Valley Views

valley views A brief history of the humble match

Commonplace items and their history have nearly an unmatched grip on my curiosity. What I find most striking are the accidental and unexpected origins that make me say “Wait, what?” Hopefully, this spark of curiosity will inspire you, too. I hope the wordplay is not more than you can “candle,” but it is time to shed some light on the origins of the humble match.

Prior to the advent of the match, people used various implements for their ignition needs. All had significant drawbacks: flint and steel were hard to control; igniting by directing sun’s rays with a large magnifying glass to start a flame was inoperable at night. A whole host of other tools existed as well, but you get the idea. In 1805, with the invention of the first lighter, interest was sparked. In that same year, Jean Chancel of Paris created the first match that would ignite when dipped into an asbestos bottle of sulfuric acid. As you can imagine, this was far from safe and never caught on. Various other inventors would take their own stabs at creating an easy and convenient sparking stick. However, more ideas didn’t catch fire until about 20 years after the first match.

In 1826, John Walker, an English pharmacist and chemist, was experimenting with various chemical pastes involving sulfur. His aim was to create something that could be used with firearms. The breakthrough came when one of the wooden sticks he had used to mix a paste ignited when it scraped against the stone of the fireplace hearth. Instead of burning out quickly, the dried paste on the stick burned long enough to transfer the flame to the wood. Walker had his spark of inspiration. Walker produced and sold his matches; the matches were in boxes of 50 and included a folded piece of sandpaper. To strike a match, the customer was instructed to place the match in the middle of the sandpaper and pull it out quickly. The added friction from the sandpaper would ignite the paste-coated tip. While these friction matches were a huge leap forward, they were not without their faults. Occasionally, the dried paste on the end of the match would come loose in the act of striking. A small fireball would be sent streaming to the floor where it could easily light a carpet or woman’s skirt on fire. As a result, both France and Germany banned them outright. While this threatened to extinguish the match’s development, the light was not ready to go out. Walker never patented his invention, leaving the door wide open for more inventors to undertake their hand at making matches.

In 1829, Sir Isaac Holden utilized John Walker’s concepts to produce matches with a significant punch. With the help of a London-based chemist, Samuel Jones, the manufacturing of these new matches began under the rather on-the-nose name, “Lucifers.” These new matches were more effective at starting fires, but they were still inconsistent and dangerous. Lucifers were far from perfect; however, they did succeed in advancing the concept of the match into the mainstream.

Many other enterprising tinkerers would endeavor to crack the match-making code. A 15-year arms race in making matches generated numerous designs and formulations. A winner finally triumphed from Sweden, of all places. In 1844, Gustaf Erik Pasch create a match using red phosphorous that could only be ignited when struck against a specially prepared surface on the side of the box. This solved the long-standing safety issues once and for all. The Swedes held a near monopoly on safety matches for years. The rights to these safety matches were eventually licensed to manufacturers in the UK and USA before becoming ubiquitous. The result? The humble, commonplace match now lights our candles and campfires!

ben there

DONE that Ben Stone Media Production, Valley Journal

Library hosts ice cream, prize drawing at Sacajawea Park

We’re into the final days of the annual Summer Reading Program. You must register and log all of your reading no later than Aug. 13. Be sure to come into the library to pick up your level coupons and enter your tickets for the prize drawing before Thursday, Aug. 18. On Aug. 18, join us in Sacajawea Park at 10 a.m. for ice cream with toppings and our prize drawing. You don’t have to be present to win – but who wants to miss out on ice cream for breakfast?

Our favorite reading pal, Riley, will be taking August off to cool down and get ready for back-toschool time. Therapy dog Riley will be all ears again in September on Wednesdays from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. “Pawsitive Reading Partners” encourages children to read to Riley the golden retriever, which helps build their confidence. Riley is a great listener and reading to a therapy dog can ease nerves about reading aloud. Be sure to sign up for a time slot.

Lizzy’s Lavender Painting program was such a hit, that we’re doing it all over again. The program is Tuesday, Aug. 16 at 11 a.m. There is a limit of 20 people, so get signed up early. All supplies are provided. The program lasts about an hour.

