June / July

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www.montanaseniornews.com TAKE ONE! FREE! Polson’s Unofficial Ambassadors: The Montana ShamRockers

From hospital thank-you luncheons to Seattle’s prestigious Northwest Folklife Festival this spring (via Polson’s Montana Beer Museum, above), Montana Shamrockers have been bringing their trademark sense of humor and music to audience’s all over Montana and beyond. Left to right: Neal (Nels)Lewing, Rick (Mick) Skates, Rob (Robbie) Sloan, Mike (Paddy) Lozar, and John (Liam) Glueckert. [Photo provided by Montana Shamrockers]

By Gail Jokerst www.gailjokerst.com “We consider ourselves the unofficial ambassadors for Western Montana. We go where we are called and serve as we are able,” says Neal “Nels” Lewing. If you think Neal is referring to political diplomacy or the Foreign Legion, think again. As the representative for the Celtic-themed Montana ShamRockers, Neal is talking about sharing the pleasures of Irish music not military support or diplomacy. For this fun-loving musical troupe, service comes as much in the form of performing gratis at nursing homes and schools as in driving hundreds of miles for a gig that barely pays enough to cover fuel costs. “We promote the joy of music, the power of love, and the gift of laughter,” says Neal, one of the group’s original members. He describes the ShamRockers as five men from Polson – Rick “Mick” Skates, Rob “Robbie” Sloan, John “Liam” Glueckert, Mike “Paddy” Lozar, and himself – who “sound like the Clancy brothers and Tommy Makem and have enough Irish in them to count. Some have more than others do. Some can trace their roots to specific locations in Ireland. Others have marginal ancestral associations.” Whatever amount of Erin-go-bragh blood flows through their veins, these “lads” bring equal measures of enthusiasm and dedication to their music. They rehearse as often as their day jobs permit and besides writing their own tunes and lyrics are constantly researching books, archives, old recordings, and sheet music for traditional Celtic melodies to add to their repertoire. “We try to find different arrangements but stay as close to the originals as we can. Unless a tune grabs all of us right away, we don’t dive in. We also research the history of each song and the era in which it was created,” explains Neal, who co-produces the Port Polson Players with his wife, Karen. “Then we can communicate the back-story – if it’s interesting – when we perform. Audiences like to know the history of the songs and like to sing along with us, which we encourage.” Additionally, the ShamRockers bring their trademark sense of humor to the stage whenever they perform. Ever since the group first harmonized ten years ago, fans have asked why the Irish so often sing about fighting, drinking, and sailing. Not one to be caught off-guard, Neal is ready and waiting with a reply. “The Irish have plenty of love songs, too,” he’ll tell you with the barest twinkle of the eye. “Their love of fighting, drinking, and sailing.” (Continued on page 37)


PAGE 2 MONTANA SENIOR NEWS

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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 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 Lisa Gebo Jonathan Rimmel Peter Thornburg Sherrie Smith

Production Supervisor Advertising Sales Advertising Sales Advertising Sales Production Assistant Graphic Designer 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 © 2013

Correction: The correct byline for the article Depression – Is it all in your mind or... that appeared on page 61 of the April/May 2013 issue is: By Carol Wilcock Wilcock is a Master’s degree Registered Nurse, Quantum Biofeedback Specialist and Diplomate, and Doctorate of Alternative Medicine. She is founder and CEO of Universal Health Connection, Inc. with locations in Helena and Missoula.

A Voice From The Past Thank you very much indeed for publishing online my article A Pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela in your April/May 2013 issue. The article by Mike McGough in that same issue, Thomas Edison – A Master Of The Genius Of Work, prompts me to write as well. If MSN readers would like to listen to the actual voice of Alexander Graham Bell, Edison’s contemporary and rival, they can do so if they have access to the internet. Simply go to your computer and enter the following link into your browser: www.voanews.com/ content/hear-the-lost-voice-of-telephone-inventoralexander-graham-bell/1651314.html. For all to hear for all time, Bell says, “Hear my voice – Alexander Graham Bell.” I found his first three words more difficult to understand than his speaking his name. You can read more about this in ScienceTimes in the April 30, 2013 issue of the New York Times. John F. Early New York, NY jearly12@nyc.rr.com

Different Names For The Same Birds I did the official state bird count with reprints of the Sate Bird and State Flowers from a quilt with those designs. The post office had stamps of the same. My daughter being a quilter made the quilt. For the state bird of Washington, the post office had the American goldfinch – yours was the Willow goldfinch. For the state of Alaska, you had the Western meadowlark; the material (post office) had the Yellow hammer. I love birding and read all of your newspapers every time. Luella Buchner Miles City Ed: Oooopps! The correct state bird for Alaska is the Willow Ptarmigan. The Willow goldfinch is also known as the American goldfinch, or Wild canary, Carduelis tritis.

It Was A Good Love Story I cannot begin to tell you how much I enjoyed The Wrong Funeral (Inspiration) author unknownsubmitted by Julie Hollar Brantley in the April/May issue. What a sad, funny, and endearing love story. I’m sending copies to friends. Love my Montana Senior News. Norma Anderson Butte

For more than 72 years, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana has been your trusted advisor when it comes to health care coverage. Maybe that’s why 96% of physicians and 100% of hospitals in Montana accept Blue Cross and Blue Shield. You deserve the best when it comes to health care coverage. Choose the one voice that speaks on your behalf and has been there for you since 1940–Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana. True Blue.

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JUNE/JULY 2013

MONTANA SENIOR NEWS PAGE 3

Fan Of The Swan Valley

Let’s Help Each Other

As a reader of Montana Senior News, enjoying the articles submitted by readers, I decided to write an article that hopefully would motivate readers to take a drive on Scenic Byway Montana Hwy 83 and visit the beautiful Swan Valley. For six years, the Upper Swan Valley Historical Society has worked to obtain a building for a museum and heritage site. I can report we do have a lovely log building that in its former life served as a model home and office for the Rustic Log Home Builders of Lindbergh Lake. Located in Condon (mile marker 43.5) we will be open for visitors, July 4 through the summer months. Our museum reflects the settlement of the Swan Valley, homesteads, occupations, and lifestyles of the earlier valley residents. Hwy 83 is a beautiful drive... a gateway to Glacier Park via Swan Valley, Bigfork, and West Glacier. Also on Hwy 83 is another fine rural museum located in Seeley Lake. If driving from Helena, stop in Ovando, and visit their museum too. For additional information, visit www.swanvalleyhistorialcsciety.org or phone 406-754-2745. Sharon A. MacQuarrie Seeley Lake

Every day, as I go about the daily routine of life, read the papers, and watch the news, I am deeply troubled by one very tragic attitude that has been twisted and manipulated to be accepted as something other than what it truly is: greed. We go about dressing it up and making excuses, but we do not stop it. And that is why there are poor people. We do not help people out of their circumstances, because we are convinced that helping them will cause us to have less or to be less – have less time and possessions, and be less financially secure. So we keep people in an endless cycle of poverty and insecurity. Yes, I said we keep them there. We never truly do enough! We make excuses, expect people to “qualify” in ways that we say they should (irrelevant conditions) and we find ways to either turn them down and away outright, or only do the least we can, all the while convincing ourselves and each other that what we are doing truly helps those in need. For so many of us, we need to take a true, soulsearching look at our own hearts. This economy is no excuse. There are no excuses in the richest land in the world. Is it truly enough to set up organizations and charities that regularly turn people away because they do not qualify? I know where of I speak, because I have been through it myself – feeling frustrated, helpless, hopeless, and more like a number and statistic than a person. The reason charitable organizations have so few resources is that those who have far more than they need give little to none and care very little. Let us wake up, folks. A bag or two of very little food, hygiene items, or a bag of used, stained, ripped clothes that we ourselves no longer want, does not solve problems or lift people out of their circumstances. Jesus said that there would always be poor people among us, but he did not say there should be. He was speaking about the greediness and hardness of our hearts. He taught us how to end poverty, but we just do not want to end it. By there being “haves” and “have-nots” – the haves can rule over the have-nots. Are we terrified that if we sacrifice to help oth-

ers as every religion on earth exhorts, that it will mean too painful a sacrifice for us? That there would be less for us? But would it really? What does love truly mean to us? When Jesus helped people, He never turned them down, by asking for an ID, paperwork, or by requiring qualifications. They were already qualified by simply having a need! Let us think less of ourselves, and more about others. Melanie Fennell Great Falls MSN

Twin Bridges Garage-A-Rama Set for June 8 The 13th annual Garage-A-Rama will be held at the Fairgrounds in Twin Bridges on Saturday, June 8 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Garage-A-Rama is a giant community garage sale organized by the Friends of the Twin Bridges Public Library. Last year over 750 buyers and sellers turned out for this fun event in support of the library. In addition to the garage sale, the event also includes a bake sale and book sale. Booths are on sale for $15 each. Sellers keep the proceeds from their booths. Contact the Twin Bridges Library at 406-684-5416 if you are interested in a booth. The Dillon Library also has booth registration forms. Cynthia Osborne Twin Bridges

Hard work spotlights the character of people: Some turn up their sleeves, some turn up their noses, and some don’t turn up at all. - Sam Ewing

If you have difficulty understanding words clearly over the phone, just fill out this form! You may qualify for free assistive telephone equipment through the

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


PAGE 4 MONTANA SENIOR NEWS

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Natural disasters always awaken us to the power of nature and to our own frailty compared to the forces of the earth. Whether it is Hurricane Katrina, Mount Saint Helens, or the recent spate of tornadoes in Oklahoma, we are virtually powerless and in awe of these forces. Likewise, how we do marvel at a narrow escape from disaster because of luck, premonition, or happenstance. This month’s Remember When selection takes us back to a 7.4 magnitude earthquake in 1959 that took the lives of 28 people when it created a landslide along the Madison River north of Yellowstone National Park. Thank you to Pat Salomon of Polson for sharing The Night The Mountain Slid. Pat is the winner of our $25 Remember When prize for this issue.

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 August/September 2013 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 Night The Mountain Slid

Enjoy your retirement years.

Our Family is Committed to Yours.

By Pat Salomon, Polson This story is a very true Montana event and has been in my mind for many years. On this particular day, we planned to retrace a path we had enjoyed many times. After hooking up the travel trailer to our old faithful pickup, we started our drive to the enchanted land we loved and enjoyed. At first, the miles passed slowly, but soon new landscapes and mountains came into view and then it seemed there was no reason to hurry. As we passed Butte the old, mine head-frames were standing and pointing to the sky and the mountain where Our Lady Of The Rockies looked over the valley below. Reaching the top of the divide, we could see a panoramic map of the Jefferson Valley below us. We took the old road at Cardwell toward Emeritus Senior Living Yellowstone. My favorite mountain peak, Old Everyone agrees that the “golden years� Hollow Top, was forshould be a time of relaxation, comfort, ever there as a guardsecurity, and independence. Now is the time ian of the Tobacco Root to embrace the luxury and comfort you’ve range. Leaving Ennis, earned throughout the years. we followed the MadiRetirement living can give you the son River and maropportunity to relax and enjoy your time veled at the boats and while we take care of the housekeeping, anglers trying their luck laundry, maintenance, and meals. Now you on wild trout. Driving up can truly relax and enjoy your freedom the canyon, we soon and independence. came to where the disastrous slide of rock and timber from the

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earthquake that had taken a mountain down and had dropped onto the valley floor. On the night the earthquake occurred, people had been sleeping – some at the Rock Creek campground. Now all is gone, covered up, and deserted. This horrible destruction had caused the loss of nineteen people. This was before midnight on August 17, 1959. Rock Creek had been where my parents had camped and stayed. Dad had been fishing but he wasn’t having any luck. He was frustrated and tried out different hooks and bait, but no matter what he did, it was unattractive to the fish. He began to think he was the world’s worst fisherman. My mother was restless because she had her frying pan ready for some of those wonderful trout. Their little dog was not any help – underfoot and being a pest. Mom talked Dad into putting his fishing pole away and going to another place to see if his luck would be better. He gave in, and they packed up and drove away from Rock Creek, not knowing they would never see it again. My parents called me the next day. We had heard about the earthquake and we were ready to jump in our car and drive there, as we had known that Mom and Dad had planned to stay there in the Madison canyon. They had stayed that night at a campground near Livingston and had felt the earthquake. At that time, they thought a bear was under their trailer causing it to rock back and forth. Now, many years later, people still remember the story of the earthquake and today driving along Hebgen Lake brings this story back to me. To me, this feels as if it is a At Marquis Grand Park Senior Living, we help haunted place. Boats people get the most out of every moment. Our are out on the lake mission is to enable them to live life to its fullest! and there are new homes and cabins We offer: along the lakeshore. People change just ‡ &RQYHQLHQW ORFDWLRQ like that mountain ‡ 6SDFLRXV DSDrWPHQWV has changed and ‡ KRXU QXUVLQJ FDUH one wonders if there ‡ 0HPRr\ FDUH will be more quakes ‡ KRPH FRRNHG PHDOV and destruction. ‡ $ PXOWLWXGH RI DFWLYLWLHV DQG But in my mind, PXFK PXFK PRUH even though the lake and mountain may always stay the same, I remember the area as it was before when this story happened more 1221 28th St. West than fifty years ago.

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JUNE/JULY 2013

MONTANA SENIOR NEWS PAGE 5

The Theory of Purchase-Denial Economics By Pearl Hoffman, Los Angeles Glancing through the pages of the Los Angeles Times, I saw the ad for the half-yearly sale at Dresher’s department store, promising a 50%-off coupon at the bottom of the page, and, if a Dresher’s charge was used, there would be an additional 10% reduction. I was at the Mall entrance to Dresher’s in 30 minutes. Almost immediately, I found two pair of designer jeans that fit me like a dream. With the 50% reduction and the additional advantage of the coupon and the Dresher’s charge, the savings amounted to a tidy $91.50. Then, after scanning a few racks of sale items, I found a lovely light blue sweater; reductions saved $47.90. It was now time to put the Theory of PurchaseDenial Economics to work and turn these savings into a real bonanza. I placed the sweater and pants back on the racks and promptly left the store. In the space of a mere 35 minutes, simply by not buying the pants and sweater, I saved a total of $139.40. What good fortune! With this substantial savings in tow, I trotted as fast as my short legs could carry me to the far end of the Mall. There, at Marshall-Steven Emporium, I browsed their current winter clearance sale. I found a neatly tailored, pearl gray cashmere jacket, reduced from $250 to a mere $140. Since I had just saved $139.40 by my shrewd non-purchases at Dresher’s, I was able

to get the jacket at, technically, no cost to me! There was, however, the charge for sales tax. “If only I had not purchased one more item at Dresher’s,” I chided myself, “I would have had the sales tax covered as well.” Then I remembered that on my last visit to Ralph’s Market, my sales receipt showed my total Ralph Club savings was $11.07. Happily, this reimbursed the sales tax. I sang as I drove home. That evening I explained my financial wizardry to my husband, Arny. I held back nothing. I explained in detail how, by my non-purchase maneuvering and my adroit application of the Purchase–Denial principle, I was able to acquire the wonderful cashmere jacket, absolutely free! Over the years, I have saved a small fortune in this fashion, but Arny has never acknowledged my bargain acquisitions. This time, however, he seemed openly impressed. He said he Don’t waste money on nursing fully understood the Principle of Purchase homes and assisted living! Denial. “It proves,” he deAging in place is the alternaƟve that a majority of seniors prefer. PALSBuilt® Žīers clared, “that figures aging in place planning and construcƟon services that will allow you to stay in your don’t lie, but liars can home or that of a loved one. figure.” While increasing the value of your home, PALS™ are 1 or 2 bedroom addiƟons that By Jove, I think he’s are aƩached to your home in 6-8 weeks and at the frĂĐƟon of the cost of a nursing got it! MSN home or assisted living facility.

Drunken Cowboy Submitted by Julie Hollar-Brantley A drunken cowboy lay sprawled across three entire seats in the posh Amarillo Theater. When the usher came by and noticed this, he whispered to the cowboy, “Sorry, sir, but you’re only allowed one seat.” The cowboy groaned but did not budge. The usher became more impatient, “Sir, if you don’t get up from there I’m going to have to call the manager.” Once again, the cowboy just groaned. The usher marched briskly back up the aisle, and in a moment he returned with the manager. Together the two of them tried repeatedly to move the cowboy, but with no success. Finally, they summoned the police. The Texas Ranger surveyed the situation briefly then asked, “All right buddy what’s your name?” “Fred,” the cowboy moaned. “Where ya from, Fred?” asked the Ranger. With terrible pain in his voice, and without moving a muscle, Fred replied, “The balcony.” MSN

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Recommended Reading By Connie Daugherty Generation Z by Caleb Hill; Amazon, 2013 Reviewed by Connie Daugherty Nick Jerritt is a typical college student in a typical Montana college town (Missoula) living an essentially unremarkable life – going to classes, studying for tests, hanging out with his friends doing whatever a college student can afford to do. Nick has a sense of what he wants for his future, but those goals are a ways off – after graduation, after he gets a job – later, when he has to take life seriously. “I’d never been…assertive in my life. Always kind of out of touch and passive-aggressive.” Then the world changes and so does Nick. It started as news of problems in other places – California, the east coast, and the south, somewhere else in the world that only those students good in geography could really pinpoint. Eventually it came to Montana – the last best place, or maybe the only last place as Nick and others began to think of it. The lights went out – “the power grid went down pretty quickly.” Some refer to that time as “the collapse” for others it’s “The Panic.” For Nick it’s a nightmare – a nightmare from which he can’t seem to wake. Caleb Hill’s first novel, Generation Z, is a story about surviving, about committing and letting go, about choices, and about zombies. Told in first person, this fast-paced, well-plotted novel pulls the reader into a frightening futuristic world and keeps you believably there. It could have used an editor’s eye, but the story is strong, peppered with subtle symbolism, and therefore Generation Z is still a very good first novel with a truly unexpected twist at the end. Hill uses a clever technique for handling the dialogue that works well in helping the reader identify with the character as well as in setting the

Aging has enough difficulties. Getting the care you need shouldn’t be one of them. Highgate Senior Living offers full care for all, no matter what your age or ailment. Our team of compassionate professionals can handle almost anything, including complex medical issues and post-acute hospital care. In fact, we specialize in services normally provided in skilled nursing, such as diabetic care and oxygen management, injectable medications, wound care, feeding tubes, catheter monitoring, two-person transfers, and hospice. Just call any of our three Assisted Living/Memory Care communities in Montana, and we’ll make sure your move into Highgate is one of the easiest things in your life right now. Highgate at Billings 406-651-4833

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mood of the story. His description of southwestern Montana is detailed and convincing. “Gunshots are a lot louder at night... at night surrounded by the darkness, with the stars removed by the constant cloud of smoky haze that seemed to take over the sky as soon as America went dark… all you could do was listen.” On the first page, the tone for the story is set. Something horrible has happened, and nobody knows exactly what caused it, how extensive the damage is, or when help might be coming. They only know that their reality has changed. “You couldn’t think about those things. It would make you crazy, if you let it. Some would get angry and begin lashing out at the other people. Some would become quiet and shrink into themselves, trying to remember the world that was.” Now Nick and his college roommates have arrived at their inevitable moment of decision. They have been locked in their house near the University of Montana campus for weeks. Their supplies are running low and the couple with whom Nick rooms have just announced they are pregnant – at least the girl is pretty sure, all the signs are there. They have to do something. Eventually they have to venture out among “them” – the things, the creatures, the monsters, the Zees – seldom do the characters in the novel refer to the walking dead that surround the living human beings as zombies. Zombies are something of nightmares, of scary movies, and it seems as if Nick and the other survivors can’t bring themselves to say the word. Whatever they call them, they are everywhere, and they are dangerous “Usually, if you were quiet enough, it would be fine, and you could slip into a town and back out without ever running into trouble. But sometimes…” That night, their trip to the Safeway near-


JUNE/JULY 2013

est their home was anything, but trouble free. It was a watershed moment for Nick. He suddenly, desperately needs to get home to Butte. He doesn’t know what he’ll find there – it could be worse than Missoula – but he has to find out. From the weird dreams – almost visions – he’s been having he’s sure his parents are dead, but he thinks his Marine brother is alive. Last Nick heard from his brother wasn’t in Butte, but that doesn’t matter. Butte is home. He announces to his friends that he’s leaving. Soon. He prepares. Then he hears it, “a distant roar of a diesel engine.â€? The army? Rescue at last? He sees it a distance away; “a bulldozer painted red and yellow and green... men with bandannas over their faces‌ they all had rifles‌ few women‌ chained up. What Nick witnesses is not rescue, it’s more nightmare – anarchy, cruelty, humanity at its worst, the nightmare multiplied. Nick’s final bit of hope disappears in that moment. “The governmentâ€? is not going to rescue them. They are on their own. The living are as dangerous as the zombies are, and “The world you thought you knew broke all its own rules and went completely mad.â€? Nick cannot be still a minute longer. Within the hour, he has grabbed his backpack and is headed up Mount Sentinel, the steep hill behind the university with the concrete “M.â€? Nick’s roommates follow. They know the horror they are leaving behind, but none of them have any idea what is ahead. Still they climb, still they hope. “Within everyone’s brain there is a switch for

survival mode. No matter how strenuous the task, or how enormous the odds are stacked against us. At some point everyone either gives up or flips that switch and keeps going‌ Even if certain death may be waiting at the end‌ it’s better to face it on our own terms that to lie down and wait for it to find us.â€? So Nick hiked and hiked. Along the way he parts with his college friends and meets new ones. He encounters more zombies, more crazed survivors. One day he is filled with hope and determination, the next he despairs at what has happened to his world. “It seemed like both yesterday and ten years ago I was looking into a mirror, shaving, going over in my head what homework I still had to do. What papers I was going to write. Who I was going to drink with on the weekend‌ Everything felt surreal, like it was just a dream I would wake up from.â€? Nick comes to know how much his world has truly changed, how he has changed. Generation Z will also make you look at your world, yourself, and your priorities in a new different light. The novel is available on Kindle, as well as print – I preferred reading on the Kindle because the font size of the print book is exceptionally small. Although Generation Z is not the type of novel I usually read, I did enjoy this one and look forward to Caleb Hill’s next skillfully edited book. Caleb Hill has been a baker, a driver, a soldier, an archaeologist, a cowboy, a skier, a kayaker, and a carpenter. He currently lives with his wife in Butte where he is an engineering student at Montana Tech of the University of Montana. MSN

Life is its own journey, presupposes its own change and movement, and one tries to arrest them at one’s eternal peril. - Laurens van der Post

MONTANA SENIOR NEWS PAGE 9

Plant a Seed...READ!

Community Education Project Since 2010, community members have developed an early literacy program which enhances the literacy and language growth of preschool children in Hill County enabling them to start school ready to learn.

Imagination Library–Promoting free ageappropriate books for children from birth to age 5. Read and Rise–Providing training for facilitators to provide workshops for adults in the value of reading aloud to preschool children. Cozy Corners–Providing materials for childcare providers to target language, literacy and social/ emotional development with preschool children in the daycare setting. Flower Power–The volunteer portion of the program which offers opportunities for seniors to read aloud to young children in the community.

For further details or a presentation of this program for your community, contact: Lorraine Verploegen (406) 262-3082 lorraine.verp@mtintouch.net

In Partnership with Dollywood Foundation Scholastic Inc.

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s -AKE A SAFETY KIT 'ATHER SOME GENERAL SUPPLIES SUCH AS mASHLIGHTS batteries, non-perishable snacks, bottle water, non-cordless phone, a battery-powered radio – and store them somewhere that’s easy to ďŹ nd in the dark. s 0LAN AHEAD FOR YOUR FAMILY -AKE SURE EVERYONE IN YOUR HOUSEHOLD KNOWS where the safety kit is stored and what to do in case you are not home at the time of an outage. s -AKE ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEDICAL EQUIPMENT )F YOU OR SOMEONE IN YOUR CARE HAS A CONDITION THAT REQUIRES CONTINUOUS OR SPECIAL MEDICATION OR LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEMS OR IF YOUR MEDICATIONS REQUIRE CONSTANT REFRIGERATION contact your doctor about how to prepare for power outages. Help us restore your power. Call anytime: (888) 467-2669. Company crews respond immediately to all outage situations and work around the clock until power is restored to every customer.


PAGE 10 MONTANA SENIOR NEWS

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The United States of America is a diverse nation and a melting pot of many races, cultures, and heritages. As the territories were created, they may have reflected a particular cultural element that later was embodied in the state motto when the territory was accepted for statehood. This issue’s winning State Mottos quiz was submitted by Mike Vanni of Fairfax, California and a graduate of Havre High School Class of 1945. Congratulations, Mike! Thank you to all of you who participated in our Official State Birds quiz in the April/May issue. The winner selected from the correct answers submitted is Pierre Petrau of Columbia Falls. Congratulations to Pierre, winner of our $25 cash prize! Two $25 cash prizes are awarded from the “Contest Corner” in each issue of the Montana

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Senior News. One prize goes to the person who submits the entry that our staff selects as the featured quiz or puzzle in the “Contest Corner” for that issue. Be creative and send us some good, fun, and interesting puzzles! 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 to montsrnews@bresnan.net by July 10, 2013 for our August/September 2013 edition. Be sure to work the crossword puzzle on our website www. montanaseniornews.com.

