always carried her purse with her. They also need to find a motive for the murder so they need to get to know more about Maddie and about her relationship with the other residents. The best person with information is Louise, the “storyteller monitorâ€? and “head of the Senior Manor’s memorial book committee.â€? As such she records and transcribes people’s memories and stories. As Louise investigates we get mini-autobiographies from Maxine, Jeannette, and Loretta. We also learn a bit about Sam’s and Bill’s military days, about Mike’s sexual issues, Jason’s gambling habit, and Marsha’s prescription drug addiction. We also meet Maddie’s daughter, Jezebel, and learn Maddie’s history. All interesting stories, but no new evidence or direct clues. Instead, we get a better understanding of life and a reminder that everyone has a story in his or her pasts. “The residents I know in the Manor have a lot of resiliency,â€? de-

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clares Louise. “We seniors all come from the same places - homes we said good bye to, husbands and wives we lost, children who have forsaken us, changes in our health and bodies, loss of money in our pockets… elders adjust positively to mew traumas and new adventures.” In many ways, the mystery plot line is a clever technique for the author to tell these stories and describe life in a Senior Manor. Still she keeps the pace of the story moving along with additional threats and attacks by the murderers, a couple of narrow escapes for Louise, and a surprise ending. Murder in the Senior Manor is a light murder and perfect reading for a summer afternoon. As is often the case with self-published books, there are a few formatting and typographical mistakes, but nothing that detracts from the story itself. Kathryn Braund was born and raised in California, she retired to Great Falls, and lives in a senior facility similar to the one in the book. She worked as an actress, public relations executive, and editor. She was editor of the Dog Writers Association of America newsletter and the Courier magazine (Portuguese Water Dog Club of America). She was also editor and publisher of Our Havanese. Braund has also written several books on breeding and raising dogs. She received a Book of The Year award for one of her Portuguese Water Dog books. Murder in the Senior Manor is Braund’s third novel. MSN Costa Rica - continued from page 7 brackish water that ebbs and floods with the tides. Bernal and Marlen immediately made us feel like family. The quiet location, immaculate rooms, incredible hospitality, and the opportunity to kayak through the mangroves where monkeys frolic made for another unforgettable experience. Monkeys even visit the terrace behind the rooms and iguanas are nearly always visible. Having a car, despite the driving experience, also provided the freedom to stop at fruit stands to buy mangoes, papayas, pineapples, bananas and other produce that was better than is available in our local stores and at much lower prices. We enjoyed the sodas at the open-air roadside cafes, which invariably provided wonderful food known as “tico food.” Local residents are known as ticos. And, it was fun to browse towns at our leisure, sample the delicious ice cream, and drink consistently wonderful coffee, one of Costa Rica’s principle exports along with pineapples and bananas. If I use too many superlatives in describing Costa Rica, I am sorry... but they are justified! You should definitely add it to your to do list. MSN

Wisdom of Life A 98-year-old Mother Superior from Ireland was dying. The nuns gathered around her bed trying to make her last journey comfortable. They tried giving her some warm milk to drink but she refused it. One of the nuns took the glass back to the kitchen and remembering a bottle of Irish whiskey received as a gift the previous Christmas, she opened it and poured a generous amount into the warm milk. Back at Mother Superior’s bed, the nun held the glass to her lips. Mother drank a little... then a little more. Before they knew it, she had drunk the whole glass down to the last drop. “Mother,” the nuns asked earnestly, “please give us some wisdom before you die.” The Mother Superior raised herself in bed and as the nuns leaned closer whispered, “Don’t sell the cow!” MSN

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011

MONTANA SENIOR NEWS PAGE 15

My Love Affair with the Hepburn Women By Frank Kaiser Oh, my God! Britney Spears was in the headlines again, as was Lindsay Lohan, Lady Gaga, and I probably missed any updates on Paris Hilton. If there is one cogent indicator of how drastically things have changed since “our day,� it is in generational celebrity. Sure, at some hapless level, little ever changes. Doris Day is reborn as Meg Ryan; Alan Ladd as Brad Pitt. Contemporary comparisons might even include Dorothy Lamour, Marilyn Monroe, and Liz Taylor, especially if Britney would keep up her marriage pace. But when it comes to class, glamour, sophistication, and courage - especially courage - no living person compares to my silver-screen favorites: The Hepburns. I do not know if Katharine and Audrey ever met - what a kick-ass combo that would have been - but I have read that when Paramount demanded Audrey change her name to avoid confusion, she politely but emphatically replied, “If you want me, you must take my name.� You did not push these angels around. They pushed back! Hard. Kate, who died in 2003 at age 96, once said that she wanted to “live like a man.� In her day - our day - ladies, like children, were to be seen and not heard. Kate would have none of it. On screen and off, this lady redefined what it meant to live as an independent woman. The idea scared the hell out of most men. When she stated, “I may be a bit tall for you,� only Spencer Tracy could get away with saying, “Don’t worry, I’ll cut you down to size.� I adored her. As early as my 20s, my choice of any woman to be with on a desert island was Kate. I envied Bogie in African Queen, all alone together out there in the middle of the jungle. She combined strength and vulnerability into a unique, irresistible recipe of awe and wow! A star for 60 years, Katharine Hepburn’s brash and fearless actions on screen and off, proved to us that the sexes could indeed be equal (even if Kate was never willing to settle for such a demotion). Audiences loved her arrogant spunk. This daughter of a suffragette won four Oscars, three after the age of 60 - every one for simply being herself. Moon River Takes Me ‘Round the Bend Always herself as well was Audrey Hepburn. And herself, in this case, was a princess.

In 1953, I was not the only one to fall in love with this unknown dancer from London who stole Roman Holiday from costar Greg Peck. He fell too, and insisted that she have top billing. A truth about her instantly melted the wall around one’s heart. Two years later, as a student at the University of Edinburgh hitchhiking around Europe, I sat on Rome’s Spanish Steps eating gelato - just as Audrey had - when I realized that I’d made this trip for her. For Audrey. I suddenly knew that, had I not seen that movie, I would still be back in the snows of Greencastle, Indiana. Humble, charming, fragile, and vulnerable, this lady never lost sight of who she was: a wondrous woman. In the day of big bosoms and even bigger egos, Audrey Hepburn was simply none of that. And that took guts. I fell in love with her again in 1961 when she played Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. With a simple song sung from a rickety fire escape, her Moon River took me ‘round the bend again. Later, when Paramount’s president wanted to kill that song, Audrey retorted, “Over my dead body!� This Hepburn, too, learned her fearlessness and independence as a child. At six, her father walked out on her. She was 10 when the Nazis marched into her hometown in Holland. She was odd-looking, tall, and with her big eyes and long neck, more Modigliani creation than sex goddess. At the end of that lovely, long neck of hers a world of emotions shimmered from her eyes. Like Katharine, Audrey always played herself, a person we were eager to watch forever. As Special Ambassador to UNICEF, she was always sensitive, never sentimental; Holly Golightly gone fighting for starving children. Both of the Hepburn women were smart and sassy, beautiful, talented, and courageous. And as they aged, they only got better. What made these two artists stand out as the Best of the 20th Memberships beginning Century? They were the at $53 per month real thing, the genuine ‡ 3ULYDWH JRXUPHW GLQLQJ article, that is what. Where in celebrity ‡ &XVWRP FDWHULQJ VXSHUE IRU do you find that today? KROLGD\ IDPLO\ VSHFLDO

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The Bozeman Symphony & Community Outreach The Bozeman Symphony Society presents a repertoire of symphonic and choral music performed for the benefit of individuals, students, and musicians residing in south-central Montana. Established in 1968, the Society supports the Bozeman Symphony Orchestra and Symphonic Choir. Under the direction of Music Director and Conductor Matthew Savery, the Bozeman Symphony has experienced tremendous growth over the last seventeen years. In addition to a wide variety of orchestral programming throughout our six concert weekends, the Bozeman Symphony supports Far Afield, a highly accessible community outreach program, donates thousands of dollars’ worth of tickets to local nonprofits, awards scholarships to promising young musicians,

presents a free concert for 4th grade students, two free family concerts, offers affordable RUSH tickets to increase access to performances, and provides employment to nearly one hundred people. The Bozeman Symphony and Symphonic Choir have established themselves as significant icons in Montana whose history is marked by artistic excellence. Their future is dependent on maintaining a skilled and motivated orchestra whose members bring symphonic music to life. For more information, please contact Sherry Linnerooth, Executive Director at 406-585-9774, Ext. 101. To purchase Season Tickets please call 406-585-9774 or visit our website at www.bozemansymphony.org. MSN

Classic DVD’s: The Western

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By Mark Fee When I was a boy, I loved watching Westerns, that genre where everything was larger than life and good normally triumphed over evil. But the Western has almost vanished from the big screen and that is sad. The genre is uniquely American nobody does it better. I was disappointed with the recent remake of True Grit. The film sagged, was too long, and took itself far too seriously. However, the film was a success at the box office and DVD sales are outstanding. I thought the original directed by Henry Hathaway (1969) was much better with John Wayne. The film was robust entertainment and hilarious. Wayne gave a richly textured performance. The success of the new True Grit may revive interest in the Western. In the meantime, there are many classic DVD’s worth watching. Some films have been neglected and some are sleepers. If you love the Western as much as I do, you will love watching the following films. In Ft. Dobbs

(1958), Clint Walker plays Gar Davis, a man on the run, who comes to the aid of a woman (Virginia Mayo) and her son, when their farm is attacked by Comanche Indians. Walker was one of my heroes, when he played the scout, Cheyenne, in the very successful television series (1955-1963). Ft. Dobbs is brooding and relentlessly entertaining, a minor Western but worth watching. Brian Keith plays an amoral trapper, Davis doesn’t trust. The film was directed by Gordon Douglas, who went on to direct the more violent and controversial, Rio Conchos (1964) and fascinating Chuka, (1967). Burt Kennedy, who directed the hilarious The Rounders (1965) and John Wayne/Kirk Douglas semi classic, The War Wagon (1967), co-wrote Ft. Dobbs with Douglas. Not rated; 2.5 stars In Delmar Daves’ haunting, The Hanging Tree (1959), Gary Cooper plays Doc Frail, a doctor with a tainted past, who rescues a gold thief from a mob of vigilantes in Montana. Frail also comes to the aid of Elizabeth Mahler (Maria Schell), who has been left for dead after a stagecoach robbery and temporarily blinded by the sun. Frail takes Elizabeth into his home and heals her. Karl Malden plays a man obsessed with revenge and Doc Frail’s friendship with Elizabeth. George C. Scott plays a deranged preacher. Hanging Tree was written by one of Montana’s greatest authors, Dorothy Johnson. Johnson also

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011

wrote The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance and A Man Called Horse. The Hanging Tree is a powerful, at times unsettling adult film with magnificent scenery. Marty Robbins sings the unforgettable title song. The film was not appreciated when it was released, but is a truly an exceptional Western. Delmar Daves also directed the fabulous and underrated, Cowboy (1957) with Glenn Ford and Jack Lemmon. Rated PG; 3.5 stars. Advance to the Rear (1964) is a riotously funny Western with Glenn Ford, Stella Stevens, and Melvyn Douglas. Ford is the commander of a group of cavalry misfits. They are appallingly inept and incompetent, a military commander’s worst nightmare. Ford becomes entangled with a rebel spy (Stella Stevens) and copes with his commander-in-chief, played by Melvyn Douglas, who is as bungling and useless, as his men. George Marshall directs the film with panache and amazing gift for comedy. The New Christy Minstrel Singers sing some absolutely great songs, including the classic love song, Today and This Old Riverboat. Not rated; three stars. In Chuka (1967), Rod Taylor plays a hired gun, who tries to avert the senseless slaughter of a fort by enraged and starving Arapaho Indians. Taylor plays Chuka, who is sympathetic with the Indians and respects them. He is a gunfighter who worked for the army as a scout. The fort is commanded by an alcoholic, played by John Mills. Luciana Paluzzi (Thunderball, 1966) plays a wealthy Hispanic woman with whom Chuka was once in love. Ernest Borgnine plays a sadistic sergeant, who grudgingly learns to respect Chuka. Taylor is excellent, as the gunfighter - malevolent and tender. Paluzzi is spellbinding. Chuka was underrated but solid entertainment and worth watching. Not rated; three stars. Burt Kennedy’s Support Your Local Sheriff! (1969) is one of my favorite comedies. It is one of the funniest Western satires ever made. James Garner plays, Jason McCullough, who is on his way to Australia, when he is asked to be the sheriff of a raucous gold town. The town is never the same. McCullough is adept with guns, but does not like to use them. He “invents” a jail and uses a rope to stop a gunfight. Garner plays it all for laughs and so does the rest of the cast, including

MONTANA SENIOR NEWS PAGE 17

Joan Hackett, Walter Brennan, and Harry Morgan. Support Your Local Sherriff! is devastatingly, fallon-your-face funny and a must see! Directed by Burt Kennedy (The Rounders, 1965; Support Your Local Gunfighter, 1971) Rated G; 3.5 stars. In Breakheart Pass (1975), Charles Bronson plays a federal agent, who uncovers a conspiracy and cache of stolen arms. Based on a book by Alistair MacLean (The Guns of Navarone), the film is a relentless, edge-of-your-seat thriller. Bronson is the mysterious John Deakin who is mistaken for an outlaw and taken into custody. He boards a train headed for Ft. Humboldt. Also on board are the territorial Governor (Richard Crenna), a doctor, a minster, and military detachment with medical supplies. Some members of the train are found missing and murdered. Bronson is suspect, but intentionally evasive. The film is breathlessly exciting with a riveting soundtrack by Jerry Goldsmith. Rated PG; three stars. So, grab some popcorn and enjoy these classic Westerns! MSN

Watch Out… Dinosaur Crossing! The world of dinosaurs and prehistoric life sparks interest in young and old alike but it is particularly strong in children. A child’s interest in prehistoric life can grow to include broader subjects such as biology, botany, even art. For children who always bring home pretty rocks, sea shells, bones, and the odd piece of driftwood, the Great Plains Dinosaur Museum in Malta offers two Junior Paleontologist Programs. These programs are for children ages 5-11 years. Children ages 11 years and older may participate in the Adult Field Program. • Jr Paleo Program #1: In-House Program This 90-minute program is held at the museum. Children learn about fossils from discovery and

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PAGE 18 MONTANA SENIOR NEWS

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excavation, to care and preparation, to scientific research and display. Hands-on activity. • Jr Paleo Program #2: Field Program - This 3-hour program takes children to a fossil site 35 miles north of Malta and provides them with a dinosaur expedition experience. Children must have accompanying adult (no charge) and provide own transportation to dig site. The cost per child for non-museum members:

Program #1 - $30; Program #2 - $100; Both Programs - $115. The cost per child for museum members: Program #1 - $25; Program #2 - $80; Both Programs - $85. All programs require pre-registration. Please call 406-654-5300, email dinosaur@itstriangle. com, or visit www.greatplainsdinosaurs.org for more information. MSN

Cattle, Horses, And Cowboys In Verse At Lewistown By Gwen Petersen Over twenty-five years ago, the National Cowboy Gathering burst out of the chutes in Elko, Nevada. It has been a blockbuster event ever since. Following on the heels of that first gathering, Montana saddled up and roped in the second Gathering of poets/pickers and grinners in the nation. Montana’s Gathering began in Big Timber and after five years there, it moved up the trail to Lewistown where it is still going strong every August. Though the inevitable march of time is eroding the banks of established custom, tradition, and the cowboy way of life, at the Gathering you can still dip a toe into how cattle, horses, and cowboys get along in their daily work. Plus, you will garner unforgettable memories of poetry and songs that will make you laugh or bring a tear. This year, the August 11-14 Montana Cowboy Poetry Gathering at Lewistown’s Yogo Inn is branded: Keepin’ It Cowboy What’s in the future, what’s in the cards As the West continues to change? Will cowboys no longer be around Driven from the range? Who will remain to carry on The custom of cowboy ways? Where will they go, what will they do To keep tradition ablaze? In the scorching summer month of August,

Cowboys from all around Will saddle up and ride the trail That leads to Lewistown. Keepin’ it Cowboy is their mantra In verse and western song; Spirits lift and laughter rings, And cowboys come on strong. Singin’ their songs, tellin’ their poems ‘Bout ridin’ for the brand, ‘Bout horses they’ve rode and cattle they’ve drove Across this western land. Tall boots, tall hats will bloom in the halls Of Lewistown’s Yogo Inn; All day long there’s boot-stompin’ fun Amid the smiles and grins. When night comes along, see a western show Throwed down by cowboy guys Singin’ their songs and foolin’ around The Riders in the Sky. So saddle up, tighten your cinch, Tie on your best bandana, Cowboys (and cowgirls) Keepin’ it Cowboy In Lewistown, Montana. For more information or if you are interested in participating as a cowboy poet or western musician, contact Sarah Baxter at 406-538-6408 or email Sarah at calam@lewistown.net. MSN

Top Five Mistakes Women Make While Dating If you are single, it is likely that you are using dating websites similar to the ones job seekers use, hoping that you will find someone who fits your dating profile. TV commercials love to trumpet the fact that one in five relationships today starts on an online dating site. The thing that irritates Dr. Kenneth Ryan is that they fail to mention what happens after people meet online. “The term ‘online dating’ itself is deceptive,” says Ryan, author of Finding Your Prince in a Sea of Toads: How to Find a Quality Guy Without Getting Your Heart Shredded (www.findingyourprince.com). “You don’t ‘date’ online. You meet online, but the dating that occurs after all the emails and online chats is something people still find confusing and frustrating. Figuring out

how to write a decent profile for a website is only step one. Steps two through marriage are more about relating in-person than online. If people do not know how to evaluate and grow a relationship, they end up discouraged or part of the 50% divorce statistics.” Dr. Ryan, who has spent years with his wife counseling engaged couples about sex through their church classes on marriage, has aggregated some of his best advice on dating into a list of the five most common mistakes made in dating. They include: Being Too Passive - Some women feel helpless and hopeless because few men have shown interest in them. They sit alone at home hoping Prince Charming will one day knock on the door. There are many ways a woman can

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011

improve her connections with guys and make herself more appealing. Women are not helpless or hopeless. Being Too Aggressive - Women who come on too strong look desperate and may scare off quality guys. Predatory males look for desperate women because they will do almost anything to get a guy. Learn how to engage men without coming on too strong. Being Naive About Men - If a woman does not understand the huge difference between men and women when it comes to sex and relationships, she will get burned. If most of her guidance for relationships comes from popular media and peers, she is working from a position of ignorance. Moviemakers could not care less about your life - they just want your $14 movie ticket. Panicking - Women become so fearful that they will never find a guy who loves them that they abandon their convictions and make irrational, dangerous decisions. Some painful effects are immediate, while some might not surface for years. Sleeping with the Boyfriend - Every woman must make

MONTANA SENIOR NEWS PAGE 19

her own decision and it is a huge decision. This is the most common and most harmful mistake. It causes an avalanche of problems, many that the woman does not anticipate. Sex with a boyfriend might seem romantic or exhilarating but there are hidden fangs that will cut deep. You cannot put a condom on your heart. “It’s not easy to navigate the shark-infested waters of the dating world, but if you can follow these basic tips, you shouldn’t have to worry about being someone else’s prey,” Dr. Ryan added. Dr. Kenneth Ryan offers straight talk with a twist of humor about relationships garnered from years of not only counseling engaged couples about sex, but from his own marriage and from living with three teenage daughters. He understands the yearning of most women to be loved and cherished by a great guy. Dr. Ryan started writing for his three daughters - everything that they need to know about the truth of relationships and sex so they will always be two steps ahead of any guy they might date. MSN

Montana According to Jeff Foxworthy Submitted by Julie Hollar-Brantley If you are proud that your region makes the national news at least 96 times each year because it is the hottest or the coldest spot in the nation, you might live in Great Falls, Montana. If your dad’s suntan stops at a line curving around the middle of his forehead, you might farm in Fort Benton, Montana. If you have worn shorts and a parka at the same time, you might live in Havre, Montana.

