Senior living 2015

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october 2015

2 - Ravalli Republic, Sunday, October 25, 2015

RSVP offers seniors opportunities to volunteer

PERRY BACKUS

“We have a lot of volunteers with big hearts who are interested in visiting homebound people on a regular basis,” Corn said.

Seniors with time on their hands and a desire to make a differ“That weekly visit can make a difference in how long people can ence may find what they’re looking for through the Retired and remain in their own homes.”

Senior Volunteer Program.

The Ravalli County Council on Aging is also working to develop Commonly known as RSVP, the program helps match senior vol- a telephone reassurance program that allows volunteers to make unteers with nonprofits and individuals in the community. phone calls to check on the homebound.

“My office is like a “Volunteers need clearing house for volto be able to commit unteers,” said Janelle to the long term,” Corne, volunteer she said. “It’s been coordinator for Ravalli remarkable to see the County RSVP. important and deep Seniors 55 years relationships that are of age or older can formed when people find a wide variety make that effort to of opportunities to connect on a regular volunteer at organizabasis, even over the tions in all corners of phone. It becomes a the county. very important lifeline RSVP volunteers for people.” receive supplemental RSVP also works insurance for anything with nonprofits that might occur while such as Habitat for they are serving othHumanity, CASA, ers.

Clothes Closet, Ravalli “It’s a nice perk,” County Recycling Corn said. “We also and the Bitterroot have a nice commuValley Chamber of nity luncheon once a Commerce. year that our volun“The chamber is teers really like.” one of our plum posiWhile the program tions,” Corn said. works with about 75 “Everyone wants to different nonprofit work there. It’s such organizations in the a fantastic place. county, Corn said There’s so much there is a focus on going on.” providing the support elderly shut-ins need to stay in their homes.

Corn currently has about 200 volunteers on her list, with about “It’s a huge issue when you consider the percentage of the half that number being really active. population over 65 that is growing every year,” Corn said.

Seniors interested in getting involved can stop by the Hamilton “Meeting the needs of those older Americans could stretch the office at 401 W. Main St. from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Mondays and limits of the systems that we have in place.”

Thursdays, or from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Tuesdays.

Volunteers can make a difference with a simple phone call or a weekly visit to people who are homebound. for the

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4 - Ravalli Republic, Sunday, October 25, 2015

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55 and older: A guide to beating the flu season PETER FRIESEN for the

Ravalli Republic

The influenza season can be a dangerous time for everyone, but especially for young children and seniors. Both age groups have weaker immune systems that have a harder time fighting off disease and infection, though both age groups also have many options for staying healthy through the winter.

A flu vaccine is recommended every year for everyone, especially those at either end of the age spectrum. It is the first and most useful step to preventing sickness, according to Susan Reeser, nurse consultant for the Montana Department of Health and Human Services’ immunization program.

Reeser said seniors’ immune systems don’t build antibodies as well, giving them a higher chance of getting sick.

“The best preventative is to get your flu vaccine annually,” Reeser said. “Anybody 65 years or older, their immune system isn’t as robust as when they were younger, especially if they have underlying health conditions.”

The best time to get vaccinated is October, Reeser said. It gives the body enough time to build up antibodies and isn’t too early, risking antibodies fading later in the season.

So what can older Montanans do to supplement the flu vaccine and keep from getting sick when winter rolls around?

Tamalee St. James, community and family health services director for Riverstone Health in Billings, said the standard precautions are vital. * Wash your hands often. * Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze. * Stay home if you’re sick. * Make sure others around you are vaccinated.

The first three go a long way to preventing the spread of disease. But St. James said that seniors especially should take notice of the fourth recommendation.

Family members who visit, take care of or spend time with their loved ones are at risk of spreading the flu if they haven’t been vaccinated.

Make sure that kids, grandkids, in-home caretakers and anyone else who is frequently around seniors is vaccinated.

Hand sanitizer can be a good tool, St. James said, though it doesn’t replace hand washing.

If used as a supplement to other good flu-prevention habits, sanitizer can be helpful, though she recommended using a high-alcohol-content product that kills germs more effectively. *** Flu shots take about two weeks to fully build immunity in a person’s system, St. James said, adding that the live virus vaccine is a myth. It isn’t possible to get sick from a flu shot.