View from the

Library Abbi Dooley,

North Lake County Public Library District

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On Monday, Aug. 22 at 6 p.m. the library is co-hosting a MLN Virtual Program, Montana Ties to the Titanic: A Collection of Stories. We will host a watch party at the library if we get at least five attendees registered by Aug. 18. If you’d rather watch at home, you can register for the Zoom program at: tinyurl.com/ titanicMT. Zoe Anne Stoltz of the Montana Historical Society is presenting the program.

Tech Tuesday is Aug. 23 at 2 p.m. in the library meeting room. Sierra, our technology librarian, will present a program on How to Build a Website. Have you ever wanted to blog, start a small business, showcase your art online, or otherwise create an online presence? You may be surprised at how easy it is to make a website. Learn the costs of creating and maintaining a web address, how to design and edit webpages and ways to make your site more discoverable through search engines.

Each Monday at 9:15 a.m. join us for Mother Goose for the littlest library patrons (ages infant to 3) and their parents or caregivers. Each week Felicia chooses a new theme with stories, rhymes and songs. After the program, kids are welcome to enjoy some free play time. We’ve recently added LEGO® DUPLOS and a slide to the fun. Story time will be back on Thursday mornings starting Sept. 8 with programs geared toward 3-5 year olds.

Our Friends of the Library are having a used book and media sale on Friday, Aug. 26 and Saturday, Aug. 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day in the library meeting room. They are also selling raffle tickets for another hand-quilted Amish quilt as a fundraiser. Tickets are $5 each or five for $20. Find a Friend of the Library, buy at the book sale or purchase raffle tickets at the library. The drawing will be held on September 16.

Don’t miss our First Friday Acoustic Music performer on Sept. 2 at 3:30 p.m. Debbi Conrad will grace us with beautiful music on her harp. These have been so fun and are a nice way to kick off an evening of shopping and activities in downtown Polson.

The library’s hours are Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Curbside pickup is available for everyone during open hours – please don’t leave your kids or pets in a hot car – we’re happy to deliver to you in the parking lot. Please call us at 406-883-8225 or email us at: polsoncl@polson.lib.mt.us with questions or to request curbside pickup.

vj

letters

See and feel

Editor,

My spiritual teachings are so important to me. They go like this, see what you think:

“Life is eternal. Our time here one earth is a classroom. It is relatively short but filled with wonderful opportunities to learn and grow in harmony with God’s love.”

The tricky part in all this is to remember to practice the mind training required in thinking and feeling God’s love among all the chaos and confusion.

This requires “seeing and feeling” beyond the physical world by choosing to connect our mind with God’s power.

And this takes practice, practice, practice.

An outstanding example and need for a change of mind is with our nation’s politics today. Some leaders have chosen fear, anger, and attack as their mindset and behavior.

This is the perfect opportunity, in this classroom, for us personally and collectively to choose mind-trainings which help us learn and grow in harmony with God’s love.

This is just my take on life. I try not to judge others. Life is giving me enough work to do in just handling myself.

Bob McClellan Missoula

Talk about taxing

Editor,

ExxonMobil and Chevron reported historic profits from the last three months. Exxon made $17.9 billion last quarter, up 273% from the same time last year, while Chevron made $11.6 billion. Together, BP, Chevron, ExxonMobil, Shell, and TotalEnergies are expected to announce $60 billion in profits for the past three months. They plan to spend much of the profit not on reinvesting in their businesses, but on stock buybacks, which drives up the price of the stock.

While not the highest in the world, American consumers are paying the high gas prices. Gas price increases are half of the inflation number.

Democrats are proposing the Inflation Reduction Act. Among other things, it includes a 15 percent minimum tax on corporations with profits over $1 billion. For years, tax cuts have benefited corporations. It’s about time we have fairness in taxing.

Suz Rittenhouse Polson

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Community steps up for taproom manager

By Taylor Davison Valley Journal

RONAN — The two cooperatives in Ronan are coming together this month to help support Co-op Brewery Taproom Manager Eric Brunet as he faces the navigates changes to his mobility.

Brunet suffers from a rare genetic neurological disorder called Spinocerebellar Ataxia (SCA), or Episodic Ataxia, which currently has no treatment. Inherited from his father, SCA varies in intensity due to its episodic nature, but has symptoms including loss of balance, impeded speech, and shaking. The disorder is also inconsistent in its onset and the speed of progression. Brunet’s father, for example, began to be severely impacted by SCA in his late 40s, whereas his aunt wasn’t severely impacted until her late 80s. Brunet himself, at age 51, has been impacted by SCA since his 40s, but has seen it progress rapidly more recently.