If your town has an equal number of bars and churches, you might live in Sun Prairie, Montana. If you have had a lengthy telephone conversation with someone who dialed a wrong number, you might live in Sand Coulee, Montana. You know you are a true Montanan when “vacation” means going east or west on I-90 for the weekend. If you measure distance in hours, you might live in Montana. If you know several people who have hit a deer

more than once, you might live in Helena, Montana. If you often switch from “Heat” to “A/C” in the same day and back again, you might live in Troy, Montana. If you can drive 65 mph through 2 feet of snow during a raging blizzard, without flinching, you might live Shelby, Montana. If you see people wearing camouflage at social events (including weddings), you might live in Missoula, Montana. MSN

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How to Protect Your Family’s Assets from Devastating Nursing Home Costs It is the conversation people do not have until they have to, but by then, it is too late. The fact is that in 2010, more than 7,000 people turned 65 years every single day, a figure that is predicted to rise in 2011. Further, an AARP survey revealed that only 4 in 10 of those people feel they will be financially secure for their golden years. For many, that lack of financial stability will transform from being a worry to becoming a crisis if they discover they will need any kind of assisted living. That is why Gabriel Heiser, an attorney with more than 25 years of experience in nursing home law, believes that people should start planning now, even if they are not close to their 65th birthdays. “The average monthly cost of a nursing home today is $6,917 per month, and a typical Alzheimer’s patient will spend $395,000 for their nursing home care after diagnosis,” said Heiser, author of How to Protect Your Family’s Assets from Devastating Nursing Home Costs: Medicaid Secrets (www.MedicaidSecrets.com). “Those costs are only going to rise, so it’s important to plan now. One important benefit to consider is Medicaid, which can help offset a good amount of those costs, but only if you know what it takes to qualify for those benefits.” The mistake many people make is thinking that they cannot qualify for Medicaid, according to Heiser. “Many feel that because they own a home or have some assets that they can’t qualify for Medicaid help with their nursing home and doctor’s bills,” he said. “The truth is there are a variety of

assets people can own and still qualify. It’s just a matter of knowing the rules, and making a plan to meet those requirements.” Heiser listed the asset limits for those applying for Medicaid, which include: • Cash – You can possess $2,000 cash that will not be counted as an asset in determining your Medicaid eligibility. • Home – There is a $500,000 exclusion toward your home, meaning that if your home is valued at $500,000 or less at the time of your application, it is excluded as an asset. Some states use the higher permitted exemption of $750,000. • Car – Up until recently, you could exclude only one car at a value of $4,500 or less, however that law has been changed. Now, one automobile of ANY current market value is excluded on your application. • Funeral and Burial Funds – If you have a pre-planned funeral or memorial arrangement, the entire value of that plan is excluded. If you do not, a separate bank account that contains $1,500 toward funeral expenses can be excluded. If you have pre-purchased burial plots, you can exclude not only the costs of the plot for the applicant, but for the entire family, and still be eligible for Medicaid. • Property – According to federal law, any real or personal property that is essential to selfsupport, regardless of value or rate of return, is excluded. That could include farms, rental properties and other real estate investments that generate income necessary for self-support. For rental income, however, the property must generate at least 6 percent of its value annually in order to

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qualify for the exclusion. • Life Insurance – Only the cash value of a life insurance policy owned by the applicant is counted, thus, all term policies are ignored. “There are so many other rules that can benefit those who aren’t sure they’ll have enough when the time comes,” Heiser added. “The key is to plan now and act now. These laws exist for your protection, and avoiding the discussion and the

planning necessary to take care of the potential complications just because it is an unpleasant topic will only result in a more unpleasant conversation when you realize you are not ready when the worst happens. That can be a very expensive dilemma. Peace of mind right now, however, won’t cost a dime, and could save you hundreds of thousands of dimes later.” MSN

Elder Abuse Climbing At Alarming Rates For every one reported case of elder abuse, five more are unreported according to a recent National Elder Abuse Incidence Study. To address this growing and vital issue, the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) created a comprehensive awareness kit, Safer Seniors, with fact sheets, brochures, and information on keeping seniors safe. This October, NCPC, home of McGruff the Crime Dog, will also launch a new campaign to help battle elder abuse. Underreported acts of abuse are growing at frightening rates – with the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) estimating 1 to 2 million Americans ages 65 or older becoming injured, exploited, or mistreated by someone upon whom they depend for care. Abusers may be spouses, family members, personal acquaintances, professionals in positions of trust, or opportunistic strangers who prey on the defenseless. NCPC will distribute useful resources including radio spots, public service announcements (PSAs), and tool kits for seniors and their families to help increase the awareness and overall prevention of elder abuse. “Elder abuse comes in many different forms – physical, emotional, or financial abuse. Each one is devastating in its own right,” explained 90-year-old veteran actor Mickey Rooney, in a March 2011 statement to the Senate Special Committee on Aging. “What other people see as generosity may, in reality, be the exploitation, manipulation, and sadly, emotional blackmail of

older, more vulnerable members of the American public. I know because it happened to me.” NCPC encourages people to be attentive to the warning signs of abuse, including: • Physical Abuse - Slap marks, unexplained bruises, most pressure marks, and certain types of burns or blisters, such as cigarette burns • Neglect or isolation from friends and family - Withdrawal from normal activities, pressure ulcers, filth, lack of medical care, malnutrition, or dehydration • Emotional Abuse – Frequent arguments with caregiver, unexplained changes in alertness, or other unusual behavioral changes • Sexual Abuse - Bruises around the breasts or genital area and unexplained sexually transmitted diseases • Financial Abuse/Exploitation - Sudden change in finances and accounts, altered wills and trusts, unusual bank withdrawals, checks written as “loans” or “gifts,” and loss of property. NCPC currently has a number of resources available to help people prevent potential abuse and appropriately report any possible incidence of it within the home. A valuable NCPC resource is Senior and Telemarketing Fraud 101, which is a publication that takes an in-depth look at how to prevent becoming a victim of telemarketing fraud. These and other helpful NCPC publications and brochures on safety are available through the NCPC website. MSN

MONTANA SENIOR NEWS PAGE 21

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Say What? Overcoming Communication Barriers By Lisa M. Petsche Spending time with someone who has an acquired communication disorder - such as speech impairment from a stroke or mental impairment due to Alzheimer’s disease - can be challenging. It is natural to feel awkward when you cannot relate to someone in the usual ways. However, there are many ways to overcome obstacles in order to have a positive interaction. The following are tips for successfully handling some of the most common challenges when communicating with older adults. Setting The Stage - Some General Advice Choose a quiet area to minimize distractions. Ensure you have the person’s full attention before initiating conversation. Sit close by, facing them. Show interest by maintaining eye contact and leaning forward. Be conscious of your facial expression and other body language.

Be prepared for multiple forms of communication, such as gesturing, pointing to an alphabet, word or picture board, drawing, and writing. Hearing Impairment Pick a location with good acoustics - rooms with carpeting and curtains are better than those with lots of hard surfaces. Sit with your face to the light and be careful not to cover it with your hands. Ask if one ear is better than the other, and speak to that side. Lean in when it is your turn to speak. Use a loud voice, but avoid shouting. Speak slowly and clearly, but do not exaggerate. Keep your voice low-pitched. Be succinct about expressing yourself, and use short sentences. Read the person’s non-verbal expressions, since some hearing-impaired people are hesitant to ask others to repeat themselves. If it looks as if they did not pick up what you said, rephrase it. Speech Impairment Defective speech due to impairment of the tongue or other key muscles is known as dysarthria. It involves difficulty pronouncing words; however, language abilities may otherwise be intact. Follow these tips to help with communication. Encourage the person to slow down, if necessary, in order to pronounce each syllable. Be patient and remain calm, allowing extra time for the person to get out their words. Do not interrupt or try to finish sentences unless they become frustrated. Be attuned to non-verbal language that can give clues to the factual or emotional content of the message. Summarize the message to check if you heard it right. Ask the person to repeat the message if you could not make it out. Do not pretend that you understood. Ask questions that require a Yes or No answer so they can simply nod or shake their head. Do not correct every error. If the person is able to write, have a notepad and pen handy as a backup. Mental Impairment (Dementia) When someone is cognitively impaired, traditional types of conversation may not be possible. However, contact is still important, providing them with much-needed mental stimulation and personal validation. Here is how to go about it. Approach slowly, establish eye contact, and then address the person by name. Always identify yourself by name. Do not be deterred if the person does not remember you from one contact to the next - it does not diminish the value of your involvement. Keep your voice low-pitched to convey calmness and reassurance. Use simple words and short sentences, speaking slowly and distinctly. Keep questions to a minimum and avoid openended ones, especially those that begin with Why, or How. Allow plenty of time for response to a question before repeating it or changing the subject. Nod your head and smile if appropriate, to indicate understanding. Avoid debating facts. Focus instead on feelings or use distraction if the person becomes argumentative. Respond to the person’s mood when their words do not make sense, for example, “It sounds like you’re feeling sad.” Stick to topics with which the person is familiar.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011

Avoid complex or abstract subjects. Be direct. Avoid clichés and limit the use of pronouns such as it, she, and they. Try using different words when your message is not getting across. Do not feel you have to fill every minute together with conversation. Remember that your very presence is therapeutic. Final Thoughts Watch for signs of frustration or fatigue that

MONTANA SENIOR NEWS PAGE 23

signal you should end the visit. Do not forget that humor is a valuable tool that can help reduce awkwardness and frustration. Above all, persist with your efforts. Remind yourself that with each contact, your comfort level will increase. Lisa M. Petsche is a medical social worker and a freelance writer specializing in boomer and senior issues. MSN

Alzheimer’s Association benefits from cookbook sales In January of 2011, the residents of Highgate Senior Living in Bozeman formed the Highgate Cookbook Club. The members meet weekly to discuss favorite family recipes and share their experiences. Each member brings a favorite recipe, which is then prepared by the club. The Highgate Cookbook Club was so popular among the other residents, families, and friends that a cookbook was published. The proceeds will go to the Alzheimer’s Association during the “Walk to Cure Alzheimer’s” in September.

This project warms the hearts for many of us who have loved ones and friends with Alzheimer’s and we are thankful for their efforts to raise funds to further research for a cure for Alzheimer’s disease. On July 29, the Highgate Cookbook Club hosted its first Taste of Highgate where the ladies prepared and shared their delicious recipes with the public. For more information about the Highgate Cookbook Club, contact Highgate Senior Living in Bozeman at 406-587-5100. MSN

Personals - continued from page 11 unimportant. Desire open honest, compassionate, faithful, dependable, romantic, Christian guy who does not drink, gamble, or abuse drugs. Let’s take the road of happy destiny together beginning as friends. Please send photo and address. Reply MSN, Dept. 27616, c/o Montana Senior News, Box 3363, Great Falls, MT 59403. SWF would like to meet a responsible, goodhearted, active companion, 65-75, in good health, to enjoy our beautiful summers (and winters here or in the south). If you enjoy outdoor activities, like animals, music, and dancing, reside within about a 2-hour drive from Bozeman, a letter and photo would be appreciated. I look forward hearing from you. Reply MSN, Dept. 27617, c/o Montana Senior News, Box 3363, Great Falls, MT 59403.

terroot Valley area gentleman 65-70 who is honest, a good person, and a believer in Jesus Christ, for friendship first and then possible relationship. I am retired, strong-willed, like to cook, watch movies, hear concerts, and take walks. Enjoy needlework, crochet, and sewing. I look forward to hearing from you. Reply MSN, Dept. 27618, c/o Montana Senior News, Box 3363, Great Falls, MT 59403. MSN Financially independent, Billings area woman, 5’3”, 138 lbs, in excellent health with no drugs or alcohol, I seeks male companionship with whom to do things and go places. Enjoy dancing, movies, travel, and visiting. Reply MSN, Dept. 27619, c/o Montana Senior News, Box 3363, Great Falls, MT 59403. MSN

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Two Words For Those Trying To Sell Their Homes: Be Creative (NAPSI) If you are still having trouble selling your house, it may be time to think outside the box. We are not talking about renting out your property until the market improves -something even Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner was reportedly forced to do more than a year ago when there were no takers for the five-bedroom Tudor in upscale Larchmont, New York, that he had paid $1.6 million for in 2004. Although, if you absolutely need to relocate for job reasons, that could be one way to go. No, we are talking creative ways that Bankrate. com and others say help “stressed-out sellers� sound familiar? - make their homes stand out from all the others on the market. Read on for some tips. Sweeten the Deal - In an effort to weed out sketchy borrowers, the Federal Housing Administration, which backs the bulk of all new mortgages these days, recently lowered the ceiling on the monetary “concessions� sellers can offer buyers to help cover expenses like loan fees and closing costs. But that does not mean you can’t try sealing the deal by throwing in a 3-D TV, or a car, like the Prius that one real-estate agent justified to CNN by saying, “In this market, you have to learn to do things differently.� Go Viral - “The Internet has essentially leveled the playing field across the real-estate market,� proclaims ForS a l e B y O w n e r. c o m ’ s Greg Healy. True. But

don’t limit your thinking to just eBay or Craig’s List. If a YouTube video of a cat bouncing off a mirror can garner gazillions of views across the world, surely you can think of some novel way to show off your home’s assets. “Gift Box� Your Roof - One of the questions that potential buyers routinely ask, according to MarketWatch.com, is “How old is the roof?� One nice touch is to present your documentation tied in a bow with a box of chocolate-covered strawberries. That is assuming, of course, that your roof is new and attractive enough to have even gotten you to the walk-through stage. If not, and you want to replace it with one that practically screams “curb appeal,� check out GAF’s Lifetime Designer Shingles Value Collection at www.gaf. com. These shingles from North America’s largest roofing manufacturer are designed to add style to your home at a very affordable price. (StrawberryBoxing Alert: All the company’s laminated shingles now come with a lifetime limited warranty transferable to new owners.) Enlist Your Neighbors - Sure, some would help spread the word out of the kindness of their hearts. But human nature being what it is, offering a $200 gift card to anyone who brings you a real, live serious buyer can work wonders. Oh, and for those questioning whether any of this works, the award for the “Most Out-of-the-Box Thinking� goes to Bob and Ricki Husick of Pennsylvania. They gained attention by advertising that the buyer of their two-story Colonial would receive the full purchase price back after they die. MSN

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The Birth of a New Community By Saralee Perel It was solely because of my dog, Gracie, that I have re-learned to walk after experiencing a spinal cord injury 8 years ago. So last week, to honor her life, I designed a Facebook Fan Page where anyone could share whatever they wanted to about their pets. Never would I have expected that by writing one sentence, a community of over 2,000 would instantly bloom. Gracie’s fan page is “Saralee Perel Presents Gracie, My 4-Footed Coach.” Part of the attention likely had to do with the first picture I posted, a hilarious picture of Gracie and my husband, Bob, cheating for the SPCA’s dog and owner look-alike contest. The community took on a life of its own, with people sharing hysterical animal videos they had seen on TV, recipes for dog and cat treats, pictures of beloved pets now gone, as well as newly adopted furry friends. There are homemade videos of dogs doing goofy tricks, including singing as well as “saying” in long drawn-out howls, “I loooovvve you.” There are funny stories about cats doing anything they want to do, in spite of our trying to modify their behavior (as if we ever could). One gal’s cat enjoys shredding the shower curtain. So that everyone would feel welcomed, I wrote, “We love not only the lost, abandoned, and rescued, but also the safe, sound, and found; whether they’re award-winning pedigree champions, no-longer ‘useful’ greyhounds, mutts, runts, or a combo of all. They are all the same to me.” The number of people who read those words? According to Facebook analytics: thirty-one thousand, six hundred twenty-seven. Someone responded, “Here’s my two cents. Dogs never judge each other by their heritage lines. We shouldn’t either.” Another chimed in, “Amen!” When friends introduce their pets by posting pictures and/or telling their pets’ stories, a collec-

tive energy emerges. Within seconds, others write comments such as, “Your dog is beautiful!” Or, “You and your cat are both so lucky to have found each other.” This brings happiness and relief to all the people who are sharing. They no longer feel alone; they have a safe, longed-for place in which to communicate. I guess that is what a community is all about. When I wrote, “On my husband’s birthday, he gets presents from the animals,” I added, “Gracie gingerly takes her toy out of the box, then scrams outside to our fenced-in yard and hides it. We never see her toys again.” That opened the door for my friend, Georgia, to write, “My dog, Bobble, used to steal my son’s spoons (and ONLY his spoons) and do the same thing Gracie did. I never understood why I had to go back to the store and buy more. That is until after one very strong summer storm. My backyard was infested with mushrooms . . . and hundreds of spoons!” Gracie’s page has blossomed into something so incredible, funny, and meaningful and most importantly – a place for connecting with one another about our love for our 4- footed family members, whether they were pets from our childhood or pets with us today. I decided to join Facebook because it is such an easy and great way to connect with others. There is no permanent commitment involved; I can set strict limits as to my privacy so that no information about me is shared. And it is simple, takes no time to sign up, and is free. A few years ago, I asked a wise woman named Ruth, “What is the most important thing in life?”