State Mottos Quiz Submitted by Mike Vanni, Fairfax, CA Below is a list of fifteen states followed by three possible mottos for the state. Select the correct motto for each state and mail or email your answers to us by July 10, 2013. You may win the $25 cash prize! 1. Alabama a. Let God be first b. Let it be perpetual c. We dare defend our rights 2. Alaska a. North to the future b. To be, rather than to seem c. The star of the North 3. Arizona a. God enriches b. It grows as it goes c. Let God be first 4. California a. It grows as it goes b. I have found it c. Forging the future 5. Arkansas a. First after God b. Labor conquers all things c. The people rule 6. Colorado a. Nothing without the deity b. The people rule c. Let God be first 7. Delaware a. Liberty and Independence

b. The people rule c. She flies with her own wings 8. Florida a. Manly deeds, womanly words b. In God we trust c. Thus always to tyrants 9. Wyoming a. Equal Rights for all b. Wisdom, justice and moderation c. Agriculture and commerce 10. Rhode Island a. Wisdom, justice and moderation b. Let us be grateful to God c. Hope, Peace and Charity 11. New York a. God enriches b. Ever upward c. Equal rights for all 12. New Hampshire a. Hope springs eternal b. Let us be grateful to God c. Live Free or Die 13. Mississippi a. By valor and arms c. To the stars through difficulties c. Ever upward 14. Montana a. Let us be grateful to God b. Gold and silver c. God enriches 15. Washington a. North to the future b. Ever upward c. By and by MSN

Answers to Official State Birds 1. c. Northern Flicker 2. a. Willow Ptarmigan 3. a. Cactus Wren 4. b. California Quail 5. c. Mockingbird 6. a. Lark Bunting 7. a. Blue Hen Chicken 8. b. Northern Mockingbird

9. b. Brown Thrasher 10. a. Hawaiian Goose 11. b. Western Meadowlark 12. b. American Robin 13. c. Northern Cardinal 14. b. Willow Goldfinch 15. a. Northern Cardinal MSN


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61. *German invasion of Poland, e.g. 64. Distinctive spirit of a culture 65. Bird-to-be 67. Often measured by the hour 69. Bloodhound’s clue 70. Tax preparer, for short 71. Island surrounded by a lagoon 72. *George and Ira Gershwin’s “Of ____ I Sing� 73. Craggy peak 74. Dapper

DOWN

ACROSS 1. Kingdom in South Pacific 6. Worn on shoulders 9. *Lena Horne’s venue, “Cotton ____� 13. Poppy seed derivative 14. Chemist’s office? 15. Picture 16. Out of style 17. Roswell subject 18. Relating to tones 19. *Germany’s chancellor 21. *It caused the Dust Bowl of the 1930s 23. “___’em!� to a dog 24. Fine print add-ons 25. Latissimus dorsi, for short 28. *Palo ____, where Hewlett-Packard was formed

30. Golf headgear, pl. 35. Yemeni port 37. Call to a mate 39. Scatter 40. All’s opposite 41. Alexander the Great to Aristotle, e.g. 43. Sasquatch’s cousin? 44. *�The _____ Hornet� 46. *J. Edgar Hoover’s man 47. Garner wages 48. Main dish 50. Riyadh native 52. *Spot of “Dick and Jane,� e.g. 53. Small songbird 55. *Lincoln-Zephyr, or Mercury, e.g. 57. *FDR’s brainchild

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1. Spinning toy 2. a.k.a. kingfish or sunfish 3. Not yet final 4. Wind bursts 5. *She flew solo 6. Hangover memory? 7. Stupid person 8. Often described as humble 9. Cabbage in France 10. *Louisiana’s Huey ____ 11. Beehive State 12. World’s fastest man 15. Droopy eyelid condition 20. Audience’s approval 22. R in rpm 24. William or Alfred on “Downton Abbey� 25. *�Migrant Mother� photographer 26. Decorate 27. Religious doctrine 29. Hoodlum 31. Eye sore

MONTANA SENIOR NEWS PAGE 11

32. Mountain nymph 33. Reminiscent of the past 34. *Benny Goodman’s style 36. ____-do-well 38. *1934, e.g. 42. Roleplay 45. Most new 49. *Depression ___ 51. *Caped Crusader 54. Choose 56. Indian restaurant condiment 57. Egg holder 58. Carve, as in stone 59. Cry of glee 60. Over 61. Biology lab supply 62. Blood coagulate 63. Same as Celt 66. Government Printing Office 68. Like a fox MSN

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PAGE 12 MONTANA SENIOR NEWS

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As I See It – Treating Psychiatric Illnesses Reduces Violence By Bob Campbell The Pew Research Center and the Bureau of Justice Statistics both report that gun-related homicides in the United States have dropped 30% from 1993 to 2011. The multiple homicides across the country have ignited a national debate about how we can reduce the number of such senseless tragedies in the future. Congress considered and failed to enact an effective backgrounds check on the purchase of firearms, leaving it to the states to establish their own policies. Montana has always had a stronger constitutional provision that one can keep or bear arms without question in defense of a person’s own home, person, and property. Any infringement of this right will never be changed by a legislature or the vote of the people. The second issue discussed is whether we can identify persons who have symptoms of violent behavior that can be treated to reduce the likelihood of future violence. With recent improvements in our ability to map out areas of the human brain, we can develop treatments to counter the effects

of brain injuries and diseases. We can now observe areas of the brain that have suffered a concussion or a psychiatric disorder that is passed from generation to generation. The number of cases that need treatment far exceeds the availability to provide psychiatric facilities that can take a person in crisis. One in five Montana families is affected by mental illness and legislators have recognized the need for more mental health services in the state. Too often, a family member acts in a bizarre manner that results in an arrest when no other options are available. Missoula was the first judicial district in Montana to establish a Mental Illness Court where trained law enforcement personnel can direct individuals for supervised treatment rather than into the corrections division for punishment. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is the state organization that provides a wealth of information and support groups in the larger Montana counties. You can find answers about available services at www.namimt.org. MSN

Conrad Hosts Community Anti-Crime Event On Tuesday evening, August 16, 2013, Conrad will be hosting its fifth Annual National Night Out, which is a nationwide annual event designed to: • Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; • Generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime programs; • Strengthen neighborhood spirit and policecommunity partnerships; and • Send a message to criminals that our neighborhoods are organized and fighting back. Our event is organized by the Conrad Area Chamber of Commerce, Police Chief Gary Dent, and Jamey Byrnes with Gary & Leo’s IGA. The Lion’s Club also sponsors the event and will be cooking its famous burgers!

The evening features demonstrations by law enforcement, FBI, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, a mobile DUI unit, crime lab, live fire and Border Patrol demonstrations, just to name a few. Also included in the evening’s events are carnival rides and games for children and adults, as well as food and live music for all ages! Our goal is to make this a true community event by offering most activities free of charge and open to the public. For more information contact the Conrad Area Chamber of Commerce at 406-271-7791 or visit www.conradmt.com Remember, it takes the whole community pulling together to make it happen! MSN


JUNE/JULY 2013

MONTANA SENIOR NEWS PAGE 13

Who Will Care or Know about You and Your Values after You are Gone?

Great Falls Historic Trolley Is A Step Into The Past

By Tom Figarelle, Foundation Director / Shodair Children’s Hospital Twenty-five years from now, 50 years, 100 years, and beyond, what will people know about you? Will the values you hold and accomplishments you have achieved have an impact? Will your legacy have relevance or even be noticed? That is a deep and somewhat difficult thought to wrestle with. Now let’s clarify. This is not a question directed exclusively to an older population or to those examining end-of-life planning and preparation. Rather, we should all ask this question, as the answers will ultimately drive our life’s actions and decisions. Mark Twain said, “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.” At Shodair Children’s Hospital, our planned giving donors come from every part of Montana, from many different backgrounds, professions, ages, and experiences. There is a common characteristic they share, the passion for improving the health of Montana’s children, now and in the future. Ultimately, this virtue fosters the best legacy any of us can leave – healthy and well-cared-for children. So, the question remains – what legacy will you leave behind for this and future generations? For more information about us and how you can help support our children’s health mission, visit www.shodair.org and phone 406-444-7500. MSN

“It doesn’t matter if you are 2 or 92, a ride on this trolley will make you smile.” This comment from one of our passengers sums up the fondness that Great Falls citizens have for their Historic Trolley. A ride on the motorized, climate-controlled trolley is simply a fun, relaxing way to get acquainted with the town and what it has to offer. When it was time for the former owners and operators to retire from the business, they wanted to find a way to keep this unique asset in our community. Answering the call, an eclectic group of citizens, nonprofit organizations, and investors came together to form “Team Trolley” and the baton was passed to the Downtown Great Falls Association, which now operates the trolley. The trolley offers one- or two-hour daily scheduled tours, June through August, departing from the Visitor Information Center on Overlook Drive under the big flag. Also, Great Falls locals have found the trolley to be a great people mover for special community events such as the First Friday Artwalk, and the trolley can be chartered for your own special occasion – a wedding, anniversary, birthday party – you name it! For more information, please call 406-727-8255 or visit www.GreatFallsHistoricTrolley.com. MSN

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Soupa Avgolemono (Greek egg and lemon chicken soup) By Gail Jokerst As you visit these restaurants, we hope you enjoy many diverse and delicious meals. To get you thinking about food we are sharing a delicious recipe from Gail Jokerst… enjoy! This recipe is an adaptation from Middle Eastern Cooking, of the Time-Life Foods of the World series. The trickiest part is preventing the eggs from curdling during preparation. It is important that the soup temperature never gets too hot when you add and cook the egg-lemon mixture. Serves 4 to 6 • 6 cups chicken stock, fresh or canned • 1/3 cup uncooked long- or medium-grain rice • 4 eggs • 3 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice (don’t substitute reconstituted) • salt to taste

**2 Tablespoons finely cut fresh mint (This is listed with Time-Life’s ingredients but I have never used it. Nor have I ever seen this soup served with mint.) In a 3- to 4-quart saucepan, bring the chicken stock to a boil over high heat. Pour in the rice, reduce the heat, and simmer partially uncovered for about 15 minutes or until the grains are just tender but still slightly resistant to the bite. Reduce the heat to low. In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs with a whisk until frothy. Beat lemon juice into the eggs and stir in about 1/4 cup of the warm broth. Move saucepan off the heat, and then slowly pour the mixture into the broth, stirring constantly. Return saucepan to heat and cook on low for 3-5 minutes or until the soup thickens enough to lightly coat the back of metal spoon. Do not let the soup come to a boil once the eggs are added or they will curdle. Add salt to taste and serve at once. **Garnish with mint if you like. MSN


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Honor Veterans This 4th of July By Bernice Karnop Here’s something that Americans agree on: we appreciate and honor our troops no matter how we feel about our wars. A recent Facebook post said it well. “This American proudly supports those who serve, honors those who have served, remembers those who gave all, and with a heart of gratitude thanks every single one of them.� While the quote covers many that we honor on Independence Day, we also remember the sacrifices that wives, husbands, and children are forced to make when a loved one goes to war. Mothers, fathers, sisters, and brothers ache with both pain and pride when their family member boards that plane for a destination

across the ocean and far from home. Uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends feel their absence. These folks rest uneasily until they once again see their loved one step out of the crowd at the airport back home. Americans have much to celebrate on July 4 as we remember the history of our involvement in our world. We honor those who served with museums, war memorials, parks and gardens, parades, military fly-overs, and community celebrations of every stripe and flavor. With these things we acknowledge that our freedom is not free. (Continued on page 19)


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(Continued from page 17) The 4th of July is a happy holiday. It comes in the summer when families can gather from the four corners of the country without getting caught in a blizzard. We celebrate with picnics, baseball games, parades, and patriotic concerts. We stuff ourselves with fried chicken, watermelon, apple pie, and ice cream. We make the skies sparkle with fireworks from sea to shining sea.

We, of all people, should celebrate. We should laugh and play and share the love of family and friends. Why? Because we enjoy freedom and prosperity to a degree that’s unimaginable to people at any other time or place on planet earth. We wish you a celebration of real joy and delight this 4th of July. We also hope you will take a minute to hug those veterans in your family just a little longer and a little tighter this year, whether they are Army, Marines, Air Force, Navy, or Coast

MONTANA SENIOR NEWS PAGE 19

Guard. Dig out those family stories of your ancestors who fought to buy our freedom, in the Revolutionary War and all the conflicts up to the present day. Tell your grandchildren these stories and help them to respect, honor, and appreciate their freedom. Finally, pray with us for God to bless our troops, and our country. MSN


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Are you at Risk of Falling? As we start to age, balance and coordination can affect our overall health. Few people realize, until after the fact, that a fall can set a person back for months and can even lead to death. Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries to older people in the United States. More than one-third of adults ages 65 years and older (about 12 million people) fall each year. Here is a simple checklist to see if you, or someone you love, is at risk for falling and tips on possible ways to prevent one from happening. 1. Do you walk with a full gait? This means that your foot should travel behind your pelvis before you lift it to move your foot forward. When you are able to do this, your balance is good. You should be able to stand and dress yourself and go up and down stairs without much thought. 2. Do you have a short gait? This means that your feet don’t go past you or your pelvis. This can mean that you might need to hold onto something to dress yourself and you need to think about going up and down stairs with added support. 3. Do you shuffle? This means that you no longer pick your feet up to walk. Your balance system is minimal. You may require high blood pressure medication. You can no long fully dress yourself in standing. You can only go up and down stairs one at a time. 4. Do you have a death grip? Are you holding onto the steering wheel as if you are going to take it with you? If you have a cane or a walker, do you use a full grip with both hands? 5. Are your fingers constantly splayed as if you were drying your nails? If so, this means that you have already fallen or have come

very close on several occasions. You system is startled and is already bracing for impact. If your hands are in this position while you are sleeping, you may have fallen, possibly more than once, and you can’t relax, even when you are lying down. 6. Do you touch the walls or furniture? Do you need to touch something to make sure that you stand up? 7. Are you a wounded bird? Do you walk around with one or both arms bent as if you were carrying around a purse? If you answered yes to number one then you should have answered no to the rest. Your conscious brain is neither worrying nor has concern for your balance. If you answered no to the first one and yes to one or more of questions 2-7, consider the following: • Check your medications: All medications have side effects. Many medications can cause drowsiness, headaches, poor coordination, and other symptoms in relation to balance. • Clear the runway. This is a good time to look at your home from your car to your bedroom. Is there a brick missing from the front steps? Do you have rugs that curl in the corner? Do you need to navigate around furniture? Even if you are too young to fall, you might be putting a visitor at risk. • Eliminate close calls: Do you frequently find yourself thinking about how to get out of the shower? This would be a great time to put in a support bar. • Look at your feet: I’m sure that I’m not the first person to recommend a good tie shoe. Shoes that are worn, too high, or too loose can lead you to the ground. • Work with a movement specialist. People think that going to the gym or working out is the best way to keep your balance. It is if your balance is already healthy and you are maintaining that level. If you have suffered a fall or are starting to worry that you might fall, it’s a good time to work with someone who will evaluate where your system might be unorganized and in need of assistance. There will always be a situation that might cause a tumble. If you follow these easy steps, you should be able to keep walking with ease and stability. MSN

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Aging In Place Now MoreAffordable And Practical By Steve Maier A new business, PALSBuilt® (Practical Assisted Living Solutions), is now offering alternative living solutions for the aging and handicapped. Aging in place is the alternative that a majority of seniors prefers, so PALSBuilt® will offer aging-inplace planning and construction services that allow an individual to stay in their own home or that of a loved one. PALSBuilt® offers handicap accessible, universally designed, modular home additions that can easily be attached to an existing home. This allows individuals who can no longer live alone, to safely and affordably enjoy their life in a family setting. For some, this offers a solution for maintaining independence while having their unique needs met. Since a living solution for one person may not be the same solution for another, the customer’s input is crucial in the design phase of the PALSBuilt® process. Customers are directly involved in decisions about structure size, numbers and types of rooms, ramps or landscaped entrances, windows, doorways, flooring, cabinetry, handicap accessories, bathroom amenities, fixtures, and monitoring systems. Each home addition is custom engineered and precision built in an off-site factory. The additions are attached either permanently or temporarily to a home’s exterior, blending so seamlessly that it is difficult to tell from the exterior what part of the home is the PALS™ unit once the addition is completed. While increasing the value of the primary home, each of the PALSBuilt® beautifully designed

studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom suites is uniquely adapted for the resident’s specific needs and can be installed in 6 to 8 weeks at a fraction of the cost of an assisted living facility or nursing home. And, short installation time means less disruption time at the primary property with construction personnel and equipment. PALS™ offers a choice to those who might be forced into nursing homes – a prospect that many people dread. Additionally, the PALSBuilt® modular home additions allow families to have the peace of mind that their loved ones are in a safe environment, surrounded by the family they love. The demand for PALS® additions has increased dramatically in the last few years as assisted living costs continue to rise and the numbers of baby boomers retiring continues to increase. To meet this need in the Northwest, PALSBuilt® offers its services and staff of professional planners, designers, contracting specialists, and Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists (CAPS) to families throughout Montana. To request a Personal Accessible Home Plan or for more information, visit: www. PALSBuilt.com or contact Steve Maier at 406543-0124 or by email at Steve.Maier@PALSBuilt.com. MSN

How To Wash A Cat Submitted by Julie Hollar This simple and time saving method of washing cats comes from an expert on cats. 1. Put both lids of the toilet up, and add 1/8 cup of pet shampoo to the water in the bowl. 2. Pick up the cat and soothe him while you carry him towards the bathroom. 3. In one smooth movement, put the cat in the toilet and close the lid. You may need to stand on the lid. 4. The cat will self agitate and make ample suds. Never mind the noises that come from the toilet, the cat is actually enjoying this. 5. Flush the toilet three or four times. This provides a power-wash and rinse.

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Dog-gone Dangerous! Your best friend shouldn’t be behind the wheel when you drive

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Provided by AARP Montana Q: I am setting out on a cross-country road trip for the entire summer and I am taking my pug/terrier mix with me. What tips do you have for travelling with my dog? A: You’ve probably seen the ironic bumper stickers claiming, “Dog is My Copilot.� It may be a play on words, but it’s also frequently true. According to the American Pet Product Manufacturers Association, 84 percent of pet owners say they take their pets on the road with them. In another survey by AAA and Kurgo Pet Products, 65 percent of respondents admitted to at least one bad habit while driving with their pets including petting their dog or allowing their dog to sit in their lap while driving. Sure, Fido may love the wind in his face and the smells in the air, but just as you would never take a baby for a drive without a car seat, you should also understand how to keep your pet safe while on the road. AARP Driver Safety recommends the following five tips to keep you – and your pet – safe while traveling in the car. 1. Restrain your pet while driving. It’s important to restrict your pet’s movement to protect it from a crash or inflating airbags. For dogs, consider investing in a pet seat belt, which is easy to use and works in conjunction with a normal seat belt. To prevent unnecessary injuries, make sure the seat belt is the right size for your pup. Smaller dogs can be secured in pet car seats, which will allow them to see out of the window while still being properly restrained. Keep in mind that attaching a restraining device to your dog’s collar can end up choking the pup; instead, use a harness that wraps around your dog’s chest. Cats should be contained in a crate, cage, or pet car seat that is secured with a seat belt. Never allow a cat to roam freely in the vehicle, as it could get tangled around the driver’s feet or climb onto the dashboard, obstructing the driver’s view. Look for a sturdy carrier with enough ventilation and plenty of room for your cat to turn around and stretch out. Also, make sure you secure the carrier so that it stays safely in place in case of a collision or sudden stops. 2. Feed your pet several hours before the trip. One sure way to bring a little excitement to a road trip? Feed your pet while driving (or shortly

before a trip.) But if you’re likely to be distracted by a heaving or vomiting animal, you might want to wait a few hours after mealtime to drive. Also, make sure you haven’t left any morsels of human food, tasty burger wrappers, or other choking hazards in the car. 3. Never leave your pet in a parked car. Just like humans, pets can easily suffer from heatstroke in hot temperatures and hypothermia when it is very cold – both of which can lead to serious injury and even death. Unlike humans, dogs and cats don’t sweat to cool down; instead, they pant, which is less efficient and causes dehydration. If your pet absolutely must stay in the car for a short period, roll down the windows and park in a shaded area to help minimize the danger. Keep in mind that in many states, leaving an animal in a vehicle on a hot day is considered animal cruelty. 4. Keep your pet’s head inside the vehicle. As joyful as it may be to watch a dog lap up the great outdoors while hanging its head out the window, flying dirt and debris can injure or infect its eyes, ears, or nose. Another possible risk is that you could severely injure or even kill your dog if he hits his head against the frame during starts and sudden stops or if he hits his head against another car or any other object outside the vehicle. 5. Pack a pet first-aid kit. According to Pet Travel Center, it is important to bring a few essential items when venturing out with your pet. Some key items include your pet’s food, water bowl, antiseptic cream, tweezers, eye drops and gauge tape. Packing one or two of your pet’s favorite toys may help it feel comfortable while on the road, especially if you’re taking a long trip. It is also recommended to have your pet’s leash and cleaning supplies, in case of accidents from your pet. Also, make sure you have the phone number for your pet’s vet and the National Animal Poison Control Center hotline handy in case of an emergency. For more tips on how to stay safe on the road, consider taking a driver improvement course, such as the AARP Driver Safety course, available in a classroom or online setting. In Montana, you are even eligible for an insurance discount upon completion of the course. For more information, visit www.aarp.org/ safedriving or call 1-888-AARP-NOW (1-888227-7669). Do you have a question for AARP Montana? Send your question to “Ask AARP Montana� at MTAARP@aarp.org or 30 W 14th St., Helena, MT 59601 or call our toll-free hotline at 866-2957278. As we receive questions, we will consult with both internal and external experts to provide timely and valuable advice. MSN


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Garden Revival By Melinda Myers Spring floods, summer droughts, and temperature extremes take their toll on gardens and the gardeners who tend them. Help your gardens recover from the crazy temperature and moisture extremes that seem to occur each year. Start by assessing the current condition of your landscape. Remove dead plants as soon as possible. They can harbor insect and disease organisms that can infest your healthy plantings. Consider replacing struggling plants with healthy plants better suited to the space, growing conditions, and landscape design. You often achieve better results in less time by starting over rather than trying to nurse a sick plant back to health. As always, select plants suited to the growing environment and that includes normal rainfall. Every season is different, but selecting plants suited to the average conditions will minimize the care needed and increase your odds for success. Roses, coneflowers, sedums, and zinnias are just a few drought tolerant plants. Elderberry, ligularia, Siberian iris, and marsh marigold are a few moisture tolerant plants. Be prepared for worse case scenario. Install an irrigation system, such as the Snip-n-drip soaker system, in the garden. It allows you to apply water directly to the soil alongside plants. This means less water wasted to evaporation, wind and overhead watering. You’ll also reduce the risk of disease by keeping water off the plant leaves. A properly installed and managed irrigation system will help save water. The convenience makes it easy to water thoroughly, encouraging deep roots, and only when needed. Turn the system on early in the day while you tend to other gardening and household chores. You’ll waste

less water to evaporation and save time since the system does the watering for you. Capture rainwater and use it to water container and in-ground gardens. Rain barrels and cisterns have long been used for this purpose and are experiencing renewed interest. Look for these features when buying or making your own rain barrel. Make sure the spigot is located close to the bottom so less water collects and stagnates. Select one that has a screen over the opening to keep out debris. And look for an overflow that directs the water into another barrel or away from the house. Add a bit of paint to turn your rain barrel into a piece of art. Or tuck it behind some containers, shrubs or a decorative trellis. Just make sure it is easy to access. Be sure to mulch trees and shrubs with shredded bark or woodchips to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and reduce competition from nearby grass. You’ll eliminate hand trimming while protecting trunks and stems from damaging weed whips and mowers. Invigorate weather worn perennials with compost and an auger bit. Spread an inch of compost over the soil surface. Then use an auger bit, often used for planting bulbs, and drill the compost into the soil in open areas throughout the garden. You’ll help move the compost to the root zone of the plants and aerate the soil with this one activity. A little advance planning and preparation can reduce your workload and increase your gardening enjoyment. Gardening expert, TV/radio host, author & columnist Melinda Myers has more than 30 years of horticulture experience and has written over 20 gardening books. Myers web site is www.melindamyers.com. MSN

Real Estate: Turning Tides and Real Mortgage Rates “Here’s a ray of good news; for 2012, the Case-Shiller Home Price indices showed big gains in average home prices. The 10-City composite was up 7.3% and the 20-City composite was up 8.1%,” says Leon LaBrecque, JD, CPA, CFP, CFA, Chief Strategist and founder of LJPR, a firm managing $514 million* in assets. “19 out of 20 cities showed accelerated gains (Detroit was up 13.8%, but had stopped accelerating). Home prices are now back to their 2003 levels. What we see now is the effect of the Real Mortgage Rate. “In investing, we measure real rate of return as inflation adjusted return. So if you are making 7%, and inflation is 3%, your real rate of return is 4% (this is an oversimplification, but let’s keep the math easy),” says LaBrecque. “Let’s go back to 2006-2007: Remember the ads for mortgages? You could get a mortgage with a check stub, or maybe just saying you had a check stub. Real estate was appreciating at a rate of 16.9%, and mortgage rates were about 6.1%. This was easy: you borrowed money at 6.1% and bought something going up at 16.9%. 6.1% - 16.9% = -10.8%, the real mortgage rate. Your house & mortgage was costing you a negative 10.8%. Now go to 2009. House prices were plunging, dropping 16.7% (weird coincidence). You could borrow money (if you could get it) at 5.1%, but you bought a declining asset. 5.1% - (-16.7%) = 21.8%. Your real mortgage rate was 21.8%! No wonder houses weren’t moving. “Now look at today: credit is tight, and mortgages are tough to get, but

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properties are cheap and going up again,” says LaBrecque. “So the rates are low (due to the Fed and the central banks), and the property is appreciating. Rates are now as low as 3.6%. So doing the math, 3.6% - 8.1% = -4.5%. Your real mortgage rate is negative 4.5% (so in effect you’re making money). “This doesn’t mean go out and buy a house (in fact, the inventories are so low, it’s hard to find one now). It does mean that if you have a mortgage, you may want to try to refinance it, particularly if your current rate is over 4.5%,” says LaBrecque. “The real estate market has apparently turned (or at least stopped declining), mortgage rates are low and as prices increase, mortgages will be easier

to get. The affordability of houses is at an all-time high compared to rents; it’s good news.” About Leon LaBrecque: Leon C. LaBrecque is the managing partner and founder of LJPR, LLC, an independent wealth management firm located in Troy, Michigan that manages $514 million in assets

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(as of 2/28/2013). Leon is a practicing attorney, CPA, CFP® and CFA that has specialized in servicing individuals, families, and small businesses in the areas of financial, estate, and tax planning for over 32 years. Leon LaBrecque’s direct e-mail is leon.labrecque@ljpr.com. MSN

Understanding Reverse Mortgages For people that are house rich but cash poor, a reverse mortgage is a viable option, but there’s a lot to know and consider to be sure it’s a good choice for you. Here are some tips and tools to help you research this complex financial product. Let’s start with a quick review. A reverse mortgage is a loan that lets older homeowners convert part of the equity in their home into cash that doesn’t have to be paid back as long as they live there. To be eligible you must be age 62 or older, own your home (or owe only a small balance) and currently be living there. You can receive the cash as a lump sum, a line of credit, regular monthly checks, or a combination of these. And with a reverse mortgage, you, not the bank, own the house, so you’re still responsible for property taxes, insurance, and repairs. Currently, 99 percent of all reverse mortgages offered today are Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECM), which are backed by the Federal Housing Administration. Repayment is due when you or the last borrower dies, sells the place, or lives elsewhere for 12 months. Then you or your heirs will have to pay off the loan (which includes the money you borrowed plus accrued interest and fees) either with the proceeds from selling the place, or if you want to keep the house, with money from another

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source. Educational Resources – To get a better handle on reverse mortgages and how they work, there are several excellent resources you can turn to for reliable information, but you’re going to need access to the Internet to utilize them. To get started, the National Council on Aging recently created a free new website called the Home Equity Advisor that’s designed to help you think through the best way to leverage your home – a reverse mortgage isn’t your only option. Just go to homeequityadvisor.org and click on their “Quick Check” tool that will ask you a series of questions about your personal and household situation to define exactly what you might need or want. Then, based on your answers, you’ll receive an individualized report offering information, tools, and consumer advice on a range of possible solutions that includes reverse mortgages and other alternatives. If you find that you are a good candidate for a reverse mortgage, your next stop is at reversemortgage.org, a new consumer website created by the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association. This site offers lots of educational information including “Your Road Map” that will help guide you through all the features of reverse mortgages and the process of obtaining one. It also has a calculator to estimate how much you’d be eligible to receive from a reverse mortgage, and offers has a comprehensive directory of licensed HUD-approved mortgage lenders, banks, and credit unions that offer reverse mortgage loans in your state. Get Counseling – Another important resource to help you understand the pros and cons of a reverse mortgage and how it would work in your particular situation is through counseling. In fact, because reverse mortgages are such complicated products, the federal government requires that all reverse mortgage borrowers receive counseling through a HUD approved independent counseling agency before they take out a HECM loan. Counseling can be done in person or over the phone and some agencies today provide it for free or at a minimal fee. Some locations charge around $125. To locate counseling agencies in your area, visit hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hecm/hecmhome.cfm or call 800-569-4287. Send your senior questions to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of The Savvy Senior book. MSN

Signs with a Sense of Humor Submitted by Julie Hollar-Brantley In a Podiatrist’s office: “Time wounds all heels.” At an Optometrist’s Office: “If you don’t see what you’re looking for, you’ve come to the right place! At a Tire Shop in Milwaukee: “Invite us to your next blowout.” At a Towing company: “We don’t charge an arm and a leg. We want tows.” In a Non-Smoking Area: “If we see smoke, we will assume you are on fire and take appropriate action.” On a maternity room door: “Push. Push. Push.” At a Car Dealership: “The best way to get back on your feet - miss a car payment.” Outside a Muffler Shop: “No appointment necessary. We hear you coming.” In a Veterinarian’s waiting room: “Be back in 5 minutes. Sit! Stay!” MSN