Ravalli Republic, Sunday, October 25, 2015 - 5

The flu vaccine is the only yearly vaccine recommended for seniors, but there are a few one-time shots that are suggested.

After turning 50, a tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine and the “shingles shot” are recommended.

After turning 65, the Prevenar and pneumonia shots are recommended.

An optional vaccine that St. James highly recommends for seniors who enjoy traveling or eating out is the Hepatitis A shot.

“If someone who has Hepatitis A prepares food, you can get the virus,” St. James said.

Two shots are administered, an initial shot followed a few months later by a booster shot. The vaccine isn’t covered by Medicare and can be quite expensive, St. James said.

Reeser said the Hepatitis A vaccine is now being recommended for young children as well, and also recommended the shot for travelers. *** If seniors do get the flu, it’s important to get antivirals from a doctor soon after symptoms appear, especially for those 65 and older, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control’s website.

“Prompt treatment can mean the difference between having a milder

illness versus very serious illness that could result in a hospital stay,”” the website said.

Antivirals work best within 48 hours of getting sick, though they’re beneficial at any point in the illness.

Three antivirals are recommended by the CDC this season: Oseltamivir, Zanamivir and Peramivir.

The most important tool to dealing with all of this, Reeser said, is for seniors to talk with their doctor. Every piece of advice or CDC recommendation can vary from person to person depending on, especially in older age groups, just about anything.

Underlying health conditions can affect different vaccines or medications and are an important part of talking with a doctor.

Reeser said flu season is a time to be aware of additional health concerns, as the flu combined with other conditions can be even more damaging.

“You just won’t have the energy to fight the disease,” she said.

New vaccines available for flu season PETER FRIESEN for the

Ravalli Republic

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control host a massive website devoted to telling a person anything they want to know about the flu season. With a few helpful tips about this year’s vaccines, you can do your best to prevent getting sick.

The flu season generally lasts from October to May, with peaks falling from December to February. Because the peak changes from year to year, the CDC recommends getting vaccinated early, by the end of October.

Older immune systems may not create antibodies as long and their antibody levels may drop more quickly than younger immune systems, but getting a shot in October should protect seniors through the entire season.

This year, a few different vaccines are available. Trivalent and quadrivalent carry either three or four strains of the flu, respectively. The field is moving toward using quadrivalent vaccines, said Susan Reeser, nurse consultant for the Montana Department of Health and Human Services’ immu-

nization program, and many clinics should carry them.

The vaccines are developed by medical scientists who track every season’s flu strains around the globe and create a shot with strains of the most common two “A” viruses and one or two “B” viruses.

The letters are used to denote the time the strains appear. “A” viruses generally appear earlier in the season, while “B” viruses pop up later.

There is a high-dose version of the flu shot available for people ages 65 and up, but it isn’t available everywhere.

Tamalee St. James, the community and family health services director for Riverstone Health in Billings, said the high-dose vaccine isn’t covered by Medicare and costs much more than the regular vaccine.

It’s only been out for a couple of years and has been tested and approved by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices for those over 65 only, Reeser said.

“It does really work well for seniors,” she said. “It has four times as many antigens.”

6 - Ravalli Republic, Sunday, October 25, 2015

Staying active during cold weather PETER FRIESEN for the

Ravalli Republic

Staying active during winter is hard in Montana. There doesn’t seem to be much to do in the cold, snowy weather that envelopes the state for half the year – unless you ski or snowboard.

Older Montanans especially may feel this pinch. As the weather gets chillier, soreness and dreariness can set in, making it seem difficult to get out and do anything.

The most important thing is to plan ahead, said Lynn Paul, a professor and food and nutrition specialist at Montana State University.

“The best thing to have is a specific plan of what you’re going to do when the bad weather comes,” Paul said.

This plan for staying active can look different for everyone, but Paul gave three physical fitness recommendations that are a great starting point for all.

The first recommendation is to do some sort of aerobic activity. Anything that can get the heart rate up a little bit counts, from walking around the gym in the morning, to riding a stationary bike every day.

The second recommendation is to use strength training exercises to keep muscle strength up.

“As women age, their strength reduces quite a bit, but it doesn’t have to,” Paul said.

Keeping strength up can be as simple as playing with grandkids or doing chores around the house. Or it can include taking a class, such as MSU Extension’s Strong Women class, which works with older women and men on strength conditioning.