“Two years ago, I was still climbing on ladders. I didn’t expect it to progress this quickly,” Brunet shared. He’s had increasing difficulties with balance and mobility even in the last couple of months, resulting in some signiåficant falls. “At 51 years old, when those kinds of things start happening, it’s hard not to get overwhelmed… You can just monitor your lifestyle and hope for the best.”

Brunet has continued to work at the brewery throughout the progression of his symptoms, though he said there are now days when he doesn’t know if he’ll be able to get down the stairs and get outside. Finally, Brunet began to grapple with the need to ask for help as his mobility became more of a struggle.

The first step Brunet took toward admitting to himself that he needed help was receiving a rollator unexpectedly from an old friend from his days working for Home Instead down in Missoula, Butch Froberg, who presently works in Partners of Home Healthcare. Froberg reached out to him to see if Brunet was still doing home care, and Brunet shared he was no longer able, having taken a bad fall that very day.

As Rollators are an expensive type of walker, those within his budget made with construction that simply wouldn’t last, Brunet had only been using a walking stick for mobility aid. Froberg happened to have a Rollator available that had just been donated, and was high end enough to last Brunet a long time.

“It’s one of those things that happened out of the blue… It’s also a matter of letting go of my ego and my pride. I could tell I was worrying people at work,” Brunet admitted. “The Rollator is a safer way to go.”

With that improvement aiding his mobility, Brunet realized it was truly time to ask for help. With a wheelchair likely in his future, and the wait for disability resources anywhere from six to 12 months after applying and often requiring an appeals process, he ended up creating a GoFundMe page to raise funds to install a wheelchair ramp on the front of his house, as well as help pay his bills.

“I’ve taken the leap into humble lake,” Brunet said of setting up the fundraiser. Admitting he needed help took a lot for him to go through with, he explained, having been fiercely independent all his life. The response from the community, however, has been overwhelming.

“The whole thing just kind of took me by surprise,” Brunet stated. “I made the GoFundMe and suddenly I have friends from all over sharing it and reaching out.”

Upon posting the fundraiser, several old friends from throughout his life were sharing the fundraiser, contributing, and reaching out to him in texts and emails to see how else they might be able to help. Within the first few days, Brunet raised around $3,000 toward his goal.

Members of the brewery itself were quick to step up in a bigger way as well, with brewery president Jesse Gray and wife Heather immediately offering to put together a crew to build a ramp for Brunet as soon as he said the word. The Western Montana Musician’s Cooperative, which often works with the brewery, also volunteered through president Coy Theobalt and Charlotte Veazey-Davis to join forces and make it happen.

TEAGAN GRAY PHOTO

“As hard as I’ve run for the last 50 years, it’s the universe’s way of saying, ‘Hey Eric, slow down.’”

- Taproom Manager Eric Brunet

GRAPHIC DESIGN ARTWORK BY ERIC BRUNET

support

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“I’m just overwhelmed with gratitude. I didn’t expect that at all,” Brunet shared. “It’s a huge help… and it’s been therapeutic, getting me over the hump of being embarrassed about it.”

While certain things in his life have become more difficult since the progression of his SCA, Brunet is doing his best to keep a positive attitude. While he’s still working at the brewery and appreciates the support of coworkers Teagan, Tammy, and Jim, now with more of a managerial and advertising focus, Brunet is trying to focus on activities he enjoys that he’s still able to do, such as photography, graphic art, and writing poetry. Some of his poems were even recently published in a journal out of Chicago called ‘The Wax Paper.’

“As hard as I’ve run for the last 50 years, it’s the universe’s way of saying ‘Hey Eric, slow down. Work on that writing a little bit more,’” Brunet said.