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The Bank Account Author Unknown Submitted by Julie Hollar A small, 92-year-old, well-poised, and proud man was facing some new challenges in his life. For his entire life, he was one who was fully dressed each morning by eight o’clock, with his hair fashionably combed and shaved perfectly, even though he was legally blind. His wife of 70 years had recently passed away, and without family nearby, this made a move to a nursing home necessary. He had arrived a bit early so he had to wait in the lobby of the nursing home. After a couple of hours, his room was ready and he smiled sweetly. As he maneuvered his walker to the elevator, I provided a visual description of his tiny room, including the eyelet sheets that had been hung on his window. “I love it,” he stated with the enthusiasm of an eight-year-old having just been presented with a new puppy. “Mr. Jones, you haven’t seen the room; just wait,” I said. “That doesn’t have anything to do with it,” he replied. “Happiness is something you decide ahead

of time. Whether I like my room or not doesn’t depend on how the furniture is arranged. It’s how I arrange it in my mind. I have already decided to love it. “It’s a decision I make every morning when I wake up. I have a choice – I can spend the day focused on the difficulties I have with the parts of my body that no longer work or I can get on with my life and be thankful for the ones that do work. “Each day is a gift, and as long as my eyes open, I’ll focus on the new day and all the happy memories I’ve stored away... just for this time in my life. “Old age is like a bank account. You withdraw

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from what you’ve put in.” It was obvious to me that this gentleman had a grasp on a major key to happiness. I know that I will deposit a lot of happiness in the bank account of memories! He also handed me small piece of paper with a headline Five Simple Rules For Happiness and a list: 1. Free your heart from hatred. 2. Free your mind from worries. 3. Live simply. 4. Give more. 5. Expect less. MSN

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Ann Margret... Viet Nam 1966 Author Unknown Richard (my husband) never really talked a lot about his time in Viet Nam, even though he had been shot by a sniper. However, he had a rather grainy, 8”x10” black and white photo he had taken at a USO show of Ann Margret with Bob Hope in the background that was one of his treasures. A few years ago, Ann Margret was doing a book signing at a local bookstore. Richard wanted to see if he could get her to sign the treasured photo so he arrived at the bookstore at 12 o’clock for the 7:30 signing. When I got there after work, the line went all

the way around the bookstore, circled the parking lot, and disappeared behind a parking garage. Before her appearance, bookstore employees announced that she would sign only her book and no memorabilia would be permitted. Richard was disappointed, but wanted to show her the photo and let her know how much those shows meant to lonely GIs so far from home. Ann Margret came out looking as beautiful as ever and, as second in line, it was soon Richard’s turn. He presented the book for her signature and then took out the photo. When he did, there were many shouts from the employees that she would not sign it. Richard said, “I understand. I just wanted her to see it.” She took one look at the photo, tears welled up in her eyes, and she said, “This is one of my gentlemen from Viet Nam and I most certainly will sign his photo. I know what these men did for their country and I always have time for my gentlemen.’’ With that, she pulled Richard across the table and planted a big kiss on him. She then made quite a to do about the bravery of the young men she met over the years, how much she admired them, and how much she appreciated them. There weren’t

too many dry eyes among those close enough to hear. She then posed for pictures and acted as if he were the only one there. That night was a turning point for him. He walked a little straighter and, for the first time in years, was proud to have been a Viet Nam vet. I’ll never forget Ann Margret for her graciousness and how much that small act of kindness meant to my husband. Later at dinner, Richard was very quiet. When I asked if he’d like to talk about it, my big, strong husband broke down in tears. ‘’That’s the first time anyone ever thanked me for my time in the Army,’’ he said. I now make it a point to say, “Thank you” to every person I come across who served in our Armed Forces. Freedom does not come cheap and I am grateful for all those who have served their country. On behalf of those who appreciate all that you did for us, I say, “Thank you” to all who have served or are serving our country in the armed services or any other service. If you don’t stand behind our troops, please, feel free to stand in front of them! MSN


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Helena’s Kae Cheatham: Living the Dream Article & Photo By Sue Hart Author, artist, singer, speaker, and equestrian Kae Cheatham finally realized her dream of living in the West in 1998 when she moved to the Helena area from Nashville. The mother of two grown children, the 69-year-old makes occasional trips to Nashville and Chicago to visit her family, or travels the state to attend art fairs or make presentations for the Humanities Montana Speakers’ Bureau, but mostly she’s content to be “at home” on her acreage in the North Hills area of Helena, where she – and her horse CeeJay – live and work. That “work” is not raising cattle or crops to sell, but writing her books and taking the magnificent photographs she sells at art fairs or through her web gallery, or keeping up with her blog, where she posts articles on the craft of writing along with historical pieces. Kae describes herself genetically as “a melting pot.” Her ancestry includes American Indian, African American, and German Quaker. Perhaps it’s because of the American Indian influence that she chose to live in Montana. “It’s where I always felt I needed to be spiritually,” she says. “It’s where I’m comfortable. Making that move needed to be done.” She loves living in a mountainous area – and

just far enough out of Helena proper that she’s not surrounded by people and city life all the time. “I’m pretty much of a loner,” she admits. Websites and book reviews keep her busy, she says, and so does her own writing career. To date, she has published 13 books, fiction and non-fiction, several of which were aimed at young readers. Her latest, Hammer Comes Down: Memoirs of a Freedman, was released in both a print and Kindle version on October 17 of this year. Reviewer Mike Kearby, author of A Hundred Miles to Water, calls the book “engaging” and says, “Kae Cheatham writes eloquently and delivers a top notch story worthy of high praise.” GoodReads says, “This is a profound and moving work that goes deeply into the heart and soul of the slave-holding South, and the not-much-better culture of the North . . . .“ Asked if she had a favorite among her books, Cheatham didn’t have to think long about her answer. “Actually, I like whatever I’m working on at the moment.” Cheatham says she probably has her “fingers in too many pies.” And photography is just one of those pies. She maintains a Photo Gallery on the Web, and is a member of the Helena Photography

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Society. She actually was a rodeo photographer for a while after she moved to the Helena area. She also travels to different communities around the state to take part in arts and crafts shows. Recently she displayed and sold both her photographs and her books at the Livingston Art Festival. “I always like to go someplace I haven’t been before,� she says. As a member of the Humanities Montana Speakers Bureau, Cheatham will soon be traveling to Havre to present her current program, “Before the Horse: Northern Rockies Lifestyle,�

to both young and adult audiences. She is on the Speakers in the Schools roster as well as on the Speakers Bureau, which will sponsor her “adult� program as part of the MSU Northern’s Chancellor’s Lecture Series. And she’s looking into joining the Helena Sweet Adelines for the Christmas season. Apparently, she doesn’t feel she has enough to do already. “I don’t like having spare time,� Cheatham says. “I get down and funky when I’m not busy.� MSN

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By Connie Daugherty “I come from a family of storytellers,� says Helena’s Lorretta Lynde. And although her mother is a published writer, Lorretta learned storytelling not so much by reading stories, but by listening to stories in the oral tradition of her Irish heritage and her Crow environment. She eventually used her own natural storytelling skill to become a successful writer with five popular novels to her credit. Some people say that it’s difficult to tell where Lorretta’s own story leaves off and the fictional story of her characters begins. Like all good writers, she invests a piece of herself in each story, but then, “the characters just take over,� she says. The youngest of three, Lorretta was raised near Lodge Grass on the Crow Indian Reservation of eastern Montana. She was a fair skinned, blueeyed Irish girl among the dark eyes, hair, and skin of the native Crow children. “I knew early on what it was like to be a minority,� she recalls – different, yet the same in so many ways. She sensed it as a child and it eventually became an important aspect of her writing and storytelling. She tells how

she learned enough of the Crow language, “to know what the kids were saying about us,� but not enough to become fluent like her father. She spent her childhood on the ranch that had been in her family for three generations, surrounded by stories and myths in a colorful, yet often isolated environment that stimulated the imagination. Many summers were spent away from the main ranch in the mountains at a sheep camp where they ran several hundred heads of sheep. “We got to grow up like the generation before us,� she says. At the isolated sheep camps, there was no electricity, no running water. She remembers her mother cooking on a wood stove. She and her brother and sister – both several years older than she – formed a special bond during those summers. “All we had was each other,� she says. That bond remains strong today even though brother and sisters are often in different geographic locations. In the fall, the family would move back to the ranch and a typical Montana 1950s world. As she was finishing high school, Lorretta remembers a counselor asking what she wanted to be. Like most kids her age, she honestly admitted that she didn’t have a passion for anything in particular. The wise counselor suggested she go into journalism because, “you can do most anything with it.� Her father and older brother had attended the university at Missoula, so Lorretta packed up and set out for western Montana and the University of Montana. She recalls being confused, somewhat insulted, then finally amused as classmates from the western part of the state

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asked her what she thought about the mountains as though, being from eastern Montana, she had never seen mountains before. Had they never heard of the Big Horn, the Pryor, or the Beartooth ranges? Four years later, with her journalism degree in hand, the small-town Montana girl left for White Plains, New York to begin her newspaper career as a reporter. Although she was back in Montana about a year later, she has good memories of her introduction to the newspaper world. Working with Lee Enterprises in Montana, Lorretta got an opportunity to use her artistic ability as well as her wordsmith’s skills as she worked in the advertising department designing and doing ad layout. Before long, she was transferred to the Human Resource department. “I think it was only because I knew and understood all the positions by then,” she says. Working in HR, Lorretta discovered she liked managing and eventually found herself promoted to publisher. Being a publisher afforded all sorts of opportunities – just as her old high school counselor had predicted. She was good at what she did and found herself being transferred around the state and the country as a publisher for Lee Enterprise newspapers. Each move presented new challenges for which she was sometimes not prepared. Drawing on her own varied experiences during that time, Lorretta began a mentoring program for new publishers. Then, after 30 years in the newspaper business, she decided to retire. She had watched the newspaper creation change from the days of hot lead type to cold type to computers on each reporter’s desk. Newspaper delivery had gone from being mostly evening editions, to morning editions, to online. “I still like to have something in my hands,” she says. “I like to turn

the pages and have the ink rub off all over everywhere.” Now she watches as reporter friends blog and send in stories from their smart phones. She moved back to Helena with her husband, Robert Fusie, and started her own consulting business in change management. An expert at managing change since those childhood moves to the sheep camp and back, Lorretta understands what is at stake when people make life changes. She mostly works with small, family-owned businesses helping them with strategic planning. “It’s like selling a family ranch,” she says – something else she has experienced. When Lorretta first lived in Helena in 1992, she purchased a small home huddled up against the mountain just west of Last Chance Gulch. Originally a miner’s shack, it had been expanded. Working with an architect, Loretta designed her own remodel for this old historic building. Then she was transferred. When she retired and came back to Helena, finishing the house was a priority. She has created a cozy contemporary home while still maintaining the historic value. In 2012, she received a Preservation Award. When researching the history of her house, Lorretta discovered that in the 1800s it had been owned by an Irish woman. “Maybe that’s why I was drawn to it,” she speculates. Her interest in her Irish heritage is what led to her involvement with the Montana Gaelic Society – where she served as president for 10 years – to her trips to Ireland – 12 so far – and finally to her first novel, The Magpie Odyssey. It was on the plane ride back from one of those Irish vacations when Lorretta got to thinking about the old Irish religion, the native Crow religion, and how both cultures incorporated their ancient practices and believes with Christianity brought to the small villages by traveling priests. By the time she was back in Montana, she had the beginning of a story – a story that demanded telling. So drawing on her storytelling heritage and her experience as a journalist, Lorretta sat down and started writing. “I really didn’t know where it was going,” she says. The characters in that first novel, like the characters in her fifth and most recent novel, simply took over. “Sometimes I’ll write ten hours a day,” she says. Some days she doesn’t write at all. When she isn’t writing Lorretta likes spending quiet time with her friends and family. She volunteers for a variety of projects – “just situational, nothing organized,” she says. For nine years, she served on the board of St. Peter’s Hospital and was on the State Fund Board for five years. Now she likes traveling with her husband to the national


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parks, especially Yellowstone which they visit 3 or 4 times a year. “It’s such a special place,” she says. Celebrating the connection between the past

and the present is what Lorretta Lynde is all about. Whether the nearly forgotten native languages like the Crow and Irish, historic structures like her Helena home, or the oral storytelling tradi-

MONTANA SENIOR NEWS PAGE 31

tion, Lorretta’s life and work bridge the changes and preserve the past while embracing the present. MSN

Creating a Better World Through Service By Connie Daugherty Whether working in a paid position or as a volunteer, most of Sidney O’Malley Armstrong’s adult life has been dedicated to making the world a better place in which to live. At age 76, she is as energetic, enthusiastic, and dedicated as she has ever been. Her laugh and her energy are infectious. To say that she is a “people-person” would be a gross understatement. One of the volunteer activities that she is currently most excited about is the Montana Women’s Mural project. The Women’s Mural is designed to honor Montana women as community builders throughout the history of the state. The mural will be installed in the capitol in 2014 –the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage. At Sidney Armstrong Consulting, she sometimes serves as a grant writer, sometimes as a grant reviewer, but always as a leader spurring others to action. Her clients include Shodair Children’s Hospital, the Governor’s Office of Community Service, the Aspen Institute on a Ford Foundation initiative, the council of Michigan Foundations, and Community Foundations in Nebraska and West Virginia. She served as the Executive Director of the Montana Community Foundation from its inception in 1990 until December 2001. She also serves as the Executive Director of the Greater Montana Foundation. For several years, she served as a Governor’s appointee to the Humanities Montana board of directors, helping to promote history and the arts throughout all of Montana. “I like to work with people who are dedicated, hard working, and striving toward some sort of long term goal that helps empower people to help themselves,” Sidney says. Empowering people to help themselves is important to Sidney because she believes in the power of people to achieve their goals with a little help from their friends. And Sidney Armstrong is a friend to everyone – even to people who have no idea of who she is or what she has contributed to their lives. She attributes who she is to where she came from, both literally and figuratively saying that she is an example of the popular saying, “every child needs roots and wings.” Sidney’s roots are in Helena where she grew up in “a great family, but also great neighborhoods and a great community.” She recalls how she and friends would “pack a lunch, go to Mount Helena for the day, and come down when the six o’clock

bells rang from the Cathedral.” And doing what all the other kids were doing; biking, roller-skating, swimming, and going to Saturday matinees at the Marlow Theater. Sidney still lives on Helena’s west side, a few blocks from the house in which she raised her family, which was a few blocks from the home in which she was raised. Although Sidney’s childhood was typical in many ways, it was exceptional in others –she was given wings early on. Even as a young child, she was involved in the state of the world around her. She remembers, “Conversations at the dinner table about social justice and fairness and the disgrace of the McCarthy hearings… just general conversation about world affairs, national affairs, the state…” She recalls how all the family would read together. “It was years before I knew that most people, after dinner that wasn’t what they did.” Her father was a journalist – a foreign correspondent – and she spent her senior year of high school in Geneva, Switzerland at the International School of Geneva where there were students from 48 different countries. During that year Sidney was not only exposed to different people from different cultures, she had an opportunity to travel in Europe. She came back to Montana longing for more. Planning to return to Europe, she began her studies in French literature at the University of Montana. Although she got her degree, along the way she “fell in love, got married, and started having babies.” Her life took a different path, and Sidney has no regrets. She is a proud mother/ grandmother of four chil-

dren and eight grandchildren. She describes herself as a “born optimist,” and knows that she was probably put on the path she was meant to follow. After a short stint in California where she recalls feeling “isolated and lonely” and out-of-touch with the life that she was used to, she found herself back in Helena. “That was probably a watershed year,” she says. A friend called and invited her to attend a Democratic women’s club meeting. Longing for some adult conversation and stimulation, she jumped at the chance. “I often think how different my world might have been if she’d said we’re going to have a reader’s group, or a literary society, a painting club, or… I would have said yes to anything,” Sidney says. (Continued on page 65)


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If You Dream It, It Happens: Val Parsons And The Gateway To Glacier Trail Article & Photo By Gail Jokerst The “P” in Val Parsons’ last name may stand for Parsons, but it also represents two other traits that describe this West Glacier cycling aficionado – patience and persistence. Those involved with building Flathead bike trails can attest to that. Val’s present quest is to complete a pedestrianand-bike-friendly pathway along U.S. 2 between Coram and West Glacier. This extension will link the existing trail, which begins at Hungry Horse, to Glacier National Park. “The corridor leading to the park is beautiful. Zooming by in a car, you can miss how beautiful it is. It’s also neat to watch the trains while you’re bicycling,” adds Val. “Someday, I’d love to see people be able to safely ride their bikes from the valley to the park and then take public transit from there.” Thanks to Val’s efforts and those of fellow members of the non-profit Gateway to Glacier organization, that goal is possible. With $115,000 raised of the trail’s milliondollar-plus price tag, the financial challenge has not fazed this retired elementary school/special education teacher. During her three decades in Kalispell classrooms, Val has volunteered for 17 years with the Rails-to-Trails organization and learned a lot about the virtues of patience and persistence. “My mom never let my sister, brothers, or me quit anything we started when we were growing up. She always encouraged us to stick with it, whatever the task at hand,” recalls Val. “If one of us joined something – 4-H, the swim team, or took piano lessons – she wouldn’t let us quit after one or two years. We had to give each activity four to five years before moving on to something else.” Considering it took Val two years to get permission to convert an old rail bed to a trail, you realize

her mom’s approach to life left an impression. “Once we had permission, the project required grant writing. But now people can safely cycle the 22 miles from Somers to Kyla. It was great to see kids out there. I know from my years of teaching that kids went from playing outside to playing with their phones,” states Val. “I saw a real shift.” Although Val was raised in Cody, Wyoming, where she remembers pedaling “into the wind towards town and coasting on the way home,” she stopped cycling when she attended college. It wasn’t until she was into her teaching career and seeking an afterwork stress releaser that she reacquainted herself with bicycling. “Another teacher and I would ride an 18mile loop three times a week. We kept it up as often as possible through the year,” says Val. “It made me happy to do it and to see families out riding and walking too.” While she has always considered herself more of a recreational than competitive, Val does take her cycling seriously. Ever since she and her husband, Larry, moved to the Half Moon Lake area by Glacier National Park seven years ago, she has pedaled several times weekly along a 90-minute route, provided the weather cooperates. “Bicycling is a good solo activity,” says Val, who always carries mace and bear spray with her into grizzly country – just in case. “I’ve seen bears while I’ve been riding but never had to use either of the sprays. I also like to go for a ride when I’m feeling down. It elevates my mood and is an instant cure.” From Val’s perspective atop her two-wheeler, the dangers of riding to the park stem more from highway traffic than unpredictable bruins. Vehicles have so often whizzed by her at such close proximity she felt compelled to do something to make this stretch of U.S. 2 a safe zone for bicyclists and

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pedestrians. “It’s hell riding on the shoulder of this highway, especially when double-semi’s barrel past you at 70 miles per hour just a few feet away. I sometimes wonder if I’m going to live when I ride my bike to the Park,” remarks Val. “But this project is about way more than my riding safely to the Park. My number one goal is to get kids away from the TV and computer and back on bikes.” According to Val, it took her five years “to get up the gumption” to start a trail group here, hold meetings, and form a 501(c)(3) organization. Initially, she met with three other people at the Canyon Community Church in Hungry Horse. Now they meet monthly at the Stonefly Lounge and count hundreds of names among their supporters. The church and lounge connections may sound like odd bedfellows for a bicycling organization but they accurately reflect the widespread community enthusiasm this project has sparked. Ministers and tavern owners as well as quilters, innkeepers, clerks, longtime denizens, and big-city transplants have all sat side-by-side at planning meetings and enjoyed soup-dinner fundraisers together. To help raise the necessary dollars, even school kids have joined the effort by staffing bake sales, musicians have played free benefit concerts, and cooks have

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donated dozens of homemade huckleberry, apple, and cherry pies for lively auctions. “It’s been cool to form friendships with people of different backgrounds and ages who have championed this,” notes Val. “We all want to preserve the heritage of playing outdoors and see kids playing outdoors. I think other baby boomers and older seniors can benefit from trails like this, too, because there are no rocks, curves, or obstacles. Even people in wheelchairs and with special needs can feel safe while on these trails. The paths are level so it’s easy to maintain balance.” Like Val, locals hope the bicycle tour groups and other long-distance cyclists en route to Goingto-the-Sun Road will use the completed trail. Should the trail also bring customers to any of the businesses along the way, meet mutual needs, and revitalize the canyon communities, all the better. “Bicycling should never be hard if you shift correctly. So learn to shift and shift a lot. Don’t be afraid to change gears,” she counsels. “Try something level to start, like a Rails-to-Trails path. Riding captures your youth again and the freedom of youth. You’ll feel like a kid.” For information, visit www.gatewaytoglaciertrail.com, email: glacierbike@gmail.com, or write: P.O. Box 450, West Glacier, MT 59936. MSN

Flathead Industries Provides Support That Helps Each Monday through Saturday morning between thirty and fifty adults with developmental disabilities wake up and prepare to come to work at one of our three thrift stores in Kalispell, Columbia Falls, and Whitefish. Several of the workers have physical issues such as cerebral palsy; others have mental disorders and many have both. They range in age from their late teens to their 60s. Some of the more physically capable people work in the receiving areas of the store. Others work in the retail section hanging clothing and keeping the stores presentable. The majority, work in the processing area where they price, tag, hang, sort, and organize clothing and soft goods to be sold. They have great attitudes, and they rarely miss

work. They take great pride in their work, no matter how big or small the assignment. They love what they do, and with whom they do it. Unless someone retires or moves to a new community, there is no turnover. They live with parents, guardians, in supported living apartments, or in group homes. They arrive each day by rides with parents, walking, bicycles, or public transit. They are paid every other Friday just like the rest of us and whoop and holler no matter the amount of the check. For more information on how you can help these fine folks please call us at 406-755-3842 or visit flatheadindustries.org. You will be glad you did! MSN

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Lending A Helping Hand For Over Four Decades: Marion Fisher And The Klothes Kloset Article & Photo By Gail Jokerst If you have ever wondered what makes a good yardstick for determining the state of the economy, wonder no more. According to Marion Fisher, rags hold the answer. As a long-time volunteer for the Klothes Kloset, a non-profit resale-recycle store, Marion ought to know. She has helped at this Columbia Falls landmark since the store opened. During those years, she has observed that whenever white rags are scooped up quickly, it signals a positive financial trend. “Painters and cabinet makers buy white rags for staining. There are no dyes in the cloth so there’s no colorbleeding when they’re dipped in solvent,” notes Marion, a greatgrandmother ten times over. “When we sell lots of those rags, it means construction is up and people are working.” Considering the Klothes Kloset rang up its first sale in 1970, it no doubt qualifies as one of the oldest thrift stores in Montana. Organized through a non-denominational charity, Church Women United, it deals with much more than selling rags or previously owned blouses and blue jeans. The Klothes Kloset donates its profits to community education scholarships and the Columbia Falls Food Pantry among many other worthy causes and passes along everything from puzzles and school supplies to Head Start. Unlike many seemingly similar thrift-type stores, the Klothes Kloset also has a workroom. That is where those rags Marion mentioned are cut and bagged; where donated yarns can be purchased; and where volunteers of many faiths gather to stitch together quilts and lap robes crafted from donated material and clothing. “We make the quilts and lap robes to give to schools, the police, moms on the run, and nursing homes from Eureka to Polson. We never have to recruit volunteers; people come by to help on their own. They enjoy the fellowship of those who are involved and like that, we’re making a difference

in many lives. We’re one of the few groups with such a large mission project. Our resale shop has an emphasis on recycling as well as on helping people in need,” says Marion, who estimates that at least one woman comes in weekly requiring assistance because of fire, illness, divorce, abuse, or a host of other reasons. “I’m interested in helping my neighbor. If you can help someone locally, that’s where you start. It’s far more important to help your neighbor than to pass him by to do good at a distance. And if we can’t outfit someone through the store,” adds Marion, “we’ll buy whatever is needed for that person.” Not surprisingly, Marion and her coworkers do everything possible to take care of those unable to fend for themselves, such as children. When she or store manager Kris Skyberg says, “No child should go without underwear, shoes, or a coat” they mean it. Kris recounts an especially touching Christmas when she had an opportunity to put those words into action. “I received a call from a woman whose home had caught on fire. She needed clothing for her and her kids,” recalls Kris. “It was Christmas Eve and I didn’t want to leave my family but I drove over to the store to meet her and found her shivering, coatless, on the doorstep. After locating a winter coat for her, I tried – unsuccessfully – to find warm coats to fit her son and daughter. I had about given up when the idea came to check the latest donations left on our loading dock. The first bag I opened had two children’s coats right on top: one for a boy and one for a girl and they were a perfect fit for this woman’s children.” For Kris, it was a memorable evening not just for the way needs were met but for the wake-up message she received that her holiday could only be made richer – not poorer – by assisting someone less fortunate and by making good use of what was already at hand.