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She said one word, “Connection.” Connection can take many forms. It need not be in the traditional form of face-to-face interaction, especially when many of us have trouble getting around. We are not here to judge which form of connection is the “right” form. I have close friends whom I adore that I have never even met or whom I have not seen for years. When it comes to love, it does not matter if it is shared at a restaurant, or in someone’s kitchen, or in a group meeting, or over the telephone. We are all allowed to make our own choices when it comes to connection. I am so glad I found my avenue with this community. Won’t you join me? Award-winning columnist, Saralee Perel, welcomes e-mails at sperel@ saraleeperel.com or via her website: www.saraleeperel.com. Please click “Like” on Gracie’s Facebook Fan Page at Saralee Perel Presents Gracie, My 4-Footed Coach. MSN

The World Around Me By Clare Hafferman One of the benefits of being a gardener is its making you aware of what is happening in nature while you go about your work. I learned this because my Mother was a natural teacher and she influenced the brains and attitudes of the six children she and my Dad produced. If you were assigned to do some chores or if you had free time to ride your bike into town, or if you were headed to school, her favorite admonition was always, “Pay attention.” I took that lesson to heart and one result was to have bird feeders outside and binoculars ready wherever we’ve lived. This summer provided an education in several ways as I viewed the world around me. We have a chickadee house on a post in the front yard and last year a pair of the black and white singers built a nest, but later abandoned it. I found a dead bird when I cleaned out the box last fall, and hoped for better things. This time in April, two other fliers began going in and out of the box. I assumed they were gathering moss and whatever else to make a nest. I have an old book titled Songbirds In Your Garden, by John K. Terres, and he noted that 6-8 eggs were average for chickadees, that it takes 12-13 days to hatch, and then the young are in the nest about 16 days before they grow enough feathers to fly. The parents usually raise two broods. By the 19th of the month, only one bird was occasionally going in and out. From then through May I kept watching. The first part of June both parents began to fly in and out again, so I assumed the hatchlings needed feeding. It continued rainy and cold so sometimes a long stretch of five minutes or more constituted out and back, but bugs are hard to nail down when everything is afloat. One rare sunny day I was pulling weeds out of a flowerbed when I heard the cheerful sound of chickadees in the trees and I was sure those babies had surfaced. Sometime later, I lifted the lid on the box and here a mystery evolved. In a carefully constructed nest of moss and bits of hair, there was one tiny egg, the size of my little fingernail. You cannot imagine how small that seemed. There were no broken eggshells so I thought the parents had gotten rid of those, but was this one survivor simply a non-hatcher or an attempt to start again? I put the lid back on and (Continued on pg 70)

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011

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Job Hunting With Gray Hair - Eight Things to Do and Don’t Do By Teresa Ambord Looking for a post-retirement job? Whether you want to add a little income or fill up your days with work, you already know jobs are hard to find in this economy. But age is not an automatic strike against you. All generations, young or notso-young, have great workers and those who are walking disasters. But after listening to the concerns of various employers, it is clear some companies are longing for employees with the work ethics of more mature generations like the baby boomers. These people tend to show up on time and not cut out early at day’s end. They generally do not take undue advantage of sick days, and they appreciate the work, rather than viewing a job as an entitlement. Here is one example. An owner of an upscale Italian restaurant in California employs 35 young people. The wages are high, the benefits good, and the tips are off-the-charts. Yet the owner reports she cannot find reliable employees. They make a habit of showing up late and think nothing of calling in sick often. And they bring their personal problems with them and expect her to solve them. Keep in mind; this is a high-wage service job. Imagine what the owners of fast food franchises must go through. If you are a typical baby boomer (or older) your strong work ethics are where you can shine. So polish your application and interview skills and get out there. Here are a few common sense points to remember when looking for a job these days: 1. Don’t give a prospective employer an email address for contacting you that sounds frivolous. Your family may think grannylovestimmy@ABC. com is adorable, but it is unlikely an employer will. Do provide reliable contact information, including a businesslike email address. 2. Don’t talk about your needs: your finances, your health, and your kids. The employer does not care. He or she is there to make revenue for the company. Do listen well and you may pick up clues about what the employer’s needs are. A prospective employer is looking for a solution to his/ her problems, not yours. By listening, you might be able to pick out and address those problems: for example, she may need people with fewer family obligations so she can count on them to show up. If that describes you, say so. 3. Don’t criticize anyone, especially your former employer or coworkers. Nobody wants to work with “that guy” or “that woman” who is always singing the “somebody done somebody wrong” song. Do show that you are a person other people want to be around. 4. Don’t come off like a technology dinosaur.

Do show employers you are reasonably up to speed. It is free and easy to join Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Just keep in mind that, more and more, employers are looking at what you post online to see what kind of person you really are. A recent round of court cases shows that employers are watching and willing to terminate employees who mouth off about them on the Internet. 5. Don’t be averse to learning new programs and computer tools. More than 66% of jobs in the United States currently involve computers and/ or Internet at least to some extent. Do check out what kinds of software and technology might be involved in the job you are going for. Basic information about common programs like Excel and PowerPoint should be easy to find. Classes are available online or possibly at your community college or through a senior center or employment center. Or ask your grandkids! There is a good chance they are way ahead of you. 6. Don’t act old. That does not mean shop at the junior department for clothes and dress like your grandkids, but wear something that does not scream, “Outdated.” And do not use language that your grandkids use in an effort to sound young. Do move with energy, speak positively, and sound professional and knowledgeable. Your attitude will speak louder than your gray hair. 7. Don’t park directly outside the windows of the building where you are applying. Someone important may be watching, and we all need a moment to compose ourselves, straighten our clothing and posture. You do not want to deliver a first impression based on checking your teeth in the car window reflection. Do show up a bit early for interviews, for self-composure as well as to display punctuality. 8. Don’t talk down to the interviewer, or anyone else regardless of his or her position. Never mind that the boss is younger than

your grandson is and full of attitude. Remember, everyone has something to contribute. Do exhibit an attitude of acceptance, flexibility, and willingness to learn new things, new approaches, and new ways of doing business. Teresa Ambord is a former accountant and former Enrolled Agent with the IRS. She is now a full-time business writer and editor. MSN

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Caves and bristlecone pines lure visitors to Great Basin National Park

Article & Photo by Dianna Troyer Even without a full moon, it is possible to walk a trail at night in Nevada’s Great Basin National Park navigating by starlight, says Brandi Roberts, a ranger working at the visitor center in Baker, who tells us why the park is a stargazer’s nirvana. With no light pollution, high elevation, and lack of humidity, thousands of stars brighten the nighttime sky. “Sometimes it’s hard to identify common constellations because you can see so many other stars in them.” Besides the lack of light pollution, Brandi, who has worked at the park for 12 years, loves Great Basin, an hour’s drive from Ely in eastern Nevada, for what else it lacks: air and water pollution, traffic congestion, and crime. “The park attracts people who like solitude and open spaces,” she says. “We’re definitely off the beaten track. You won’t find crowds here on the trails.” You will not find admission fees either, which

provide visitation figures at most parks, so rangers estimate about 80,000 people come every year to Great Basin, which was established in 1986. The 77,000-acre park is home to vast and varied points of interest near the visitor center: ancient bristlecone pines, more than 40 caves, once prosperous gold mines, and archaeological sites with vivid ochre pictographs. We start with the most accessible of the park’s attractions, Lehman Caves about six miles from the visitor center. Discovered in 1885, by prospector Absalom Lehman, the cave soon became more valuable than gold to him, and he developed it as a tourist attraction. It houses some of the nation’s best examples of shield formations. The tour guide tells us they are rare, yet here there are 300 examples, and researchers are still unsure why. During a 90-minute tour, in addition to shields, we see mineral formations resembling popcorn, bacon, and jellyfish. After the tour, outside the cave on a patio, we peek through telescopes rangers had set up and see distant sunspots and solar flares, which look like flecks of pepper.

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Next, we follow nearby Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive, intending to hike to the famed bristlecone pines, the nation’s oldest living trees with some estimated at more than 3,000 years old. They thrive above timberline at 9,500 to 11,000 feet despite buffeting winds, frigid temperatures, and scant moisture. At the visitor center, we had seen a slice from a bristlecone pine that was aged as the oldest tree on earth, more than 4,900 years old. In 1968, a researcher wanted to know its age, so he persuaded the Forest Service supervisor in charge of the area at the time to allow him to cut it down and count its rings to determine its age. At the Bristlecone Trailhead, the trail is still buried under about 4 feet of snow in late June due to above average snowfall. For more than an hour, we follow footsteps of other optimistic hikers on mostly hard-packed snow, but eventually the snow prevents our reaching the ancient grove. Nearby is the Summit Trailhead, which leads

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to Nevada’s second highest peak, 13,063-foot high Mount Wheeler. The hike to the summit is 8.6 miles roundtrip, and the trail gains 3,000 feet of elevation in five miles, but we did not attempt it due to snow. Instead of trekking up Mount Wheeler, we drive to nearby Pole Canyon Trail to check out the wildflowers. As we head down a dirt road to the trailhead, we pull into a turnout to see vivid pictographs and the entrance to a cave right next to the road, a cool spot on a summer day appreciated as much by us as those who visited centuries earlier. Along the flat and shady Pole Canyon Trail, the above average precipitation that had thwarted us from seeing the bristlecones has made the wildflowers bloom prolifically. As we walk, we ooh and aah over bluebells, scarlet gilia, purple monkshood, balsamroot, and yellow lupine. After our hike, a couple of miles from the visitor center on Highway 487, we stop at the Baker Archeological site, where a big house and several storage structures had been excavated. About 700 years ago, the people of the Fremont culture grew crops and built the big house, aligning it with the summer and winter solstices. As we head back to Ely on U.S. Highway 6/50, we take a side road leading to Osceola, once home to prosperous mines. Equipment and vehicles, abandoned decades ago, still stand. Along the road, in the evening, the elk, deer, and primrose come out. Although those gold mines are defunct, the next day we drive to a working copper mine a fiveminute drive from Ely near the town of Ruth. From the Robinson Nevada Mining Company overlook, we watch mammoth machinery excavating a vast pit for minerals. Even though we did not do everything on our vacation checklist, our trip was worthwhile, and the bristlecones will lure us back some day. MSN

Unforgettable Vacations Start on Lake Pend Oreille By Bernice Karnop North Idaho is a land of lakes and rivers and trees - colored gems in stunning mountain settings. Lake Pend Oreille (say pon-da-ray) is the largest lake in Idaho, twice as big as Lake Coeur d’Alene and very deep. The glacier-formed, sapphire-hued lake and the pristine country around it make it a top tourist destination and a coveted place to live. It is only 60 miles from the Canadian border and 45 miles north of Coeur d’Alene. With scores of enticing outdoor adventures at hand on a beautiful summer day in North Idaho, the magnetic pull of Lake Pend Oreille will likely win out. In landlocked Idaho, who can resist the recreational possibilities of a large expanse of water and its miles of shoreline? It should not surprise anyone that the biggest sand beach on this large lake is in Sandpoint. Go to City Beach, a public area at the end of Bridge Street, and take off your shoes and roll up your pants for a stroll down the landform that illustrates

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011

the name of the largest town on the lake. Walking the beach is great, but you will also find any number of rentals to entice you out onto the lake. There are kayaks, fishing boats, and individual watercraft. You can rent a houseboat and live on the lake for a few days if you like. Grandchildren will remember a day on a fishing charter with folks who can help you locate the right fish in this multi-species lake or the rivers that feed it. The lake is home to rainbow trout, lake trout, perch, crappie, bass, kokanee, and whitefish. The world-record Kamloops rainbow trout (37 pounds) was caught in Lake Pend Oreille. You will enjoy the scenery and much more on a scenic lake cruise on the Shawnodese. It is a narrated tour that tells such things as the cataclysmic events that formed the lake, stories of the Kalispell Tribe whose traditional home was around these waters, and the amazing story of explorer and mapmaker David Thompson who was the first white person in these parts. History of the area also includes loggers and railroads, miners, settlers, and dam builders.

It might surprise you to learn that during World War II this secure inland site on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille became home to the second largest naval training center in the world. Farragut Naval Training Station, as early as the fall of 1942, had become the largest city in Idaho with a peak population of 55,000. Men came from across the nation to receive basic training here - 293,381 sailors in all. Today this large base has been transformed into a large park, called Farragut State Park. It has 220 campsites, 6 equestrian sites, 10 cabins and 4 group sites as well as large group areas, an amphitheater, and day use area in case you just want to picnic. The Visitors Center holds the papers and information about the naval station and this significant piece of World War II history. If you, your dad, or your uncle was in the Navy, you will not want to miss visiting here. A park naturalist does evening programs on the history and geology of the area, and wayside exhibits highlight wildlife and park features. The

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park is surrounded by a diverse biological community that includes forests of lodge pole pine, ponderosa pine, white pine, Douglas fir, poplar, western larch, and grand fir. Living in the woods are such creatures as whitetail deer, squirrels, black bears, coyotes, and bobcats. Common birds include owls, hummingbirds, hawks, woodpeckers, ducks, and Idaho’s state bird, the mountain bluebird. Whatever you do, do not forget the camera and binoculars for everyone. Farragut State Park offers three miles of lakeshore, boating, swimming, and trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Plan your trip to North Idaho this summer and be sure to give yourself time to enjoy it. You will always want to come back. MSN

Grandparents From A Child’s Perspective Submitted by Julie Hollar Brantley 1. A little girl was diligently pounding away on her grandfather’s word processor. She told him she was writing a story. “What’s it about?� he asked. “I don’t know,� she replied. “I can’t read.� 2. I didn’t know if my granddaughter had learned her colors yet, so I decided to test her. I would point out something and ask what color it was. She would tell me and was always correct. It was fun for me, so I continued. At last, she headed for the door, saying, “Grandma, I think you should try to figure out some of these colors yourself!� 3. When my grandson Billy and I entered our vacation cabin, we kept the lights off until we were inside to keep from attracting pesky insects. Still, a few fireflies followed us in. Noticing them before I did, Billy whispered, “It’s no use, Grandpa. Now the mosquitoes are coming after us with flashlights.� 4. When my grandson asked me how old I was, I teasingly replied, “I’m not sure.� “Look in your underwear, Grandpa,� he advised. “Mine says I’m 4 to 6.� 5. A second grader came home from school and said to her grandmother, “Grandma, guess

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what? We learned how to make babies today.� The grandmother, more than a little surprised, tried to keep her cool. “That’s interesting,� she said. “How do you make babies?� “It’s simple,� replied the girl. “You just change ‘y’ to ‘i’ and add ‘es.’� 6. Children’s Logic: “Give me a sentence about a public servant,� said a teacher. The small boy wrote, “The fireman came down the ladder pregnant.� The teacher took the lad aside to correct him. “Don’t you know what pregnant means?� she asked. “Sure,� said the young boy confidently. “It means carrying a child.� 7. A grandfather was delivering his grandchildren to their home one day when a fire truck zoomed past. Sitting in the front seat of the fire truck was a Dalmatian. The children started discussing the dog’s duties. “They use him to keep crowds back,� said one child. “No,� said another. “He’s just for good luck.� A third child brought the argument to a close. “They use the dogs,� she said firmly, “to find the fire hydrants.� 8. Grandpa is the smartest man on earth! He teaches me good things, but I don’t get to see him enough to get as smart as him! MSN

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The Dented Bucket Submitted by Julie Hollar Our house was directly across the street from the clinic entrance of Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. We lived downstairs and rented the upstairs rooms to outpatients at the clinic. One summer evening as I was fixing supper, there was a knock at the door. I opened it to see a truly awful looking man. “Why, he’s hardly taller than my 8-year-old,” I thought as I stared at the stooped, shriveled body. But the appalling thing was his face, lopsided from swelling, red, and raw. Yet his voice was pleasant as he said, “Good evening. I’ve come to see if you have a room for just one night. I came for a treatment this morning from the eastern shore, and there’s no bus ‘til morning.” He told me he had been hunting for a room since noon but with no success, no one seemed to have a room. “I guess it’s my face... I know it looks terrible, but my doctor says with a few more treatments...” For a moment I hesitated, but his next words convinced me. “I could sleep in this rocking chair on the porch. My bus leaves early in the morning.” I told him we would find him a bed, but to rest on the porch. I went inside and finished getting supper. When we were ready, I asked the old man if he would join us. “No, thank you. I have plenty.” And he held up a brown paper bag. When I had finished the dishes, I went out on the porch to talk with him a few minutes. It did not take a long time to see that this old man had an oversized heart crowded into that tiny body. He told me he fished for a living to support his daughter, her five children, and her husband, who was hopelessly crippled from a back injury. He did not tell it by way of complaint; in fact, every other sentence was prefaced with thanks to God for a blessing. He was grateful that no pain accompanied his disease, which was apparently a form of skin cancer. He thanked God for giving him the strength to keep going. At bedtime, we put a camp cot in the children’s room for him. When I got up in the morning, the bed linens were neatly folded and the little man was out on the porch. He refused breakfast, but just before he left for his bus, haltingly, as if asking a great favor, he said,

“Could I please come back and stay the next time I have a treatment? I won’t put you out a bit. I can sleep fine in a chair.” He paused a moment and then added, “Your children made me feel at home. Grownups are bothered by my face, but children don’t seem to mind.” I told him he was welcome to come again. And, on his next trip, he arrived a little after 7 in the morning. As a gift, he brought a big fish and a quart of the largest oysters I had ever seen! He said he had shucked them that morning before he left so that they would be nice and fresh. I knew his bus left at 4 a.m., and I wondered what time he had to get up in order to do this for us. In the years he came to stay overnight with us, there was never a time that he did not bring us fish or oysters or vegetables from his garden. Other times we received packages in the mail, always by special delivery - fish and oysters packed in a box of fresh young spinach or kale, every leaf carefully washed. Knowing that he must walk 3 miles to mail these and knowing how little money he had made the gifts doubly precious. (Continued on pg 71)

One of the advantages of being disorderly is that one is constanty making exciting discoveries. - A. A. Milne