The final recommendation is simple: Avoid inactivity. Paul said people who sit are much more likely to encounter health problems compared with people who have a small amount of exercise in their life.

Paul herself uses a desk that allows her to stand or sit on the job, which is a great option for those still working or who use a desk at home often.

These recommendations can be the first step to leading a more active lifestyle during the winter in Montana, though carrying them out can be a challenge.

The key part of the process is to make exercise a routine, Paul said, something like drinking coffee in the morning or brushing teeth. It’s an activity that happens every day.

Starting slow is important, Paul said. Don’t start with the hardest or most rigorous routine right away, start with something easy and fun.

“What we try to do is to get physical activity that you can work into your

daily lifestyle,” Paul said.

If the exercise is too hard, it maybe works for a week or two before it’s given up because it’s not fun or doable, Paul said.

An easy exercise can become a habit much more quickly, like brushing teeth, that isn’t dreaded, but is just another activity. And the exercise can increase over time.

Scheduled fitness classes at a local senior center or recreation center is the most effective way to make exercising a routine, Paul said.

MSU Extension trains teachers to lead classes in their 50-plus offices around Montana, which offer many different programs for families, kids and seniors alike.

Odessa Eddie, exercise director for the Bozeman Senior Center, said the most rewarding part of exercise class is seeing participants grow in strength and happiness.

Eighteen participants in her strength training class were tested before the class and then again after six weeks. All of them had increased bone density.

“We have people who come in with walkers and canes and they don’t use them after six weeks,” Eddie said. “It’s very exciting to see that happen.”

Eddie’s “poster woman” is named Pearl, whose doctor recommended she start exercising. She came into the senior center with a walker and after six weeks or so she started using a cane. A few weeks later, she could walk without the cane and started volunteering in her spare time.

Participating in a scheduled class can help in all aspects of life, Paul said, encouraging members to suggest classes or activities to their teachers.

“It provides being able to socialize, get out of the house and a social support … and that is huge,” Paul said.

“All of these groups are like a little family,” Eddie said of her classes.

MSU Extension isn’t the only choice for exercise classes in the community, though they train many teachers who spread out around the state.

Most senior centers offer exercise classes, as well the YMCA or local gyms.

If classes aren’t the right way to go, there are other options. Any place that allows for walking, like a mall or school gym, are great places to go out alone or with a friend, significant other or child and get some exercise.

Paul suggested finding a “buddy” who is also exercising regularly.

Pairing up allows for encouragement and friendly competition, which can increase the sense of fun and routine.

“It’s enough of a challenge to help with the health,” Paul said, “but they also want to come back.”

Ravalli Republic, Sunday, October 25, 2015 - 7

Adult education for senior citizens Michelle McConnaha Ravalli Republic

Each of the schools across the valley offers adult education classes. Though classes are not specifically designed for senior citizens, schools report that the majority of adult education students are in that age bracket.

Darby’s adult education program has been coordinated by Adele Dicken for the past five years.

“It is an incredible good deal,” Dicken said. “Seniors pay half-price, and we offer great programming. Every year I send out an email to 320 potential instructors, and based on evaluations I come up with new classes.”

Dicken said 60 percent of the students are senior citizens and the majority of the classes are taught by those over age 65.

“We have a huge variety of classes because we have so many incredible retirees around here with skill sets from every industry,” Dicken said. “We have an ex-CIA agent teaching the rise of modern China. We offer classes on leather tooling, fly-tying and so much more. People look forward to seeing what classes we offer.”

Darby’s adult education program offers 16 to 24 classes in four categories: arts and crafts, health, computer and special interests. Their programming follows the public school semester schedule with classes in the fall and winter.

The instructor selects the day, time and location – anywhere within the Darby School District.

“We’ve held classes at the Trapper Creek Job Corps, Sula Club House, Darby Library, Darby Clubhouse and Darby Schools. Plus, we had a field trip to the National Bison Range,” said Dicken.

Hamilton School District offers adult education courses free to senior citizens over age 65. Rod Daniels is the coordinator. The district will offer 14 classes this fall, a second round of offerings beginning in January, then a third in the spring.

Classes include fly-fishing the Bitterroot River and its tributaries, the rise of modern China, and gentle Yoga.

“I had to add a second yoga class because we had 40 people sign up for it,” said Daniels. “We are always looking for instructors and ideas of interest to our community. The last couple of years we’ve been struggling for someone to teach computers, Photoshop and social media.”