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As Marion explains, shop volunteers do their best to live by words she has long been familiar with: “Use it up. Wear it out. Make it do. Or go without.” The first three lines are from a U.S. Government poster issued in 1943 to remind Americans to be frugal and resourceful at home to support the war effort abroad. “When you see the amount of goods no longer wanted,” says Marion, “you ask yourself, What would happen to all this if it wasn’t recycled?” That explains why volunteers bother to cut rags from stained, ripped, or unsold clothing and why they salvage buttons and extra-long zippers for resale. True to their mission, these volunteers rarely toss out anything except for dirty clothes because they have no laundry facilities to clean them. However, they take clean clothes of all types and sizes. This includes medical scrubs, scout uniforms, baby outfits, and garments that none of the volunteers would ever willingly wear outside the shop’s walls. “We save the ugly things for Halloween and for theater costumes,” says Marion, who has been amazed repeatedly to see people buy even those fashion-challenged articles of clothing. Among the few items the Klothes Kloset will not handle are heavy bulky things that a woman cannot easily move such as sofas or beds. When people drop them off at the shop’s loading dock thinking they are doing folks a favor they are actually costing them money because someone has to be hired to cart them away. “We don’t have the storage or manpower for those kinds of items,” explains Marion. “Among the volunteers, we call ourselves the Double K Department Store because principally, we’re a dry goods store.” Volunteers who sort through the donations remain on the lookout for anything that may have some value. When pretty necklaces or pieces of china come in that look extra special, they are set aside for the shop’s annual one-day Christmas sale. “We don’t get as much valuable jewelry or dishes as we used to. Nowadays, people take more pains to go through things,” remarks Marion, who like her cohorts at the Klothes Kloset, feels passionately about the importance of volunteering within one’s community and recommends it to everyone. “Never pass up an opportunity to volunteer something of yourself, whether it’s your household goods or your bad jokes,” says Marion. “You have to get satisfaction from something. At a place like the Klothes Kloset, you see an ending to your efforts like when you make a pie. You see the people that you help. You feel their hugs or see the shoes that fit a little boy.” For Marion, watching smiles light up the faces of the people she helps makes everyone’s contributions worthwhile. The Klothes Kloset is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 – 4:00 at 286 Nucleus Avenue in Columbia Falls. Call 406-892-4534 for more information. MSN

Goodness, Beauty, and Truth Whitefish Christian Academy is a non-profit classical Christian school that strives to educate children excellently while honoring God in all things. Recently, we enrolled a young man in 4th grade who had been struggling in his classes at another local school. His parents were concerned that he was falling behind. At Whitefish Christian Academy, he has experienced dramatic improvements and his dad says, “My son is now showing more confidence!” Not only do students receive a quality education, but also they learn life principles such as integrity, kindness, and how to finish strong! Whitefish Christian Academy has been serving the Flathead Valley for over 30 years. In the past year, we experienced over 40% growth. We consist of families, children, and teachers who passionately share in our pursuit of goodness, beauty, and truth. When you support Whitefish Christian Academy, you help fulfill the vision of providing a quality education to students who might otherwise be unable to afford attending WCA. Many of our students receive scholarship funding and we consistently strive to keep WCA affordable through outside contributions. To make a donation or for more information, please visit us at www.whitefishacademy.org or call 406-862-5875. MSN

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Part Artist, Part Alchemist: Flathead Lake Potter Mimi Werner By Gail Jokerst Photo Courtesy of Mimi Werner If you accept the idea that our childhood passions shape our lives, then you can well believe that a little girl who loved to make mud pies could grow up to become one of Montana’s most talented potters. “That was the beginning of my career in clay,” remembers Mimi Werner, who still delights in having her hands in and on the earth whether she is forming dishes on her pottery wheel or tending her orchard. “I would play in the mud or sand for hours creating things. I always knew I would be an artist.” Her goal as a studio potter has been – and continues to be – to create household items that are well balanced, flawless, and appealing. If a customer senses that Mimi’s clay creations also come infused with her love of and fascination with molding the earth, all the better. “My attraction to this medium is the transformation that occurs from a piece of soft mud to something hard, useful, and hopefully beautiful. And I do like to make beautiful things that can be used. Functional art is a reflection of our environment and culture,” says Mimi, who calls her work Lava Jazz Pottery. “I enjoy the physical part of creating pots, the tactileness of the medium. I inherited a strong work ethic from my family, who were all hard workers. So I’m self-motivated and my own best critic.” Although she has been selling her mugs, plates, bowls, and other porcelain pieces since 1974, Mimi still appreciates the challenge and possibilities this art form presents and considers herself a perpetual learner. Never one to remain in a rut, she continually strives to reach beyond her professional comfort zone. “I like to leave room for exploration. It takes you to a new place. I have many years of skill under my belt but am constantly experimenting to work in new ways. I feel like I am always the beginner. Which is a good place to be because you’re inquisi-

tive. You need to learn the rules but then you need to learn when to break those rules to advance yourself so you don’t get stuck,” says Mimi. “It’s important to challenge your skill level. If you aren’t trying anything new, it’s not an interesting way to work. It’s all part of the creative process.” Not surprisingly, Mimi’s varied body of work reflects that sense of experimentation. The sheer variety leaves the impression that her pieces could have been crafted by different artists. Yet they all bear Mimi’s signature stamp of graceful form and unique design partnered by comfortable heft and rich tones. Of all the pieces she hand tosses on her pottery wheel, Mimi has a special affinity for the bowls she turns out. Be they large or small – sauce, soup, or salad bowls – she finds herself drawn to these practical items perhaps more than any others that emerge from her kilns. “As vessels, they provide beautiful spaces to be filled. I like to anticipate what will go into them. That completes the piece,” she says. “We add ritual to our pieces and develop memories for ourselves.” Living as she does along Flathead Lake’s Finley Point, Mimi draws on her rural locale for inspiration. Inevitably, the colors she sees from her studio windows – the deep greens and cool blues – appear in her work. Aside from digging silty Montana clay from Flathead Lake to use in her pots, she also incorporates unusual high-silica materials such as lava from Mount St. Helens and wood ash to add distinctive touches to her pieces. In the heat of her kilns – she has four – the lava turns glassy and imparts a subtle yellow-green THE BARN hue to glazes while the Antiques, Consignments wood ash melts into a & Gifts shiny residue. “The colors I end up with are gifts of the kiln, a function of temperature and heat. Every little thing can alter a firing, even the “A little bit of old and weather. High wind a little bit of new” and low atmospheric pressure can cause Mon–Sat 10–5 down-drafts that affect the firing,” Mimi ex406-837-2276 (BARN) plains. “But you learn 100 Hill Road Bigfork, Montana through trial and error. thebarnantiques.biz A potter is part artist, part alchemist. What Located in the Swan River Center happens is more like

magic and mystery than science.” For anyone considering buying pottery, Mimi advises choosing things that will incorporate into your life in useful ways. Other than the obvious mug for coffee or bowl for cereal, to find a little dish to place a teabag on or a wide-mouthed jar to hold utensils, brushes, or pens. “Pick up the piece and feel it. Pottery is a tactile individual experience. Don’t worry about matching things. Break the rules,” she advises. “Every piece should have a different pull and appearance. They’re all made by hand. They aren’t mass produced.” Many people are concerned – and rightfully so – about breaking pottery in the course of daily use. Mimi readily admits this can be a problem but it is one problem that can be avoided. “There’s a degree of mindfulness required when handling pottery. You have to have respect for the piece and the amount of work that went into it and handle it carefully,” she cautions. “There’s no forgiving to it.” For anyone considering pottery as a career or avocation, she suggests following your own artistic muse. “Do what you know you can do well. Make what you want to make. But remember,” she warns, “there’s always a degree of failure no matter the amount of work that goes into it. There are a million opportunities for things to go wrong. High-fired ceramics requires a lot of letting go.” Still for Mimi, despite all that can go haywire during the various phases of production, creating each new piece that meets her standards makes it all worthwhile. “I love the connection of feeling with this ancient art form,” she says. “I feel honored and gifted to be a part of that, especially nowadays when we don’t need pottery, when we can buy plastics or ceramics from Japan and China.” Besides the pleasure, she derives from fashioning lovely earthenware and porcelain items for the home, Mimi cherishes the many friendships she has made with strangers who have stopped by her gallery to browse and left as friends. Many of whom now collect her work. “My customers are the best part of my job. It makes me happy when people write me notes telling me they enjoy using my pots and incorporating them into their life. After all,” she adds, “it’s the using that gives them meaning not storing them on a shelf.” For more information: visit www.lavajazzpottery.com, call 406-887-2596, or email lavajazzpottery@centurytel.net. MSN


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Montana ShamRockers

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- cont’d from pg 1

As you might expect, the ShamRockers find themselves most in demand throughout March complimenting Montana’s rich Irish history. Over one energetic St. Patrick’s Day, the group was asked to play seven venues in Great Falls during a packed 36-hour timeframe. And they happily complied. The Christmas season, which Neal assures brings out their reverent side, also keeps their calendar full. Through these two holiday periods, the quintet frequently crisscrosses the state along with harmonicas, bizoukis, fiddles, mandolins, whistles, banjos, and guitars plus an array of lesserknown instruments, such as cabassas and Saxophones. What began for these musicians in 2003 as entertainment for hospital thank-you luncheons has since blossomed into two albums along with invitations to perform at regional music fests including the prestigious Northwest Folklife Festival in Seattle during this year’s Memorial Day weekend. “It is rare for an unknown group like us to get into this festival on the first try,” remarks Neal. The 30-minute stage opportunity will require some 1,000 round-trip miles of driving to Puget Sound but for these Montanans, singing at such a huge musical experience is well worth the effort expended to participate. In addition, the ShamRockers annually perform at the An Ri Ra Irish Festival in Butte with its celebration of all things Gaelic. Over the years, they have also played in various other Big Sky locales from Libby and Three Forks to Thompson Falls, Anaconda, Missoula, Havre, and Helena. One of the most memorable events, which cemented the group’s commitment to Irish music, took place in Fort Benton in 2009 for a ceremony honoring Thomas Meagher, whose statue sits on the front lawn of the Capitol grounds in Helena. “He was from Waterford, Ireland and was Montana’s first territorial governor,” recalls Neal, who credits Meagher with designing the Irish tri-colored flag. “He mysteriously disappeared in Fort Benton supposedly after falling off a Missouri River steamboat – never to be found. We wrote a song to honor him and people were weeping because of the research we did. “Music is one of the first ways humans learned to communicate. It is integral to the human makeup and has been used for everything from teaching a lesson to rousing the troops,” explains Neal, a born storyteller who attended the University of Montana on a voice scholarship. “Music is incredibly binding, everyone can relate to it.” Aside from enjoying the tunes they hear, audiences also relate to the jovial banter and easy rapport that is so obvious amongst the ShamRockers. “They key in on the chemistry, the joking that goes on between us. We’re like a big family and socialize together when we aren’t performing. Between us, we have 13 kids and 14 grandchildren,” rattles off Neal without needing a moment to total the head count. “It’s all about the fun and that’s what comes across. No one is planning to get rich from this. If we get on David Letterman, that’s okay. But if we play the second grade at St. Basil’s Catholic School, that might even be better.” For more information about purchasing The Montana ShamRockers’ recordings or to hire them for a performance, call 406-8839212 or email portpolsonplayers@centurytel. net. MSN

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From Tracker to Teacher: Brian Baxter’s Students Learn to See in the Woods Article & Photo By Cate Huisman Brian Baxter does not seem like a guy born in New York City, and although he was, he didn’t live there long. His family moved across the Hudson River to a housing development backed by 40 acres of woods. That forestland was his true home. “I always felt very comfortable in the woods,” says Baxter. “My family was kinda worried about me because I was a little wild.” Half a century later, Baxter seems to have remained a little wild. He appears most comfortable out of doors, and he has made a life and living surveying the trees and studying the wildlife that traverses the far northern ranges of the continent. His youthful fondness for all things sylvan led naturally to a study of forestry technology in college, which left him with a degree and skills he could use for gainful employment in his preferred environment. Then he realized he was as interested in the animals that roamed the forests as he was in the forests themselves, so he continued his schooling to get a wildlife management degree from Western Carolina University. Postgraduate wanderings brought Baxter to Moscow in 1976, where he got a job on a land survey crew. His foreman’s tales of Northwest

Montana led him to want to visit that area, and two years later, he was working on a stand inventory crew with the Kootenai National Forest. Thus began a career that has ranged across the ridges and valleys of the Montana-Idaho border, with the occasional foray beyond into eastern Washington or southeast British Columbia. With his combination of degrees, Baxter found that he had options for various kinds of work that could keep him afloat until the right wildlife project came along. So he surveyed and inventoried for the Forest Service and cruised timber for Plum Creek Timber Company, and when the chance arose, he became involved with tracking and studying mid-size forest carnivores – wolverine, fisher, marten, and lynx. Over 15 years pursuing such animals, Baxter became an expert at tracking, live trapping, and radio collaring the elusive wolverine and lynx, and eventually decided to start his own company, Silver Cloud Associates. It was not an easy area in which to set up a business, but the timing was right. The U.S. Forest Service wanted to do timber cuts on the Kootenai and Kaniksu national forests, and conservation groups were questioning what the effects of these cuts would be on resident flora and fauna. As Baxter


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says, “Everyone knew that the timber dollar supported wildlife projects,� so there was money for research. Wild animal surveys involve a variety of activities, from counting the number of animal dens in an area to setting up live traps, so the quarry can be tranquilized and fitted with radio tracking collars. Baxter’s tracking skills enabled him to identify where his prey were and where best to place his “sets� – the combination of bait, camouflage, and trap that attracts and holds an animal. Animals were never happy to end up in Baxter’s traps, and he thinks of wolverine, in particular, as being notoriously feisty when captured. In fact, they’re “terrorizing,� he says. When a wolverine is in a trap, “it’s nothing but saliva and claws and guttural sounds.� Although there was no way the animals could know that Baxter intended no harm, he was able to develop ways of behaving around them that could sometimes calm them down. As timber harvests and funding for research dwindled precipitously in 2000, Baxter went back to surveying, but this work also petered out when the economy crashed in 2008. His colleagues suggested he ought to teach, given his unique and extensive experience tracking, observing, and even approaching and interacting with the denizens of the northern forests. He resisted the idea. “I’m not comfortable in public. I’m a loner dude.� But after he published an article in Montana Magazine about tracking lynx, the Glacier Institute in Glacier National Park asked him to teach a class, and he decided to try it. He’s been teaching now for over a decade, for college classes and conservation groups as well as the Glacier Institute, on both sides of the Idaho/ Montana border. He remembers that at first, his approach was “way too scientific� and his coach from the institute noted, “You’re kinda nervous. Keep the stories; that’s one of the better parts.� Baxter has lots of stories: In addition to being threatened by a wolverine, he’s been treed by a bear, has fallen through ice, has been stalked by wolves, and has suffered disorienting heat exhaustion when he was miles from his truck, which was itself miles from the nearest town. The stories are good for teaching, since these experiences honed the skills of observation that his students seek. Baxter’s classes start with an orientation in a classroom, where he can account for the weather and the season and give students an idea of what to look for and what they might experience when they move outside. He animates charts and pictures with stories, and his teaching style engages all the senses: he can imitate an owl call or a

wolverine utterance, and he can move across a room like a lynx, demonstrating how its stooped appearance differentiates it from a bobcat. He loves the transformation that occurs as his students go through a daylong class. “People tune into their own powers of observation, and they practice what we taught in the classroom,� he says. They are amazed at their awareness. “We have more in common with animals than we may realize,� says Baxter. When his students recognize these commonalities, it helps them see the signs of animals all around them. “It’s like they have a whole different set of eyes.� This fall, Baxter will be teaching day-long classes in riparian and wetland ecology, old-growth ecology, and pre-hunting season animal tracking at the Libby and Kalispell branches of Flathead Valley Community College. In the winter, he will offer several animal tracking classes – through the college, through the Glacier Institute, and through the Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness. You can also arrange with him to design a class for your group, ranging from a daylong off-trail hike to a bus tour with short walks to easily accessible wildlife areas. Email b_baxter53@yahoo.com or call 406-291-2154 (Silver Cloud Associates) or 406-291-2154 (Baxter’s cell phone) for more information, questions, scheduling, custom program design, or to sign up for programs. MSN

MONTANA SENIOR NEWS PAGE 41

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Great Falls Hosts Montana Senior Olympics June 20-22, 2013 By Bernice Karnop The Montana Senior Olympic Summer Games welcomed nearly 25 percent more last year than they did the previous year. They would love to increase the numbers even more in 2013. On June 20-22, individuals 50+ years of age come to Great Falls to compete in archery, basketball, bowling, cycling, track and field, golf, horseshoes, race-walk, racquetball, road race, swimming, table tennis, and tennis. In addition to the fun of competing, they’ll attend social events like Alive-at-Five on Thursday evening and a banquet on Friday, June 21. The Registration deadline is June 7, but you don’t have to register to come out to the various venues and watch. If you scope out the competition this year, you can start training now for 2014. There’s no question that exercise is a springboard to healthy life. Exercise strengthens your heart and lungs and helps to lower your blood pressure. It fights diabetes, strengthens your bones, and helps keep your joints, tendons, and ligaments flexible so you can move easily and safely. It helps you drop the excess pounds and improves your mental health and your sense of well-being. Exercise is like brushing your teeth and washing your face. You need to get in the habit of doing it every day for the rest of your life.

If you are part of the 50+ gang, you know better than to get out there and work out hard the first day after a lazy winter. The results remain predictably the same. It hurts to move for the next three or four days and by then you’ve lost the motivation. So where should you start? The first stop should be at the doctor’s office or at a health club for an exercising blood pressure check. This is important so you know what your blood pressure will do when you exercise. A personal trainer can set up a program geared to your abilities, needs, and goals. For example, if you have problems with your back or knees leave the running to others. You can do other things including biking and walking. Next, be sure you have good supportive shoes and proper clothing for whichever type of exercising you plan to do. Start slowly and remember that even if you swam all winter, running or walking outdoors will tax different muscles. Start out slowly and gradually increase your workout. Stretch out those major muscle groups when you’re done with your workout. Warm-up and cool-down periods help tune up the body before exercise and wind down afterward. Get started exercising now, and next year plan to compete in the 2014 Montana Senior Olympics. MSN

To The Woods With Bikes And Boots:Montana Dirt Girls By Gail Jokerst When Carol Fulton moved to Missoula three years ago, one of the first things she did was type the following keywords into her computer’s search engine: “Missoula + mountain biking.” As soon as she saw “www.montanadirtgirls.com” among the hits, Carol had a feeling it would be a good match, especially since she never expected to find a women’s biking group in her new hometown. “I was looking for information on trails, groups, and connections. I went to the Montana Dirt Girls web site immediately. After exploring their site I decided to give them a try,” says Carol, who has been road and mountain biking for the past 27 years. “I learned this isn’t a club. There are no dues, no meetings, and it’s open to all skill levels.” On her first bike ride, Carol discovered several more things she liked about the group. Whatever their age or expertise, new and beginning riders received a warm welcome. Carol met cyclists ranging from college students to grandmothers to bionic women sporting new knees. To her surprise,

she also met many in her own 50-something age bracket. “It’s a tough sport and you’re going to be in pain. But age doesn’t determine ability,” emphasizes Carol. “Practice does.” In addition, Carol noticed the core group of riders provided lots of support to help newbies along the route. As Carol embarked on more rides, she saw that when the group was large enough to split up, an experienced rider would typically volunteer to lead the “relaxed group” at a slower pace so those who wanted to pedal a bit faster could. “This group is not about egos; egos are put aside when we’re on the trail together. It’s more about getting out and riding and encouraging other women to ride,” says Carol. As Carol has observed, even the waiting times at regrouping points can be fun as people rest and visit with each other. One day, they even dropped their bikes when someone spotted a mother lode of ripe huckleberries dangling from nearby bushes. “We stayed and picked and picked and picked,”

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recalls Carol. The purpose of the Dirt Girls has remained the same since 2001 when Julie Huck unintentionally founded the group: They try to gear their rides to the slowest cycler and make sure everyone has fun while building riding skills. “This all started with my trying to get a co-worker out mountain biking. I told her I did not mind going slower, and we rode together one day a week. Word spread and a group of friends gradually started to join us,� explains Julie. “My co-worker biked with us for Two Dirt Girl groups merge on a spring ride at Blue Mountain. [Photo courtesy of Julie Huck] a year and that’s when I put up a web site. Now there are 150 names on our email list. Forty to fifty women drop off annually but new people keep finding and joining us. “The whole point isn’t who gets there first; it’s making sure we all make it out and everyone has a good time. We are not hard-core. We are not out to hit it hard but to get women outside recreating.� explains Julie. Meeting Tuesdays at 6 p.m., the Dirt Girls alternate between challenging and easier rides. Destination ideas come from within the group. The more experienced riders take turns as group leader so it is a shared responsibility. The all-female make-up of the Dirt Girls works well for these women. No one misses her menfolk for the evening. These gals value having the alone time with other women and the less competitive atmosphere when guys are absent. “The dynamics definitely change when men are around,� observes Carol. “They talk bikes, CIRCLE OF Winnebago Tour bike parts, and the big rides they’ve done. Women EXCELLENCE talk about more personal things – about our day, YEARS about recipes and books we’re reading.� WINNER IN A ROW! When Daylight Savings Time ends in the fall or temperatures drop too low to ride comfortably, the group switches to hiking. They follow the same general procedures as for their mountain biking, meeting at a designated locale at 6 p.m. every Tuesday and returning by 9:30. “There’s a range of people from professionals to Montana’s Exclusive Winnebago Dealer stay-at-home moms. You never know whom you’ll 18;;8=6B 6A40C 50;;B :0;8B?4;; meet on these hikes. Doctors, lawyers, artists – we ( 4G8C ##" #! C7 0E4 B " "' 7FH ! 4 all share the struggle,� says Julie. ''' ('% %%'# ''' %'! $# '&& ('% %%'# “These hikes push us into a new sense of community sharing the one thing we all have in common – we all love being outside. That transcends everything – the full spectrum from age, economics, and profession, religious and political beliefs. That’s the unifying thing,� sums up Julie. “But it’s cool to have the diversity within.� For more information, visit www.montanadirtgirls.com or email Julie Huck at montanadirtgirl@ gmail.com. To learn more about Adventure Cycling, visit www.adventurecycling.org. MSN

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MONTANA SENIOR NEWS PAGE 45

Step Back In Time And Relive History In Deer Lodge The Old Montana Prison Complex is operated by the Powell County Museum and Arts Foundation, a non-profit organization. Located in historic Deer Lodge, the 8.5-acre museum complex consists of five museums: • The Old Montana Prison (once home to outlaws and hardened criminals) • The Montana Auto Museum (listed by USA Today as one of the Top 10 Must-See Car Museums In The U.S.) • Yesterdays Plaything’s (featuring a new exhibit of Raggedy Ann and Andy) • Frontier Montana (a western museum with authentic wild-west artifacts on display) • The Powell County Museum (a local history

and mining museum). Other attractions include The Milwaukee Railroad Exhibit, Cottonwood City, and The Pen Art Gallery (featuring Always and Never the Same as the 2013 exhibit). Be sure to stop by The Ice Cream Station for some mouth-watering made-inMontana ice cream, conveniently located next to our parking lot in a historic gas station! Family friendly and affordable, one low price covers admission to all of our museums and attractions and the passes are good for two days! The Museum now operates on summer hours 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., 7 days a week. For more information call 406-846-3111 or visit www.pcmaf.org. MSN

The C.M. Russell Museum Offers Free Admission To Military Personnel As A Blue Star Museum Member The C.M. Russell Museum is proud to be a Blue Star Museum, one of more than 1,800 museums across America to offer free admission to military personnel and their families. This program typically runs Memorial Day through Labor Day, but the Russell Museum offers free admission to military year around. “This program gives us a chance to thank military members and their families for their service and share with them the art of the famous Cowboy Artist, Charlie Russell,” says Michael Duchemin, Russell Museum executive director. The Russell Museum goes beyond offering free admission by collaborating frequently with Malmstrom Air Force Base (MAFB). Throughout the 60-year history of the C.M. Russell Museum, more than 50 personnel assigned to MAFB have been employed by the museum, and hundreds of Air Force personnel volunteer each year for

BAIR MUSEUM

numerous museum events and fundraisers. Free museum family events are offered yearly, like Saddles & Spurs and the Holiday Open House, which see a huge turnout from MAFB families. “The Great Falls community and certainly our museum are enriched because of the quality of people at MAFB,” adds Duchemin. “They are the most eager and hard-working volunteers we could ask for, and building these relationships is a real pleasure.” For more information, visit www.cmrussell.org or call 406-7278787. MSN

Step into Montana History!

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Craft or Crafty? Think about what you are drinking By Charlie Papazian, Bob Pease, and Tony Herbert Beer has had roots in this country for centuries. Virtually every Founding Father made or enjoyed it. Today, thanks to the ingenuity of small and independent brewers, the U.S. has moved beyond offering only light American lager and now has more beer styles and brands to choose from than any other market in the world. Montana’s brewers are helping lead the way. With over 35 breweries making fine hand craft beer in 2011, the Montana craft beer Industry represented almost $50 million in economic output, employment of over 430 Montanans with almost $12 million in compensation, and $1.5 million in state tax revenues. Montana has more breweries per capita than all states but Vermont, producing over 100,000 barrels of beer per year.

This is a movement — and one that is growing rapidly. Craft beer grew nationally 13 percent with retail dollar value estimated at $8.7 billion (1.6% of the nation’s GDP). Montana’s craft beer industry grew 18 percent by volume, 39 percent in employment (full and part time), and 20 percent in sales. Yet even as craft grows, those who dominate the market are large international conglomerates. A-B InBev, headquartered in Belgium, and SABMiller, headquartered in London, now control 75 percent of the U.S. beer market between them. Heineken, Modelo (Corona), and other imports are 14 percent. While America’s small and independent craft brewers have reached a record 6 percent market share, they lack the economies of scale and the huge marketing resources of the big brewers. They’ve relied on grassroots efforts, an appreciation for local, authentic, delicious products to attract their consumer base. Beer enthusiasts have responded by embracing these breweries and their unique, innovative, and flavorful beers, brewed locally by neighbors and friends who are very visibly involved in their communities. They have chosen to support smallbusiness entrepreneurs, who are the embodiment of the American dream. These entrepreneurs are the underdogs bent on reviving a sense of independent craftsmanship. Noting the expansion of the craft brewers’ niche and that many beer drinkers are turning away from the mass-produced light lagers, the large brewers started producing their own craftlike beers. However, they don’t label these faux-craft beers as products of A-B InBev and MillerCoors. So if you are drinking a Blue Moon Belgian Wheat Beer, you are not told it is a SABMiller product. If you crack open a Shock Top, you are not told this

brand is 100 percent owned by A-B InBev. The large brewers also have bought or own 100 percent of smaller breweries like Goose Island, Leinenkugel, and Henry Weinhard. They own significant equity stakes in Red Hook, Widmer, and Kona breweries. They sell these beers through their strong distribution channels, but market these faux-craft beers as if they were from independent, locally owned craft breweries. Today, there are craft breweries in just about every city in the country, lifting the local economies and giving those communities unique products that reflect their native character. Most Americans now live within 10 miles of an independent, locally owned craft brewery. In Montana there now are breweries located in 22 communities, including

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small towns such as Wibaux (Beaver Creek Brewing), Wolf Point (Missouri Breaks Brewing), and Phillipsburg (Phillipsburg Brewing). This country thrives on innovation, and smallbusiness and craft brewers alike are the epitome of this. The large brewers employ 25,000 people in their stateside brewing facilities and, undoubtedly, in cities like Milwaukee, Denver, and St. Louis. These jobs are important to local economies. But across the entire U.S., small and independent craft brewers employ more than 103,500 Americans in local, Main Street jobs! Montanans are known to enjoy their beer, and if you think craft breweries are a good force in America, take the time to familiarize yourself with who is brewing the beer you are drinking. Is it truly from a brewer that is small (producing less than 6 million barrels of beer a year) and independent (meaning less than 25 percent of the

craft brewery is owned/controlled by an alcoholic beverage industry member who is not themselves craft)? Or is it a product of a large international brewer, capitalizing on the unprecedented growth of the sector to produce a faux-craft beer? It makes a difference. By supporting small and independent craft brewers across Montana, and the country, we are giving them a chance to thrive in business, create more jobs, boost the economy, and compete against the massive corporations that have controlled the market for so long. Charlie Papazian is the President and Bob Pease is the Chief Operating Officer of the Brewers Association, which represents America’s small, independent brewers. Tony Herbert is the Executive Director of the Montana Brewers Association. MSN

Montana Folk Festival in Butte, Montana July 12-14, 2013 By Bernice Karnop Butte has opened its doors and invites everyone to come on over. Last year there were 150,000 visitors during the Montana Folk Festival and they’re prepared for that many again this year for the July 12-14, 2013 event. If that sounds like too many people for uptown Butte, don’t worry about it. George Everett, Festival Director, reminds people that there used to be 100,000 people living in Butte. “We can handle visitors,” he confidently states. “It feels great when the town is full. It’s reminiscent of Butte in its heyday.” Since its founding, Butte has always been a tossed salad of nationalities and a tangy combination of cultures, languages, and traditions. Butte’s heritage made it the perfect setting for the 70th through the 72nd National Folk Festivals starting in 2008. This annual event started in 1934 and was championed by Eleanor Roosevelt. The idea of combining the folk art, dancing, and music from different nations, languages, and races on one stage and on equal footing, must have raised eyebrows during its first years when segregation was the norm. The early festivals included Blues and

Cajun music, Polka bands, Mexican-American tunes and the Peking Opera. After hosting the National Folk Festival, the folks in the Mining City decided to keep going. “It was too much fun so we created the Montana Folk Festival,” says George. People tell him they like it even better than the National Folk Festival. The multi-cultural music continues in the tradition of the National Festival but Montana heritage takes the spotlight in the Folk life and Family areas. The performers for the 2013 Montana Folk Festival come from around the world and are recognized for their excellence. A person would expect to pay more than $50 a ticket to hear them in another