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Should You Get Nipped and Tucked? Jane Baskin thinks that if you do not like what you see in the mirror, you should feel free to change it. “I’m a big advocate of what I call Life 2.0,” said Baskin, a former social worker, anti-aging advocate, and author of Jane of the Jungle (http:// foreverkindayoung.blogspot.com). “What I’m referring to is the third stage of life, or the second stage of middle age. Because of the extended life span and the ability to prolong youth with medicine, diet, exercise, and plastic surgery, old age is postponed. So what do you do when your kids are grown and you don’t want to work a straight job anymore? Waiting to die used to be a brief wait, but now it can take thirty years or more. Life 2.0 is that time between cresting middle age and getting old. It should be as vital a time as youth. And if you feel young, you should look young, too.” The numbers bear out her message. According to statistics released by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), 13.1 million cosmetic plastic surgery procedures, including those that are minimally-invasive or surgical, were performed in the United States in 2010, up 5 percent from 2009. In addition, more than 5.3 million reconstructive plastic surgery procedures were performed last year, up 2 percent. The increase in cosmetic plastic surgery mirrors the rise in consumer confidence throughout most of 2010. The top five surgical procedures in 2010 were: breast augmentation (296,000); nose reshaping (252,000); eyelid surgery (209,000); liposuction

(203,000); and tummy tuck (116,000). “Our life spans have increased dramatically over the last few decades, but the real question is whether we are truly living with those extra years,” Baskin added. “Eating healthy and exercising can keep us going on the inside, so what’s wrong with making use of the medical technology available to make the outside match the inside? There is a vast gulf between feeling good and feeling good about ourselves, and that’s where cosmetic surgery can help us fill in the gaps. Why not stay fit and look as young as you feel? We’re going to live a long time. Why live it badly?” Baskin’s book is a fictional testimony to that philosophy, with a lead character who risks it all to live her twilight years with nerve instead of caution. She takes risks, finds adventure, even new love, and lives out the latter years of her life as if her story were just beginning, according to Baskin. “In a few years, the media will have to take note of how badly older people are living, or how outrageously,” she added. “I can’t predict the choices baby boomers will make. But remembering that this was the generation that brought a president to his knees, I have a hunch it won’t be quiet. Just as the media focused on us when we wore bell-bottoms and beads, I think they’ll focus on us when we speak out against the class system in America and show our defiance in various ways. Acting, looking, and feeling ageless are forms of defiance. We may redefine aging and the life cycle in general, and that’s news no matter how old you are.” MSN

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Doctor Reveals Massive Cost Savings Hidden In Electronic Medical Records The handwriting on your prescription is not the only thing about the typical doctor that is hard to understand. Several recent studies have shown that the vast majority of doctors in the U.S. have not adopted the standardized use of Electronic Health Records (EHR), and one expert believes it is one of the driving forces behind rising healthcare costs. Preliminary estimates from the 2010 National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS), which is conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), showed that the percentage of physicians with EHRs that met the criteria of a basic EHR system by state ranged from 12.5 percent to 51.5 percent. However, after excluding 27 states with unreliable estimates, the percentage of physicians having fully functional systems that met the criteria ranged from only 9.7 percent to 27.2 percent. “Tracking medical problems can prevent complications of chronic illnesses such as heart attacks, strokes, and can increase the overall quality of care,” said Dr. Angel Garcia, CEO of EHR solutions provider Global Medical Consultants. “Moreover, the cost savings of having widespread adoption of EHR in the U.S. healthcare industry would reduce healthcare costs by more than 30 percent per year – a savings of more than $720 billion per year. That’s actually more than enough savings to insure all 47 million Americans currently without health insurance.” What perplexes Garcia is the new data just released that suggest almost one-third of physicians now own an iPad, according to a report by the American Medical News. Another report from the market research firm Knowledge Networks stated that 27 percent of primary care and specialty physicians own an iPad or similar device, five times the rate of the general population. What is unclear, according to Dr. Garcia, is the role the technology has in their practice. “When you compare the power of tablet and cloud computing with a strong EHR adoption rate, the potential for savings and markedly increased quality of patient care could skyrocket,” said Dr. Garcia, also author of Do No Harm: Saving Our Health Care System (www.DoNoHarmDrs.

com). “The problem is that doctors aren’t incorporating both these elements. Let’s face it – some doctors are surfing the web and downloading movies and music on a device that could help save the industry that is in crisis. It’s time for the healthcare industry to catch up to every other industry in the civilized world and adopt an electronic solution for not just record-keeping but more importantly clinical tracking of medical problems that will make their patients safer and healthcare affordable.” MSN

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Muscling Your Way To Better Health By Tait Trussell, Senior Wire Bears are different from us, as you may have noticed. But one day, what bears have that we do not may be disclosed to science for our benefit. As you know, bears hibernate for many months. When they wake up and stretch in the warmth of spring, they are still as healthy and muscular as when they went into hibernation. If humans hibernated for months, their muscles would be withered and their bones fragile, even if the humans were relatively young. Men over age 50 are said to lose about 8 percent of their muscles every year. You may have seen the TV commercials that warn of this physical truth. According to an article in The New York Times, scientists, drug companies, and food manufacturers are trying to find out why there is this muscular deterioration as we age. They believe bears have something to tell us. An 80-year-old likely has at least 30 percent or less muscle mass than a 20-year-old does. And the strength of the 80-year-old is even less than his muscle mass. The Times reported that weight lifting records for 60-year-old men are 30 percent lower than for 30-year-olds. And for women, the drop-off is 50 percent. With the high interest among the aging in maintaining and rebuilding muscle mass, there is much eagerness to try to and make that a reality. Pharmaceutical companies already are looking for drugs that can put off the weakening of muscles or build new muscle. Companies such as Nestle and Danone are pursuing the same objective. Some professional athletes have turned to anabolic steroids, with disastrous results. Nobody wants to go that way. A woman writes about her 80-year-old mother: “She stopped driving. Friends died. She began falling. We made small changes in her physical environment, installed grab bars, removed throw rugs, signed her up for medical alert service. But how do you know when an elderly person can no longer live alone?” Typical signs are mental confusion, forgetfulness, falls, weight loss, social isolation, depression, and changes in appetite, sleep patterns, and appearance. “A doctor sees old people who are shrinking and getting weak, but there’s no medical terminology that’s been created and made uniform to allow doctors to make a diagnosis, look at possible causes, and make a treatment plan,” according to Dr. Stephanie Studenski, a professor of Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh. Geriatric specialists are trying to establish the agerelated loss of muscles as a medical condition under the name “sarcopenia,” from the Greek meaning loss of flesh. Dr. Bruno Vellas, president of the International Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics, says, “In the future, sarcopenia (Cont’d on page 38)

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011

MONTANA SENIOR NEWS PAGE 37

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Muscling to better health - continued from page 36 will be known as much as osteoporosis is today.” Researchers in the field say that doctors and patients need to be more aware that muscle deterioration is a major reason the elderly lose mobility and cannot live independently. Experts figure sarcopenia weakens about 10 percent of those over age 60, with higher rates as age advances. The Times story reported on one study that estimated that disability caused by sarcopenia accounted for $18.5 billion in direct medical costs in the year 2000. The cost obviously would be much higher today with the rising cost of health care and the rising number of aged in the population.

“Loss of muscle mass or strength might also include hormonal changes, more sedentary lifestyles, infiltration of fat into the muscles, inflammation, and resistance to insulin,” the article said. Experts in the area say that the best approach to maintaining or restoring muscle mass and strength is exercise, especially resistance training. The National Institute on Aging is sponsoring a controlled trial to test whether exercise can prevent disability in largely sedentary people age 70 to 89. There is some evidence that high levels of protein in the diet as well as Vitamin D may help. Dr. Ellen Volpi, of the University of Texas at Galveston, said, “At this point what we can say is that old people are at risk of eating too little protein for adequate muscle preservation.” Some older people can lose so much muscle during a long hospital stay that they have to move to a nursing home. If we can get out of a nursing home in three weeks instead of three months, wouldn’t we say that is a useful thing,” said Dr. Studenski. A study that tracked 3,000 people for 50 years found that about 20 of them, now in their 80s, have not lost muscle mass. They must have some bear in them. MSN

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Americans Spend Close to $7 Billion a Year on Direct Medical Costs Related to Cataract Cataract is the leading cause of blindness in the world. There are more cases of cataract than there are of glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy combined. Today, cataract affects more than 22 million Americans age 40 and older. By age 75, approximately 70 percent of people have cataracts. And, as the U.S. population ages, more than 30.1 million Americans are projected to have cataracts by the year 2020. Cataract is a clouding of the eye’s lens that blocks or changes the passage of light into the eye. The lens of the eye is located behind the pupil and the colored iris and is normally transparent. The lens helps to focus images onto the retina - which transmits the images to the brain. Vision may become blurry or dim because the cataract stops light from properly passing through to the retina. Risk factors for developing cataract include a family history of cataract, diabetes, smoking, extended exposure to UV rays, serious eye injury, and the use of steroids. Americans spend $6.8 billion every year on direct medical costs for outpatient, inpatient, and

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011

prescription drug services for cataract, according to the 2007 “Economic Impact of Vision Problems: The Toll of Major Adult Eye Disorders, Visual Impairment, and Blindness on the U.S. Economyâ€? study funded by Prevent Blindness America. “We encourage everyone, especially those ages 40 and over, to get a dilated, baseline eye exam from their eye care professional,â€? said Hugh R. Parry, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness America. “This gives your eye doctor the best opportunity to monitor any changes in the eyes and treat them accordingly.â€? Generally, a cataract does not cause pain, redness, or tears. The following problems may indicate a cataract: • Blurred vision, double vision, ghost images, or the sense of a “filmâ€? over the eyes. • Lights seem too dim for reading or close-up

MONTANA SENIOR NEWS PAGE 39

work, or eyes are “dazzledâ€? by strong light. • Eyeglass prescriptions change often and the changes do not seem to help vision. • Double vision in one eye • A milky or yellowish spot develops in the pupil. Many cases of cataracts will require surgery. Cataract surgery is the most frequently performed surgery in the United States with an average of 3 million Americans undergoing cataract surgery annually. Fortunately, it has a 95 percent success rate, generally resulting with patient’s vision of 20/20 to 20/40. For free information on cataracts in both English and Spanish, or to receive the Your Guide to Cataract Surgery and Medicare Benefits and Your Eyes fact sheets, please call Prevent Blindness America at 1-800-331-2020 or log on to preventblindness.org. MSN

Building Montana’s Pediatric Hospital For 113 years, St. Vincent Healthcare has provided pediatric services to children in Montana and Wyoming. St. Vincent Children’s Healthcare continues to be the only hospital in our region with a dedicated inpatient pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). The greatest determiner of whether or not a child can be cared for in Billings is the presence of appropriate pediatric specialists. The northern Rockies are devoid of key pediatric specialists: St. Vincent Healthcare is improving the state of pediatric care in our region by bringing together a base of more than ten pediatric specialists. St. Vincent Children’s Healthcare is creating a medical home for children throughout the region - a one-stop shop for pediatric intensive care and specialty care services.

Building a pediatric hospital in frontier America is a courageous challenge. St. Vincent Healthcare and the Foundation are steadfast in efforts to engage the best medical care through proper stewardship of scarce resources and by engaging generous capital investors in the mission. To date, we have managed amazing success - just ask any of the hundreds of parents and children who avoided out-of-state care. Building the ministry depends on philanthropic support and we are blessed to share our vision with you. For more information contact 406-237-3639. MSN

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How to cover what Medicare does not Dear Betty, With the new health legislation changes coming, I was considering myself lucky to be heading for something simple, like Medicare. How naive I was! Now I know Medicare does not cover things like my work policy did, and that a long hospitalization could cost me plenty. Now I am looking for broader coverage. Should I enroll in one of the many private Medicare Advantage plans? Or pick a letter from the alphabet of Medicare Supplement plans? Currently I am leaning toward a supplement policy. What do most people use? Can I switch if I am disappointed? Help! Confused in Colstrip Dear Confused: You are in good company, but luckily, there are resources to help you decide. Let’s look at Medicare Supplement insurance plans (sometimes called Medigap policies), since you are leaning in that direction. On the bright side, there are only ten being offered to new Medicare enrollees. As you indicated, they roughly follow the alphabet: A, B, C, D, F (standard and highdeductible), G, K, L, M, and N. The plans are federally standardized, so every A plan is identical to every other A plan, and so forth, no matter who is selling it. You do not need to gather plan

information from every company; you only need select a plan type and then compare prices. Montana Consumers Guide to Medicare Supplement Insurance will tell you what each lettered policy covers. Published annually by the Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance office, it is available at www.sao. mt.gov under “Seniors” (there is rate comparison information there too). Also see www.medicare. gov under Health and Drug Plans. Plan A is the least expensive and provides the least coverage. Plan F provides comprehensive coverage, and, predictably, is generally more expensive than a Plan A. The most popular plans are F and C, but of course, everyone’s needs are different. For the best bargain, be aware of how companies price their policies. You cannot control what inflation and other business factors will do to premiums, but by choosing wisely, you can control the age factor. Community-rated (sometimes called no-age rated) policies carry the same price no matter how old you are when you purchase them. Issue-age policy prices are based on your age at purchase. Attained-age policies are low for younger buyers but premiums increase with age, so in time they could get expensive. Decide quickly and carefully. Medicare Supplement insurers are only required to sell you these policies at guaranteed issue during speci-

fied periods, such as your open enrollment period for Medigap policies (usually a six-month period after your 65th birthday and your enrollment in Medicare Part B) or, for older workers and their spouses a shorter enrollment period after leaving employer coverage. Afterwards, you can be turned down or pay more. Choose wisely too: You can only switch under restricted circumstances. For more on enrollment periods or switching, see the websites mentioned earlier. Counselors at the State Health Insurance Assistance Program can answer your questions and discuss concerns about Medicare, Medicare Part D, Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare Supplement insurance, and health care options (800-551-3191). For questions about insurers doing business in Montana, call the Insurance Commissioner’s office at 406-444-4020 or 800-332-6148. Dear Betty is a biweekly column sponsored by Mountain-Pacific Quality Health, the Medicare quality improvement organization for Montana. Betty, a board member of Mountain-Pacific is also president of the Montana Senior Citizens Association, a certified Montana SHIP counselor, and an AARP volunteer. Please mail your questions on senior issues to Betty at Mountain-Pacific Quality Health, 3404 Cooney Drive, Helena MT 59602 or email them to dearbetty@mpqhf.org. MSN

Seven Prostate Symptoms That You Should Watch For Provided by ProstateProblemCenter.com The vast majority of men will develop prostate problems of some description as they get older, with the first signs of trouble appearing for a few men at about the age of 50, or possibly slightly earlier. By the age of 60, about half of all men will be experiencing prostate symptoms and this figure will have increased to about ninety percent

by the age of 80. For most men prostate symptoms will be fairly mild and, because most of us begin to develop a range of medical problems at this point in our lives, it is not uncommon for men simply to ignore prostate symptoms as nothing more than a normal part aging. As many prostate problems are not serious, and the symptoms can often be

very mild, this is not necessarily a problem and you can live with many prostate problems quite happily and without their doing you any real harm. However, not all prostate problems are harmless and if your particular prostate problem happens to be prostate cancer and you ignore it, then it could quite easily start to spread and eventually kill you. Indeed, ignoring prostate symptoms is

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011

the main reason why prostate cancer represents the second highest cause of cancer death the United States. There are many different symptoms that might point to a developing prostate problem and one difficulty we have in recognizing the cause of these symptoms is that they are often symptoms that could arise for many different reasons. However, if symptoms are not being caused by prostate problems then they will often be short lived (stemming from a bacterial infection for example) and will disappear in a matter of days without the need for treatment. However, where symptoms stay with you, or appear on a regular

basis, then it is likely that they are being caused by a problem with the prostate gland. Common symptoms include: 1. Difficulty beginning urination and the need to strain in order to start urination. 2. A loss of strength in the flow of urine. 3. A flow of urine that tends to stop and start. 4. A feeling that you need to urinate even after you’ve just been to the bathroom. 5. A need to visit the bathroom urgently and problems in ‘waiting’. 6. The need to visit the bathroom more frequently and, in particular, to get up to visit the bathroom during the night.

MONTANA SENIOR NEWS PAGE 41

7. A tendency to dribble urine for a while after you have finished in the bathroom. These symptoms indicate that prostate problems may be developing and although, in most cases, such problems will not be serious this is not always the case. Accordingly, as soon as these symptoms appear, you should consult your doctor who will be able to tell you exactly what the problem is and how to treat it. More importantly, if the problem does turn out to be prostate cancer, he can recommend treatment while the problem is in its early stages and can be relatively easily treated and, hopefully, eliminated altogether. MSN

Taking Three To Heart: Know The Cholesterol Three (NAPSI) Some important health issues also come in threes. Cholesterol, for instance. Cholesterol is a type of fatty substance, also known as a lipid. Your body makes cholesterol, but it also comes from some foods you eat. Your body needs some cholesterol to function, but the wrong amounts of cholesterol can put you at risk for heart disease, heart attack, or stroke. Here are the facts: HDL (high-density lipoprotein) is “good” cholesterol because it carries cholesterol from the arteries to the liver, where it is removed from the body. While having low levels of HDL may increase your risk for heart disease, high levels of HDL seem to protect against heart disease. You can help increase your HDL levels through lifestyle changes, such as getting more physical activity and choosing healthier fats like those that are found in olive oil, nuts, and fish. LDL (low-density lipoprotein) is considered the “bad” cholesterol. If too much LDL is in the blood, it can build up in your arteries. Together with other substances, LDL forms plaque that can restrict blood flow to your heart and brain. Having high levels of LDL in your blood can lead to heart disease, heart attack, or stroke. Triglycerides, often called “trigs,” are the third main part of cholesterol. Trigs are produced in the liver and also come from the foods you eat. Like

LDL, high levels of trigs may contribute to the narrowing and hardening of arteries, making it hard for blood to flow. And many people with a high triglyceride level often also have high bad cholesterol and low good cholesterol. “It’s important to address the three main types of lipid levels. You need to pay attention to high LDL and triglyceride levels, and low HDL levels,” says Dr. Peter Alagona, associate professor of medicine and radiology at Penn State College of Medicine and Program Director of General Cardiology at Penn State Heart and Vascular Institute. Try these practical tips to raise your HDL and lower LDL and trigs: • Cook low fat: bake, broil, grill, steam, poach, or boil. • Exercise: It is okay to break it into three 10-minute segments. • Do not skip meals: It can make you hungry and lead you to overeat. • Read nutrition labels to avoid harmful saturated fats and trans-fat. • If your doctor has prescribed medication, set the alarm on your cell phone as a reminder of when it is time to take it. “A heart-healthy diet, moderate exercise, and, for some people, medications are the keys to managing and maintaining your lipid levels,” says Dr. Alagona. You can learn more about cholesterol management at www. GetTheCholesterolFacts.com. MSN

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AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011