Daniels said they will offer guitar-building in January.

“It’s pricey because you have to buy the kit, but they turn out beautifully,” he said.

Traci Norman is the adult education coordinator for the Corvallis School District. Courses cost $25, but are half-price for senior citizens over age 65.

Norman said a new offering is a two-hour, one-on-one tutoring session with the student’s computer, their electronic device, or a school personal computer.

Topics include: desktop operation, laptop operation, email, uploading photos, cloud storage, basic photo-editing tools, Google Apps, social media, Windows 8.1, and website creation.

Norman said seniors may also enjoy the variety of make-and-take classes offered this fall – bows, jewelry and holiday greenery. Other classes include first aid, beekeeping, sustainable agriculture and two baking classes.

Victor’s adult education classes are coordinated by Luanne Bauman. This is the first time they have offered chair Yoga, a class geared toward seniors or anyone wanting a low-intensity workout.

The focus will be on breathing, relaxation, mind-body connections, gentle movements for the upper body and a few standing poses to teach balance.

Other adult education classes at Victor include essential oils, medic first aid, painting and volleyball.

Ariana Tollefson is the adult education coordinator at Florence Carlton School.

“Senior citizens are welcome to all our classes, and we offer ceramics, yoga, Spanish and Zumba,” said Tollefson.

“We are trying to get a basic computer class going.”

Mike Mickelson is the adult education coordinator at the Stevensville School District.

Mickelson said classes will begin in January and are designed for all ages of adults, including topics of yoga, painting, drawing, computers and more.

The Lone Rock Adult Education program runs January through April.

Coordinator Julie Bachman will begin looking for instructors in November.

To register for any of the adult education classes call the specific school or visit their website.

Other education sources include public libraries and museums. The Bitterroot College offers free computer classes for veterans and is in the process of expanding its continuing education classes for older students. Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital also has an adult education program beginning in November.

8 - Ravalli Republic, Sunday, October 25, 2015

Senior centers and senior groups of the Bitterroot

Dominic Farrenkopf for the

Ravalli Republic

Up and down the Bitterroot Valley, you will find clubs and organizations. For seniors there are many options to consider. The following interviews will shed some light on the groups and programs available to join and ways to participate.

Florence Senior Lunch If you live in the Florence area, a great place for Monday lunch is the Florence Senior Lunch at the Florence Fire District Station 1. The address is: 234 Holloway Lane.

“The food comes hot from the Stevensville Senior Center,” Margie O’Brien said. “We do have a salad bar, beverages and dessert as well.”

The meal starts at 11:30 a.m. and costs $3.50 for seniors 60 and over and $6 if you are under 60 years of age.

“This is a great time to just get together as friends and talk and visit,” O’Brien said. “Average attendance of the lunch is about 20 people, but we would like more people to come.”

On Monday mornings, O’Brien and Deb Reed clean the tables, set place mats and prepare the food line.

“My favorite part is sharing the meal and visiting,” O’Brien said.

“We decorate the hall for holidays and folks really seem to enjoy it.

We celebrate birthdays on the second Monday of each month.

Brenda Dahl from Physical Therapy Specialists of Florence always provides the cake.”

For more information, call Ravalli County Council on Aging at: 3635690.

Stevensville Senior Center With 254 members, the Stevensville Senior Center is strong

and thriving.

Ken Krout, president of the senior center, proudly reported, “We are open to all seniors over 65 in the Bitterroot Valley as well as Missoula.

Our dues are $5 a year per person.

The responsibilities of our group are to show up and eat a good meal.

We try to get our seniors involved in the many activities of the center.”

The activities offered are indeed many. A quick glance at the calendar will show: exercise, bridge, pinochle, cribbage, painting and Bingo.

Krout continued, “We provide toe-nail service, flu shots, bonedensity screenings and Meals on Wheels. We serve a lunch each weekday. The Monday through Friday lunches begin at 11:30 a.m. and are $3.50 if you are over 60. We have an entree, salad bar, beverages and dessert.”

Krout couldn’t help but smile as he talked about the birthday lunch.

“We have a birthday dinner once a month to recognize the people who have a birthday that month,” he said. “Birthday lunch is fun – actually, they all are.”

Stevensville Senior Center prepares meals for Meals on Wheels and the Florence Monday lunch.