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venue, but in Butte, the performances are free to all who come, and that is quite an accomplishment. This partial list will give you an idea of the performers and the different types of music coming to Butte. Curious folks can go to the Montana Folk Festival website www.montanafolkfestival. com for a complete list and for links to the performers on YouTube: Karan Casey and John Doyle – Irish Folk; Khac Chi – Vietnamese Bamboo Music; Nathalie Pires – Portuguese Fado; Canzionere Grecanico Salentino – Italian traditional; Mythili Prakash – South Indian Bharatanatyam dance; Fendika – Ethiopian Dance; Bernard Allison – Blues; The Birmingham Sunlights – Gospel; Git Hoan Dancers – Native American dancers; Henry Butler Trio – New Orleans Piano Jazz; Joe Mullins and the Radio Ramblers – Bluegrass; Marshall Ford Swing Band – Western Swing; “Pan” Frenek, Zosia and the Polka Towners – Polka; Wang Li – Chinese Mouth harp This year’s Festival theme is Gathering at the Headwaters: The influence of the Confluence of Rivers and Riparian Lifeways in Montana and the Mountain West. At the Folk Life and Family areas demonstrations, displays, exhibits, performances, and narrative will tell about Montana heritage along the rivers. The Missouri and the Columbia River systems both headwater

in Montana and visitors will learn how the rivers and their tributaries affect our lives and our history. Demonstrations include canoe building, trap making, and fishing. Other topics include flying in Montana, dogsledding, powwows, and horses. Presenters will tell railroad stories, sing railroad songs, and give a telegraph operations demonstration. Artisans will show how to make boots and how to make moccasins. The Art Market displays the work of the region’s best traditional artists in woodwork, painting, furniture making, pottery, photography, and jewelry making, in both traditional and contemporary styles. A wide array of ethnic and festival food will draw festivalgoers to the food court. George says the festival is both family friendly and senior friendly. A shuttle runs between the six stages about every 20 minutes. Those who get tired walking up the hills can flag down one of the intra-festival golf carts that are equipped with passenger seats. Butte sits high on the Continental Divide with a background of head frames, narrow streets, and historic buildings. Butte’s multi-cultural history provides the backdrop for a great event for the whole state of Montana. The Butte festival planners bring the world right to our front door. It’s a tremendous opportunity for Montanans to expose their children and grandchildren to a broad variety of cultures, as well as to enjoy such variety themselves. The Montana Folk Festival is not only for the citizens of Montana. “We love showing off our town,” George Everett says. “This is a great place for out-of-state people to start their visit. After the Montana Folk Festival they can go on to the National Parks or wherever they want to go.” MSN

He who rejects change is the architect of decay. The only human institution which rejects progress is the cemetery. - Harold Wilson

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JUNE/JULY 2013

MONTANA SENIOR NEWS PAGE 49

What You Need To Know About Medicare In Time For Open Enrollment 2013 – Part I This is Part I of a two-part article explaining the intricacies of Medicare, Medicare Supplements, Medicare Advantage Plans, and Prescription Drug Coverage. Part I covers original Medicare and Medicare Supplements. Part II will cover Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Coverage plans and the factors to consider when choosing between original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. By Brian Bailey Bailey Insurance Services, Kalispell What is Medicare? Original Medicare is a federal health insurance program available to individuals 65 years of age or older. Original Medicare is also available to younger individuals with certain disabilities and people with end-stage renal disease. Original Medicare is a fee for service plan managed by the Federal Government and provides basic coverage for medical expenses. What is Medicare Part A? Part A covers inpatient care in a hospital or a limited stay in a skilled nursing facility. It also helps cover hospice care and home health care. A Medicare beneficiary will not pay a Part A premium as long as he or she has worked 40 or more quarters throughout his or her life (10 years on average). What is Medicare Part B? Part B is optional but very important because it covers the majority of medical services a Medicare beneficiary will obtain. Medicare Part B covers doctor’s services, outpatient care, outpatient surgeries, physical therapy, occupational therapy, chemotherapy medications, air/ground ambulance, and many more services. In 2013, a Part B beneficiary usually has to pay a monthly premium of $104.90; however, this payment can fluctuate due to income guidelines or late enrollment penalties. What is Medicare Part D (PDP)? This prescription drug insurance program (PDP) is available to everyone who has Medicare, regardless of income or health status. A Medicare beneficiary need only be enrolled in Medicare Part A to enroll

in a Medicare Part D plan. Private companies provide the insurance coverage; beneficiaries choose the drug plan and pay a monthly premium. Due to the number of options available, you should ask your advisor and review the Medicare.gov website, which provides you the tools to compare the coverage and cost of the 25+ options that are available to Montanans. What is a Medicare Supplement Plan? Medicare Supplement policies are purchased in addition to Original Medicare. A beneficiary generally must be 65 years of age or older to enroll in a Medicare Supplement Plan. Supplement Plans are designed to pay some of the costs that Original Medicare does not cover – for instance Original Medicare’s deductibles and coinsurance. While these plans do not include prescription drug coverage, beneficiaries can purchase a separate stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plan (Part D). If purchased, Medicare is still the primary payer. An eligible Medicare beneficiary can apply for this type of coverage during any time of year. However, unless he or she has qualified for their initial 6 month open enrollment period (automatically starts the month the beneficiary turns 65 and enrolled in Part B) or qualifies for a Guaranteed Issue Right, Medicare Supplement carriers can turn you down if you do not meet their medical underwriting requirements. Which Medicare Supplement Plan and Insurance Carrier is Right for Me? There are many different plans and carriers from which to choose. That being said, Medicare Supplement Plans are standardized so each insurance car-

rier’s coverage is identical, however their insurance premium rates are not. Therefore, price is very important. With so many options to choose from, first go to the Montana Commissioner of Security and Insurance website www.csi.mt.gov, which provides a Medicare Supplement Rate Comparison chart for easy comparison of each carrier’s premiums. Second, request information regarding the carrier’s premium rate history for the previous 5 years. This will give you a better idea of what you can anticipate paying in premiums over the next 5 years (not guaranteed). Third, ask your advisor or potential insurance company how many Montanans are insured with their company. If the carrier’s current Montana enrollment statistics are low, there is higher probability that their future insurance premium rates could be more volatile due to their inability to spread their members’ risk. In our next issue, be sure to read Part II on Medicare Advantage plans, Prescription Drug Coverage plans, and the factors to consider when choosing between original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. MSN

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Brain Injury Alliance of Montana Thanks Heather Dee Fjelstad The Brain Injury Alliance of Montana would like to recognize Heather D. Fjelstad of Livingston, MT for her gracious estate donation to the Alliance. At the age of twelve, Heather sustained a brain injury from a motorcycle accident. She endured many struggles, surgeries, and challenges, but her inner strength and the grace of God allowed her to touch many lives in the next 33 years. We would like to acknowledge Heather’s family Sharon and Larry Eddy, Bob and Shirley Fjelstad, Hope Folkvord, Holly Cowell, and Jeff Fjelstad. Heather’s estate donation will help make a difference in the Montana brain injury community. Heather made a selfless act by naming the Brain Injury Alliance of Montana in her will. If you have suffered from a brain injury or know someone who has a brain injury, please consider leaving a legacy in the Montana brain injury community by keeping us in your will. For more information about the Brain Injury Alliance of Montana please contact us at (406) 541-6442 or toll-free at 1-800-241-6442.

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Living Trusts By Brent Walker, CPA Rudd & Company As people begin the process of estate planning, they are likely to hear estate planners reference living trusts as an important tool. These trusts are often recommended as a better alternative than working through the probate process. However, this does not always hold true. One should make sure to understand the advantages and disadvantages of utilizing a living trust. A living trust is setup during one’s lifetime to hold the majority of one’s assets. The trust is revocable, which allows for the movement of assets both in and out of the trust at your discretion. Upon death, the trust becomes irrevocable which protects the assets and ensures they will be distributed or used according to stated desires. The trust allows for the disposal of assets in the same way as a standard will. The most common advantage cited in us-

ing a living trust, rather than a will, is avoiding the probate process. By avoiding probate, a person generally expects to reduce or avoid executor and/or attorney fees, as well as probate court costs. However, these savings are often much smaller than expected. For example, one may avoid attorney fees resulting from the probate process. However, one will incur attorney fees early in the process as the trust is drafted and assets are transferred into the trust. The maximum fees allowed to a personal representative have been capped at three percent of the first $40,000 of the estate’s value. The rate then changes to two percent of the estate’s value over $40,000. The amounts can vary by state. Attorneys have also been restricted so their fees cannot exceed one and one-half times the compensation permissible to the personal representative. However, this does not mean that the personal representative and/or attorney should be guaranteed the maximum amount of fees allowed. Do not hesitate to discuss fees upfront and determine what method is acceptable for both parties. Some attorneys will agree to an hourly rate, which may reduce fees significantly, depending on the complexity of the estate. Another common misconception regarding

Growth is the only evidence of life. - John Henry Newman

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living trusts is that they help reduce estate taxes. A living trust has no effect on income or estate taxes. During one’s lifetime, the income earned in the trust can be taxed on one’s personal return. Upon death, the assets held in the living trusts are still considered part of the gross estate and will be reported on the estate tax return. So, when does a living trust provide real advantages? There are situations in which the living trust may be the best opportunity. For example, in the event of incapacity, the appointed trustee can manage the assets and income, by the power the trust provides, for your benefit. In addition, if one owns property in another state, a living trust can eliminate the need to go through the probate process in the other state. Living trusts also may lead to faster distributions and avoidance of disputes by allowing one clearly to outline intent well ahead of the time of death. When you weigh the advantages and disadvantages of living trusts, it becomes clear there are many factors to consider when estate planning. It is important you find a person or team you trust to help draft a plan that protects you and your assets while achieving your goals in an effective manner. MSN

Unclaimed Money Just Waiting to Be Found We all know the popular phrase, “I wish money grew on trees.” And while unfortunately that isn’t the case, there are ways you can find money owed to you without having to do much work to find it. If the government owes people money, and they don’t collect it, it’s considered unclaimed money. You can find this money yourself without having to pay a third party company to do it for you. The following resources from USA.gov can help you find money owed to you: While the federal government doesn’t have one general site for you to input your information to find all sources of unclaimed money, you can get the official links to individual sites on USA.gov’s popular Unclaimed Money from the Government page. Search for retirement pensions, tax refunds, mortgage insurance refunds, and much more. And you can find out about benefits and federal aid if you’re looking for financial assistance. Individual states can also owe you unclaimed money. The National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA) suggests you search in each state you have lived. NAUPA provides an interactive map to connect you directly to each state’s website for unclaimed money. According to TreasuryDirect.gov, every year 25,000 interest payments are returned to the Department of the Treasury as undeliverable and billions of dollars in mature savings bonds remain uncashed. Treasury Hunt can help you find out if your savings bonds are no longer earning interest so you can cash them in or reinvest the money. You can also find unclaimed money through the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). If a company you bought stocks, bonds, or other investments from committed misconduct that caused you a financial loss, and the SEC conducted an enforcement action against the company, there may be an investors claims fund set up to help pay you back. MSN

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Submitted by Jim Meade A nervous taxpayer was unhappily conversing with the IRS auditor who had come to review his records. At one point the auditor exclaimed, “We feel it is a great privilege to be allowed to live and work in the USA. As a citizen you have an obligation to pay taxes, and we expect you to pay them eagerly with a smile.” “Thank God,” replied the taxpayer. “I thought you were going to want cash.” MSN

Philosophy Exam An eccentric philosophy professor gave a one-question final exam after a semester dealing with a broad array of topics. The class was already seated and ready to go when the professor picked up his chair, plopped it on his desk, and wrote on the blackboard, “Using everything we have learned this semester, prove that this chair does not exist.” Fingers flew, erasers erased, and exam booklets were filled in furious fashion. Some students wrote over 30 pages in the hour attempting to refute the existence of the chair. One member of the class, however, was up and finished in less than a minute. Later when the grades were posted, the rest of the group wondered how she could have gotten an “A” when she had barely written anything at all. Her answer consisted of two words, “What chair?” MSN


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Wyoming High Spots As You Circle The Divide By Bernice Karnop Wyoming perches high on the continent, even when you don’t see the mountains. The Continental Divide snakes through Yellowstone National Park and across the Wind River Mountains to South Pass where it splits to create the Great Divide Basin. It comes together again south of Rawlins and continues into Colorado. On a Wyoming tour that meandered over and around this significant geography, we hit high points of a different kind: historic trails, native plants and animals, museums, colorful characters, art, food, and more. Called the “Circle the Continental Divide Driving Tour,” it is listed as one of the Top Ten Scenic Drives in the Northern Rockies. (www.DriveTheTop10.com.) According to Lori Iverson, Education and Visitor Services Director at the National Elk Refuge in Jackson, the last two weeks of August are an ideal time for visitors from neighboring states to come because the summer crowds at Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks have thinned out. So dig out a Wyoming map, pack up your gear, and see what’s new in Wyoming. From many of must-see stops, I selected a few in the order we encountered them. See how they stack up to what you would put on your own list. Jackson, elevation 6,209 • The National Elk Refuge – Step out onto the viewing platform at the Jackson Visitor Center and you’ll see not only elk but songbirds, waterfowl, eagles, coyotes, bison, and other residents who share the refuge. The visitor center is shared by the National Forest Service, the Park Service, Wyoming Game and Fish, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Elk Foundation so you can pick up anything you need for your visit to nearby attractions as well. If you are there in the winter, take the horse-drawn sleigh or wagon ride out among the elk. • Museum of Wildlife Art – Enjoy Jackson’s galleries but don’t miss the $35 million Museum of Wildlife Art just north of town. It is an inspiring piece of architecture and inside you will be surprised at the historic and modern paintings, sculptures. Grandchildren will be delighted with this summer’s display and with the hands-on opportunities in the children’s art area. • Million Dollar Cowboy Steakhouse – Treat yourself to your favorite cut of bison, cooked to perfection. Moose, elevation 6,440 • The Craig Thomas Discovery Center – This is the first new visitor center in Grand Teton National Park in 30 years and I was impressed. The building design and landscaping are beautiful and ecologically friendly. The 30-foot windows provide stunning views of the mountains and the hands-on displays include information about how people interact with the landscape. The most unusual feature is a series of 15-foot-long video river walkways underfoot. • Jackson Lake Lodge – Built by Laurence Rockefeller in 1955, this lodge was remodeled two years ago. Instead of buying everything new, they refinished, reupholstered, and recycled things. Take some great photos of the Tetons from the deck, and eat a sunset dinner in the Mural Room. Ask about grizzly activity before you take to the trails. Elk Island tours, which can include a steak and trout fry on the island, leave from Coulter Bay. Levi Thorn, Director of Sales and Marketing, says the scenic rides down the Snake River are for people of all ages and ability levels. The lodge is open from late May until early October. Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks These are premiere places on the planet for anyone to visit. The Circle the Divide tour takes you into the parks but we will save comments on the scenery, geysers, mud pots, wildlife, and all the rest of the wonder for another article.

Cody, elevation 5,016 boy Music Revue – The Cody Theater, across the • The Buffalo Bill Historical Center – These street from the Irma, hosts this fun Branson-style five interconnected museums cover Buffalo Bill, show six nights a week. Cody has a rodeo every Greater Yellowstone Natural History, Plains In- night as well. dians, Western Art, and Historic Firearms. The Meeteetse, elevation 5,797 museums have undergone major upgrades and • The Meeteetse Chocolatier – The first suryou will enjoy seeing each with your grandchildren. prise is that he is a cowboy on the side. The candy Kid-friendly activities include a computer where maker, Tim Kellogg, got his start selling truffles you click and drag items into a picture and an area from his grandma’s recipe for money to buy a new where you can draw a postcard the old fashioned saddle. Now his chocolates are famous far beyond way and mail it. Look for C.M. Russell paintings Wyoming borders. Try the dipped chocolates in a and sculptures, Deborah Butterfield’s driftwood host of unusual flavors – mint, sage, and Coors. horse, and Rudy Autio’s glazed stoneware horse. Coors? Yes, and Jack Daniels, too. MSN • Old Trail Town – This is more than a collection of old buildings. The cabins demonstrate how many ways logs were put together to make a structure, and each one has a story of the family or business it originally housed. Butch Cassidy, the Sundance Kid, and fellow desperados holed up in one of them, and their Hole in the Wall gang relaxed in the Rivers Saloon, relocated from the Meeteetse area. The bullet holes they left behind are a reminder of their raucous good times. Several notables were buried or reburied here including Jeremiah “Liver Eating” Johnson. TRIP DATES • Cody Downtown – Six blocks of Cody’s April 19, 2013...........April 21, 2013 downtown are on the June 5, 2013.............June 7, 2013 National Register of Historic Places. The Irma, a hotel Buffalo Bill named for his daughter, is known For Our New Dates Early Fall for gunfights out front and unbeatable prime rib inside. • Dan Miller’s Cow-

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Scot or Not: Canadian Highland Festivals Fascinate Visitors By Bernice Karnop “Whether you’re a Scot or not!” begins the web site inviting people to the 2013 Calgary Highland Games Saturday, September 1, 2013. You don’t have to be Scottish, but it helps. At a Scottish Highland Festival you surround yourselves with all things emblematic of Scotland – pipes and drums, plaids, dancers, and Highland games like the caber toss. You don’t have to go to Scotland to find Highland festivals. They are popular summer fare all over Canada. Closer ones to our readers this year include the Edmonton Scottish Society Highland Gathering on June 24; the Calgary Highland Games on August 31; and the Canmore Highland Games on September 1, 2013. In British Columbia you’ll find Scottish Highland Games in Ladysmith on June 16, Coquitlam on June 23, and Kamloops on July 14. Whether you come to celebrate your Scottish heritage or simply to take in some Scottish history there’s plenty of excitement for everyone, grandchildren included. First, there’s music and dancing. Nothing says Scotland quite like men in colorful wool kilts and tartans playing Scotland the Brave on the bagpipes. An all-purpose instrument, bagpipes make mournful funeral music, energetic dance tunes, or rousing battle cries. The reeded bagpipes and drums which

once called the clans to war now compete and entertain at the festivals. They accompany kilted dancers who kick and leap through the Highland Fling, the Sword Dance, the Scottish Lilt, Flora MacDonald’s Fancy, and more. The heavy events, including the caber toss, are less familiar to visitors. The caber is a log, the trunk of a tree, with the bark and branches removed. It measures around 20 feet long and weighs around 175 pounds. The contestant holds the caber upright and flips it end for end, trying to get the pole to land with the tapered end straight away from the tosser, at a 12 o’clock position from his 6 o’clock position. No one really knows why this skill was needed, but possibly it was to toss a tree across a river to bridge it. Other heavy events include hammer throws and heaving stones. These events might have started with the muscular blacksmiths competing with each other with their hammers, and masons lobbing large stones. What is known is that in the 11th century, King Malcolm III Canmore (10581093) called the strong Scots to a royal contest on the flat meadowland along the River Dee. The winners, the strongest and swiftest in the kingdom, could then be drafted into his service. Another staple at Scottish Highland games are the working dog demonstrations. Crowds marvel at the smartness and swiftness of these trained animals as they respond perfectly to the handler’s subtle commands.

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No festival is complete without food and drink. Beer gardens and food vendors give every one a taste of Scotland. You may also find a “Gathering of the Clans” where you can connect to folks in your blood line many generations removed.

Exhibits and vendors round out most Scottish festivals, giving visitors a chance to take home a family tartan or other memento of the event. Most festivals end with a Ceilidh (pronounced KAY lay). The old meaning is a visit, but here it’s

Riverboat Cruises Trace The River Path Of Lewis & Clark In the center of the North American continent, far from the Great Lakes, Coast Guard-certified Master Mariners are uncommon. But, it turns out they need one at the Port of Bismarck on the Missouri River. The Majestic Lewis & Clark Riverboat’s Master Mariners pilot daily cruises on the Big Muddy, May through September. The Lewis & Clark’s two decks hold 107 passengers. A full bar is staffed by friendly professionals. Sunset cruises are a favorite on long summer evenings. A canopy protects the open upper deck from sprinkles and sun, while the enclosed lower deck is comfortable in all weather. Schedules for afternoon, evening, and sunset cruises are on Facebook or www.lewisandclarkriverboat.com.

Golfing Is Magnificent In Minot Golf is making a comeback in Minot for the summer of 2013, and we hope you will try us! The flood of 2011 caused significant damage to the Souris Valley Golf Course, and the Jack Hoeven Wee Links course. While we were able to have nine holes open in 2012 at Souris Valley, the majority of the summer was spent repairing the damage at both courses. Greens were rebuilt, silt and debris were removed, and both courses were reseeded. Bridges that cross the Souris River were repaired, and the irrigation systems were rebuilt. The clubhouse at the Wee Links was also repaired. We are happy to say that nine holes are now open at Souris Valley, and the entire course will be ready for play by the end of June. The Wee Links will open on May 25, with a Grand Opening on June 1. Souris Valley Golf Course is a beautiful public golf course, 6,759 yards, par 72, and crosses the Souris River several times. The Wee Links is a 9-hole course built specifically for youth golfers where adults may play if accompanied by a child. So grab your clubs and your grandkids and come on out! Our 18-hole daily rate is $25.25 and we offer senior discounts. Our golf pro is Steve Kottsick. For more information, or a tee time, call 701857-4189 or visit us at www.minotparks.com and facebook. MSN

Horse slaughter near Post Falls remembered Article & Photo By Jack McNeel There is a bit of history that has been buried by the sands of time and all but forgotten by many, but not by the Native Americans who had so much to lose. It happened a century and a half ago in the fall of 1858 along the Spokane River near the Idaho/Washington border. The U.S. Army shot and killed roughly 900 Indian horses at this site in an attempt to cripple the tribes’ ability to move rapidly and to impair their hunting and providing food for their families through the approaching winter. The events leading up to the horse slaughter require some understanding, whereas the lack of humanity reflected in the slaughter seems beyond understanding. In the spring of 1858, the U.S. Army left Fort Walla Walla en route to Fort Colville under the direction of Colonel Edward Steptoe. It appears they strayed from that course and entered Coeur d’Alene tribal lands contrary to the Treaty of 1855. There is confusion and controversy about what happened and how many warriors were involved, but basically a battle lasting portions of two days occurred forcing the Army to slip away in the middle of the night and return to Fort Walla Walla. The army lost seven men plus three Nez Perce

For charter information, call 701-255-4233. It’s the river that makes the trip. The historic Missouri is the West. Right here in the Northern Plains National Heritage Area along the Missouri, walked Lewis and Clark and Sacagawea, Sheheke, Custer, and Sitting Bull. You can feel the history of the mighty river, and hear about some of it, on an hour or 90 minute cruise on the Lewis & Clark. The nonprofit Fort Abraham Lincoln Foundation operates the Lewis & Clark from the Port of Bismarck, off I-94, exit 159 at Bismarck. MSN

MONTANA SENIOR NEWS PAGE 53

more like a party with music and dancing. Scot or not, people go home having learned and participated in the strong and fascinating traditions of Scotland. MSN


PAGE 54 MONTANA SENIOR NEWS

who were scouting for them. It’s unknown how many tribal people were killed, but it was claimed as a victory for the Indians. The army was certainly not going to be content to let it end there and so they brought soldiers in from other locations. In late August they headed north again, heavily armed and with a much larger army of nearly 700 men under the leadership of Colonel George Wright, all bent on revenge. Again, the battle lasted only a couple of days with the U.S.

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Army defeating the tribes. Seven Indians also died ing about this event, but that is not the case with by hanging and that location later became known tribal people. In 2008, a memorial ride took place as Hangman Creek. along the Spokane River to the stone monuAfter resting his men a few days Colonel Wright ment. There were representatives from the Warm then pursued the Indians up the Spokane Valley, Springs, Umatilla, Nez Perce, Coeur d’Alene, and destroying Indian crops and supplies as they went. Spokane tribes, all to honor those horses. They They also captured a herd of nearly one thousand rode their horses to the site where the 900 horses horses belonging to the Indian people that were died. “We come together to remember those that apparently being guarded by youngsters and el- gave up their lives,” said Umatilla Tribal member ders. From that herd the Ron Pond, speaking soldiers selected about of those hundreds of 130 for their own use horses. and then began shootBobbie Connor, ing the rest. also Umatilla, says, “I Lawrence Kip, a think of those people lieutenant, wrote in his and how they had to diary, “A corral was first pick their hearts up off made into which they the ground. What must were all driven. Then, they have thought one by one, they were when they saw 900 lassoed and dragged dead horses? They out, and dispatched were amazing people, with a single shot. About beautiful strong peoFive years ago, Indians from several regional tribes gathtwo hundred and sev- ered here for a memorial ride to honor the horses that were ple.” enty were killed this killed. The Julyamsh Powway. The colts were led wow, hosted by the out and knocked in the head. It was distressing Coeur d’Alene Tribe and held at the Greyhound during all the ensuing night, to hear the cries of the Park near Post Falls, attracts thousands of visitors brood mares whose young had thus been taken each year. A memorial horse ride into the arena from them. On the following day… the companies precedes the grand entry each day. Riders in full were ordered to fire volleys into the corral.” tribal regalia from various reservations take part The site of this horrendous horse massacre in those rides. For many visitors, this is their first was marked in 1946 with a stone monument knowledge of the horse massacre that occurred dedicated to the horses. It has been moved short so very close to the powwow grounds. distances in ensuing years but is presently located The memory of that fateful day in 1855 will long along the Centennial Trail about a mile west of the remain with Indian people. It remains one of the Idaho line. low points in military history of the west and their The event will forever stand as gruesome treatment of indigenous peoples. conduct on the part of the U.S. Army. There have Visitors can walk or bike from the weigh stabeen reports that others taking part in shooting tion just inside the Washington line to the stone the horses had a hard time accepting the killing monument. It’s about a mile along the Centennial of the horses simply to make life very difficult for Trail. One can rest and imagine the enormity of the the Coeur d’Alene and Spokane tribes. crime committed here and visualize 900 horses Most European Americans know little or noth- lying dead along the riverbank. MSN

For All Things Irish Head To Butte In August The 2013 An Rí Rá Montana Irish Festival will take place in Historic Uptown Butte August 9-11. The An Rí Rá festival features the world’s greatest Irish performers who travel to Butte from all over the world. This year’s festival features Teada, Derek Warfield & the Young Wolfetones, The Black Brothers, Tara O’Grady and the Black Velvet Band, Roisin O’, Whiskey Asylum, and the Trinity Irish Dancers. The festival will have three stages along Park Street between Montana and Main streets. The festival also provides many cultural activities including Irish language workshops, a genealogy workshop, music and dance workshops, lectures, and discussions on various Irish topics. There is also a fantastic 5K/10K and 1-mile run on Saturday morning that winds its way through the Historic Uptown District and mine-yards. On Sunday, there will be an outdoor Mass in Irish as well as a swing-dance featuring the jazz vocalist Tara O’Grady and the Black Velvet Band. An Rí Rá also features local and regional Irish performers from Montana with the goal of telling the unique story of the Irish contribution to Montana. The schedule of events and all pertinent festival information is updated on the An Rí Rá website at www.mtgaelic.org. MSN


JUNE/JULY 2013

By Bernice Karnop Spring arrived just in time for the 45th Governor’s Conferences on Aging, which celebrated Aging in the Last Best Place. Between venues at the Cottonwood in Glasgow on May 7-8 and the Holiday Inn in Great Falls the conference attracted nearly 400 participants. Montana is at the head of the line with a robust aging population. Readers might be surprised to know that Centenarians make up the fastest growing segment of the older Montana population. According to the census there are 175 Montanans who have met or passed 100 years of life. The conferences took time to honor these special people, twelve in Glasgow and eight in Great Falls. Governor Steve Bullock was in Glasgow to acknowledge the Centenarians and Lieutenant Governor Walsh greeted Centenarians in Great Falls. Born in 1913 or earlier, they traveled by horse drawn wagons and saw the advent of electricity. They endured the Great Depression, the Dust Bowl, rationing during World War II, and service overseas. Dorothy Spannagel, Jordan, was born in a tent before her homesteader parents got the house built. Viola Beyer, Malta, says her father was a bootlegger from Ohio who escaped to Montana to homestead near Zortman. Minnie Kranzler, 103, from Billings, says, “If I knew I was going to live this long, I would have taken better care of myself.” No matter how she’s feeling when she wakes up, Helen Self, 103, Missoula, tells herself, “Helen, get out of that damn bed!” Different ones have a passion for a variety of things: motorcycles, Elvis Presley, baseball, hunting, fishing, lutefisk, and lefsa. Edith Atkinson Wylie, Big Fork, says she can hardly keep up with all the news events on her iPad. Conference attendees in Great Falls were reminded that just as these individuals lived through great change, there are more and arguably greater changes to come. Speaker Laura Goldhahn, President of Benefis Hospitals, Inc, quoted Charles Darwin saying, “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, not the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.” Alvin Toffler in his book Future Shock: Rethinking the Future, writes, “The illiterate of the 21st Century will not be those who cannot read or write, but those

MONTANA SENIOR NEWS PAGE 55

who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.” Goldhahn says that the increase in the senior population reshapes everything in society, and that this is a great opportunity to help define those changes. We can decide what we want it to look like in the end and seize the opportunity to make it happen. The Governor’s Conference on Aging was a good place to start. Some of the topics covered included Alzheimer’s disease, Estate Planning, Healthy Aging, Fraud and Abuse, Drug Interactions, Home Safety, Identity Theft, Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, and Affordable and Safe Senior Living Options. Conference director, Charlie Rehbein, noted that the speaker on depression was especially enlightening on this misunderstood condition. “Depression does not mean you’re off your rocker. It might be your medications, it might be your thyroid, or you many have a mental illness. It does mean that you need to talk to your doctor.” One reason for having the Conference in two localities in our broad state is to allow more participation. Lori Brengle, director of the Area I Agency on Aging, involved many in Eastern Montana in this effort. They raised $4,200 to pay for expenses and used $3,000 of that for scholarships so seniors could attend. Busloads of people came from the outlying counties, giving them an opportunity to speak up about the unique challenges of delivering services and other issues in that corner of the state. The result, according one observer was “a very dynamic conference.” If the changes seem a little overwhelming, remember this quote from Margaret Meade cited by Goldhahn. “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Our thanks to members of the Governor’s Advisory Council on Aging for all they do on behalf of Montana’s seniors: C.A. Buckley, Beverly Barnhart, Alex Ward, Betty Aye, Jessie James Hawley, Jolynne Yenne, Connie Bremner, Mary Lou Miller, Lauren Kippen, and Marvin Carter. Thanks also to Charlie Rehbein and all the workers at Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Senior and Long Term Care Division. You make a difference in lives every day. MSN

Donald Fish breaks out two competing belief systems, one focuses on me, and the other on us. This Blackfoot teacher and cultural advisor explained the Circle of Life that aims to reestablish connections between oneself and the Creator, the family, and the tribe. “The Circle of Life is how you conduct yourself with others,” he says. There are many traditions across the seven different reservations in Montana, he added. As a teacher at Great Falls College MSU and Cultural Advisor at Benefis Health Services Native American Programs, his first question is, “What tribe are you from?” [Photo by Bernice Karnop]

Learn How You Can Help Older Adults Prevent Falls

Become a Stepping On Leader Leaders Must: ͻ have experience working with older adults Leone Wichelt, president of the Eureka Senior Center and deliverer of Meals on Wheels shows off a gift certificate from Bundi Gardens and a can of Flathead cherries she won. She planned to take time after the conference to go to the nursery and pick out some things for her spring planting. [Photo by Bernice Karnop]

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PAGE 56 MONTANA SENIOR NEWS

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You lost a chunk of change last year . . . Billions, in fact! Don’t pay another medical bill you don’t understand. For questions or to request a local SMP presentation, call your local Montana SMP office. Or join our fight against health care fraud as a volunteer helping beneficiaries and caregivers in your community to recognize and report fraud.