Bataan Death March Survivor Enjoying World-Wide Fame Article & Photo By Sue Hart Ben Steele, 93, of Billings, was used to a certain amount of fame in his home community and around the state of Montana. After all, he was a highly revered teacher and Department Head in the Art Department at Eastern Montana College (now MSU Billings), a survivor of the Bataan Death March and years in Japanese POW camps, and an accomplished artist. The former ranch kid whose father had taught his boys to be “rugged,” a gift that may well have saved his life during the trials of the war years - never dreamed that he’d become a hero to countless people, not only in the United States, but around the world. But that’s what happened after authors Michael and Elizabeth Norman decided he would be the perfect example of an American POW for a book they wanted to write about the war in the Philippines, life in Japanese POW camps, and the aftermath of the war for survivors on both sides of the conflict, both the soldiers and their commanding officers. Ben had not written, but had drawn, his own story of life as a POW, and his drawings pro-

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vided powerful illustrations for the Normans’ book. In fact, Ben still always has a sketchbook handy, and sketches on a daily basis - often figures from his days as a POW. I have a sketch of a guard done on a paper napkin after we had finished having lunch together. It is framed, and it hangs in my living room. Once they had found Steele, whose story anchors the book, the Normans continued researching their topic in both the United States and Japan. The project took them ten years to complete, but when Tears in the Darkness was published it was to great acclaim, including rising to #8 on the New York Times Best Seller list. Suddenly, Ben and his wife Shirley, a former teacher, librarian, and a wellrespected poet in her own right, found themselves very much in the spotlight, with Ben’s story appearing not only in a best selling book, but in numerous publications around the country, including American Heritage Magazine (“Bataan Sketchbook” by Michael & Elizabeth Norman), Army Magazine, World War II Magazine, the Air Force Magazine, Montana Quarterly (“The Art of Survival,” by Scott McMillion), and Montana Magazine. Even the University of Denver’s Alumni Website posted a story about their long ago graduate. And in another publication, the American Airlines on-board magazine for passengers, an interview with Alec Baldwin mentioned Ben. He and Ben have become “e-mail and phone acquaintances,” since Tears in the Darkness came out, according to Steele, and Baldwin sponsored a recent book signing party for Ben in Red Lodge and an Art in the Beartooths program, featuring Ben and his former students,

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011

both of which benefited the Carbon County Art League. The Impact of Tears in the Darkness - “I’ve probably signed at least 4,000 books,” Ben says. Not one of those was signed at official signings. “A lot of people have shown up at the house with books to be autographed,” Shirley says. In fact, since the book came out, life in their relatively quiet Billings home has become “a lot busier,” she adds. “People call from all over the place,” Ben says. “Often they’re people who had relatives who were POWs. Or they’re autograph collectors or history buffs.” “Sometimes too many in a day,” Shirley admits. “But often, it’s exciting.” ‘The upside of that increased traffic,” she notes, “is that we’ve met a lot of very interesting and terrific people.” An example of “exciting” would probably be hearing from Alec Baldwin, or being invited to attend an “Inspirational Conference” in Vail, Colorado, by a entrepreneur who had them flown to the event in a private chartered jet and put them up in very comfortable surroundings. Among the other attendees: Moon Walker Charlie Duke, Tom Kirk, a fellow POW with John McCain, and astronaut Scott Carpenter. Mrs. Carpenter was quite amazed when she answered a question about where she had grown up saying, “In a little town that no one’s ever heard of, Alpena, Michigan,” and Shirley responded, “I was born there.” And Ben was a featured speaker at District Meeting of the U.S Department of Justice in Billings. Ben laughs and says, “They think I’m famous or something.” Life as a “Famous Person” - Indeed, he has become famous because of what he and his family and friends refer to as “the book.” And the Normans, Michael and Beth, “are like family.” Shirley says. The Normans were on hand to celebrate Ben and his work in a joint show with his most famous

student, Clyde Aspevig, at the Western Heritage Center in Billings this past spring. They arrived a little late at the reception because they’d been on the phone discussing the release of Tears in the Darkness in Japan, which was scheduled for the next week. Since then, the book has also been translated into Chinese and released there, and a Czech Republic translation is underway. “I guess it’s kind of international, now,” Ben says. Shirley laughs and recalls having one of her poems appear in a Canadian publication. “I guess we’ve both been internationally published.” A Family Graduation - The Steeles recently returned from the U.S Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs where they attended the graduation of a grandniece. While there, they stayed in the same home where Cindy McCain, wife of former Vietnam POW and current Senator John McCain, was also staying. They both found Mrs. McCain “charming,” but Ben notes, “We didn’t talk politics.” A highlight of the trip occurred when Ben was the first to salute his grandniece after her graduation. At the end of the mutual salutes, she pressed a silver dollar into his palm - a custom at the Air Force Academy. Upcoming Events - It will be a while before life slows down for the Steeles. This year’s Montana History Conference in Missoula on September 22-24, has as its theme No Ordinary Time: War, Resistance, and the Montana Experience. One of the highlights of the conference will occur at the Museum of Art & Culture on the University of Montana campus from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, September 23 when Ben’s paintings based on his POW experiences will be displayed at an exhibit reception. The title of the exhibit is War Torn: The Art of Ben Steele. And as difficult as it is to see some of the scenes he depicts, it is uplifting to know that he has no animosity toward his former enemies, and, in fact, he and Shirley count some of his Japanese-American former students among their closest friends. MSN

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Cove Canyon Grasslands is the McEvoy family’s gift to future generations By Kim Thielman-Ibes Just a few miles northwest of Billings lies a 2,400-acre oasis of mixed grass plateaus and sandstone canyons aptly named the Cove Canyon Grasslands. Under the stewardship of the McEvoy family, this roadless ranchland will be protected in perpetuity through a conservation easement. Importantly it will also be used for teaching and connecting people to the beauty and importance of the land. “Larry and I recognized from our practices how disconnected people were from the land and from nature,” says retired family therapist Carol McEvoy. “We saw this through our patients - people just didn’t have any sense of belonging anywhere.” For many years, Carol and her husband, retired physician Larry McEvoy, had a vision of establishing an outside laboratory and learning center where people would have an opportunity to develop an appreciation for their native surroundings. When one of their two sons, an ER doctor working out of Billings, found this 2,400-acre parcel for sale just fifteen minutes away from the city center, it was only natural for this preservationminded family to buy it, place it into a conservation easement, and establish an organization to bring the prairie to the public - fulfilling Carol’s and Larry’s vision to establish an outdoor learning center. The McEvoys went together as a family - Carol,

Larry, and two of their four children - to purchase the four parcels that they now call the Cove Canyon Grasslands. They bought the Billings ranchland from the historic Zimmerman family in early 2000 and established a legacy they could share as a family and as a community. “We believed this was a way to provide for future generations and share the land the way we’ve learned to love it,” says Carol. The McEvoys established a non-profit organization in 2003 to manage the educational programs at Cove Canyon Grasslands, which have included simple events like their prairie Wednesday walkabouts, bird watching, and wildflower hikes and more in depth projects such as their two-year outdoor science, art, and nature workshop for developmentally disabled people. Or, their ten-week series for the public introducing people to every four-legged, two-winged creature on the prairie while teaching them about geology, history, plants, and nature’s elusive-prairie sounds. “This is a large piece of preserved prairie that happens to be six-miles from the large urban community of Billings,” explains Carolyn Sevier, resident staff naturalist and program director for Cove Canyon Grasslands and its non-profit management organization Rim Country Land Institute. “That’s pretty unique around the country. My favorite thing on the prairie is the unexpected. The perspective is either really big or very small.”

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The McEvoys have a history of preservation and conservation. They moved to Clancy in 1975 purchasing 91 acres just south of Helena. In 1993, they put these holdings into conservation easement as a Christmas present for their children. “They grew up on the Clancy land and they come back with their children to sit under that special grove of trees or relax by the pond,” relates Carol. That sense of place and connection to the land is a core value for the McEvoys. “It really depends on private parties today to retain the natural characteristics of the land and contribute to conservation,” adds Larry, “The government is not as interested in preservation as it was thirty or forty-years ago.” Cove Canyon Grasslands and its non-profit programs have undergone a change this summer. Many successful programs are taking a short hiatus, given the difficulty of finding a sustainable financial solution to support their naturalist staff and the underwriting of their outdoor classes.

“It’s been difficult with the economic downturn. Many non-profits are in the same situation,” explains Carol. “We’re not disbanding but we’re not sure what it’s going to morph into.” Under the McEvoy’s stewardship, the prairie grasslands, once used for cattle grazing, have seen remarkable restoration. Native grasses, such as the Bluebunch wheatgrass, have returned and flourished, a prairie-dog town reestablished itself, herds of elk have returned, and wildflowers bloom in abundance. Most people cannot wait to make it through a drive on the prairie, but the McEvoys are just not most people. “The cycle of life on the prairie is subtle but beautiful,” says Larry, “My first trip to visit grasslands was in the eighth-grade and I’ve been hooked on the prairie ever since.” The McEvoy’s vision for the Cove Canyon Grassland’s remains steadfast and true. To stay connected and informed on future programs visit their website: www.rimcountry.org. MSN

Billings is Buzzin’ with Fun Summer and Fall Events By Bernice Karnop As we roll through August, September, and into October it’s time to pack in some fun before the long winter sets in. Billings, the hub of activity in southeast Montana, is a great place to start. But the smaller area towns also offer some great events that will create warm memories to take you into next year. You may come to town to shop or do business, but don’t allow the urgent activities of summer to crowd out events that range from wacky to wonderful which our area has to offer. We’ll give you a start with a dozen special things we found around Billings. Scan the list, check out the web sites, and mark your calendar for the ones you want to attend. • Drive to Red Lodge for the Festival of Nations August 5 and 6. This iconic event has been celebrating the coal mining town’s ethnic diversity for more than 50 years. The celebration includes food, exhibits, music, dancing, and more from many different nations. You can enjoy the Festival of Nations with friends or with your grandchildren. For more information call 888-281-0625. • The Magic City Blues - Montana’s Urban Music Festival on August 11-14 is held outdoors in downtown Billings. It’s fresh, it’s fun, and you can eat, drink, and dance in the street. In a different

Billings venue each day, you will enjoy world-class music in a casual eclectic atmosphere. Learn more at www.magiccityblues.com or call 406-670-2329. • Crow Fair - August 18-22 you can immerse yourself in all things Indian at the annual Crow Fair in Crow Agency. Most impressive is the sight of 1,200-1,500 teepees at the encampment. Evening pow wows showcase the different dances and the different tribal cultures. The morning parade shows off beautiful bead and leather work. You will appreciate the best in Indian horsemanship at the all-Indian rodeo and horse races. Don’t miss this cultural event which draws people from all of the U.S., Canada, and the world. For more information call Dean Bird at 406-860-1440. • The MontanaFair in Billings celebrates Montana Agriculture from August 13-20 at Metra Park. Soak up the State Fair atmosphere with visits to exhibits like cooking, crafts, animals, arts and much more. Free entertainment, concerts, and kids shows are on stages throughout the grounds. Of course there’s the carnival and the onetime-a-year fair food. • Anyone with an agriculture background will enjoy the Huntley

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Project Threshing Bee on August 20. Find this powerful event at the Huntley Project Museum of Irrigated Agriculture next to the MSU Experiment Station about 15 miles northeast of Billings on Highway 312 between Huntley Project and Worden. Sponsored by the South Central Montana Antique Tractor and Machinery Association, the Threshing Bee includes “steam and gas threshing, a stationary engine display, gas tractor and steam engine plowing, hay baling, binding, a saw-mill, wood planer, shingle mill, working blacksmith shop, tractor pull competition, parade, arts, crafts, musical entertainment, and concessions .” Whew. • The Big Sky Polka Festival on Labor Day is called the largest dance festival in the entire Rocky Mountain northwest region. Held annually at the Shrine Auditorium in Billings, the event is from September 2 to 4, with a Thursday night jam session on September 1. Dancers have come from thirty states and Canada. They don’t just polka. Waltzes, two-steps, jitterbugs, Schottisches, and a little bit of country add to the fun. You’re welcome to park your RV in the big parking lot, although there are no hookups available. Call them for information at 406-656-7470 or visit http://bigskypolkaclub.com. • You can continue dancing at the nation’s only Chokecherry Stomp during Lewistown’s funky Chokecherry Festival on September 10. This beautiful central Montana city celebrates all things chokecherry, starting with a pancake feed featuring chokecherry syrup in the morning and ending with the Chokecherry Stomp at night. Food, vendors, fun run, crafts, and the ever popular pit

spitting contest continue throughout the day. The pucker-y fruit has long given Montanans a reason to celebrate with syrup, jam, jelly, and wine. You may find out what else creative souls can make with chokecherries when you attend the Chokecherry Festival in Lewistown. • On October 1 Billings celebrates the second annual Oktoberfest in the parking lot of the Yellowstone Art Museum, 402 North 27th Street. Microbrews, live bands, and German food take center stage for this fall fun event. For tickets call 406-256-6804 or email events@artmuseum.org. • Hundreds of Seniors will converge on Billings October 3 and 4 for the always fun and informative Governor’s Conference on Aging, hosted by the local Area Agency on Aging and the Governor’s Advisory Council on Aging. Each year these gatherings are an important venue for seniors to learn about policy changes that affect them. It also gives them a chance to add their input so they can affect a future important to all citizens. The Governor’s Conference on Aging will convene at the Billings Holiday Inn Grand Montana. For more information visit the Aging Services web site, www.aging. mt.gov or call conference director Brian LaMoure at 800-332-2272. • Rock hounds from the Northwest gather at the Billings Hotel & Convention Center, 1123 Mullowney Lane for the Billings Gem and Mineral Annual Show October 8. You’ll find dozens of displays including gems, minerals, jewelry, artifacts, and fossils. Dealers sell jewelry, gold and silver, minerals, lapidary material, and other items. For more information, call 406-373-5131. MSN

Billings Catholic Schools Celebrate 100 Years! High academic standards, a strong sense of community, and Christ centered education are just some of the values reflected each day at the Billings Catholic Schools. Motivated by “Faith, Family Spirit, and Academic Excellence”, the Billings Catholic Schools create a nurturing environment that allows all students to reach their full potential. Through the support of a faithful community, this Catholic School System has evolved from a single parish elementary school started in 1911, to the present day P/K-12 system. This year, BCS is celebrating 100 years

of serving students, families, and the community with Catholic education in Billings. In an effort to help keep tuition at an affordable level, BCS hosts yearly fundraisers. Their biggest fundraiser, Mayfair, will be held in May 2012. If you would like to make a contribution to Mayfair or would like to learn about how you can help launch BCS into the second century of quality Catholic education, please call the Foundation office at 406252-0252. From 1911 until today, the Billings Catholic Schools have provided the community with a school system that produces individuals who will become tomorrow’s leaders. MSN

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011

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The wonderful nutritious Pinto Bean is a hit with Montana farmers Article & Photo By Kim Thielman-Ibes Montana farmers are mostly known for their wheat, barley, and hay production but along a small stretch of irrigated farmland in eastern Montana, an area known more for its sugar beet production, a small group of farmers has been adding pinto beans to their crop rotation. For over twenty years, Russell and Jackie Gruel have farmed just south of Billings in Jolliet next door to Russell’s parents. Both families rotate pinto bean crops into their sugar beets, corn, grain, and alfalfa. Russell Gruel learned how to farm pinto beans from his father, though he did not instantly jump into pinto bean farming when he and his wife started farming on their own. “Like any other crop you have to justify the machinery cost,� says Todd Curtis, Yellowstone Bean Company VicePresident. “Though the investment is not as much as other crops.� Farmers can use a normal combine with some equipment adjustments - typically adding a cutter to the combine. The Yellowstone Bean Company in Bridger has been a major buyer of Montana’s dry bean crop for over thirty-years. They are also one of the best resources for farmers when it gets down to understanding the nuts and bolts of growing this ancient crop. Their Montana facility holds up to 15 million pounds of pintos annually while their Wyoming facility holds close to 18 million pounds. Pinto beans are among the first crops planted each spring and are typically sown around Memorial Day and harvested during early September. According to the Jefferson Agricultural Institute, production costs for the pinto bean should be similar to soybeans though farmers could see additional labor costs in harvesting. “We stopped growing pintos for awhile,� explains Jackie, “Part of the reason we stopped was their harvest date was the same as our alfalfa seed and corn and it was a real struggle to cut all three.�

When the Gruel’s recently stopped growing barley they added pintos back into their four-crop rotation. “We rotate our pinto bean crop with our corn and alfalfa and the contract price we get for these crops determines the number of pinto bean acres we plant.� The Gruel’s have experienced some of the difficulties in harvesting pintos. “We’ve had nightshade problems in our pinto bean fields,� says Jackie. She and her husband spent one harvest walking through their pinto rows picking out nightshade - a labor intensive and costly endeavor during harvest season. The attractiveness and profitability of the crop depends heavily on what other crops it’s competing with mostly corn and alfalfa in Montana. The 2010 planting season saw a record number of acres planted in pinto beans across the nation, over 1.9 million acres. The U.S. grows the highest quality bean and leads the world in dry bean production. This year, pinto bean acreage is expected to decrease up to thirty-percent in most areas except Montana. “Acreage is down this year given the price for other commodities,� says Curtis, “It started in the southern states where cotton prices are up twenty-five percent over last year. Cotton crops in the south overlap with corn as you go north and they put a crunch on other crops, stealing acreage from each other.� Curtis notes that the acreage roulette this year is the result of high cotton prices, some corn biofuel issues, and ethanol regulations. In 2011 will see the lowest number of pinto bean acres planted for over twenty-eight years. Meanwhile the market for pinto beans is growing. “As the Hispanic population grows the demand for the pinto beans, a staple for this niche market, also grows,� says Curtis. (Cont’d pg 49)

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Nutritious Pinto Beans - continued from page 47 Unlike North Dakota - the number one drybean producing state in the country farming over 600,000 acres of the crop in 2010 - Montana is thus far a minor player in pinto bean acreage. However, attention is being given to Montana’s pinto bean status, as land under the Big Sky is considered very well suited to this sometimes challenging and unpredictable yet potentially high yielding cash crop. Montana planted a little over 12,000 acres of pinto beans in 2010. “We don’t raise as many pintos in Montana, but they’re of higher quality,” relates Curtis. Many factors contribute to the quality of a pinto bean. The crop likes lots of water in the form of irrigation, yet depends on a dry climate to contain its native diseases such as fungi and bacterial diseases. Montana’s crop of pintos is naturally a whiter and brighter bean. This is important be-

cause the price for a pinto bean crop depends mightily on the crop’s color, a quality consumers notice most at the grocery store. Pinto beans, like other beans are highly nutritious. They’re rich in protein, complex carbohydrates and fiber - one cup provides over 58% of daily fiber requirements and more potassium than a banana. New research shows that they also contain anti-aging properties. Antioxidants in the seed coats are linked to lowering the risk of colon cancer and are a key nutrient for weight-loss. Their cholesterol-reducing fiber is beneficial for people with diabetes by helping to prevent blood sugar levels from rising too rapidly after meals. An added bonus - as if one were needed, the thiamin and vitamin B in beans are linked to aiding memory. Not bad for a little bean. MSN