“We are part of Ravalli County Council on Aging and they provide assistance to seniors, helping them maintain their independence,” Krout said.

Located at 100 Mission Street in Stevensville, the center is always seeking new members. “We welcome everyone for a good and nutritious meal. They are also welcome to get involved in all activities and meetings. It’s their senior center and we are very proud of it,” smiled Krout.

Other ways people can get involved are by donating medical equipment, money and their time

for fundraisers, said Krout.

Krout has been president for five years and he doesn’t see his term ending anytime soon.

“I’ve put in my resignation, but they haven’t found a replacement.

So, I’m looking at doing more time,” Krout joked.

For more information call 7775681.

Victor Senior Center If you live in the Victor area and you are looking for a group to join, consider the Victor Senior Center.

“There is no age limit to join,” said Albert Fawcett, the president of the senior center. “Dues are $5 a year and we like our members to volunteer and participate. We have about 70 members and we always welcome new folks to join.”

There is plenty to do at the Victor Senior Center. At 9 a.m. Monday through Thursday is men’s coffee hour. Ladies meet for coffee at 10 a.m. Friday mornings. These coffee hours are free, though you can make a donation to the senior center.

Bingo is played from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Thursday nights. Pinochle is played from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Wednesday. Po-Keno and cribbage alternate Fridays from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. These activities cost $1.

“One of our most popular events is our lunch. We serve lunch at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. It’s $3.50 if you’re over 60 years of age, and $6 under 60,” Fawcett said.

“We also do Meals on Wheels. That is a program we need volunteers for. It is a very rewarding experience to come to the door and be greeted by a recipient with a big smile on their face.”

Fawcett was elected president five years ago.

“My mother was very active in the Victor Senior Center, and they were

having trouble managing the center. My mom asked me to help, as I have plenty of experiencing managing organizations. I operate two businesses. And with a lot of hard work from myself and others, the center is on an even keel,” Fawcett said. “I also do lawn maintenance and building maintenance – unless it’s the furnace, then we call a pro.”

The senior center survives off of donations and government grants.

The grants have reduced over the years, so the center holds special fundraisers to fill the financial gap.

The senior center is hoping to remodel its kitchen, and it will host a fundraising breakfast from 7 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31.

The breakfast costs $6 for adults and $3 for children under 10 years of age. The menu consists of biscuits and sausage gravy, pancakes, scrambled eggs and beverages.

For more information call 6423320.

Hamilton Senior Center Hamilton Senior Center is a busy hub for people over 50 years of age.

“Anyone over 18 can join but you need to be over 50 to be a voting member,” said Jim Humphreys, president of the senior center.

The monthly board meetings and the annual membership meeting are held at the Hamilton Senior Center. Those are only a few of the myriad activities happening at the center.

Humphreys is proud of the events hosted at the senior center.

“We have dances, card parties, dance lessons and exercise classes.

There are monthly birthday dinners, holiday dinners, and Monday, Wednesday, Friday lunch,” he said.

“Lunch is affordable, as it is $3.50 if you are over 60 years of age. If you’re under 60 it’s $6. We have silent auctions, monthly flea mar-

Ravalli Republic, Sunday, October 25, 2015 - 9

kets, and family health fairs. Private groups can and do rent the center for any get-together you can imagine.”

Computers with Wi-Fi and highspeed internet connections are available for walk-in use, which Humphreys said is a big asset for the senior center.

Hamilton Senior Center has approximately 265 members.

Humphreys said they don’t expect a lot.

“Dues are $12 a year per person.

Members receive a monthly newsletter. Responsibilities of members include being a good citizen and hopefully participating in activities and volunteering when needed, he said. “We are always seeking new members. In addition to seeking new members, our needs are constant. The kitchen, repairs, maintenance and general upkeep of the building all require attention.”

Donations of time, materials and money are always welcomed and

appreciated.

Humphreys has served as president of Hamilton Senior Center for the past two years. He is an elected official and in his final term.

“My favorite aspect of the center is the camaraderie of the people I meet,” he said. “My favorite activity is assisting people with their income taxes. We do taxes for anyone with an income. As long as their taxes are not too complicated, we can help. There is a general list at the post office and at the center that shows the qualifying factors. Ninetynine percent of the time we can do their taxes.”

Humphreys and three others, all with tax experience, are certified by AARP and the IRS before they can provide this free service.