Call 1-800-551-3191

Administered by Missoula Aging Services and supported, in part, by a grant from the Administration for Community Living, AoA, DHHS. Points of view or opinions do not necessarily represent official AoA policy.

Mountain Line Meeting Missoula’s Senior Transportation Needs.

Carol Aitken Chester, right, learned what “aging in the last best place� means when she went to Sun City, Ariz. to help her sister this year. “I drive any where I want around here,� she is says, “but driving in Sun City a different story.� Carol is at a session on the Older Driver with Wilsall women, Jean Skillman, left, and Marie Brogan, seated. Tara Jones, AAA presenter, explained Car Fit as an educational program that helps mature drivers check how well their personal vehicle fits them. They set up check stations in different communities. Some of the things they cover include finding the right tilt of the steering wheel so it is comfortable and so the air bag, if deployed, will strike the driver’s chest and not their glasses. If there are problems with rear view mirrors or gas and brake pedals, they can help by readjusting the settings or show you what gadgets are available to correct the situation. Location and dates of Car-Fit events are listed at their website, car-fit.org. [Photo by Bernice Karnop]

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Governor Bullock congratulates Centenarian Elizabeth Friesen. [Photo provided by Charlie Rehbein]

Dave Pippin, Valley County commissioner. [Photo by Shelly George]


JUNE/JULY 2013

MONTANA SENIOR NEWS PAGE 57


PAGE 58 MONTANA SENIOR NEWS

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Heart problems, arthritis, and diabetes represent a trio of health problems common to many older people. But what can anyone do? The workshop, Secrets to Success for Healthy Aging suggested a number of ways one can best these three problems. Just to mention one, exercise has a powerful effect on such risk factors as obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high stress levels, diabetes, and even arthritis. Shown in the photo are presenters Emily Epperson, Chris Jacoby, and Elizabeth Mann, all from DPHHS in Helena. [Photo by Bernice Karnop]

You lost a chunk of change last year . . . Billions, in fact! Don’t pay another medical bill you don’t understand. For questions or to request a local SMP presentation, call your local Montana SMP office. Or join our fight against health care fraud as a volunteer helping beneficiaries and caregivers in your community to recognize and report fraud.

Call 1-800-551-3191

Administered by Missoula Aging Services and supported, in part, by a grant from the Administration for Community Living, AoA, DHHS. Points of view or opinions do not necessarily represent official AoA policy.

Shown with Lieutenant Governor John Walsh, Centenarian Mary Jacobs and many of her contemporaries never heard of the “eat local” movement when they were growing up. They ate local because there weren’t many other choices! Healthy food grown in her mother’s gardens and a lifetime of taking care of herself are part of the reason she’s reached the century mark. She does stretches every morning and keeps busy with embroidering or reading. She believes in the power of prayer and says if things don’t seem right, a person can turn their thoughts to pleasant things, and they will be just fine. Mary lives in Emigrant and to the delight of the people of Gardiner; she rode a horse in the 4th of July parade last year. [Photo by Bernice Karnop] No one is more surprised than Winifred Dewey, Big Timber, that she is 102 years old. No one in the family lived so long, but she credits her mother, whom she calls a smart cook, and the fact that she has stayed active. Winifred still golfs and swims. “You might say I’m an athlete,” she modestly admits. She came to the conference in Great Falls with her daughter and son-in-law, John and Diane Ronneberg and granddaughter Cindy Zimmerman. Lieutenant Governor, John Walsh showed his delight as he visited with Centenarians who were recognized at both conferences. Congratulations to the Centenarians. You are very special people! [Photo by Bernice Karnop] These five women from Fort Belknap enjoyed the reception at Benefis-Sletten Cancer Institute in Great Falls. Laura Cole is in front, left; Cecelia Langford is on the right; her daughter, Jessie Hawley is behind her; and Cecelia’s niece Sarah Kill Eagle and her grand niece Rebecca Kill Eagle are in the back. C Cecelia, who is 100-years-old, worked hard to support her 14 children. She took in laundry, baked bread for St. Paul’s Mission School, raised large gardens, and canned her own food. During World War II, she worked on aircraft in San Francisco Calif., as a Rosie the Riveter. Cecelia lives in Dodson and is the oldest member of the Gros Ventre Tribe. She was on the first Governor’s Advisory Council on Aging and served as director of the Fort Belknap Senior Citizen Program. Cecelia continues to live independently and drives her own car. Her advice about aging is just to keep moving. “If you rest, you rust,” she says with a chuckle. [Photo by Bernice Karnop]


JUNE/JULY 2013

Honored Centenarians enjoy luncheon at the Governor’s Conference on Aging. [Photo provided by Charlie Rehbein] Carmen Marceau is the director of the Senior Center at Heart Butte, but before that, she taught school and was the elementary principal to three generations of children there. She was born and grew up on Badger Creek, and that’s where her dad was born and grew up. He was a storyteller and later Carmen and her sisters wrote his stories, Blackfoot legends and history, and had them published in series of children’s books. Her parents encouraged them to work hard but also to get an education. Carmen attended a little country school and high school at Indian Schools in South Dakota and Oregon. She earned her teaching degree at Northern Montana College and her Masters from the University of Montana. She still works with the Blackfoot Community College and at the University of Great Falls. Carmen, 78, cares for her still sharp mother, who is 105. She has worked hard all her life but says she’s slowed down. She doesn’t ride a horse anymore but she insists, “I can ride fence in the pickup.� [Photo by Bernice Karnop]

Betty Marshall, Chester, put in the highest bid for this beautiful basket created and donated by Jessie James Hawley. Betty, President of the Liberty County Museum board, welcomes everyone to stop and see the many items they have on display at the museum in Chester. [Photo by Bernice Karnop]

MONTANA SENIOR NEWS PAGE 59

Rose Martin, Roundup, won this bucket of goodies for being the person who has attended the most Montana Governor’s Conferences on Aging – 29! Good for you, Rose! [Photo by Bernice Karnop]

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Connie LaSalle, State Ombudsman, and Sally Austin attend conference. [Photo by Glenna Kurns]

Ten communities around Montana who stand ready to spruce up their Senior Centers this spring got a little help at the Governor’s Conferences on Aging. The total amount of mini grant money awarded this year was $5,000! Pictured is the bunch from the Monarch-Neihart Senior Center who received a check for $600 to help them refurbish the floors in their historic building th t sits it right i ht beside b id Highway Hi h i Neihart. N ih t Shown Sh i the th photo h t are Butch B t h Jones, J that 89 in in Delores Rodriguez, Carlene Denlop, Bob Swartz, Dave Williams, Sharon Williams, and Nancy Wilson. The guy who cooks the sausage said that the small community regularly feeds 125 at their senior breakfasts, and on Labor Day last year, they fed 325! Awarding the mini grants is Chuckie Kramer, former Governor’s Advisory Council member, third from the right. Other Centers awarded mini grants in 2013 included the Charlo-Moiese Senior Center, $400 for a vacuum and shampoo cleaner; the Bridger Golden Age Society, $200 for new tables; the Scobey Senior Center, $500 for a new dishwasher; the Hospitality House Senior Center in Big Timber, $500 toward upgrading their lighting system; the Judith River Senior Center in Hobson, $600 for new chairs; the Manhattan Senior Center, $700 toward upgrading their lighting system; the Meagher County Senior Center in White Sulphur Springs, $500 for exercise equipment and a heart monitoring device; the Mussellshell County Council on Aging in Roundup, $600 for new counter tops; and the St. Ignatius Senior Center, $400 for a new stove and dishwasher. Even more impressive is the amount of time and thought that the center leadership put in to planning the upgrades to benefit people in their communities. Congratulations to all! [Photo by Bernice Karnop]

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Dee Almanza, right, purchased raffle tickets from Governors’ Advisory Council on Aging member, Jolynn Yenne from Kalispell. Jolynn and others on the Advisory Council sold raffle tickets and took bids on items to raise money to fund next year’s Mini Grant awards. Dee is a specialist representing North Central Independent Living Services, Inc, from Black Eagle. NCILS helps Medicaid eligible Montanans who have disabilities with their activities of daily living through NCILS’s self-directed personal assistance program. The clients receive the help they need to find, train, schedule, and supervise the people they choose to work for them. NCILS handles the payroll, taxes, workers comp and unemployment taxes. Readers may contact Dee at 1-800823-NCIL. [Photo by Bernice Karnop] Sharon Killham, left, Hobson, taught for 33 years, then worked for Home Health and today is the Judith River Senior Center director. She also substitute teaches and decorates cakes for parties at Eagles Manor on the first Friday of each month, and elsewhere. Sharon, Patrick Sanders, Helena, Transportation Coordinator for the State, and Karen Erdie, Roundup, started the conference off with some good laughs in the hallway before the first session in Great Falls. [Photo by Bernice Karnop]

MONTANA SENIOR NEWS PAGE 61

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Charlie Rehbien presents Sandi Pless with a 2013 mini grant for the Daniels CCoA Senior Center. [Photo by Glenna Kurns]

Different people have different ways of encouraging someone who is going through a difficult stretch in their lives. Glenna Kearns, financial and contract specialist for Aging Services, was in that position a while back. Someone gave her a knitted prayer shawl and it made her feel better. “It lets someone know you care and are praying for them,” she says. Although she doesn’t knit at her desk in Helena, the four days and travel between Helena, Glasgow, and Great Falls, gave her enough time to finish this soft blue shawl, a lacy scarf scarf, and a couple of cup cozies cozies. [Photo by Bernice Karnop]


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Dee Rodrigus and Carlene Denlop from the MonarchNeihart Senior Center picked up their bag of goodies and nametags at the registration table in the Holiday Inn in Great Falls. With them are Linda Reeves, Resource Specialist with Information and Referral of the Senior and Long Term Division d Kerrie K i Reidelbach, R id lb h ADRC Program P M H l K and Manager, Helena. Kerrie greeted all the conference attendees in both Glasgow and Great Falls. [Photo by Bernice Karnop]

The Montana Air National Guard Color Guard brought people to their feet with their presentation of the flag at the conference in Great Falls. The presenters were Jesse Enriquez, TSgt; Rhoda Bargus, TSgt; Stephanie Vanslyeke, A2c; and Steven Jager, TSgt. [Photo by Bernice Karnop]

The Sound of the Falls, an independent four-part harmony women’s chorus sang the National Anthem and God Bless America as they helped open the conference in Great Falls. Members of the group include these Great Falls women: Cheryl Grau, Shirley LaRocque, Sylvia Adams, Patti Huhn, Deanna Benton, Brenda Dotseth, Vicki Clark, Julie Bressler, Beverly K h B b Th ki L h C i D hl Y i d and d Sue Erickson, Director. They welcome new singers, so if you are in the Koch, Barb Thares, JJackie Lohan, Connie Dahl, Yayoii S Spurgeon, P Patty L Laird, area, check out their web site for more information. [Photo by Bernice Karnop]

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Marsha Goetting, Ph.D., Professor and Extension Family Economics Specialist at Montana State University used her husband’s stunning and award-winning photos of Montana wildflowers to make some strong points during her presentation titled, Wildflower Reflections: Families, Legacies and Estate Planning. “Don’t make assumptions about what you think Montana law says,” advised Goetting. There are ways to avoid fracturing the family over dividing the property when you’re gone. An awareness of Montana law will gacy not just your property. property The Montana Medical Care help you leave a legacy, Savings Account can also help you save money today. It allows Montanans to save money for medical expenses and long-term health care without having to pay state income taxes on it now. Estate planning tools and information on the Montana Medical Care Savings Account are available at your County Extension Office and on the Web. Unless, of course, you write your will as some wag suggests: “Being of sound mind, I spent it all.” [Photo by Bernice Karnop]

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A person can always learn plenty at the Governor’s Conference on Aging, even at the vendor tables. For example, did you know that the Elder Montana Advocacy group (EMA) is the new name for the Silver Haired Legislature? In 2011, they changed the name to make the organization’s mission less confusing to the state legislators. Like the Silver Haired Legislature, and the Legacy Legislature before that, the mission remains to give Montana’s older citizens a voice in Helena. Just a few of the successes in the lawmaking process include prescription drug coverage, Medicare payments for personal care services services, additional beds for Montana Veterans Homes Homes, and expanding Meals-On-Wheels. Currently they are working on funding the Elder Montana Trust fund and establishing a Silver Alert, which, like the Amber Alert for finding lost children, would help find walk-aways 22 years old and older who are not covered by the Amber Alert. Seen in the photo are the EMA’s board members, Linda McCartney, Tom Dashner, and John Gazzerro. The winner of the drawing for this cheerful turquoise and pink lap quilt was Claudia Evans from Eureka. Readers may join EMA or contact the group with their concerns by calling 406-452-3220 or emailing emagrmt@msn.com. [Photo by Bernice Karnop] Services go unused because people who need them don’t know about them. One of those you don’t want to miss is Montana’s Talking Books Library for individuals who are unable to read standard print. Christy Brigs of Helena brought information about this service to the GCAs and is shown with Claudia Evens from Eureka. The Talking Book Library provides free access to the growing Montana collections and material from the National Library Service. They provide door-todoor free delivery of digital audio and Braille materials, personal assistance to help you with finding books you want to read, technical assistance with the digital devices and more. For more information or to donate to this wonderful service, contact the Montana Talking Book Library toll free at 800-332-3400, or by email at mtbl@mt.gov. [Photo by Bernice Karnop]

Indian Ledger Art Exhibit at the Bair Museum This summer, the Bair Museum will host an exhibition of selected work from the Charles H. Barstow Collection of Crow and Gros Ventre Indian Ledger Art from Montana State University Billings Library. The 20 drawings from this remarkable collection are an intriguing look at the tribal history and traditions of the last decade of the nineteenth century. The exhibition will be on display daily from Memorial Day weekend to August 11, 2013. The American Indian tribes of the Northern Plains were confined to reservations in the last part of the nineteenth century. Many turned to creating pictorial art as a means to preserve and pass on their history and heritage. They used manufactured materials on hand, including pencils and ink, and paper torn from ledger books, school notebooks, and office forms. Major Charles Barstow, chief clerk for the Bureau of Indian Affairs at Crow Agency in 1879 provided Indian warriors materials and encouraged them to draw. The ledger drawings mimic the function of traditional buffalo hide painting – narrative of social status and youthful adventure from capturing horses and “counting coups” to dancing and courtship. The Bair Art Museum also provides a unique close-up look at the Bair family’s Native American collection and a user-friendly touch screen allows everyone to explore the collection’s objects. For more information, visit www.bairfamilymuseum.org or call 406-5723314. MSN

MONTANA SENIOR NEWS PAGE 63


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Yes, summer is here – the leaves are green, the weather is warm, and the birds and bees are being birds and bees and we are steeped in the new life of the season. What better time than summer to find that new and special someone to bring into your life. Take time today to write a personal ad or reply to one of the personal ads on these pages. To respond to any of these personal ads, simply forward your message, address, phone number, or email address to the department number listed in the particular personal ad, c/o 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. When you answer an ad in this section, there is no guarantee that you will receive a response. That is up to the person who placed the ad. Please be sure you submit your correct address plainly printed, so you can promptly receive responses. Respond to the ads in this issue, and also sit down now and prepare your own ad to run in our next issue. There is no charge for this service, and your ad may lead you down the path of true love! Responses to personal ads appearing in this column can be submitted at any time. However, to place a personal ad in the August/September 2013 issue, the deadline is July 10, 2013.

sales and thrift shops. If you do the same things as I do, then drop me a line with picture and maybe we can go out for coffee. I have two spoiled dogs that keep me company. Reply MSN, Dept. 29502, c/o Montana Senior News, Box 3363, Great Falls, MT 59403. WWF Hi, I would like to meet and correspond with a gentleman who is lonely, kind, without vices of any kind, who loves the big outdoors and family and is sincere and secure. I am an attractive blonde classy lady in my late 70s who is tall, medium weight, loves family life, gardening, exercising, walking, pets, cooking, garage sales, and helping others. You got nothing to lose except not meeting a good person. Please send recent picture and letter. Reply MSN, Dept. 29503, c/o Montana Senior News, Box 3363, Great Falls, MT 59403. MSN

I am a female 66 years old, 5’1” tall, short dark blond hair, and average weight. I am a non-drinker, non-smoker, and am looking for a gentleman, age 68-70 who is honest, a good person, and a believer in Jesus Christ. I would like someone to be first a friend, with a possible later relationship. I am retired, independent, and strong-willed; like to cook, watch movies, hear concerts, and take walks. My hobbies are needlework, crochet, and sewing. I will consider relocation. If interested, give I am a SW female in my early 50s, but I like me a call or write. Reply MSN, Dept. 29504, c/o older men, late 50s to late 60s. I enjoy watching Montana Senior News, Box 3363, Great Falls, movies and Criminal Minds. I’m quiet, honest, lov- MT 59403. MSN able, romantic, and passionate. A good personality is much more important than someone who is very SWM 62 seeks companionship with single handsome. I like cats, fishing and gardening, but lady, 62-80 – looks and handicap unimportant in I’m also open-minded. a long-term relationship. I am a non-smoker and Send me a picture, your phone number, and non-drinker and live in Great Falls. I own my home your address. I’ll respond to all letters. Reply MSN, and it is all paid for. Please send picture and phone Dept. 29501, c/o Montana Senior News, Box number I will answer all replies. Reply MSN, Dept. 3363, Great Falls, MT 59403. MSN 29505, c/o Montana Senior News, Box 3363, Great Falls, MT 59403. SWF, 75 looking for a male companion. I like to fish, hike, day trip, camp, and picnic. I don’t smoke I am an older male, have a nice house, and or do drugs. I live in Columbia Falls right in town. garage here in the Bitterroot Valley of Montana I don’t own a car, so do a lot of walking. I own my and four acres that will grow anything. I get tired three-bedroom home but it gets very lonesome with of living here alone and would like to find a lady just me living in it. I’m 4’8” tall, 130 lbs, gray hair companion to share this home. There is a lot to (freckles). I love country western music and used see and do in the Bitterroot, but I am willing to sell to sing it with my brother. I like to go to rummage and go elsewhere. So if you will try it, I don’t think you will be sorry. Reply MSN, Dept. 29506, c/o Montana Senior News, Box 3363, Great Falls, MT 59403. Helena only area. Christian lady seeking friends without benefits. High morals, no gamblers, smoking, drinking, or drugs. Do you have a love for Jesus and is he very important to you as is the word of the bible? Reply MSN, Dept. 29507, c/o Montana Senior News, Box 3363, Great Falls, MT 59403. MSN

A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesman and philosophers and divines. - Ralph Waldo Emerson


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Creating A Better World Through Service - cont’d from page 31 It wasn’t long after that meeting when a friend from high school days, Tom Judge, decided to run for the legislature. He asked Sidney to be the secretary for his campaign. She recalls telling him, “I can’t type.” Once she realized what the job actually entailed she was onboard and fully committed – though she probably would have been just as committed even if she did have to type. She continued working with Tom Judge on through his campaigns for governor. When Judge was elected governor in 1972, Sidney went to work full time in his office. “One of the most wonderful parts about that job was the programs that got started,” Sidney recalls. “We had lots of money and there were many, many good things we could do.” Determining where there is a problem, discovering a solution, and then setting out to make the idea of a solution a reality is what Sidney is all about. While working with Governor Judge, she

Helping Those Who Have Given So Much To Our Nation Since Allen Erickson distributed the first box of potatoes and clothing to homeless veterans he found living in the woods near his home in 1999, Northwest Montana Veterans Stand Down & Food Pantry continues to grow. This is because veterans know there is a place for them to receive a helping hand up, food, clothing, haircuts, showers, counseling, computer access, as well as other services. Allen and Linda have assisted veterans progress from living outside to finding housing, returning to school, regaining custody of their children, and then coming back to the Pantry to thank them! Although it is sometimes exhausting and thankless, the rewards for both the veterans and the organization make it worthwhile. Under the guidance of our Board of Directors, the next project we hope to launch is housing/ shelter for homeless veterans. This huge project will require all the community assistance we can muster. We have held annual Stand Downs in Libby since 1990, and the Second Annual Kalispell Stand Down was held at the Evergreen Fire Hall on May 11. These two events distribute military surplus to veterans at no cost and serve a great need. For more information on how you can help, visit www.veteransfoodpantry.org.net-at-hand.com/ giving-opportunities:8692 or call 406-756-7304. MSN

was instrumental in improving conditions at Warm Springs Hospital and at the Boulder River School as well as in creating group homes for patients who were better served in that environment. “It was so rewarding,” she recalls. She was also involved in getting the Montana Head Start program. Talking about the Head Start program reminds Sidney of the children’s pre-school that she and her sister established when her children were young. “It was such fun,” she says as she shares anecdotes. “I loved every minute of it.” Sidney Armstrong “loves every minute” of most everything she does. “I’m blessed with really good health and energy,” she says attributing it to her Irish genes. “And I’m having a wonderful life.” It doesn’t matter whether she is reading a new book, swimming in a pond near Helena, or working on a committee

or a board to raise funds for a cause or project. While she is still actively involved in politics, over the years she “got more interested in more organized philanthropy.” Sidney’s experience has taught her what works and what doesn’t and so she continues to bring that understanding along with her energy and passion to every minute of her life. MSN

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Grip Tips To Improve Your Golf Game By Tom Ghormley You may well be shocked or at least taken aback at how many players work on their swing action but hardly ever (if ever) work on their golf grip. In this instance, I mean the golf grip of their hands, not the rubber grip on the shaft. When you think about it though, the full swing action begins with the golf grip, which will need focus in order to get it correct. If your golf grip does not work, why should anything that comes after work? There is an unbiased grip for any golf enthusiast, and that grip is when your arm hangs straight down from the shoulder socket and the position of your target side hand. It makes no difference whether you use an overlapping, interlocking, or ten-finger grip. What is crucial is the slope of the club when it is placed in your hand. To uncover your neutral grip take your address spot without a club. Then make it possible for both arms to hang downward from the shoulders. Remain relaxed so there is no stiffness in your arms or hands. The majority of golfers find that their target side arm hangs anywhere in between the midsection of the target side thigh to the inside of the thigh, based on the width of foot position and or the width of the upper body. As you start looking down at your target side hand, pay attention to the angle at which it hangs. Some people will view two knuckles of the hand, many can see three, and a few could even see

four. It is not going to matter how many you see. No matter what the number, this is your body’s way of informing you its natural predisposition and that is the neutral angle for your golf grip. Whenever you place your target side hand on the golf club, it ought to be at the identical angle you just saw. The golf club then extends diagonally from between the first and second joint of the index finger to the bottom part of the pinkie finger. Shut the fingers and then shut the hand with the heel pad on top of the shaft with the thumb to the rear of the shaft. This provides force from the heel pad downward and the last three fingers apply pressure upwards. Now take the lifeline of the trailing hand, situated between the thumb and heel pads, and position it on the thumb of the target side hand. The lifeline toward the thumb exerts the pressure. The right forefinger should be segregated, in a “triggering position” – yet with no pressure. It is crucial to understand that the forefinger and target side thumb both be on the similar side and angle of the shaft for the perfect support. The trailing thumb ought to be on the target side of the shaft. Under no circumstances do you want the thumbs to apply any pressure. Finally yet importantly, as a way for the hands to perform together, they need to be parallel to each other. This might all appear tricky, but try it and see for yourself if discovering the proper grip angle does not enhance your shots. MSN

Only a golfer would understand Submitted by Julie Hollar A man and his wife walked into a dentist’s office, and the man said to the dentist, “Doc, I’m in one heck of a hurry. I have two buddies sitting out in my car waiting for us to go play golf, so forget about the anesthetic. I don’t have time for the gums to get numb. I just want you to pull the tooth, and be done with it!