Mother, Artist, And Teacher: Sue Schuld Article By Sue Hart Photo By Dennis Schuld When Sue Schuld graduated from college, her plans included obtaining an MFA from Eastern Washington University in Cheney, where she had already been accepted into their graduate program. Her plans changed, however, when her young son was diagnosed with autism. “The more I talked with his doctors and the more I found out about the disease, the more I realized that I needed to put art on hold, that learning all I could about autism was more important than painting” she says. “I knew the art wouldn’t go away.” So she changed her focus and pursued a Master’s degree in Special Education at Eastern Montana College (now MSU Billings). “I really had no idea about Special Education before that,” she says, but over her 31-year teaching career, she says she’s spent six years as an art teacher and 25 in Special Education classrooms. Born in Bismarck, North Dakota, Schuld came to Billings in 1961. While married to her first husband, Michael Slattery, now deceased, she lived in St. Xavier - in a house built by German POWs during WWII, and taught at Pretty Eagle School. “When I was interviewed by Euna Rose He Does It, the

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Superintendent of Schools, she was searching for an English and art teacher and librarian for the school. I told her I had a degree in Art with a minor in English, and that I’d worked in the college library. She hired me on the spot.” Schuld was delighted at “how warm and welcoming the Crow people were,” she says. “They are very family-oriented, and they have a great sense of humor that people not used to their culture have to learn to recognize.” The schools in the area often had Jesuit volunteers on staff, and, she says, “You could tell which ones didn’t get the Crow humor, because they didn’t come back for a second year.” Henry Real Bird, the current Poet Laureate of Montana, was principal of her school, and she remembers him fondly. “He used to write funny stories for the students,” she says. “I remember one Christmas story about the difficulty Santa had getting into tepees with his gifts.” Finding A New Passion - After she received the diagnosis of her son’s autisim and entered the Master’s program in Special Education, she discovered a real passion for special education. “The kids are great,” she says, of her students at West Laurel Elementary School, “but the paperwork is a heavy load. That’s the hardest part of the job, getting all the state-required paperwork done. It has to be done either before the kids arrive or after school’s out for the day. You can’t do it with the students there; they need your full attention.” Schuld does not limit her “school time” to classroom work, though. A few years ago, she was asked to paint a mural for the library at the South Laurel School. The theme was “Wild About Books,” and she had a great time designing and painting a jungle scene to illustrate the “Wild.” Last summer, she painted artist/author murals in her West Laurel School Library, using fanciful figures to suggest some aspect of each writer’s work. Among the authors were such giants in the field of children’s literature as Maurice Sendak (Where the Wild Things Are), Robert McClusky (Make Room for Ducklings), Paul Gobel (Native American stories), and Dr. Seuss - who was a college roommate of Montana writer Norman Maclean

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(A River Runs Through It). In the meantime, she and her husband Dennis spend every Wednesday evening with her son, Justin, who lives in a group home in Billings. “We always go out for dinner,” she says, “and then he spends the night with us. When we go someplace where we usually take Justin and he’s not with us, people always ask where he is.” Justin also enjoys trips to the grocery store with his mother and other family members. Summer Activities - One of the benefits of teaching is summer vacation - which most teachers probably treasure as much as their students do. Schuld devotes her spare time during the school year to drawing - about an hour a day, when possible - and in the summer she enjoys drawing and painting and riding her bike. She’s also a great gardener, a chore she absolutely loves. “It’s really rewarding to just go out and pull weeds,” she says. “Very therapeutic. It really helps get rid of frustrations and anxieties.” She and Dennis have enjoyed trips to Victoria, B.C. and the Napa Valley vineyards. But one of their favorite getaways was to the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome in the Hudson Valley of New York state. There they flew - twice - in a 1929 New Standard biplane. “It was just wide-open,” she says, “and the engine sounded like a big old tractor. Her Art Work Continues - In 2008, Schuld illustrated Pixie-Sled Dog of Snow Park, a very popular children’s book by Lela and Harry Schlitz. Currently, she has been working on sketches to illustrate the first book for children by an awardwinning author of adult fiction. Schuld is in high demand for her artistry with henna, giving people who want a non-permanent tattoo, an interesting design of their choosing. And Schuld makes beautiful throws, scarves, and all sorts of other items that allow her to use her love of color and design. Looking back over her career-changing decision to go into Special Education, Schuld says, “It’s been fun.” And she no doubt makes her classroom a “special” place to be. MSN

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011

By Bernice Karnop CBS correspondent Barry Petersen’s wife Jan was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s disease when she was 55 years old. He has written about this journey in Jan’s Story: Love Lost to the Long Goodbye of Alzheimer’s. Readers can hear Petersen in person at the Montana Governor’s Conference on Aging in Billings, October 3-4, 2011. The story will be presented at the Governor’s Conference on Aging in Havre on October 6-7, although Petersen will not be there. Petersen’s topic is timely. Alzheimer’s disease can strike as early as age 30 and the risk doubles every decade after age 65. It affects everything about the individual who has it, including personality, behavior, thinking, memory, speech, and reactions to stimuli. Petersen wrote the book knowing that in the coming years, many people will experience what he has experienced. By midcentury, the number of people with Alzheimer’s disease is expected to triple. The Governor’s Conferences on Aging are designed to educate people on many topics including Alzheimer’s disease. Day one of the conferences is planned by the Governor’s Advisory Council and includes topics such as stress and disaster preparedness. Attendees will be brought up to date on national issues by representatives from AARP and the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare. How the decisions of this year’s Montana Legislature have affected older Montanans will be addressed. Director Brian LaMoure reports that in addition to the always-delightful recognition of Montana Centenarians, centenarian businesses, those that have been in business for over 100 years in Montana, will be recognized by the Secretary of State’s office. It is not too late for senior centers to apply for one of the mini-grants, to be awarded at the conference. Go to the www.dphhs.mt.gov/sltc for information and registration.

Local committees plan the events for the second day of the conferences. In Billings, day two will start with Healthy by Design events, including targeted exercise and diet programs. “The Red Flags of Bullying� will address how to intervene when you see bullying in a Senior Center. Finally, they will give you hints on “How to Make Your Center Irresistible.� In Havre, the second day of the conference will address legal issues and other topics yet to be announced. Attendees are encouraged to take what they learn back to their communities, to make the small changes that will make their own lives better, and to start advocating for issues that are important to them. Those who attend have access to state agencies so they can help them better respond to the needs of the communities. By 2020, the population of Montana will have the fourth highest percentage of seniors of any state in the union. That is only 9 years from now! Come with your ideas about how to help the state adopt programs to meet the needs of individuals, especially in our rural areas. People love to come to the Governor’s Conference on Aging, says Brian LaMoure. “We try to make it very affordable and easy,� he says. By having two conferences in our very large state, seniors can come across town or to the larger city in their area instead of driving hundreds of miles to get there. Last year about 600 people attended conferences in Polson, Lewistown, and Miles City. Who can attend? You are invited to the Governor’s Conferences on Aging in either of this year’s locations, the Billings Holiday Inn Grand Montana or at MSU Northern in Havre. The only qualification is an interest in aging (Cont’d on pg 52)

MONTANA SENIOR NEWS PAGE 51

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GCA Celebration - continued from page 51 Aging about available scholarships. issues. First time attendees are welcome. Registration forms are included in the Montana Registration fees cover all of the sessions for both days, coffee breaks, lunch, and in some Senior News. Agendas and updates are available cases, dinner. Talk to your local Area Agency on at the Aging Services web site, www.aging.mt.gov. Call conference director Brian LaMoure at 1-800332-2272 if you have further questions. Conference Chair Gladys Considine again reminds readers that the state of Montana is bringing them good, solid, reliable, and truthful information for Celebrating the Past and Charting the Future. However, the best information in the world will not do you any good unless you come out and listen to it. We’ll see you there! MSN

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Shared Sacrifice: Code for Cut Social Security By Max Richtman Executive Vice President/Acting CEO National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare Americans continue to be bombarded with a Washington-based, Wall Street-funded campaign to handcuff Social Security to our nation’s economic crisis. While poll after poll consistently show the American people know Social Security did not cause our deficit crisis, there is a growing disconnect between Main Street America and Washington’s policy makers who continue their talk of cutting Social Security to balance the budget. People of all ages, races, and economic backgrounds have been rocked by the recession and our slow economy. Millions are still unemployed, incomes don’t meet the cost of living, and anxiety about the future stifles our recovery. Many Americans fear Washington is much more attuned to the needs of those who helped create this fiscal mess than the average citizens who are suffering because of it. They worry that lawmakers frequent references to “shared sacrifice” actually mean the middle class will sacrifice so the wealthy, Wall Street, and large corporations can continue to share the spoils of that sacrifice. Cutting or privatizing vital safety net programs while defending trillions of dollars in tax breaks and loopholes does not reflect the priorities of the majority of retired Americans. Fiscal hawks have pulled out more than just the proverbial budget ax from their toolbox in their attacks on Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. Old standards like privatization, budget caps, vouchers, and Social Security payroll tax cuts have also been proposed. Republican House members have introduced legislation, which would take your Social Security contribu-

tions and give them to Wall Street. That combined with the GOP/Ryan Budget would fully privatize both Social Security and Medicare. Ryan’s CouponCare plan would put insurance companies in charge of seniors’ healthcare while the so-called “SAFE” act would put Wall Street in charge of your retirement savings. Despite claims to the contrary, these privatization proposals aren’t about fiscal responsibility because neither will save the federal government money. The cost for converting Social Security into a privatized system would equal trillions of dollars while the GOP/Ryan plan for Medicare adds $13 in waste for every dollar saved. Meanwhile, millions of Americans lose their guaranteed benefits in exchange for a ride on the Wall Street roller coaster and coupons for their healthcare. Let’s not confuse what this debate is When you need a place to catch your breath after surgery really about. Cutting or an accident, ask for the rehab that’s the next best thing America’s safety net to going straight home: Immanuel Lutheran Communities’ programs is a political Rehab to Home. We’ll put you up in a newly renovated goal not fiscal responprivate room, and then help you get back on your feet with sibility. There’s nothing “shared” about that the care and kindness Flathead Valley people have turned sacrifice! MSN to for generations. So if your doctor tells you you’ll need rehab before you can go home, tell your doctor you want Rehab to Home at Immanuel Lutheran Communities.

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Applying for SNAP (Food Stamps) Just Got Easier! Nearly 1 in 7 Montanans receive monthly food benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly Food Stamps). The program helps Montanans with limited income afford healthy food, while also supporting local grocers, farmers, and businesses. Participants receive their benefits on a convenient and easy-to-use debit card that can be used to purchase food at the local grocery store. In Montana, SNAP participants receive an average of $130 per person every month, allowing them to focus on other expenses like housing, transportation, medical costs, and child care. Applying for SNAP, along with other government programs such as Medicaid, TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), and Healthy Montana Kids, is easier now through the online

application process. Visit Montana Connections at www.app.mt.gov/mtc to find out if you may be eligible for SNAP! Not sure if you want to apply? Use the fast and confidential pre-screening tool at the web address above to find out which programs you may be eligible for. If you prefer to use a paper application, you can pick one up at any Office of Public Assistance or request one by mail. Call the Montana Food Bank Network at 1-800-809-4752 to find your nearest Office of Public Assistance, request an application, or for application assistance by phone. Additional information (including current income guidelines) is available from the Montana Food Bank Network’s Get Help site: www.mfbn.org/gethelp. MSN

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Provides Support, Resources By Bernice Karnop Bring up the topic of grandparents raising their grandchildren and someone will say, “Oh, yeah. I know someone doing that.” In fact, Montana has around 6,600 grandparents who fit this description. There are about 2.5 million grandparents raising grandchildren in the United States and similar numbers across the world from England to Tanzania. It’s historically common for family to step up when children need someone to care for them. However, there are things that have changed in the recent past. And one thing that doesn’t change - the task is as challenging as it is rewarding. The MSU Extension office started a Grandparents Raising Grandchildren program back in 2002 under the direction of Sandy Bailey, PhD, CFLE, to provide support and resources for them. These grandparents truly want to care and provide for their precious grandchildren and Bailey’s respect for them is evident. “They’re a great group to work with,” she says. “They provide a valuable safety net when things go wrong, and they are doing a service to all of us.” When they learn that their children are unwilling or unable to take care of their grandchildren, grandparents often call with no idea what to do. Bailey helps them learn what resources are available. She connects them with other grandparents raising their grandchildren. Finally, she sees them become more comfortable with parenting the second time around. This diverse group includes people of many ages, income levels, and ethnic groups. Bailey’s worked with a grandparent who was only 37 and a great-grandparent who was 86 years old. The average age of grandparents raising grandchildren is about 60. Reasons for parents being unable to care for their children are also diverse. They include such things as substance abuse, mental health issues, financial issues, teen pregnancy, death, deployment, and other family crises. While many of these causes have been around for a while, there have been changes that increased the incidence of grandparents becoming the primary caregiver of their grandchild or children. In Montana, the methamphetamine epidemic was one. More women are being incarcerated, and when the mom goes to jail, the maternal grandparents often step in to care for the children. A shortage of foster homes also may be a factor; however, new research shows that it is better for children to bunk with relatives than it is to be pulled away from everything they know to be placed with strangers. Grandparents Raising Grandchildren’s annual conference came to Great Falls and Billings in June. The theme was communication. It covered topics like talking to schools, setting boundaries with parents, and talking to a child about incarceration. They helped grandparents understand today’s technology, including Facebook, Twitter, and the

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011

like. The conferences always provide parenting education and an introduction to resources. As they get together and see the needs, grandparents become advocates for children and their caregivers. Grandparents went to the 2007 Montana Legislature and were able to get laws passed that help support this alternative family structure. Before the legislation, a grandparent couldn’t enroll her grandchild in head start because she didn’t know where the parents were. Without guardianship or custody she could not get the child immunized or place the child in school without paying out-of-district tuition. The 2007 law

included a way for the caregiver grandparents to obtain the right to sign for the child so they can receive medical care and schooling when parents are not in the picture. Bailey is anxious to get the word out to grandparents that they aren’t alone. There are 18 support groups around Montana where they can find support, information, and resources. If you have questions, contact the office of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren in Bozeman at 406-994-3395. You can also email them at GRG@montana.edu. MSN

Bozeman Writer Helps Individuals Pass Stories On To Family And Friends Anyone who has a great coming-of-age story or has gone through a transforming life experience has heard the well-meant compliment, “You should write a book!” One local writer has simplified that daunting assignment. Through ghostwriting partnerships, Anika Hanisch has begun helping private clients craft their personal stories in a shorter, more manageable booklet form. “There’s this misconception that a memoir needs to be a 300-page best seller in order to justify writing it. No wonder people are scared to start,” said Hanisch, whose writing career has given her opportunities to cover story-makers throughout the U.S. and abroad. “What if we adjust the expectations? Make it a fifty-page booklet that you pass on to your children and grandchildren. Don’t worry about publishing; it’s a private gift to loved ones. That’s what is important, and that is totally do-able.” Providing an alternative to the stress of formal publishing, Hanisch helps people craft memoir booklets to share with their family and friends. She works with clients at any level - whether editing a draft they have already written, or providing comprehensive interviews, writing, revision,

and final booklet design. “It opens the genre to anyone who simply wants to share their story,” said Hanisch. “They don’t have to be writers themselves.” Hanisch recently completed a private memoir project for a fellow long-time Bozeman resident. The result was a Montana native’s memoir about the first three years of her marriage and the birth of her son in the 1960s. The story takes place on the Navy base near Pearl Harbor and includes flashbacks to the storyteller’s childhood in rural Montana. The project went so well, Hanisch began similar ghostwriting partnerships with other local clients and formally announced the service on her website. The Spiritus Creative founder and internet writer said she had been craving more local and regional work. The memoir booklets certainly fit the bill. “For now, I’ll serve Montana and northern Wyoming residents only,” said Hanisch. “With memoir, it’s vital to have face-toface contact at the first few interviews.” To learn more, visit www.anikahanisch.com, or call 406-581-9405. MSN

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Protect against Reverse Mortgage Abuse or Fraud By Terry McCarthy, Guild Mortgage During the recent Tools to Protect: Confronting Elder Abuse conference in Billings, Real Estate /Reverse Mortgage fraud were addressed. Montana’s Commissioner of Banking and Financial Institutions made the point that Reverse Mortgages are good loans when used for the right reasons. However, reverse mortgages can become a tool used by bad people for evil purposes and financial exploitation. Although the Montana Department of Banking and Financial Institutions has reported no formal written complaints related to reverse mortgages, there have been prosecuted cases in Planning for long-term many other parts of the country. The care is important. following examples will help readers understand some of the possible ways Take this first step. in which they can be exploited. Call today to find out how long-term care insurance issued by The Prudential One scam involved a loan originator, Insurance Company of America an appraiser, and a title escrow officer can help you. who formed an investment group that -DQ -RQHV )LQDQFLDO 3URIHVVLRQDO acquired homes for little money, inflated the value, and titled them to an older MDQHOOD MRQHV#SUXGHQWLDO FRP homeless person in exchange for that person doing a reverse mortgage and turning the proceeds over to the investors. A new law now requires the use Long-term care insurance policies are issued by of a third party appraisal management The Prudential Insurance Company of America, company to independently assign ap751BroadStreet,Newark,NJ07102(800-732-0416). Prudential, the Prudential logo and the Rock praisers. Federal law now forbids the symbol are service marks of Prudential appraiser to be in contact with the loan Financial, Inc., registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. This is a solicitation for long-term originator or Title Company. care insurance. An insurance agent/producer may contact you. Other cases of fraud and abuse in0157533 0157533-00002-00 volve younger family members transfer-

ring title of their home to an elderly relative who takes out a reverse mortgage to pay off the younger family member’s mortgage. The older person might not even live in the home. New rules for proof of ownership and residency are now in place to make this scheme ineffective. In other cases, seniors have been threatened into doing a reverse mortgage and turning over the proceeds to family members, caregivers, or in some cases total strangers. An investment salesperson had convinced one man to take out a reverse mortgage and then invest the proceeds; however, the investment did not exist. The problem was not the reverse mortgage, but the crook. Since the older man was not making monthly payments he did not lose his home but did lose the equity he had borrowed. The federal government has instituted new lending rules to prevent real estate and mortgage fraud within the industry. Nonetheless, where there is greed there will be financial exploitation. Until there are stiffer criminal penalties for these crimes, the abuse and exploitation will continue. Here people can use to prevent fraud and financial abuse. • Never borrow against your home for investment purposes. • Do not let anyone pressure you into making a financial decision or suggest not consulting your family members. Legitimate professionals will give you the time you need and will encourage you to speak with family and trusted financial advisors. • Reverse mortgages are not a Government Benefit and there is no deadline for applying - both of which are attempts to deceive. • Verify that the mortgage company you are dealing with is properly licensed with the State of Montana by contacting the Division of Banking and Financial Institutions at 800-914-8423.Using mortgage originators that are physically located in the state will make it easier to address any concerns and to prosecute if necessary. • Never send large sums of money to anyone so they can arrange a loan refinance, loan modification, or reverse mortgage. The only upfront money a legitimate mortgage lender should request is the appraisal fee of approximately $500, which will not be collected until after you have completed any required mortgage counseling and have signed an application. • No money will be due to anyone after a loan closes. Loan fees and charges are paid through the loan closing with the exception of third party fees for such things as the counseling, appraisal, or other inspections necessary prior to loan closing. • Do not give anyone title to your home or other possessions in exchange for their caring for you in your later years. • Do not add anyone to your asset accounts or title to your home so it will be easier when you die - not children, not grandchildren, not trusted friends. Doing so strips you of control of that asset. Creditor judgment liens belonging to these other persons can then be attached to your property. • HUD requires that homeowners receive counseling prior to applying for a reverse mortgage or loan modification. Do the counseling face-to-face