“We are a senior-oriented service organization,” Humphreys said.

“We are there for the benefit and enjoyment of the senior population, however, we welcome everyone of all ages to come and participate in

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Darby Silvertops Lowell Baltz is the president of The Darby Silvertops, which is seeking new members.

“If you are 55 or older and live in the Darby School District, you are eligible to join,” Baltz said. “We meet at the Darby Clubhouse at 106 North Main Street in Darby.”

“The dues are $6 per year, and the responsibilities of the members is pretty simple.

“We ask that you act as a host, hold office or sit on a committee, provide potluck dishes and be congenial and friendly,” said Baltz. “We are a very active club. We have just agreed to a three-year commitment to help eradicate weeds along the hiking trail in Darby. We are partnering with Ravalli County Weed Control and the Trail Committee.”

Field trips are also very impor-

tant, Baltz said.

“We’ve taken trips to the Lee Metcalf Wildlife Refuge, Ravalli County Museum and the Rocky Mountain Laboratory,” he said.

The Darby Silvertops have donated large print books to the Darby Community Library and food to Darby Bread Box. “As far as donating to our club, we really need new activity and program ideas. We enjoy slideshows of people’s travels, and we’d like more of that,” said Baltz. “We are a fun bunch, and that’s what I like best about us. My favorite times are socializing with club members, catching up, reminiscing and telling jokes.”

The officers are: Blatz, president; Martha Hayes, vice president; Ruth Baltz, treasurer; and Veryl Kosteczko, secretary.

For more information call 8213095.

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10 - Ravalli Republic, Sunday, October 25, 2015

Golden Age Club of Hamilton

Dominic Farrenkopf

more members to join, particularly for the dinners and the dances,” said Olson.

“People seeking a membership to the club should be 50 years old. However, Organized in the 1970’s, The Golden Age Club is tucked away at 727 South special arrangements can be made for younger people to join. The club wel5th Street in Hamilton. comes younger members.”

“For long-time Hamilton residents, that’s the old Jefferson School gymnaI spoke with Olson as he set up the hall for Sunday dinner. sium,” said Bob Olson, president of the club. “We are an independent organi“We are having lasagna for dinner. There will be a salad, garlic bread and zation designed to provide activities for members as well as the public.” beverages,” Olson said, explaining to a bystander that the homemade cake in Searching out their “off the beaten track” location is sure to be worth your the kitchen “is not for while because of the activities the club hosts. Pinochle parties, exercise class you – it’s the dessert.” and blood pressure clinics are all standard fare. In addition, the Golden Age The Golden Age Club hosts dinners and dances.

Club has a dinner at “We currently have 126 members in our club, but we are always seeking 1 p.m. on the third Sunday of each • Dentures • Partials • relines • rePairs • month. The meal is $6 and the menu varies.

“There is always live music and dancing afterwards. The band playing this Changing lives, one smile at a time time will be The Jammers,” Olson 30 Years Professional Service Serving the Bitterroot and Missoula Communities said. “We are taking photo by Dominic Farrenkopf November and December off from the dinners, but we will pick up the 1 p.m.

Premium Services at Affordable Prices dinners in January, 2016, where we will welcome the New Year.”

Medicaid and Insurance Welcome Olson proudly displayed the annals of the club. They were photo albums 1716 N. 1st, Suite “C” Hamilton • 363-6000 that reached back into the 1970’s. Packed with newspaper clippings about Open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday; 8:30am - 3:30pm the club and photos of its members, a person could sit for hours and still not view it all. One clipping from the Thursday, July 16, 1981 Ravalli Republic showed Sig Hegre playing an accordion. The caption read: “FREE Live Musical Entertainment All Day on the Streets FREE” The dues for the Golden Age Club are $10 per year. Though Consider the Benefits of a Reverse Mortgage not tax-deductible, cash donations are always welcomed and appreciated.

“We like our members to be available to help with the activities that keep the club operating,” explained Olson. “We are a not a part of the Hamilton Senior Center, although some of our members belong to both groups. The club is responsible for all costs related to the building. Donations and income from the activities are sources of funding for the club.”

The Golden Age Hall can be rented by other groups as long as a Golden Age member is part of that group.

“Members may arrange to use the hall for reunions, memorials, activities and parties,” said Olson. “The group renting the hall is responsible to clean the floors and dispose of any garbage they generate. All club activities are non-smoking and non-alcoholic.”