The two cooperatives of Ronan will be coming together later this month to begin construction on the ramp for Brunet. To help contribute toward materials for the project and improve the mobility of a member of the community, visit Brunet’s GoFundMe at https:// www.gofundme.com/f/stumbling-onward?qid=a29a75329ed418ebd24f4642595674cdward?qid=a29a75329ed418ebd24f4642595674cd

vj

Now is the time to schedule your student or student athlete for their annual SUMMER IS THE TIME TO PLAN AHEADSummer is the time to plan ahead well child check so they're ready for next school year. These comprehensive Now is the time to schedule your student or student athlete for their annual visits give your child's provider the opportunity to examine their overall well child check so they’re ready for next school year. These comprehensive health and well-being. If your student athlete also completes a sports visits give your child’s provider the opportunity to examine their overall physical during their well child check, St. Luke will donate $25 to their health and well-being. If your student athlete also completes a sports school's athletic booster club this fall! physical during their well child check, St. Luke will donate $25 to their school’s athletic booster club this fall!

Schedule today with your child's Family Practice Doctor Schedule today with your child’s family practice doctor.

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Wolf report shows stable population numbers through 2021

News and Photo from MT Fish, Wildlife & Parks

HELENA — Wolf numbers and distribution continue to be stable across Montana, according to numbers released on Aug. 1 in the 2021 Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Wolf Report.

“What the data shows us really isn’t surprising,” said FWP Director Hank Worsech. “Our management of wolves, including ample hunting and trapping opportunities, have kept numbers at a relatively stable level during the past several years.”

In understanding this report, people must keep in mind that population trends are monitored by the calendar year, in this case 2021, which is consistent with how FWP and other agencies have tracked wolf populations since the 1980s and how wolf populations are tracked in other areas. However, the wolf hunting and trapping season ended March 15. The harvest realized during this first three months of 2022 isn’t reflected in the 2021 wolf population estimate.

Another interesting aspect of the data is that wolf trapping efforts were down this license year from past years. This means fewer trappers were on the landscape. Potential reasons for this include unfavorable weather conditions during the trapping season.

The 2021 Montana Legislature approved a suite of legislation that added more tools for hunters and trappers for harvesting wolves. The legislature also passed legislation directing FWP to manage wolves in a manner that would reduce numbers to a sustainable level above minimum recovery goals.

In response, the Fish and Wildlife Commission increased bag limits, allowed snaring outside of lynx protection zones, and extended the season. Additionally, the commission also set harvest threshold numbers in each FWP region and at a statewide scale that required them to reconvene if those harvest levels were met. Ultimately, the commission closed wolf season in southwest Montana early because the pre-established threshold was met.

“We are following the law,” Worsech said. “And are doing so in a way that provides certainty that wolf populations in Montana will remain off the Endangered Species List.”

The estimated wolf population in Montana at the end of 2021 is 1,141. This is down 40 wolves from 1,181 in 2020. This is not a statistically significant difference. In the last 10 years, wolf populations saw an estimated high of 1,256 in 2011 and a low of 1,113 in 2017. The small difference in these two numbers demonstrates a population trend that is very stable.

At the end of 2021, Montana had an estimated 192 wolf packs. This is down from an estimated 198 in 2020. In the last 10 years, estimated pack numbers have fluctuated from a high of 205 in 2012 to a low of 186 in 2017.

FWP employed new population estimation methodology in 2007, called integrated patch occupancy model (iPOM). This methodology has undergone a scientific peer review both of its individual components and the cumulative process as a whole. iPOM pulls together a variety of different sources of data, including information from FWP biologists, to produce population and distribution estimates. Another important source of data come from hunter harvest surveys that are conducted by FWP every year. These surveys ask deer and elk hunters if they saw wolves while hunting and, if so, where. These surveys are done after hunting season and are necessary to make an accurate estimate.

USDA increases funding for partnerships to safeguard, restore wetland ecosystems

News from USDA

BOZEMAN — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing up to $20 million in fiscal 2023 to help conservation partners nationwide protect and restore critical wetlands through the Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership (WREP). USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is prioritizing proposals that support efforts to mitigate climate change by restoring wetlands while also prioritizing assistance to underserved communities. Last year, NRCS funded $11 million in partnerships. Proposals from partners are due Sept. 23, 2022.

Restored wetlands help to improve water quality downstream, enhance wildlife habitat, reduce impacts from flooding and provide recreational benefits. The most sought-after lands for the WREP program are referred to as “marginal,” meaning they do not produce to their full capacity due to repeat flooding or standing water. Removing marginal lands from production can provide economic benefits for agricultural landowners while also restoring the wetlands to accomplish their full functions and values.