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if possible. If you are feeling ill at ease or pressured, share those concerns with your counselor. • In most cases you have the right to stop a refinance of your primary residence, including a reverse mortgage, at any point up to three days

after signing the final documents. It is okay to change your mind. • If you experience problems with a mortgage lender, or believe you are a victim of financial

MONTANA SENIOR NEWS PAGE 59

exploitation, you can file a complaint with the Division of Banking and Financial Institutions. Call 800-914-8423 to request a form or go online at www.banking.mt.gov. MSN

Enjoy The Rich History of Red Lodge & the Beartooths Carbon County Historical Society and Museum exhibits boast the rich history of Red Lodge and the rest of Carbon County with stories of Liver Eating Johnston and legendary rodeo families, the Greenoughs and Lindermans. Find out for yourself the true story behind the legend of County Sheriff Liver Eating Johnston. See the leather tooled suitcase that was in the airplane crash when Bill Linderman died in Salt Lake in 1965. Learn about the high-flying cowboys and cowgirls who made our Home of Champions Rodeo legendary. Learn about Dr. Siegfriedt, whose dreams of creating a direct route to the Cooke City Gold fields resulted in the opening of the spectacular Beartooth Highway in 1936, now celebrating 75 years.

Although gold was the attraction for many men who came out west to get rich, Carbon County’s “gold” was found in the mineral coal. Many coalmines were developed throughout the county. One such mine was the Smith Mine, where on February 27, 1943 the largest mine disaster of the era occurred, killing 74 men in an explosion that devastated the county and affected many generations. The museum’s basement is dedicated to coal and hard rock mining and the Smith Mine disaster featuring interactive Coal and Hard Rock mines. For additional information visit www.carboncountyhistory.com or call 406-446-3667. Visit us at 224 Broadway Avenue North in Red Lodge. MSN

Money Trumps Age When Determining Start of Retirement for Middle-Income Boomers Three out of four (73 percent) of our nation’s middle-income Baby Boomers say that their financial situation, not age, is now the key trigger for when to retire, according to a recent study conducted by the Bankers Life and Casualty Company Center for a Secure Retirement SM (CSR). The Middle-Income Boomers, Financial Security and the New Retirement study, which focused on 500 middle-income Americans between ages 47 and 65 with income between $25,000 and $75,000, found that one-third expect to retire after the traditional retirement age of 65 and 31 percent are uncertain at what age they will be able to retire. A majority of middle-income Boomers feel that they are behind where they had expected to be at this point in their lives in terms of saving for retirement and two in three (67 percent) thought that they would be in a better financial position for retirement than they are now. The CSR’s study reports more than half (52 percent) are not confident that they have saved enough to live comfortably in retirement, 38 percent are only somewhat confident and only one in ten (10 percent) are confident that they will have enough money to live comfortably in retirement. Although the adequacy of retirement income carries heightened importance for this generation of retirees, the study found that more than half of middle-income Boomers have saved less than $100,000 for retirement, 19 percent have saved less than $10,000, and 14 percent do not have a

Lininger Life Insurance Creates $400,000 Legacy For Rocky Life Insurance Policy Can Create Meaningful Legacy Death, by definition, may be a life ending, but not when the driving force of that life has been channeled to help others in perpetuity. Creating a legacy that will fulfill the dreams and aspirations of others is what Sharon and Neal Lininger crafted when they created a scholarship endowment that will be funded by a life insurance policy. The policy will establish a $420,000 scholarship fund at Sharon’s death. “Rocky Mountain College is grateful for the fantastic legacy gift created by Neal and Sharon,” said RMC President Michael Mace. “We know it will give them great satisfaction to know their generosity will positively affect the futures of countless students pursuing career and life dreams, and to do so while they are both alive and well.” The legacy gift is an example of “powerful philanthropy,” said Obert Undem, RMC director of planned giving. “Wishing to express their appreciation for the role that Rocky has played in their lives and thousands of others who benefited from Rocky educational experiences, Neal and Sharon have the great joy and satisfaction of assuring that their experiences can be replicated by future students much as they knew them 50 years ago,” Undem said. According to the Liningers, their motive was simple: “We love the college,” Neal affirmed. The Liningers met at Rocky in 1958 when they were freshmen students. Neal, the son of Omer and Lorraine Lininger, graduated from Polson High School, but took his high school music courses at Kalispell; Sharon, the daughter of Lilly and Orra Kemmis, was raised in Sidney, but later graduated from Richey High School. From opposite corners of the state, they found paths to their shared futures at Rocky. “We actually got engaged in December of our freshmen year,” Sharon said. They stayed committed even when Neal transferred to Eastern Montana College when Rocky no longer offered the music major he sought. “I remember taking a sociology course on dating and marriage from a chaplain at Rocky and we were the example of a relationship that would never work,” Sharon laughed. The Liningers celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in June. Sharon graduated in 1961 from Rocky while Neal graduated the same year from Eastern. Both earned master’s degrees (Sharon earned two, one in English and a second in Library Media) and Neal, also earned his Ph.D. in music. (Continued on page 61)

pension, 401(k), IRA, or any other type of retirement savings account. The ups and downs of the economy have caused women to rethink their retirement age more so than men, and according to the study, they will rely more heavily on their financial situation to decide when it is time to retire. “On the new road to retirement, the majority of Americans can now retire only when they feel they can afford to do so,” said Scott Perry, president of Bankers Life and Casualty Company, a national life and health insurer. “Now is the time to examine your financial expectations for retirement and make adjustments that can help to improve your financial security and, ultimately, the enjoyment of your retirement years.” The Bankers Life and Casualty Company Center for a Secure Retirement’s study Middle-Income Boomers, Financial Security and the New Retirement was conducted in March 2011 by the independent research firm The Blackstone Group. The complete report can be viewed at www. CenterForASecureRetirement.com. The Bankers Life and Casualty Company Center for a Secure Retirement is the Company’s research and consumer education program. Its studies and consumer awareness campaigns provide practical advice fo how everyday Americans achieve financial security during retirement. MSN

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Lininger Life Insurance Creates Legacy - continued from page 59 They enjoyed a lifetime of teaching. Sharon taught English, French and drama, before specializing in library media. Neal was a music director. Both retired from the public school system in Aurora, Colo. where they still live. “What we did for Rocky seemed obvious to us because we believe so strongly in what Rocky does. When we were back in May (when they were honored at the RMC President’s Dinner and they attended Sharon’s 50th RMC Class Reunion) we felt the same family spirit we knew when we were students,� Sharon said. “The students we Neal and Sharon Lininger, far right, were honored at the met, while only a annual Rocky Mountain College President’s Dinner. They few were really are pictured with Obert and Ginne Undem, and the guest impressive. We of honor, Broadway, TV and movie actor and mime, Bill had no doubt that Bowers. Undem is the director of planned giving for the college and helped the Liningers craft their legacy gift. we were doing the right thing,� Neal [Photo courtesy Dave M. Shumway, RMC] continued. The life insurance policy, issued on Sharon’s life, also worked to the Lininger’s advantage, Sharon and Neal noted. “We had IRAs from which we were required to make withdrawals and, needing nothing personally and not wanting to pay the income taxes, it was without question a great time to set up a planned legacy gift at Rocky. We hope others will decide to do the same after learning of our satisfaction in having done so. It was simple, fun, and the cost was greatly reduced by avoiding substantial income taxes we would otherwise have had to pay this year.� Basically the Lininger’s $420,000 policy will eventually fund an endowment that should provide $16,880 per year to help students, Undem said. The first year’s premium was $45,000 and the following nine annual premiums will be $15,000, after which there are no more premiums. Depending upon tax laws of those years, the premiums may be paid by non-taxable transfers from the IRA with such transfers not taxable to the Liningers but metered against required IRA distributions, or may be paid personally by the Liningers, in which case their pay-

ment will be income tax deductible. The insurance policy is owned by and payable to Rocky at Sharon’s eventual death, which, of course, is hoped to be many years in the future. The scholarships will be designated for students majoring in fine arts, which was Liningner’s preference. The Liningers also hope their gift may motivate others to consider similar gifts to Rocky. “It allows someone to do something really great for students down the road,� Neal said. The grimness and morbidity of death has been replaced by creation of opportunities for future students. “Rocky is a wonderful institution. It’s that simple,� Sharon said. MSN

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MSU Northern: See Fascinating Collections on Display in Hagener Science Center Article & Photo By Bernice Karnop The historic Montana State University Northern campus is lovely to drive by, but beyond the rolling lawns and brick walls are some collections you will find interesting. Do not expect the Hagener Collection to be a museum. These objects were gathered and are displayed for education rather than for entertainment. They were meant to be seen and studied in a scientific setting. Readers will welcome this unpretentious presentation and everyone is welcome. The collection includes Native American articles from various tribes of the Great Plains. You will see battle accouterments such as shields, weapons, horse gear, tomahawks, bows, and arrows. The collection includes clothing and headdresses, drums, pipes, and toys. You or your grandchildren may be interested in the animal displays that show the skeleton structure as well as skins and mounts. There is a paleontology display for those interested in dinosaurs,

and studies of fossils and rocks including Montana agates. T h e Hagener Collection is displayed in Hagener Science Center, a classroom building. The display cases are in the hall and you are welcome to look at them anytime the building is open. Of course, if classes are in session you will be quiet so as not to disturb the students. Admission is free. Guided tours may be arranged when you call 406-265-3706 for an appointment. Another place to visit on the MSU Northern campus is the Vande Bogart Library. The library has archives of old photos of Havre and the Highline. There are photos of Fort Peck Dam while it was being built, as well as Fresno dam under construction. You cannot just stroll into the archives but staff is available to help you. Images of the Indian Peoples of the Northern Great Plains is a searchable online photograph

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database. You can access them from computers More Havre Attractions Havre claims its own niche in Montana history. in the Library or you can look at them from your You will get a taste of it by visiting Havre Beneath personal computer. This collection provides access to Plains Indians photos from the collections the Streets. These underground establishments of the three Montana State University campuses include the Sporting Eagle, Fong’s Laundry, the at Bozeman, Billings, and Havre, the Museum Gourley Brother’s Bakery, and more. And you will of the Rockies, and Little Big Horn College in learn why businesses went “under” for a while. Havre Beneath the Streets starts at the RailCrow Agency. Tribes represented include Crow, Cheyenne, Blackfeet, Salish (Flathead), Kutenai, road Museum that is on the main street through Chippewa-Cree, Gros Ventres (Atsina), and As- town. With train sounds filtering in from the nearby tracks, you will see siniboine. In addition to some of the history photographs, the coland memorabilia of a lection includes ledger very important entity drawings, serigraphs, in northern Montana paintings, and more. history. You can find the You will find Havre’s images by going to early history laid out MSU Northern, then - very well laid out click on Library, and at the H. Earl Clack then About the Library. Museum in Holiday Scroll down to ColVillage. Behind Holilections, where you day Village, you can will find Images of the tour the bison kill site, Indian Peoples of the This restored stagecoach was used on the tri-weekly mail exNorthern Great Plains. press routes between Fort Benton, Coal Banks Landing, Fort Wahkapa Chu’gn. Click on this and you Assinniboine, and Fort Belknap Trading Post/Indian Agency, The site is carefully can view the images. according to the sign at the H. Earl Clack Museum in Holiday preserved in its natuOctober 6-7 when Village in Havre. The “Benton and Assiniboin” stage line ran ral state with artifacts Havre hosts the Gov- from 1879-1887, when the Great Northern Railway arrived. displayed at five difYes, the word Assiniboine is spelled three different ways! ferent dig sites along ernor’s Conference on [Photo by Bernice Karnop] the trail. Aging at MSU NorthAnother slice of nearly forgotten history is Fort ern, take time to see what this state institution has to offer. I look forward to seeing the campus Assiniboine Historic Site southwest of Havre. Built in its fall dress and to having time to appreciate in 1879, this cavalry post was the largest in the United States before its closure in 1911. Ask at this important city on the Hi-line. the museum about tours. MSN

Hide Artist Chandler - continued from front cover Al uses the names given to him by his grandfather as his art name, Chandler Good Strike. His signature mark is a deer hoof drawing. He makes drums, war shields, flat bags, trunks, and more. He paints them with traditional images of horses, buffalo, and men shooting rifles. Paints of many colors come from material he finds or trades with other tribes just like his ancestors did. Paint brushes are crafted from the porous stiff inner part of animal bone and used to work the pigment into the tissue of the hides. In addition to the hide painting, Al’s art includes feather work, bustles, war bonnets, and eagle staffs. He stretches deer hide like an artist’s canvas and uses it for his paintings. Al regrets the poverty in which he grew up on the reservation but looks behind that to the proud life that the White Clay People (Gros Ventre) lived centuries ago. Although their lives were hard, he says, “Back then everyone was in good shape and we lived good.” One of Al’s passions is to give children a chance to experience the feelings he had learning the Native art culture. He shares his knowledge through workshops and classes under the Montana Arts Council. He also shares his skills with youngsters at the White Clay Immersion School. He’s seen kids look at a hand drum they made in the old way and say, “I can’t believe I made this.” “They feel inside like they are a part of history instead of losing what they had,” he says. Al applied to the Smithsonian for a grant to teach such things as beading, tanning, and painting. “If I don’t get that money we will still do it,” he says, noting

that he’s talked to other elders who want to share their gifts as well. The reason is clear. He says, “I’m proud to be an Indian and I want to set the young on fire.” Yo u c a n F i n d Chandler Good Strike’s hide art at the Montana Folk Festival in Butte, the Santa Fe Indian Market in New Mexico and in galleries in Big Timber and in Bozeman. A donated hide is displayed at the First People’s Buffalo Jump near Ulm and at the Circle of Elders in Bozeman. His work has been purchased for private collections and he has attended markets throughout the U.S. MSN.

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Buying a Used RV? Get a Deal, Not a Headache

A house without a cat, and a well-fed, well-petted, and properly revered cat, may be a perfect house, perhaps, but how can it improve its title? - Mark Twain

By Teresa Ambord Are you in the market for a good used RV? There are plenty of them out there. But how can the average buyer tell the difference between a good deal, and a headache waiting to happen? Before you buy, do your homework. There are many resources available to help you make the right decision. Chuck Woodbury, the editor of RVtravel.com says, “If I had to boil down my advice, it would be that buyers should take their time with their purchase and do their homework.” With gas prices high, many RV owners are looking to sell, but whatever you do, do not get in a hurry. Here are some tips from Woodbury and from other seasoned RV dwellers. • Check the condition of the upholstery, carpet, kitchen, and bathrooms. If they have not been well cared for, there is good reason to believe that the working parts underneath have also been neglected. • Check the toilet tank, known in RV terms as the black tank. Does it reek? Obviously, it is not going to smell like roses. But if it has not been maintained properly, it will have a strong odor. • Don’t forget to check the tires, battery, air conditioner, and the refrigerator to make sure they are all in good shape and working properly. • Will your family fit comfortably in the RV? You expect to have limited space when traveling in a recreational vehicle, but if the unit is too small to house your family in comfort, an RV trip may turn into a nightmare. • Does the RV have smell issues? We already talked about the black tank. Other smells might indicate that food scraps have been left around carelessly, or that other things have been spilled and allowed to rot. It might be a sign that the owners were generally negligent. A bad smell could also be a sign of water damage. How to Check for Water Damage - The source of water damage may not be obvious. You need to check the RV from top to bottom. • If you smell mold or mildew, you must investigate further. • Is there discoloration in the ceiling that indicates a leak from outside? Water from outside has the most potential for damage. • Check around the windows, stove hood vent, and other openings to the outside. • Open the cabinets to see if there is discoloration that gives evidence of leaking through the sidewalls. • Don’t neglect the lower cabinets in the bathroom and kitchen. • Be sure to open areas where there is equipment and look behind it for water spots. • Check the floor wherever possible for signs of softness that indicate damage. If you do find water damage but the RV is otherwise sound, take it to a qualified RV technician to find out how bad the damage is and what the cost to repair it is. If the damage compromises the integrity of the vehicle, it may not be worth the “fix.” On the other hand, you might find

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the damage is mostly cosmetic and well worth the repair. It Pays to Sound As If You Know What You are Doing - Know ahead of time what you are looking for so you do not end up buying a unit just because the price fits your budget. Check out enough models so that you know what floor plans are comfortable for you. A good pre-buying tip is to take a weekend trip in a rental RV to see if the floor plan is a good fit for your family. Woodbury advises that you not buy a used RV from a private party unless you have first had it checked out by an RV technician and, if it is motorized, a mechanic. That, he said, is the “cheapest insurance you will ever buy.” Even if you buy from a dealer, if you are not familiar with the dealer, get an independent opinion. Take the rig for a test drive, not simply around the block. You need to know how it feels on the open road, and if you feel comfortable driving it. Never buy an RV from a campground or a