Olson was vice president of the club when the former president retired. “That is how I came to be the president. I enjoy all of the social interaction the club offers. People really don’t know who and what they’re missing until they come on down – and NMLS#311504 everyone is welcome.”

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Ravalli Republic, Sunday, October 25, 2015 - 11

Boots ‘N Calico Square Dance Club Dominic Farrenkopf for the

Ravalli Republic

“Slide through, everybody home, heads pass through, partner trade, clover leaf, square through three, turn that girl, wheel and deal, star through, eight chain four, and count them.”

I lost count.

I was trying to follow Barry Bartlette, caller for Boots ‘N Calico square dance club, at their Saturday night dance. Bartlette was calling for 23 dancers that night. Two squares were winding their way around the dance floor. The women wore brightly colored dresses, while the men wore long sleeves and western ties.

Ray Dunbar was one of those dancers.

“My wife, Laurie, and I have been square dancing since 1978,” said Dunbar. I mentioned that was 37 years. Dunbar laughed and said, “Well I guess it is!” The Dunbars have always been with Boots ‘N Calico.

“We used to play pinochle one Saturday night and then square dance the next Saturday,” Dunbar said. “We would travel around Montana in the summertime, going to square dances. We would get in the motor home and play pinochle as we drove.”

According to Dee Moenich, another dancer, square dancing is good for the body and mind. “Square dancing does not retain grouchy people. We laugh a lot and even when we goof up. Our dances are great for single women, too, because it’s such a safe environment.”

This all unfolded at a dance hosted by Boots ‘N Calico Square Dance Club at The Golden Age Hall in Hamilton.

The Boots ‘N Calico square dance club history states: “We started in Darby about 1947. It has been active since Jim and Dottie Goodrich, of Darby, visited relatives in Plains, and went square dancing with them during their visit. Back home, at a VFW meeting, Jim informed everyone present to bring their wives on Saturday night to the clubhouse as they were going to start square dancing.”

“Jim was a welder and worked on logging and farming equipment in the area, and was known to coerce his clientele: If they wanted something worked on, they would have to come to the square dance. Originally the club danced in Darby at the clubhouse, but moved to Hamilton in the (1950s).”

Each summer they held campouts at Jackson Hot Springs and the Big

Hole. These camp-outs continued well into the 1960s. The 1970s brought campouts at Lost Trail Hot Springs and Medicine Hot Springs.

Their history continues: “Another tradition that started early on was the parade float and dancing at the fair. When first started, the parade and dancing at the fair was shared with two other clubs (Belles and Beaus and Gay Sashays) which have now folded.

The Barn Dance became a Boots ‘N Calico tradition after the Belles and Beaus folded, and Lena and Charlie Wright started having it at their home, sometime in the early (1990s).

In 2014, the club moved its regular Saturday dances from the Hamilton Senior Center to the Old Jefferson School Gym (Golden Age Hall).

Boots ‘N Calico’s regular dance season includes most Saturday nights from October through May. The dances are held from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Golden Age Hall.

The cover charge is $5 per person and the dances are open to anyone – even solos.

“You don’t need to be a member to enjoy our dances,” says Bob Kaphammer, president of the club.

“Becoming a member is easy. The membership dues are $10 per year and your only responsibility as a member is to have fun.” photo by Dominic Farrenkopf “Our group consists of approximately 50 members. We normally have anywhere from 20 to 30 members at our dances,” Kaphammer said. “Anyone can join our club, and we are always looking for new members. We even offer lessons and encourage the students to join.”

Lessons are offered via the adult education program at Hamilton High School. There is an eight-week basic class starting Oct. 5. Another will begin in January.

Square dance apparel has a distinct style. The flowing dresses of the ladies are brightly colored.

“Fortunately for dancers, Afton’s Square Dance Apparel at the Dance Center two-and-a-half miles west of Lolo on Highway 12 has a large selection of clothing, shoes and accessories,” Kaphammer said.

The dance ended with the song, “Come To Me,” by Ernie Kinney.

“Come to me if you ever get lonely, meet your girl and do a dosado, my love will light your way out of the darkness, if you ever need a true love, come to me.”

All of the dancers formed a wide circle, held hands, raised them high, bowed and sang, “Thank you.”

If you would like more information please call Kaphammer at: 363-4677.

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