Through WREP projects, eligible conservation partners protect, restore and enhance high-priority wetlands on agricultural lands. WREP will continue to prioritize enrollment of historically underserved landowners in its ranking of proposals. This includes proposals that: - Target places with historically underserved producers; - Focus outreach to historically underserved producers; - Provide assistance with application materials and helping resolve heirs’ property and title issues.

Partners target outreach and enrollment priorities supported by NRCS, including places impacted by natural disasters. Eligible partners include Tribes, state and local governments and non-government organizations. WREP partners are required to contribute a financial or technical assistance fund match.

This WREP funding is for fiscal year 2023, which begins on Oct. 1, 2022.

Partners interested in applying should contact Justin Meissner, Assistant State Conservationist for Easement Programs in Montana, at: justin.meissner@usda.gov or 406587-6873 for more information. Proposals are due by Sept. 23, 2022.

Partners looking to learn more about opportunities for WREP funding for fiscal year 2023 are encouraged to attend the virtual WREP workshop on Aug. 17, at 1 p.m. Eastern.

The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) Early Childhood Services

The CSKT Early Childhood Services Department is requesting bids for Occupational Therapy services for the period of September 2022 to September 30, 2024.

Scope of work: CSKT Early Childhood Services has an enrollment of up to 267 children ranging from 0 to 5 years of age. Children are screened at least 2 times per school year. In some cases, it is requested that children have Occupational Therapy services available for them. Head Start/ Early Head Start locations are on the Flathead Reservation – 1 center in Polson, 1 center in Turtle Lake, 2 centers in Pablo, 3 centers in Ronan, 3 centers in Mission and 1 center in Arlee.

The Occupational Therapist will be coordinating with the ECS Special Services Coordinator on referrals for children to receive services. An evaluation will be done by the Therapist and recommended services will be discussed with the Special Services Coordinator. Once services are started the Occupational Therapist will need to keep case notes on the children and/or families they provide services to and keep the Special Services coordinator updated weekly. In some cases consultation may be requested Early Childhood Services staff on an as needed basis.

The Occupational Therapist will bill any costs to Medicaid or private insurance first and Early Childhood Services will be invoiced as payor of last resort.

The Occupational Therapy services hours needed will be variable.

Early Childhood Services operates from 8 am – 4:30 pm – Monday- Friday. Children are in the centers Monday – Thursday, times varying depending on centers.

Proposal requirements: Proposals must include

1.) Professional license in the area of Occupational Therapy services. Documented specialized knowledge. Relevant work experience must be shown in a resume or curriculum vitae, including outline of qualifications and appropriate credentials (copies of professional license, specialized training, etc.), and professional references. 2.) Ability to commit 10-20 hrs per week to the provision of this service. 3.) Proof of liability insurance or proof that the individual is an independent contractor. 4.) Proof of Workman’s Comp or exemption certificate. 5.) Description of recent experience in doing this type of work. 6.) Detailed description of cost required to provide this service. Responses should be clear in terms of incidental costs, as well as hourly rates, travel expenses, etc.

Proposals must be received by 4:30 on Thursday, August 25, 2022. Mailing address: Early Childhood Services- PO Box 1510-St.Ignatius, MT 59865, ATTN: CARRIE ANTOINE- SEALED BID-Occupational Therapist.

The proposals will be reviewed with a decision made in the 5 to 10 working days after bid closing.

This is an Indian Preference Proposal. We reserve the right to refuse any or all bids. For more information call Carrie Antoine at 406-745-4509 ext. 5506 or Jody Jones at ext. 5120.

Indian Preference Certification This is an Indian preference bid and Tribal contractors who wish to receive Indian preference must obtain a certification by the Indian preference office as a legitimate Indian-owned business prior to submission of the bids. This certification must be included with your RFP response.

The selection of the successful contractor and award of this project will be per the provisions of the CSKT Indian Preference Ordinance 101A. It is the sole responsibility of the bidder/respondent to obtain and provide proof of Indian Preference certification from the Indian Preference Office.

All proposals will become the property of the CSKT Early Childhood Services. The Tribes reserve the right to accept and reject and negotiate any element of any proposals received.