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parking lot, said Woodbury. No deal is good enough to take that chance. News reports have shown that scam artists buy inferior travel trailers and sell them to gullible buyers for what seems like a great price. Woodbury’s book tells how the trailers are generally offered for sale by young or middle-aged women either who are living in the trailers or in nearby cheap motels. They are “polite, well dressed, and outgoing.” And they usually have a sad story to tell that is designed to invoke sympathy. Finally, Woodbury also cautions shoppers about buying prior rental units. As is often the case with other types of rentals, the renters do not take proper care of them. That is why, he said, you must check every detail or you could be stuck with a “bum rig” or a “perennial fixerupper.” That does not mean that every detail has to be perfect. High mileage, for example, is not all that important if you are mainly driving it to a campground 30 miles away. MSN

Montana Senior Olympics Great Falls Photo Recap Mary Flesh, 63, Darrell Sunwall, 55, Mary Orham, 63, and Andy Schindele, 51, all from Great Falls, competed in the Montana Senior Olympics at Little’s Lanes in Great Falls. Mary Flesh says she was at the Senior Olympics for the first time because she likes competing with people her age. Mary Orham loves traveling all over the country to bowling tournaments. Darrell says that it does not matter so much why you participate but that you do. Ankle and other issues keep him from doing things he used to do, but he says, “There’s always something you can do.” [Photo by Bernice Karnop]

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AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011 So, did you know that Big Timber was a hot bed of horseshoe pitchers? They even have indoor pits so a person can toss the equine footwear all winter. Dallas Roots, 79, a retired CPA from Big Timber, went to the National Senior Games in Houston, Tex., for the fourth time this summer. The competition at Nationals is stiff, but, if you listen to Dallas, Big Timber might have it beat. [Photo by Bernice Karnop]

Charlotte Orr from Lewistown crosses the finish line in the race walk at Memorial Stadium in Great Falls. Charlotte came with her friend Betts Stroh and both had a great time on this beautiful day. To her right are judges Denny Hufford, Missoula, and Ken Chomo, Ronan. [Photo by Bernice Karnop] Hang out with someone who goes to the Montana Senior Olympics and you might find yourself in the game as well. That’s why Betty Polack, 67, right, is hitting a bright pink golf ball with her friend Thelma Willems, 80, left. The Helena women were delighted to be out on this perfect morning at the Anaconda Hills Golf course in Great Falls. Betty started playing when she turned 45, because, “when you reach a milestone you should try something new.” She was already active in other sports like skiing and horseback riding. She had a set of golf clubs, so all it required was a few lessons. Thelma’s son signed her up without asking her permission. She had just turned 50 and was doing racquetball, tennis, and more. After the Montana Senior Olympics, Thelma ran the 10 K in the Governor’s Cup in Helena. [Photo by Bernice Karnop]

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Hardin’s Walt Egged is a Man On the Run that were completely dry. Walt understands water, drought, and flooding. Article & Photo By Bernice Karnop Walt Egged, 76, has been on the run for a long time. That is a good thing. He worked for 27 years for the Bureau of Indian Affairs as an Agricultural He runs competitively and also race walks. In June he raced in the National Engineer and then as an Irrigation Engineer at Crow Agency. Now he is a Senior Games in Houston Texas, one of the nation’s largest cities. Walt has busy self-employed surveyor with Karen as his helper. Still, he is not too busy to enjoy been to Nationals several times, and his goal this year was to medal gardening and hunting. Walt grew up in the race walk. He faced some tough competition and came in fourth. in the Great Falls area and got his “It’s all about who’s there,” he says. degree from Montana State College In fact, Walt was one of 22 Montana senior athletes competing in (now Montana State University). He the National Senior Games along with 12,000 other participants. He worked in Illinois for six years, and intended to run as well as race walk but the two events were only two then moved to Hardin. hours apart, so he race walked. Race walking is a different technique His athleticism has never been where you have to keep your leg straight and land on your heel. In only about himself. While he was in competition you push yourself to go faster and Walt says he came college he wrestled and for the six away with sore shins for a couple of days. years in Illinois he coached wresGoing to different competitive races is fun not only because of tling. When he and Karen arrived in the games but Hardin in 1962, Walt coached the because of the wrestling team for more than a dozen people you run in years until their son was through high to. Walt and his school. Then he coached Junior High wife, Karen, also wrestling and continues to help coach enjoy visiting arthem. He says, “I just have to keep ea’s attractions. doing it until somebody says, ‘Hey, I’d In Houston they like to do that.’” went to the zoo, He earns no medals for coaching the Space Mubut the rewards are great. Kids call seum, and the out to him when they see him around Natural Science Walt Egged from Hardin grins after competing in the Museum where race walk at the Montana Senior Olympics in Great Falls town. He knows they love to wrestle and that it keeps some of them coming they particularly in June. [Photo by Bernice Karnop] to school. enjoyed an exCompeting at the Montana Senior Olympics and the National Senior hibit of butterflies from Games are only a start. Walt runs in the Big Sky Games in Billings, Teepee all over the world. On the drive home Creeper’s Classic at the Crow Fair, the Irish Festival in Butte, and the Sweet from this heat plagued Pea Festival in Bozeman, among others. Again, there are better rewards than the medal. “I’m going to keep runregion the temperature reached 112 degrees. ning and I’m going to keep exercising. If you stop, that’s when they put you They crossed four rivers six feet under,” he says. MSN

Lower Your Golf Score With Golf Course Management By Charles Samuels A wise man once told me that good course management on a golf course would help shave strokes off your game. The only problem was when my father was teaching me this lesson I was still young and dumb and wanted to stand over the ball and hit is as hard and as far as I could. It wasn’t until a few years later that I remembered the lesson that he taught me on the 10th hole at Francis Byrne Golf Course. The lesson was to think about the risk in the shot you are about to hit, and is the risk worth the reward. So can good course management help your game? Well here are some of my thoughts on managing a round that I have learned over the course of my golfing career either through playing or through a playing partner. Most of the time on a par 5 I leave myself about 225 to 250 yards away from the green on my drive, assuming I hit the fairway (and that’s a big assumption). If I do leave myself 225 yards out, I may be

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able to hit the green with a three wood, but I would have to hit it perfectly off the fairway, which doesn’t happen too often since I don’t hit the three wood too many times in my round. Plus, I just don’t feel comfortable hitting that club in that spot. There was once a point in my young golfing career in which I always went for the green. I would estimate 90% of the time I would put myself in great danger because of how inconsistently I hit that club and so walked away from the par 5 with a 7 or 8 on the scorecard. These days I pull out an iron, which when I hit it leaves me about 75-100 yards away from the green. I feel most comfortable from that distance on the course and feel that I have the best shot from that distance to walk away with either a birdie or a par, and in the worst-case scenario a bogey. That’s not to say I will never go for a green in two on a par 5, I am just saying that there is a time and a place to go for it - you just have to be smart about it.

During any given round, I can be a disaster off the tee, which usually leaves me in some treacherous spots on the course. One of the toughest lessons I have learned is to take your medicine when you hit an errant shot. I used to be the type of golfer that thought I could hit the miracle shot through the tiny break in the trees by keeping the ball low, hooking around a tree and onto the green, etc. Yeah, the type of shot that only Tiger or Phil can pull off. The majority of the time I would hit the tree and the ball would land behind me in an even worse spot. I have learned over the course of years to play it “safe” and punch out of trouble even if it means hitting it sideways in order to give myself a decent third shot. My thinking here is I might hit a decent third shot and give myself a decent look at par, but chances are I am walking away with bogey, which I will take in that spot. Finally, look at the danger in front of you. There are always shots on the course that look so invit-

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ing and tempting to try. Don’t let the course fool you. Usually it is these shots that if you miss you will find yourself in some serious trouble. They’re inviting for a reason. Take a step back and think, “If I miss my intended shot, what type of danger can I expect to be in?” This seems like common sense, but I see it time and time again on the golf course where people attempt to take dead aim at a pin that is tucked away in the back corner and surrounded by bunkers instead of aiming for the center of the green. Or, trying to hit a cut shot on a dogleg left when they haven’t hit a straight drive all round. By playing the safer shot and avoiding the trouble the course brings, I believe gives us the best shot at shooting more consistent rounds. If you found this article useful and would like to read more about golf or golf course reviews please visit http://www.golfcoursereviewgurus.com. Article Source: http://EzineArticles. com/?expert=Charles_Samuels MSN

Sticking to the basics of golf means the fastest learning curve By Jimmie McDowell A typical golf instructor might use the following commands when teaching golf to beginners: “Keep your head down! Keep your left arm straight! Don’t look up! Swing easy!” This approach can lead to an information overload, and is therefore a typical mistake instructors make. Beginners in the sport of golf learn most quickly when they limit their focus to the most important aspects of the golf swing - the grip, the stance, the takeaway, and the downswing. Gripping the golf club is the foremost component of the swing that beginning golfers must understand. To identify the top hand position, a golfer has to let his/ her hand hang down to allow a natural position to form. The club must then be gripped in this position, and the golfer must mirror the position with the bottom hand. J. D. Turner, a professional golfer says, “For a good shot to occur, the grip must support the club at the top of the swing and rotate the clubface back to square at impact.” A natural position will duly accomplish this. A golfer may overlap, interlock, or grip with all ten fingers, but make sure the grip is not in the palm of the hand and that the grip pressure is moderate. The second focus that is essential to a good swing is a balanced, steady stance. The golf swing must start with a solid base of support with the feet shoulder-width apart, and weight evenly distributed with slight flexion in the knees. The back ought to be fairly straight with the arms hanging naturally from the shoulders. The chin should be held up.

Next, focus on the backswing and the downswing. The correct backswing starts with a proper takeaway. Emphasis must be placed on pushing the club with the arms and hands at the start of the backswing. There should be virtually no movement of the lower body until the shaft of the club is parallel to the ground. Once again, it is critical to keep flexion in the back knee. This will create a wide, level shoulder turn that generates tremendous power. According to professional golfer Hal Sutton, “The hands should remain in front of the chest all the way to the top of the backswing.” When properly executed, the upper body will turn ninety degrees, and the lower body will resist by turning only forty-five degrees. The last point of emphasis for beginners is to hit down on the ball. The beginning golfer should swing the club so it travels slightly downward at the point of impact. By mastering a downward swing, where the bottom hand delivers the clubface in a palm-down position, golfers learn how to trap the ball against the clubface to produce powerful, accurate shots. This movement is initiated by letting the arms and hands drop naturally with a quiet lower body. Once the hands drop below the waist, the lower body will have a more active role. Again focusing on the basics, the grip, the stance, the takeaway, and the downswing, will result in the quickest learning curve of your game. MSN

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World Around Me - continued from page 27

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decided to clean out the box later. My second summer observation has to do with a twenty-year disagreement, a willow tree, and a resident squirrel. When we bought the lot my husband built our house on, there was a big weeping willow tree in the back. I voted to eradicate it, but with no other trees for shade, Bob out-voted me and said, “Leave it.” Because willow trees sometimes attract other builders, ours found one the summer our grandson, Sam, was nine years old. He came to stay one weekend, supplied with his Dad’s small electric saw, a carpenter’s belt, and as we later discovered, an inexhaustible amount of nails. Sam used a whole rainy day to construct a tree house, sculpted with his Granddad’s leftover lumber and he nailed it to the mast in all directions with small, medium, and huge nails. Until they were too big to climb up, he, his brother, and their cousins spent time in the tree and a rusty tin can on a rope remains as a reminder of their communication skills. “Can you hear me now?” Somebody in the family hung the residual tire off a thick rope and it served for a long time as a back and forth seat for swingers. After we lived here for a few years, the squir-

rels on the east side of town made like pioneers and moved west and one headed right for the willow. I do not like squirrels, let’s get that out of the way before you send PETA to visit me, and though Bob reminds me they were part of the plan, I just replied, “Not mine.” When Sam’s parents gave me a BB gun at least to deter the bird feed robber, I was delighted. Then I found the pellets never hit the target and my next choice, an air rifle, is illegal within city limits. The squirrel chased off a flicker who tried to drill a nest hole in a dead branch of the willow, and then he bit a hole in the bottom of a robin’s nest to get at the eggs and babies and I disliked him even more. Then this summer, things evened out. Rather than hiring someone to keep trimming the willow, Bob decided to have it cut down. My elation was unbridled and the squirrel would be out of an apartment. It took two men, a truck, a crane, a chain saw, and two days time to demolish the tree, get rid of all Sam’s nails and leave a lot of mulch for the tomato plants. The squirrel moved over to the blue spruce by the bird feeder and above him, a pair of Magpies sailed in with sticks to construct a nest. Raised as a farm kid, I have never been fond of these birds, but when they are in the air with sticks, they are actually graceful fliers. They also provided a comical sight the morning one of the pair gave an eviction notice to their neighbor. I heard their squawking cries and looked out to see the squirrel backing down the road, followed by the Magpie in a boxer-like stance, jabbing with wings at the retreating enemy. I laughed aloud. How nice to have help. It is almost better than a brand-new BB gun! MSN

Dented bucket continued from page 33 When I received these little remembrances, I often thought of a comment our next-door neighbor made after he left that first morning. “Did you keep that awful looking man last night? I turned him away! You can lose roomers by putting up such people!” Maybe we did lose roomers once or twice. But, oh! If only they could have known him, perhaps their illnesses would have been easier to bear. I know our family always will be grateful to have known him; from him we learned what it was to accept the bad without complaint and the good with gratitude to God. Recently I was visiting a friend who has a greenhouse. As she showed me her flowers, we came to the most beautiful one of all, a golden chrysanthemum, bursting with blooms. But to my great surprise, it was growing in an old dented, rusty bucket. I thought to myself, “If this were my plant, I’d put it in the loveliest container I had!” My friend changed my mind. “I ran short of pots,” she explained, “and knowing how beautiful this one would be, I thought it wouldn’t mind starting out in this old pail. It’s just for a little while, until I can put it out in the garden.” She must have wondered why I laughed so delightedly, but I was imagining just such a scene in heaven. “Here’s an especially beautiful one,” God might have said when he came to the soul of the sweet old fisherman. “He won’t mind starting in this small body.” All this happened long ago - and now, in God’s garden, how tall this lovely soul must stand. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. While man looks at the outward appearance, the Lord looks at the heart. MSN

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Family Outreach Means New Opportunities Family Outreach is a non-profit agency that provides services to individuals with disabilities throughout southwestern Montana. Family Outreach has recently expanded our Self-Directed Personal Assistance Program, a statefunded program that provides assistance with instrumental activities of daily living, limited household tasks, and medical escort services. The type of care authorized is based upon a person’s needs, living situation, and approval from their health care provider. Individual responsibilities include managing one’s own care according to authorized time and tasks, training, and scheduling of one’s personal care attendant. In addition, the client must understand how care can best meet his/her needs, review and sign timesheets, maintain a back-up plan, and participate in reviews regarding services. Agency responsibilities include providing information and assistance in understanding the program, program overview/oversight, conducting 6-month home visits with the consumer/personal representative, reviewing timesheets, and ensuring quality of services provided. Eligibility requirements include having a condition requiring in-home care, being eligible for full Medicaid, and having the ability to direct one’s own care or having a personal representative to direct that care. For more information about the Self-Directed Personal Assistance Program or to make a referral, please contact Kendra Rose in Helena at 406442-1571. MSN

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Humans fight like a buffalo By Bill Hall The evidence mounts that - much like a buffalo, a federal judge, or a first responder - we are driven by our genes to ignore our own safety when anyone in our pack is threatened by danger or death. You may remember the popular YouTube video of cape buffalo running to the rescue of a calf being hauled away by lions. At first, a half dozen lions terrified a herd of buffalo. But when the big cats grabbed a calf, it was too much for the buffalo. They were not built to do nothing in that circumstance. They beat up on the lions, tossing them into the air with horn-tip uppercuts, saving their own little one from becoming lion fodder. Many among our kind are built like a buffalo, and I don’t mean because they eat too much fast food. The sacrificial urge is in our genes, whether we all heed the urge or not. We are designed to rush to the rescue of strangers, to save fellow humans - those who are part of our pack. Just like a buffalo, we aren’t built to do nothing. Consider the recent reminder in Arizona. When a disturbed man started shooting people, the most common reaction of bystanders was to run to the rescue. They threw themselves on top of others almost instinctively, using their own bodies as shields. Among those who sacrificed themselves was a federal judge, John Role. He decided on impulse to place himself between flying bullets and another defenseless human being. That cost him his life. He had spent his years dodging personal death threats from angry cranks and shielding the innocent with the law. And then, when the law was powerless to help the situation, he threw himself over a fellow human, becoming judge, jury, and savior. The heroes of the Arizona shooting said what most people seem to say in such situations. They protested, quite sincerely, that they acted impulsively. They saw someone in danger, and before they knew it, they had put themselves in peril - without fully weighing whether they should have or not. On the other hand, there were some in the crowd who were able to resist that impulse, and you can hardly blame them. But what happened reveals that there is nonetheless a lot of buffalo in the human animal. We rise and we fall on the collective strength of the herd. It is not that those who gave their lives were not truly brave. But what we learn from this event is that Nature has built our kind to be brave when the herd is in danger, and a remarkable percentage of people rise to the occasion. If many members of the herd are inclined to be brave when some are under attack, then the herd is likely to survive and to perpetuate our genes, although at the cost of our most plucky members. You see the same thing time after time - first responders running toward a collapsing building, almost without thinking about it. And each Pearl Harbor sends the free and the brave rushing off to war. The herd is threatened, and they must help. In partial explanation, we humans possess a phenomenal trait that may make it easier to exercise whatever built-in bravery we have. In a crisis, Nature sometimes floods us with a kind of courage and adrenaline that lessens the fear of what must be done. Some people who have been in situations where they believed they were truly about to die will tell you that they were not afraid once death seemed certain. Perhaps that is because - when one is trapped in an apparently hopeless situation and doomed to die - fear becomes pointless. Some people who have miraculously escaped probable death say they were astonished at how little fear they experienced once they had accepted the inevitable. Strangest of all, some people have reported that, when being chomped on by lions, they forgot the pain and fear and became euphoric instead. So perhaps we are built to avoid panic when about to die, giving us the focus to fight back and free ourselves. Not me. If a lion starts eating me, I will whistle for the buffalo. Or if I am feeling really mean, I might summon a pack of outraged vegetarians. Hall may be contacted at wilberth@cableone.net or at 1012 Prospect Ave., Lewiston, ID 83501. MSN

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PAGE 72 MONTANA SENIOR NEWS

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011

GUARDIAN

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