“We have a 10 o’clock. tee time at the best golf course in town and it’s 9:30 already... I don’t have time to wait for the anesthetic to work!” The dentist thought to himself, “My goodness, this is surely a very brave man asking to have his tooth pulled without using anything to kill the pain.” So the dentist asked him, “Which tooth is it sir?” The man turned to his wife and said, “Open your mouth, Honey, and show him the tooth. MSN

Golf Rules Submitted by Julie Hollar-Brantley Golf can best be defined as an endless series of tragedies obscured by the occasional miracle, followed by a good bottle of beer. Golf! You hit down to make the ball go up. You swing left and the ball goes right. The lowest score wins. On top of that, the winner buys the drinks. Golf is harder than baseball. In golf, you have to play your foul balls. If you find you do not mind playing golf in the rain, the snow, even during a hurricane, here is an insight: your life is in trouble. Golfers who try to make everything perfect before taking the shot rarely make a perfect shot. The term “mulligan” is really a contraction of the phrase “maul it again.” A “gimme” can best be defined as an agreement

between two golfers... neither of whom can putt very well. An interesting thing about golf is that no matter how badly you play, it is always possible to get worse. Golf is a hard game to figure. One day you will go out and slice it and shank it, hit into all the traps and miss every green. The next day you go out and for no reason at all, you really stink. If your best shots are the practice swing and the “gimme putt” – you might wish to reconsider this game. Golf is the only sport where the most feared opponent is you. Golf is like marriage: If you take yourself too seriously it will not work, and both are expensive. The best wood in most amateurs’ bags is the scoring pencil. MSN


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MONTANA SENIOR NEWS PAGE 67

Enjoy Father’s Day June 16th


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Move It or Lose It: Five Moves to Put You Back in the Game By Ginny Grimsley For Americans 65 and older, falling down can be the worst thing to happen to them, according to statistics from the National Council on Aging: • One in three seniors experiences a significant fall each year • Every 18 seconds, a senior is admitted into an emergency room after losing balance and hitting the ground • Every 35 minutes, an elderly person dies from a fall – the leading cause of death for seniors “The projected cost in health-care expenses for 2020 due to fall-related injuries in the United States is $55 billion,” says Karen Peterson, a therapist with multiple certifications, and author of Move With Balance: Healthy Aging Activities for Brain and Body, (www.MoveWithBalance.org). She’s also the founder and director of Giving Back, a nonprofit organization that grows and spreads programs that support senior health. “It’s important for seniors to keep moving and learning, that’s what helps improve balance and coordination, and even helps build new neural pathways,” says Peterson, who emphasizes the cognitive importance to her workout programs. “But if you’re rather frail, or just very fearful of falling, you’re less likely to get up and move around.” These activities benefit everyone from 55 to 105. Peterson says a fun, social program of games and activities that includes exercises specifically designed for seniors helps them address multiple issues, including those that tend to keep seniors sedentary – which only lessens their strength and balance. “Seniors of all ages need to continually work on improving their balance, coordination, strength, vision, and cognitive skills. When they do, they’re less likely to fall – and more able to enjoy life.” Peterson suggests these moves, which address many different areas of the body:

• The cross-crawl: After various light warmups, begin with the basic cross-crawl, which focuses on the fundamentals of balance. March in place, lifting the knees high. At the same time, reach across and touch the lifted knee with the opposite hand or elbow; alternate and keep going. This can be done sitting, standing, or lying down. Once any of these exercises is mastered, Peterson says, participants should continue to challenge themselves. For even greater balance work, and to exercise the vestibular system, close your eyes and count backwards from 100 by threes. • Forward toe-touch dancer: To improve motor skills, physical coordination and cognition, there are many dance exercises that are appropriate for seniors. If needed, use a chair for assistance. Place your feet shoulder-width apart. Now, extend your left foot and your right arm forward. Keep your left toes pointed down, touching the floor; or for more difficulty, maintain the toes a few inches off the floor. Repeat this move with your left arm and right foot. Hold each pose for several seconds, and increase holding time. • Sensory integration – the arrow chart: Look at an arrow chart and call out the direction indicated by each individual symbol. Then, thrust your arms in that direction; in other words, say and do what the arrow indicates. For an additional challenge, do the opposite of what the arrow indicates. • Side-step walk: Walk sidestepping – bring your right foot across the left and step down three to five inches away from the left foot, ankles crossed. The closer the feet, the harder it is to balance. Alternate crossing the foot in front and then behind the other foot as you move along; repeat several times, then do the same with opposite feet. As a bonus challenge, try a reading exercise from a vision card, designed for stimulating the brain/ visual system, while sidestepping. • The cat jump: This activity is practice in case of a fall; the muscle memory of the movement will be etched in your body. Bend your knees in a squat. Jump a little off the ground with both feet, and land softly, like a cat, without jarring your body. Repeat until you are confident in your ability. Karen Peterson is founder and director


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of Giving Back, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of elders through intergenerational mentoring. She has multiple certifications, including educational kinesiologist, natural vision improvement instructor, Touch for Health instructor, and as a massage therapist. For 25 years, Peterson has been teaching these modalities to children, businesspeople, athletes, teachers, and adults of all ages and occupations. MSN

E. coli – friend or foe? By Susan Frances Bonner RN, BSN Many old bugs that were thought extinct or at the very least under control are now resurfacing. If you visit the Centers for Disease Control website you will find that there were three outbreaks of E. coli infections in 2012. All outbreaks are listed as multistate incidents, one of them was linked to organic spinach and spring mix blend and another was linked to raw clover sprouts at Jimmy John’s Restaurants. E. coli has become synonymous with tainted food, horrible sickness, and in some instances death. And in most cases, this is true. However, I bet you didn’t know that most living things could not function without E. coli. This article will hopefully change your mind about E. coli and the role it plays in the homeostasis of our bodies. So what is E. coli ? Escherichia coli, commonly abbreviated E. coli, is a gram-negative, Now there is help rod-shaped bacterium that is commonly found in the lower intestine of for balance warm-blooded organisms. It was first discovered by a German bacteriologist/pediatrician by the name of Theodor Escherich, in the year 1919. Not and dizziness only was the bacteria named after him, he also isolated and determined the problems majority of its properties. He found that E. coli is a bacterium that usually resides in the intestines of most mammals. Of the hundreds of different types of E. coli that exist, there is only one that is able to sicken humans. We are the ONLY clinic in Western Montana that offers the Most strands are harmless to humans; in fact, there are between 100 billion SMART EQUI-TEST system by NeuroCom® to identify the and 10 trillion individual E. coli bacteria that are excreted through human source of your imbalance. We also use state of the art VNG feces every day. goggles to evaluate and treat your dizziness. Using this equipE. coli is very important in the digestion of foods such as meat and dairy products. Most dairy products contain lactose, and E. coli has a gene that ment, we will evaluate your entire balance system or dizziness metabolizes lactose so that it can be used by other cells in our bodies and problems and tailor a treatment to meet your needs. microbiologists have found that E. coli cells growing in a medium lacking any amino acids contain the enzymes necessary for the synthesis of all 20 Call for an appointment today! amino acids needed to make proteins. So how crucial are these two aspects of E. coli to us? Consuming lactose improves the growth and development of useful intestinal bacteria 2455 Dixon Ave Ste A like lactobacilli. Besides this, lactose also stops certain pathogenic bacteria Missoula from growing. Lactose also helps to maintain a healthy flora in the intesElementPT.com tines. Lactose also stimulates the absorption of essential minerals, but it also helps the body retain these minerals. Zinc, manganese, calcium, and magnesium are all needed for optimal health and development and lactose ensures the effective absorption and utilization of these minerals. Proteins are essential to good health and are built from the amino acids manufactured by E. coli. Amino acids are critical in forming cells, repairing tissue, making antibodies, building nucleoproteins (RNA/DNA), and performing many other functions. As you can see, having E. coli in our bodies is a very good thing. If and only if it is the right kind of E. coli. The E. coli strain O157:H7 produces a powerful poison or toxin. It is these toxins that are released into the body cavity, where the bacteria are not usually found, that trigger illness in humans. It is amazing that of all the billion types of E. coli found in nature only one strain is toxic. So what makes E. Your health – our commitment to you, from day one. coli so special? E. coli O157:H7 can survive drought, freezing, and dry, acidic, and salty conditions. It is remarkably virulent and able to cause serious illness after minimal exposure. E. coli 0157:h7 outbreaks often are spread by contaminated food. E. coli can be accidentally mixed into ground beef, and because it lives on cow udders, it may live in milk that is not pasDizziness wasn’t planned for my workout this morning. teurized. Unwashed raw Glad I talked to Community’s Nurse on Call. vegetables and fruits that have been grown or Now, anytime you’re faced with a troubling medical symptom, we’ll put you in the fast lane to easing your mind. Community Medical Center’s new 24-7 Nurse on Call telephone service will give you the answers you need to give you washed in dirty water can peace of mind. Call us. Our registered nurses will help determine if your symptoms require emergency care or whether carry E. coli O157:H7. It they’re issues that can be handled by your primary care provider tomorrow. We are your local, trusted resource to can get into drinking wacheck symptoms fast, without having to look elsewhere. Call us at 406-327-4770. ter, lakes, or swimming For the level of care you need, when you need it, of course it’s Community. pools that have sewage in them. It is also spread communitymed.org Community Medical Center is an independent, local, non-profit hospital. by people who have not

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washed their hands after going to the toilet. Signs and symptoms of E. coli O157:H7 infections typically begin three or four days after exposure, though you may become ill as soon as one day afterward to more than a week later. Signs and symptoms include diarrhea, which may range from mild and watery to severe and bloody; abdominal cramping, pain, or tenderness; and nausea and vomiting in some people. You should contact your doctor if your diarrhea is persistent, severe, or bloody.

Did you know a stroke is a brain injury? Even though stroke is the leading cause of death in the United States, many do not associate stroke with being a brain injury. A stroke, sometimes called a brain attack, occurs when a clot blocks the blood supply to the brain or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. You can greatly reduce your risk for stroke through lifestyle changes and, in some cases, medication. Because no two brain injuries are the same, the effects of stroke can often vary among individuals. The Brain Injury Alliance of Montana (BIAMT) works hard to help people across Montana with brain injury. BIAMT can help find resources for individuals and family members seeking additional information about brain injury. Many utilize BIAMT’s Brain Injury Help Line, a free 24-month telephone based service of care. During this process, individuals are able to recognize their current needs and find resources to help move forward in their recovery process. If you or someone you know has suffered from a recent stroke, please pass BIAMT’s information along to them. BIAMT is a Legacy Montana member, so please consider leaving your legacy in its name. For more information, visit www.biamt.org/ or call 406-541-6442 or toll-free 1-800-241-6442. MSN

Don’t Get Mugged By Your Diabetes Medication By Suzy Cohen Dear Pharmacist: I have your Diabetes Without Drugs book and it has helped me, but I’m still on two of the original five medications for this condition. What nutrients should I take with my medicine? – B.B., Micanopy, Florida Answer: For my new readers, the term “drug mugger” is something that my followers understand from 14 years of my writing, and it’s the title of one of my books. It refers to how medications (or foods) reduce levels of vitamins, minerals, and beneficial flora (probiotics) and cause side effects. But if you don’t know this, you will assume you have a new disease. Hundreds of scientific studies support this “drug mugger” effect. Metformin, which belongs to the biguanide class, depletes probiotics, vitamin B12, and folic acid. This deficiency may cause homocysteine to rise. You can measure homocysteine in the blood. We saw the B12 depletion first occur in 1980, although the article was from Germany so unfortunately, American physicians probably didn’t hear about it until 2003 when the story was reported in the respected Journal of Internal Medicine. The title of that article is “Effects of short-term treatment with metformin on serum concentrations of homo-

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Although the infectious side of E. coli is scary, all it takes is good hygiene and proper storage and cooking of food to minimize E. coli’s impact. It is important to remember that E. coli bacteria have a very positive role to play in the homeostasis of our bodies. Without it, our ability to digest food and make it usable to our cells would be severely hampered. So, is E. coli, friend or foe? MSN


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cysteine, folate, and vitamin B12 in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial.” There was also a study in 1997 published in the Scandinavian Journal of Clinical & Laboratory Investigation that stated, “In conclusion, metformin treatment increased total homocysteine levels and decreased levels of vitamin B12 and folate.” Up to 30 percent of people taking biguanide drugs (like metformin) experience poor absorption of vitamin B12, according to Diabetologia (1983) and withdrawal of this drug resulted in normal absorption in only half of those with malabsorption. In other words, just taking the medicine means that half of you still need long-term B12 supplementation, because your B12 won’t automatically rise upon discontinuation of the drug. Low B12 and folate could contribute or possibly cause tingling or numbness in the hands or feet (termed neuropathy), depression, megaloblastic anemia, weakness, rapid heart rate, confusion, memory loss, dementia, diarrhea/constipation, chronic fatigue, sciatica, as well as a higher risk of heart disease (which you already have if you are diabetic). Do you think I’m telling you to stop your medi-

cine? I’m not. I am trying to keep you safe, and help you learn what nutrients to put back. Replenishing what the drug mugger stole reduces your risk of side effects, helps you avoid new diagnosis, as well as remain compliant with your medication. Hopefully, your doctor has my book, and has already told you to take a good B12 and folic acid supplement, as well (and this is important), a good probiotic, since you require beneficial bacteria to manufacture B12. People overlook that one huge factor. Sulfonylureas (glipizide, glyburide, glimepiride) can increase the risk of CoQ10 deficiency according to a study on coenzyme Q10 published in 1976, in the Journal of Medicine. That can lead to fatigue, shortness of breath, and heart arrhythmias. Here is a list of the sulfonylurea drugs – generic first, then brand name: Glipizide (Glucotrol); Glyburide (Diabeta, Micronase & Glynase Prestab); Glimepiride (Amaryl); Tolazamide (Tolinase); Chlorpropamide (Diabinese); Tolbutamide (Orinase). Again, pay attention to the drug muggers. MSN

Senior Eye Care Programs By Jim Miller Dear Savvy Senior, I have been wearing glasses for more than 40 years now, but recently my eyes have taken a turn for the worse. Can you recommend any organizations that provide low-cost eye care for seniors on a tight budget? Nearsighted Sal Dear Sal, Several eye care programs and resources may be able to help you – depending on your circumstances. Here are some to review. Community Resources – The best way to learn about free or discounted eye care or eyeglass programs in your community is to contact your local Lions Club. Programs and eligibility requirements will vary by community. Call your local Lions Club chapter, call Lions Clubs International at 800-7474448, or visit www.lionsclubs.org to find out what is available in your neighborhood.

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Another good local resource is the “Give the Gift of Sight” program (www.givethegiftofsight. org) that provides free vision screening and new glasses to people who cannot afford them. Gift of Sight also offers an outreach program where trained volunteers visit nursing homes, hospitals and senior centers to adjust eyewear, and provide free vision screenings. For more information, contact your local LensCrafters store. To find a store in your area call 800-541-5367 or visit www. lenscrafters.com. National Programs – Have you heard of EyeCare America’s – Senior EyeCare Program? A national program coordinated by the American Academy of Ophthalmology that provides free medical eye care to all U.S. citizens age 65 and older who have not seen an ophthalmologist in three or more years and don’t belong to an HMO or the VA. They also offer diabetes, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD)

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eye care programs too – eligibility requirements vary for each program. For more information or to find if you qualify, call 800-222-3937 or visit www. eyecareamerica.org. Some other programs that may help include: • Knights Templar Eye Foundation: This charitable foundation provides assistance for medical eye care, for those under age 65 who do not qualify for Medicaid or have private insurance and cannot afford to pay for care. For information call 847-4903838 or visit www.knightstemplar.org/ktef. • Vision USA: Coordinated by the American Optometric Association (AOA), Vision USA provides free eye health and vision care services to unin-

sured and low-income workers and their families who have no other means of obtaining care. Visit www.aoa.org and click on “AOA Public Programs” or call 800-766-4466. • New Eyes for the Needy: This is an international eyeglass program that accepts donations of used prescription eyeglasses and distributes them to people with limited incomes. To learn more visit www.neweyesfortheneedy.org or call 973-3764903. Savvy Note: Medicare covers 80 percent of the allowed charges for cataract surgery and one pair of eyeglasses after surgery. MSN

With Early Detection and Proper Treatment, Millions of Americans Can Avoid Blindness Caused By Diabetic Retinopathy and Macular Degeneration The American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS) urges adults to schedule an eye examination to check for early signs of diabetic retinopathy or age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the two leading causes of new cases of vision loss and blindness among adults. Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that affects more than 4 million Americans and results in the most new cases of blindness in typical working-age adults age 20-74. An estimated 15 million adults also have some form of macular degeneration, which can progress to an advanced stage in more than 100,000 people age 60 and older each year and lead to blindness if not detected and treated promptly. These diseases can severely damage the retina, the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye that provides clear, sharp images. Symptoms include blurred or distorted vision, spots or shadows in the field of vision, difficulty reading or recognizing faces, and vision loss. Often, both

diseases go undetected for years until these noticeable changes occur. No one should take his or her vision for granted. During a routine examination, an ophthalmologist can see early signs of these and other retinal diseases, long before vision loss begins and, if diagnosed, refer the patient to a retina specialist who can begin a treatment regimen to prolong vision. Retina specialists are highly trained physicians who specialize in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and other eye conditions and diseases. These physicians treat patients by slowing the progression of AMD, diabetic retinopathy, and other retinal diseases and making living with them very manageable. Take the first step in preserving vision. Visit www.savingvision.org to learn about these and other retinal diseases and locate a retina specialist. MSN

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Risk Factors For Skin Cancer National Cancer Institute The main risk factor for skin cancer is exposure to sunlight (UV radiation), but there are also other risk factors. People with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop skin cancer. Some risk factors vary for the different types of skin cancer. Studies have shown that the following are risk factors for the three most common types of skin cancer: • Sunlight: Sunlight is a source of UV radiation. It’s the most important risk factor for any type of skin cancer. The sun’s rays cause skin damage that can lead to cancer. • Severe, blistering sunburns: People who have had at least one severe, blistering sunburn are at increased risk of skin cancer. Although people who burn easily are more likely to have had sunburns as a child, sunburns during adulthood also increase the risk of skin cancer. • Lifetime sun exposure: The total amount of sun exposure over a lifetime is a risk factor for skin cancer. • Tanning: Although a tan slightly lowers the risk of sunburn, even people who tan well without sunburning have a higher risk of skin cancer because of more lifetime sun exposure. In the United States, skin cancer is more common where the sun is strong. For example,

more people in Texas than Minnesota get skin cancer. Also, the sun is stronger at higher elevations, such as in the mountains. Doctors encourage people to limit their exposure to sunlight. People with skin cancer are at risk of developing another skin cancer. The best way to prevent skin cancer is to protect yourself from the sun: • Avoid outdoor activities during the middle of the day. The sun’s rays are the strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. When you must be outdoors, seek shade when you can. • Protect yourself from the sun’s rays reflected by sand, water, snow, ice, and pavement. The sun’s rays can go through light clothing, windshields, windows, and clouds. • Wear long sleeves and long pants. Tightly woven fabrics are best. • Wear a hat with a wide brim all around that shades your face, neck, and ears. Keep in mind that baseball caps and some sun visors protect only parts of your skin. • Wear sunglasses that absorb UV radiation to protect the skin around your eyes. • Use sunscreen lotions with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. (Some doctors will suggest using a lotion with an SPF of at least 30.) Apply the product’s recommended amount to uncovered skin 30 minutes before going outside, and apply again every two hours or after swimming or sweating. • Sunscreen lotions may help prevent some skin cancers. It’s important to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen lotion that filters both UVB and UVA radiation. But you still need to avoid the sun during the middle of the day and wear clothing to protect your skin. With a little bit of planning, you can go a long way toward preventing skin cancer. MSN

Why Diabetic Shoes Are Important

Getting fired is you that you had the

By Linda Roberts, CO, CFm Your doctor has prescribed diabetic shoes and you say to yourself, “Why do I need special shoes? I know I have diabetes, but what is so special about diabetic shoes?” In 1993, Congress passed the Therapeutic Shoe Bill and amended Medicare statutes to provide partial reimbursement for extra depth shoes and accommodative inserts for qualifying Medicare beneficiaries. At that time, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) had estimated that approximately 86,000 lower-limb amputations would occur annually due to diabetes, and experts agreed that wearing appropriate, properly fitted footwear might diminish the possibility of amputation. Diabetes as it progresses can affect all systems in your body. One common effect of diabetes is foot complications due to poor circulation. Poor circulation is one of the causes of neuropathy in diabetics, a loss of feeling or protective sensation in the extremities that often presents in the lower extremities. Foot complications such as blisters, calluses, or sores can result from the shear forces (friction) created from improperly fitted or inappropriately styled shoes. If not given proper care, these complications can become serious. Because of poor circulation, antibodies in the bloodstream may not be reaching the problem area adequately, thereby inhibiting healing. Wearing properly fitted extra depth shoes with an accommodative insert that achieves total contact with the bottom of the foot can help protect the foot nature’s way of telling from these shear forces. wrong job in the first place. Shoes that are appropriate for the diabetic foot are also known as extra depth shoes. Some of the largest differences between regular shoes and - Hal Lancaster diabetic shoes are that diabetic shoes are deeper top to bottom and rounder in the toe box than regular shoes. Diabetic shoes are generally lighter weight than comparably styled regular shoes, and manufacturers strive to create an interior of the shoe that will not irritate 6HUYLQJ DOO RI 0RQWDQD sensitive feet.

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When a patient is fitted with diabetic shoes, the medical professional will usually provide what is called an accommodative insert or orthotic. These are typically manufactured over a mold of the patient’s foot and then fitted into the shoe and to the patient’s foot. This orthotic provides the total contact for the bottom of the foot that is so important in reducing shear forces. It not only provides support for the foot, it also will accommodate (hence the name) areas of the foot that are particularly sensitive. The extra depth in diabetic shoes provides room for the total contact accommodative inserts. Circulatory issues causing foot problems may not affect all diabetics

MONTANA SENIOR NEWS PAGE 75

or may not create problems until the disease has progressed significantly, however, since this is such a common issue, proper foot care and wearing appropriate footwear are important for all diabetics. Diabetic shoes are available in many styles and colors – dressy or casual. While these are not high fashion shoes and may not be considered exactly stylish by many, advances in design and construction have created attractive and protective footwear for most lifestyles. Linda Roberts is a Certified Orthotist and Mastectomy Fitter at Anderson Orthotics in Helena. MSN

Physical therapists work to prevent falls By Mary Thane, PT, GCS In the United States, falling is among the top public health issues for older adults. More than one third of adults age 65 or older fall each year. These falls have been associated with decline in function and increased mortality and morbidity. Many of these falls are preventable and can make the difference between remaining in one’s home independently or not. Factors that may contribute to falling include lower extremity weakness, visual deficits, medication, balance disorders, environmental hazards, and one’s general sense of well being. Just having a fear of falling is a predictor of the risk of falling. To help prevent falls, consider areas for improvement. First, consider leg strength. Can you get out of a chair without your hands? Can you kneel on the floor and get up by yourself? If these activities are difficult, performing leg-strengthening exercises should be a priority. Second, consider your balance. Are you doing exercises to improve your balance, such as standing on one leg or standing tandem with one leg in front of the other? Vision should be assessed annually because

the changes that accompany aging may cause inability to see edges clearly with contrast sensitivity, increased sensitivity to glare, macular degeneration, or glaucoma. Wearing bifocals may make getting up and down steps and curbs more difficult. Because the side effects of many medications may be the cause of falling, regularly review your medications and the dosage with your physician and pharmacist to assure you are taking them properly. Environmental hazards can include your footwear, which should have a firm sole and a textured grip. It should provide support to your arch and room in the toe box to prevent foot deformity. A walking shoe that is lightweight, thin-soled, and flexible is the best choice. Other hazards include clutter, inadequate lighting, spills, throw rugs, and cords. Consider removing clutter, changing light bulbs, putting out night-lights, wiping up spills, and removing throw rugs and cords. Feed pets away from traffic paths and wipe up spills promptly. Put items in your cupboard or closet at a level you can reach with your feet on the floor.

If you or a family member would benefit from more information, consider taking a Stepping On course. This 7-week class empowers older adults to carry out healthy behaviors that reduce the risk of falls. It offers discussion and guest speakers with information to help make one’s residence safe and it educates participants in balance and leg strengthening exercises that can be performed independently. If you live in the Missoula area, please call 406-327-4050 for the class schedule. If you are interested in a general health screening, the University of Montana Physical Therapy Students – along with Community Medical Center physical and occupational therapists – will be celebrating National Physical Therapy Month by hosting a Senior Health Fair on Saturday October 16 from 8 to 12 at the Missoula YMCA. You can learn about balance, strength, and functional mobility and have your vision and hearing screened. Mary Thane, PT, GCS is a board-certified specialist in Geriatrics by the APTA. She works at Community Medical Center’s Outpatient Therapy Clinic at U of M and its satellite clinic at the Missoula YMCA. MSN


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Make Sure Allergy Season Does Not Drive You Crazy… 5 Tips for Driving with Allergies This question came in from Janet in Bozeman during a recent driver safety class: Q: I am planning a spring road trip to see my grandchildren in southern California. But I am worried to “hit the road” because my allergies were so bad last year that my doctor put me on an allergy medication. With the arrival of the springtime allergy season, should I just postpone my trip? A: Good question, Janet. You are smart to be concerned about driving with allergies – especially if you’re taking medications. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, 1 in 5 Americans suffers from an allergy that affects their daily life. But in addition to affecting your mood or limiting your outdoor activities, allergies can have a dangerous impact on your driving. Although your car may be insulated, it’s not safe from allergens; THERAPY CENTER at driving with distracting allergy symptoms such WESTVIEW HEALTH CARE as runny eyes, frequent sneezing, congestion, and exhaustion can be dangerous. AARP Driver Safety recommends the following five tips to keep you – and your car Celebrating seven years of advanced – safe and allergy-free this spring. care in the Inland Northwest. 1. Read the warning labels. When you e provide advanced can barely breathe and long-term acute care, your eyes won’t stop including critical care for watering, it is natural patients who require additional time to heal from catastrophic to want to alleviate the injury or illness. We are proud symptoms by taking to offer excellence in advanced an allergy medication. treatments and care, setting a But be careful – many new standard for the healthcare over-the-counter and continuum in the inland prescription allergy Northwest. Call 208.262.2800 to schedule a tour, or visit us online at medications contain NIACH.ernesthealth.com. 600 North Cecil ingredients that make We welcome tours of the hospital every day of the week. Post Falls, Idaho 83854 you drowsy, and drowsy ph: 208.262.2800 driving is the cause of fx: 208.262.2813 approximately 16.5% of NIACH.ernesthealth.com fatal car crashes each 185220-0507 year (AAA Foundation).

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If you’re planning to drive, talk to your doctor or pharmacist to make sure your allergy medications won’t influence your alertness or energy. 2. Clean and change your air filters regularly. Modern cars are equipped with air filters so advanced that they can filter out dust, pollen, and other allergens. Make sure that your car has pollen filters installed, and clean them often. Check your owner’s manual to find out how frequently to change your vehicle’s filter. Although this simple repair can cost up to $35, it not only makes for a better breathing environment, but also increases the efficiency of your car. 3. Take note of the weather. Before hitting the road, check your local weather to see if you are at a higher risk of suffering from an allergy attack. Most weather reporting websites and broadcasters provide daily pollen counts and will warn you of high-risk days for hay fever. If the risk is unusually high, consider postponing your trip until the pollen count is lower. 4. Spring clean your car. Keeping your car clean is important to staying allergy-free. Start by removing all trash and vacuuming everywhere – especially the floor mats. Your shoes carry moisture to the mats, making them a great destination for mold spores and other allergens. Consider using washable, plastic mats instead of cloth ones for easier cleaning and less moisture retention. You should also vacuum your seats, dust the dashboard, and wipe down the exterior of your car to remove excess pollen that can infiltrate your air filters. 5. Filter the air inside your car as much as possible. Not surprisingly, limiting the amount of pollen-ridden air in your car is the best way to keep it allergy-free. To do this, drive with your windows rolled up and the air conditioning on during allergy season. When running the air conditioning, put it on the recirculating setting to minimize the amount of air coming in from outside. Additionally, check to make sure the weather stripping on your car is intact and fully seals your windows. For more tips on how to stay safe on the road, consider taking a driver improvement course, such as the AARP Driver Safety course, available in a classroom or online setting. In Montana, you are eligible for an insurance discount upon completion of the course. Please consult your insurance agent for further details. For more information, visit www.aarp.org/ safedriving or call 1-888-AARP-NOW (1-888-2277669). MSN

Losing Friends By Marion Somers, PhD Losing friends or relatives is a trying time for all of us, and especially for those who are older. There is always a natural period of grieving and remembering. We cannot replace those who are lost to us. But I try to show my clients to be grateful for the blessings and joys these people have given them, and to be buoyed by the friendship that has enhanced their life. No matter what age we may be, we are in control of making the most of our lives. Sometimes people reach out to us, but usually we have to attempt to make new friends or acquaintances in order to build new relationships. It can be very empowering and exciting to renew ties with family members, or to reach out to our religious organizations or clubs or social venues. This all takes time and effort, but it’s usually well worth it. Having new people in our lives can be very rewarding. We all seek companionship and the comfort of knowing someone cares. Sometimes the simple gesture of volunteering our time and talents, the act of giving, comes with its own rewards. When we stop thinking so much about ourselves, our grief and loss can be healed. Dr. Marion (Marion Somers, PhD) is the author of Elder Care Made Easier and has over 40 years of experience as a geriatric care manager, caregiver, speaker, and expert in all things elder care. Visit www.DrMarion.com for more information. MSN


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Dementia: Your Questions Answered By Eric Collett, Executive Director Emerson House Working at a beautiful memory care community in Garden City, I have found that many families caring for a loved one with dementia are hungry for information but do not know where to turn. They have questions about the dementia itself and how to care for their affected family member. Almost everyone I have ever spoken to about memory problems has asked me to explain the difference between Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Many healthcare providers use these terms interchangeably, so confusion is understandable. But, I have found it most helpful to speak in terms of Alzheimer’s as a cause and dementia as the effect. Dementia refers to a set of symptoms, including memory loss that disrupts daily life, difficulty manipulating numbers, challenges in sequencing tasks, lack of social awareness, difficulty focusing, impaired judgment, and problems with visual perception. When someone shows these symptoms, it is accurate to say they have dementia. Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 60% to 80% of those symptoms we call dementia. The disease is a progressive, terminal illness that destroys brain cells and causes a buildup of protein plaques and tangled, damaged brain cells. Alzheimer’s, named for the German neuropsychiatrist Alois Alzheimer who discovered the disease in 1906, affects the memory center of the brain first, then progressively causes deterioration in every other part of the brain. By late stages, those with Alzheimer’s lose approximately 50% of the mass of their brains and experience deficits in every area: speech, movement, vision, taste, smell, processing verbal and nonverbal sounds, and other key tasks. Alzheimer’s disease is currently the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. Being diagnosed with dementia is often frightening for the affected person and his or her family and friends. Fear often leads people to delay getting a proper diagnosis. I frequently meet with families who lived in denial for lengthy periods, often passing off their loved one’s progressively erratic behavior as evidence of “just getting older.” I have learned over the years that early diagnosis and treatment are extremely important because many conditions that cause dementia symptoms are treatable. When detected early, these situations can be quickly resolved, greatly enhancing the individual’s qual-

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ity of life. Treatable causes of dementia include urinary tract infections, depression, dehydration, medication problems, thyroid problems, and vitamin deficiencies. Further, medications that may provide some slowing of Alzheimer’s are usually most effective in earlier stages before so much damage is done. Families often ask me how to know when it is time to move a loved one to memory care. The best advice I can give is first to understand the disease process and where the affected person is in that process, to consider risk factors, not to wait for a crisis to force action, and carefully to consider how well the needs of the whole person are being served. Current research shows that people with dementia especially need physical activity, socialization, routines, and One Year opportunities that give Anniversary them a sense of meaning and purpose. ProAN Y ON REEK viding for these needs Memory Care Community in the home can often be very difficult. The physical and emotional toll care giving has on spousal and other family

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caregivers should be considered. The need to move before a crisis develops deserves special consideration. Because the decision to move a family member to a community setting usually brings with it feelings of guilt, many families wait for a crisis to force the issue. Most of the time, a crisis involves the affected person either wandering away from the home or suffering a major decline. These situations are highly stressful for the affected person. Moving is also highly stressful. Waiting for a catastrophe guarantees adding the stress of a move on top of the stress of the crisis. Since stress often causes dementia to worsen, many people decline rapidly when they are moved during a crisis. Planning a move before major physical declines, wandering, or other crises develop allows the affected person to adjust to a new environment before physical declines set in and helps to ensure their continued safety. As frightening as Alzheimer’s disease and the dramatic changes it causes can be, I have learned that those affected still have songs to sing, stories to share, and joy to bring into the lives of those they touch. Taking the time to understand the disease, learning how those affected perceive the world, and finding personalized ways to meet their needs help the rest of us unlock the gifts these wonderful people have to share. MSN

Help For Those Who Worry About Memory Problems Dear Savvy Senior, My mother, who is 72, has become very forgetful lately and is worried she may have Alzheimer’s. Is her forgetfulness really something we should worry about? What should we do? Worried Daughter Dear Worried, Many people worry about memory lapses as they get older, fearing it may be the first signs of Alzheimer’s disease or some other type of dementia. To get some insight on the seriousness of your mom’s problem, here are some key warning signs and some resources you can turn to for help. Warning Signs – As we grow older, some memory difficulties – such as trouble remembering names of people or places or forgetting where you put your glasses – are associated with normal aging. But the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease are much more than simple memory lapses. Knowing the early warning signs is a good first step in recognizing the difference between typical age-related memory loss and a more serious problem. To help you evaluate your mom’s condition, here is a checklist of some common early symptoms to watch for: • Asking the same questions repeatedly. • Getting lost in familiar areas. • Failing to recognize familiar people.

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• Having difficulty following directions. • Misplacing items in inappropriate places, for example putting her keys in the microwave. • Having difficulty completing familiar tasks like cooking a meal or paying a bill. • Having trouble remembering common words when speaking, or mixing up words. For more information, the Alzheimer’s Association provides a list of 10 warning signs that you can access at 10signs.org, or call 800-272-3900 and request a free copy of their booklet “Basics of Alzheimer’s Disease: What it is and what you can do.” Another good screening tool is the self-administered cognitive screening (SAGE) test that was developed at The Ohio State University Medical Center. This test helps identify mild cognitive impairment and early dementia, and can be taken at home in about 10 to 15 minutes. You can download the SAGE test along with scoring instructions at sagetest.osu.edu. Get Help – After going through the warning signs and/or testing of your mom, if you are still concerned, get her in to see her doctor for a thorough medical examination. Her doctor may then refer her to a geriatrician or neurologist who specializes in diagnosing and treating memory loss or Alzheimer’s disease. Keep in mind that even if your mom is experiencing some memory problems, it doesn’t necessarily mean she has early stage Alzheimer’s. Many memory problems are brought on by other

factors like stress, depression, thyroid disease, side effects of medications, sleep disorders, vitamin deficiencies, and other medical conditions. And by treating these conditions, she can reduce or eliminate the problem. Free Memory Screening – Another option you should know about is National Memory Screening Day on Nov. 13, where your mom can get her memory tested free. Sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA), this free service provides a confidential, face-to-face memory screening that takes about 10 minutes to complete and consists of questions and/or tasks to evaluate her memory status. The screening is given by doctors, nurse practitioners, psychologists, social workers or other healthcare professionals in more than 2,500 sites across the country. It is also important to know that this screening is not a diagnosis. Instead, its goal is to detect problems and refer individuals with these problems for further evaluation. To find a screening site in your area visit nationalmemoryscreening.org or call 866-232-8484. The AFA recommends checking for a screening location shortly before Nov. 13, because new sites are constantly being added. Send your senior questions to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of The Savvy Senior book. MSN

Time is critical in stroke treatment In 1998, when Jim Paris had a stroke while in Great Falls, he received what was a new drug at the time – tissue plasminogen activator, tPA for short. The Lincoln resident recalls the day vividly. He woke up feeling strange and disassociated. There was numbness on his right side and he felt like he wasn’t connected to his body. While Paris knew he was seriously ill, he did not know it was a stroke. His wife, Maida, suspected it, however,

and rushed him to the hospital. Within two hours of the first symptoms, Paris was in the emergency room. After running tests, the doctor confirmed it was a stroke. He asked Paris if he was willing to take a drug recently approved by the FDA. “I told the doctor to give me the new medicine,” Paris said. “I was willing to try anything. Within 20 minutes, it was evident the medicine was working.” Today, the drug tPA is recognized as the best

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treatment for acute ischemic stroke. Ischemic strokes, the most common type of stroke, are caused by a blood clot. The clot-busting drug can minimize brain damage caused by interruption in blood flow. In order for tPA to be administered, however, diagnosis and treatment must occur within three hours from the start of symptoms. “The same day I had my stroke, another patient came into the ER with signs of stroke. Her stroke resulted in some paralysis. That could have been me – tPA saved my life,� Paris said. Overall, Paris has had no lasting physical effects from his stroke. To help prevent another stroke, he is on an aspirin regimen and watches his cholesterol and blood pressure. Paris feels lucky he was in Great Falls when his stroke happened. He understands the difficulty of rural residents being close to health facilities.

This is why he believes it is so important to head to a hospital at the first sign of a stroke so medication like tPA can be utilized. Even better, patients should call 9-1-1 to get emergency transport and to have a stroke team waiting upon arrival at the hospital. As Paris’ wife said, “Don’t question the warning signs. If you wait, you could be too late.â€? The stroke warning signs are: • Sudden weakness of the face, arm or leg usually affecting one side of the body • Loss of balance or coordination • Confusion, trouble speaking or understanding • Vision problems or severe headache with no known cause. To learn more about stroke, visit http://www. strokeassociation.org or call 1-888-4-STROKE (1-888-478-7653). MSN

Ready For A Road Trip? Simplify Travel With Older Loved Ones If you are planning to take an older relative on a vacation that involves car travel, thorough preparation is the key to success, especially if the person has special health care needs. Follow these tips for a safe and enjoyable stay. Planning – Set realistic expectations for the trip. Take into account your loved one’s needs and limitations. Make plans and start necessary preparations well in advance. Make lists to keep organized and prevent last-minute stress. Include your relative in the preparations to the best of his/her ability. Research the accessibility of accommodations and attractions you wish to visit. If you are planning to stay at a motel or hotel, make reservations, especially if you will need specific features such as a room with handicapped facilities or a ground floor room. Learn the location of the nearest hospital in any areas you plan to visit. Avoid destinations where a hospital is far away. Arrange for your relative to visit the doctor pretrip. Share your travel plans and any health-related

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concerns, such as motion sickness, bladder issues, or circulatory problems. If your loved one has trouble walking long distances, rent a folding wheelchair or ensure that the places you plan to visit have some wheelchairs available. Have your car checked and serviced before your departure. If you are going to an unfamiliar area, obtain a road map and study it. If you belong to an automobile club, take advantage of its route planning service. Plan to do as much driving as possible during off-peak traffic times. Or choose the scenic route if time and your loved one’s sitting tolerance permit. Packing - Use wheeled luggage to make handling easier (borrow from friends if necessary). Include the following items when drawing up a packing list: Loose-fitting, breathable clothing, comfortable walking shoes, a wide-brimmed hat, and a cardigan


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for air-conditioned environments and cool evenings. Sufficient prescription and over-the-counter medication to cover the time you plan to be away, plus a few extra days’ worth in case your return is delayed. Sunscreen, insect repellent, antihistamine, and motion sickness tablets. List of loved one’s health conditions and medications in case of a medical emergency. Necessary medical equipment and supplies, such as a walking aid, food supplements, incontinence pads, and diabetic supplies. A cushion or two for comfortable positioning in the car. Extra pair of eyeglasses and hearing aid batteries. Sunglasses and umbrellas (the latter for instant shade). Snacks and a cooler containing sandwiches and cold drinks. Favorite music or books on tape for the car ride. Emergency roadside and first aid kits. Cell phone. Don’t forget to charge it and bring a recharging unit along. Disabled parking permit. Driving Top up the gas tank at frequent intervals. Stop approximately once per hour for stretch

breaks or short walks. Choose stops that have clean, well-lit restrooms with good accessibility. Wear seatbelts and, if your relative is in the front seat, ensure that the headrest is centered at the back of his/her head. Encourage your loved one to shift his/her weight often and to do neck and shoulder stretches and foot flexes. Lodging When checking in, ask for a room close to the lobby or elevator. A ground floor room is ideal in case of an emergency in which the elevators become inoperable. If your relative has a back problem, request a room with a recently replaced mattress. Recreation Space out activities and allow ample time for each. Schedule outings for the time of day when your loved one’s energy level is highest. Stick to regular meal, medication, and sleep times. Be forthcoming with service providers about any special needs your loved one may have. Ensure plenty of time for rest and relaxation! BEAT THE HEAT Sun sense: Try to avoid exposure to the sun during its peak intensity, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

You Are So Forgetful! Submitted By Julie Hollar-Brantley While on a road trip, an elderly couple stopped at a roadside restaurant for lunch. After finishing their meal, they left the restaurant and resumed their trip. When leaving, the woman unknowingly left her glasses on the table, and she didn’t miss them until they had been driving for about forty minutes. By then, to add to the aggravation, they had to travel quite a distance before they could find a place to turn around, in order to return to the

restaurant. All the way back, her husband became the classic grouchy old man. He fussed, complained, and scolded his wife relentlessly during the entire return drive. The more he chided her, the more agitated he became. He just wouldn’t let up for a single minute. To her relief, they finally arrived at the restaurant. As the woman got out of the car and hurried inside to retrieve her glasses, the old geezer yelled to her, “While you’re in there, you might as well get my hat and the credit card.� MSN

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Ensure your relative’s clothing provides as much coverage as possible. Liberally apply sunscreen to exposed areas. Take frequent breaks in the shade. If necessary, create your own shade with umbrellas. Heat wave hints: Check the weather forecast each morning. Cancel outdoor plans if a heat alert or smog alert is issued. Avoid unnecessary physical activity. For example, take a bus, tram, or boat tour instead of a walking tour. Plan to spend the hottest part of the day in a climate controlled environment, such as a mall, museum, or other indoor tourist attraction. Eat lighter but more frequent meals that include foods high in water content. Provide your loved one with extra fluids, and take some along whenever you go out. Avoid caffeinated and alcoholic beverages. Lisa M. Petsche is a medical social worker and a freelance writer specializing in elder care. MSN

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Tikal National Park, Guatemala By Jack McNeel Photos by Jackie McNeel Central America is a popular winter vacation area for U.S. citizens and many even make their primary residence in one of these countries. Belize, Panama, and Costa Rica probably lead the list of preferred locations, but other countries offer interesting opportunities as well. Guatemala’s principal attraction is Tikal National Park, the site of many Mayan ruins dating back centuries. It was abandoned over a thousand years ago and was soon overgrown by the unyielding jungle, which covered the massive buildings for hundreds of years until archeologists began excavations in the mid-1900s. Most Guatemalan visitors arrive by air, landing at Guatemala City, the nation’s capital. The airport is modern and portions of the city are attractive but most visitors bypass the city and head directly to

outlying communities. There are connecting flights from here to Flores where many tours originate for the hour-long drive to Tikal. Others take shuttles to Antigua or Lake Atitlan. Antigua became Guatemala’s third capital in 1543 and remained so for over 200 years. It suffered devastating earthquakes in 1717 and 1783 causing the capital to be moved to its present location – but much of Antigua dates back to that era. Many small inns and restaurants combined with a safer environment make it the choice for visitors arriving by plane in Guatemala City. A huge market combined with many photo opportunities of the old city itself and the numerous lodgings and restaurants, make it an interesting town to visit. Lake Atitlan is less than an hour from Antigua. It’s the deepest lake in Central America and located in the western highlands, home to Mayan people, many of whom still wear their traditional clothing. Three volcanoes form a backdrop to the lake. Panajachel serves as a home base for many visitors but others travel by boat from Panajachel to other towns accessible by boat around the lake. Should a visitor want to spend a month or longer there are apartments and individual cabins available for $200 a month. Tuk-tuks, threewheeled vehicles, patrol

the streets continually offering inexpensive travel throughout the towns. Panajachel is also reasonably close to the country’s largest outdoor market at Chichicastenango and transportation is readily available. But it’s Tikal that attracts the most attention. Plane fare from Guatemala City to Flores is about $160 and certainly much faster than traveling by bus. Many visitors in Belize will cross into Guatemala to visit Tikal. Flores itself is worth the stop – more modern than surrounding communities and completely covering the small island in Lago Peten Itza, around which one can walk in 20 minutes. Tuk-tuks are available but most visitors walk to the numerous restaurants. Or, they may opt to hire a boat for a tour around the lake or across to visit an animal rehabilitation sanctuary. The boats are study wooden structures, most with brightly colored roofs and powered with outboard motors. Like other communities, individual homes and businesses are likewise painted in a variety of bright colors. For an all-day tour to Tikal, we opted for a service that provided a comfortable bus with a guide who talked during the hour-long drive, telling of the Mayan history in the area and explaining the history of Tikal. It cost $70 in US funds. That included the round-trip bus ride, a guide during both the ride and the time in Tikal, the entry fee into Tikal, and a full lunch in Tikal itself. The National Park is very extensive, some 222 square miles. Only a small portion of it has been excavated. We were told that only 20% of the buildings are uncovered but it is still the largest excavated site on the American continent.

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The jungle did a thorough job of hiding the structures in the ancient city when the Mayans left, over a thousand years ago. It became almost unknown even to the Mayan people and then only by legend, a legend of a lost city where their ancestors had lived and developed an advanced civilization. It was accidentally rediscovered in 1850 by a gum collector, a chiclero, who chanced to see the tips of a temple in the distance. The University of Pennsylvania began excavating some of the structures here in 1956 and in the thirteen years they worked, they only uncovered a part of the buildings in a 10 square mile area. Space does not permit a detailed description of the many buildings and sights, but for excellent information, visit www.tikalpark.com. A nice, paved road leads from the entrance several miles to the region of the excavated buildings. Road signs asking you watch for animals along the roads include jaguar (very seldom seen),

deer, coatimundi, and snakes. A completely successful Tikal birding tour would reveal over 400 resident bird species. During a canopy tour enjoy the thrill of flying through the tree tops on zip lines. But most visitors are focused on the Mayan ruins – and this means walking. Trails to the various locations and structures are frequently a bit rough and sometimes steep. A person having problems walking some distance might find the experience beyond their capabilities. The weather will likely be quite warm and humid as this is tropical rain forest so it’s important to carry extra water. There are a couple of locations where you can rest and purchase something to drink and eat. A visit to Tikal is an amazing, enlightening experience. One wonders how people living here more than 1000 years ago could have fashioned such enormous structures of stone reaching

MONTANA SENIOR NEWS PAGE 85

higher than the surrounding trees, of courtyards and roads, and viaducts to carry water throughout the complexes. At its peak it was home to 90,000 Mayan people. It was added as a World Heritage Site in 1979. Some of the structures date to the 4th century, B.C. It was abandoned by the 10th century so enjoyed a life of 1400 years. The actual city was about 6.2 square miles and contained roughly 3000 buildings. Most of those buildings still exist though covered by jungle vegetation, but the ones now excavated are far more than sufficient to give a glimpse into a culture and civilization almost beyond belief for that era. Standing in the Main Plaza one can look in every direction and be dwarfed by stone buildings rising high above. It’s a magnificent sight, one of many within the park and a trip worth taking. MSN

Returning To Disneyland: The Magical Mix Remains! By Dean & Nancy Hoch It had been many years since we experienced the wonder of Disneyland. That time, long ago, was with our five lively boys. This time it was with our nine-year-old granddaughter, Alison. And what a fabulous time we had – reliving our former thrills and enjoying them all over again with a darling child (what else?) from another generation. For over a half century, Walt Disney has captivated the world – from the early days when, in relative poverty he began sketching a little mouse named Mickey is his garage – to a gargantuan empire that rules the entertainment world. Who has not heard of Disneyland, the jewel of Southern California? Perhaps not so famous is the newer companion park, Disney California Adventure, and both are well worth a trip. Unfortunately, we only had one a day to spend – not nearly enough, but we did go full-steam ahead to what is unarguably the most famous park of its kind in the world. Here the three of us spent the “fullest” 16-hours imaginable. With what is known as a Park Hopper Pass, we started lining up 6:30 a.m. to enter Disney California Adventure, the newer of the side-by-side parks, going first on the new and immensely popular Radiator Springs Cars Land ride. Here, on this innovative attraction, Grandpa thoroughly enjoyed re-living his old drag racing days, among the other thrills on the ride. Soarin’ Over California, also in this companion park is not to be missed. Here you travel over much

of the great Golden State in an amazing IMAX-style simulated flight. A joyous experience makes you feel you are in a low-flying plane literally soaring

i ht that th t make k California C lif i allll that th t this thi over th the sights remarkable state is imagined to be. Our Park Hopper Pass allowed us to “hop” from that park over to Disneyland, just a few hundred yards away. Our favorites in the original park

were the ever popular It’s a Small World, Pirates of the Caribbean, Peter Pan, the train ride around the park, the monorail, and thrilling Splash Mountain, all culminating with the evening finale, Fantasmic! This incredible, stunning show on the lake features Mickey Mouse in a battle of good vs. evil and is followed by an amazing fireworks display. What a way to end our delightful day! In one day, of course, we barely scratched the surface of all Disneyland and Disney California Adventure both have to offer. A special treat for Alison, however, was having a superb buffet breakfast with Minnie Mouse and some of the other Disney characters. She had her photo taken with several of them. If you decide on a meal with one of the Disney characters, be sure to make reservations well ahead for this popular activity. Also, before you go, be sure to check out Disney’s relatively new FASTPASS to many attractions. With it, you insert your park ticket into the proper kiosk; get a FASTPASS ticket to that particular ride with a return time shown. Then go play in the park instead of waiting in line. Come back at the return time and walk right past the lines of people waiting to ride that particular attraction. It is a great concept – and it works. The Disneyland Hotel, by the way, is a great property with its three lovely outdoor pools and its welcoming rooms. In our room, with its two queen beds, the touch of a switch provide a relaxing tune from one of the Disney musicals and, at the same time, tiny pinpoints of lights appear on a beautifully

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Sept 17 New England Fall Foliage 19–21 Coeur dAlene Casino Resort Oct 2 Satrom Travel Big Sky Bus Tours Sep19 Fall Foliage Highlights Jul 23 13-Day Alaska Cruise Tour Oct 9 Laird Leisure Travel Aug 4 Satrom Travel & Tour 19–25 Colorado Rocky Mtn AdvenAUGUST 2013 ture 4 Famous Sunday BBQ A & B Tours Missoula Senior Center 20–22 Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort 10–20 Colorado Rockies Big Sky Bus Tours Laird Leisure Travel

2–5 4–15 9–16

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TBA

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5–7

New York City Theatre Tour Satrom Travel & Tour

1–2

FEBRUARY 2014 Hello Dolly Escape Tours

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Australia & New Zealand Satrom Travel

29–30

MARCH 2014 Sister Act Escape Tours

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12–13 Anything Goes Escape Tours Oct 28 Christmas Branson Nov 9 Laird Leisure Travel 2–10

NOVEMBER 2013 Branson A & B Tours

15–17 Coeur d”Alene Casino Resort Big Sky Bus Tours

SATROM TRAVEL & TOUR 561 South 7th Street Bismarck, ND 58504 800-833-8787


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carved wooden mural on the wall. These tiny lights are cut into the mural’s background and depict the fireworks above Fantasyland’s castle. It was a lovely way to fall asleep after a full day – with Disney dreams dancing like sugarplums in our heads.

A plus for staying at the Disneyland properties is the “Extra Magic Hour” pass that currently allows guests to enjoy a one-hour early entry – depending on the opening times for the public. A book could be written about Disneyland, as no doubt many have. It is no wonder millions of

people from around the world come to this magical jewel again and again. Also, no wonder that many folks opt to spend two, three, and even five days here, where something new is always being added to the magical mix that is – and ever will be – Disneyland! Visit www.disneyland.com for more information. MSN

Come clean, you dirty rat By Bill Hall The phony story of a Mexican pet from years ago is still with us today in an epidemic of new rumors, fibs, and misinformation that now flood your email and mine like a river of sludge. My first encounter with the strange pet occurred when some friends asked me if I had heard about the woman in our city who had smuggled a strange pet out of Mexico. They said she had gone to Mexico on vacation where she found a sweet little dog outside her motel door. She fed it, petted it, and was soon letting it sleep with her. So of course, when her vacation ended, she stuffed it into her large purse and took it on the airplane. Shortly after she returned home, according to my friends, her cat suffered strange bite wounds. She took the cat to the vet. He said he had never encountered such injuries and asked to see the dog. The vet’s diagnosis was instant. “Madam,” he said, “this is no dog. This is a large rat.” I tried to tell my friends the story was ridiculous on the face of it. Even if there might be an outside possibility of someone that dumb in our city. It is

unlikely that a tourist could succeed in turning a large rat into an overnight pet, let alone keep it stuffed into a purse on an airplane. (However, a rat would be about the only one anxious to eat those dry airline snacks.) Our kind has a natural revulsion for something as ghastly as a rat running around a motel room. That would be like mistaking a rattlesnake for a baby rattle. My friends protested my skepticism. They named the veterinarian “right here in this town” who had identified the rat. So I called him. Nothing of the sort had ever happened to him. I told my colleague Ladd Hamilton the story, asking him how anyone could be so gullible. Ladd said it was an “urban legend.” That was the first time I had heard the term. Ladd said there was a book on the subject. There is. I learned that Dr. Jan Harold Brunvand of the University of Utah (and the University of Idaho before that) who has a doctorate in “folklore,” not only wrote a book of urban legends called The Mexican Pet, but he had written several books debunking myths that anyone with an

ounce of skepticism would have seen through. (His books are still available, and they are a lot more fun than a pet rat.) The Mexican rat/pet myth is a common tale that has been eagerly spread over the years by gullible people who believed it happened in their town. Today, I see the same kind of rumors in what you might call chain emails. They feature political rats who spread fibs about candidates in opposition political parties. A person reads something that sounds outrageous and unjust in an email. So he stupidly forwards the email to his friends. Then those friends, who could not spot a myth if they tripped over it, forward the fib to their friends. Such false stories can only be stopped by people who have enough common sense to realize the story is bunk on the face of it. For instance, I have received chain emails telling me Obamacare requires that Americans be implanted with microchips revealing their health history and personal information. Another chain email warned me that no one over 75 can have a major medical procedure without the approval of a hospital panel. Baloney. I am past my 75th birthday and neither of those alleged requirements is true. One of the most chronic fibs in politics is that Sarah Palin, the 2004 GOP vice presidential nominee once said, “I can see Russia from my house.” Not so. What she actually said of Russia, “They’re our (Alaska’s) next-door neighbors, and you can actually see Russia from land here in Alaska, from an island in Alaska.” Not the same thing, you rascal fibbers. When you receive a chain email that makes some dubious charge, before passing the story on to your victims/friends, use your common sense. Consider the possibility you are being deceived. Go to the Snopes.com website that debunks or confirms common rumors and accusations. Don’t be such a pushover. Ask yourself if the report is ridiculous on the face of it. Ask if the charge is true or if it is just another dirty rat messing with your mind. Remember to think critically! Hall may be contacted at wilberth@cableone.net or at 1012 Prospect Ave., Lewiston, ID 83501. MSN

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MONTANA SENIOR NEWS PAGE 87

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