Over 55; Senior Living 2017

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october 2017

2 - Ravalli Republic, Sunday, October 15, 2017

Eating a plant-based diet provides benefits Ginette Gundlach RN for the

Ravalli Republic

or a vegetable soup now that winter is slowly encroaching.

America is only one of two countries that do not eat vegetables first thing in the morning. I have learned that getting them in the morning helps quench cravings that may derail us in our healthy eating. Eating more non-starchy vegetables first also helps with satiety and the result in weight loss for me.

The rest of day is filled with lentil tacos and a fresh homemade cheese sauce made with pumpkin and nutritional yeast the colors so vibrant with the addition of turmeric powder. Or perhaps I’ll make a lentil loaf with mashed potatoes and a mushroom gravy, which

With all the talk surrounding health care these days I have one question: When does food get mentioned?

More than six years ago, my husband and I adopted our own health care plan and guess what? It came with no deductible needed!

We jumped in with both feet and now we are jumping for joy.

We changed one thing - what we put onto our forks and into our mouths.

We went plant-based.

I’m turning 66 and my husband is turning MICHELLE MCCONNAHA 69 this year. We conGinette Gundlach, a retired registered nurse, is holding bok choy (Chinese cabbage) in the colorful produce secsider self-care to be the tion of the Stevensville Super One Foods store. Before eating a whole plants foods diet she avoided being photogold standard of health graphed. care. Even the America Medical Association are all fat free.

(AMA) is requiring hospitals to put plant-based meals in their One of my favorite dishes to make for company is a rolled lasapatient menus. Kaiser Permanante (an integrated managed care gna dish with a basil tofu stuffing and fresh spinach topped with a consortium) has plant-based classes for their patients to attend. marinara sauce.

The health benefits have been great.

The foods are not limiting. Whatever dish you enjoy now can be We both lost weight, and in just a few weeks my husband’s cho- recreated with a variety of healthy plants. lesterol dropped from mid-130 to low-120s. We have increased Health care can change, but you have to be the change and it energy and can do more now in a given day than we felt like starts right in your kitchen. doing six years ago.

Plant-based is not a diet. It is a way of eating that has proven People frequently ask us “What do you eat?” results for prevention and reversal of some diseases. I am a Almost every day for the past six years, my husband has had his licensed Food for Life instructor with physicians committee and bowl of oats topped with sliced banana or chopped dates, and a a registered nurse. I believe that the right food can impact our plant-based milk. health - it did mine and my husbands.

I make a hash of steamed potatoes, red onion and red and I encourage you to give it a try. I believe that you are never too green pepper with a bit of diced garlic. I sauté it in a preheated old to get healthy. pan with no oil. Most of my mornings are started with non-starchy vegetables like a pound of fresh spinach, steamed or in a salad,

Ravalli Republic, Sunday, October 15, 2017 - 3

Quilting offers many benefits to hobbyists

Dominic Farrenkopf

Ladies busily quilting at a class held at Patchwork Quilts.

Dominic Farrenkopf for the

Ravalli Republic

Quilting is a tradition that has been handed from generation to generation.

Yet quilting technology has improved, with better hand tools, sewing machines and techniques that have carried the art of quilting into our modern era. Although sewing machines have replaced needle and thread, the basics of quilting and the social fabric that binds quilters together remains the same.

Claudia Williams, owner of Patchwork Quilts in Hamilton, has been sewing for 45 years and quilting for 30 years.

“Quilting techniques have improved a lot since the resurgence of the craft in the 80s .Essential tools include rotary cutters, rulers and mats. Of course, a good sewing machine is really nice as well,” Williams said.

Williams estimates the average age of her quilting customers is about 60. She believes that quilting can be a benefit to people in many ways.

“I think the benefits are different for different personalities.

I enjoy leaving my hectic world, to quietly work on something beautiful. Friendship and comradery between quilters has always been, and continues to be very strong. Solving problems, designing, and doing quality work is a workout for my brain,” Williams said.

It’s easy to get into the hobby of quilting. Classes are offered at Patchwork Quilts and people also learn from their friends.

The Bitterroot Valley has strong quilting groups, including the Sapphire Quilt Club in Stevensville, the Bitterroot Quilt Guild in Hamilton, and the Darby Girls.

Sharon McGrady Renfro is the president of Bitterroot Quilters Guild in Hamilton. She’s made quilting a hobby for nearly 40 years.

“Quilting is very easy to start and very hard to stop,” McGrady Renfro said. “Once you start with this hobby, it becomes a passion. It manifests itself in unkempt houses, keeps children hungry and husbands neglected. You secret yourself away to play with your fabric and you never have enough of the stuff.

“It is my drug of choice as well as my therapy. The hobby does have to give up time to clean that house, feed those children and spend some time with a very understanding husband.”

Cathy Booth is an active member of the Bitterroot Quilters Guild, who started quilting more than 35 years ago. She took a 25-year hiatus while raising a family and teaching junior high school, but took up quilting again when she retired from teaching.

“To me, the hobby had changed significantly from when I had first began back in the late ‘70s to what It has evolved to today,” Booth said. “Back in the day, the craft was done almost entirely by hand. No rotary cutters to assist in the endless hours of cutting, and quilting was typically done by hand, not sent out to be completed on a long arm quilting machine.

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4 - Ravalli Republic, Sunday, October 15, 2017

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“The availability of the internet also provides a plethora of tutorials and information that was not accessible 35 years ago. With all of the changes, I feel like a novice quilter and I’m just discovering all the candy in the candy store,” she added.

Rebecca Stapert of Florence currently serves as the president of the Sapphire Quilt Club in Stevensville. Quilting is a hobby she began in 2009.

One of her main attractions is interacting with other folks who quilt.

“Any quilter will tell you that we enjoy our sewing time. I think one of the other things we all enjoy is sharing that time with friends. I am often reminded of the historical practice of ‘Quilting Bees’ we learned about from the old days,” Stapert said.

The Sapphire Quilt Club has a special activity.

“Our mission is to create ‘Sunshine Quilts’ and give them away to folks who have had something bad happen to them,” Stapert said. “Some examples would be if someone has lost a loved one in an accident or a family’s house burned down.

“In addition to giving away Sunshine Quilts, we have programs that help us learn new techniques in quilting, designs and patterns. We want to increase our knowledge and have fun at the same time.”

The most inspirational part of their meeting is when they do “Show and Tell.”

“Members bring their completed projects to the meetings and share them with the group. I see new color ideas, new designs or old ones, too,” Stapert said. “Antique quilts are just as fascinating as the new ones.”

To join, the Sapphire Quilt Club, folks just need to show up at a meeting.

“We welcome all who have an interest in our past-time,” Stapert said. “My husband, and many other folks I’m sure, call all quilters crazy. We go out and buy a big piece of fabric. We take our fabrics home, cut them up into little pieces and sew them back together!”

The Sapphire Quilt Club meets the second Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held at the Senior Center, 100 Mission St., in Stevensville. Membership dues are $15 per year. Stapert can be reached at 273-9078.

To join the Bitterroot Quilters Guild, people only need to come to one of their meetings.

“You may just run for your life, or you might just stay for the rest of it!” McGrady Renfro said.

Membership dues are $20 per year. Guild meetings are the fourth Wednesday of the month, at Daly Leach, (1010 West Main St. in Hamilton) in the community room from 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm, excluding November, December, July and August. McGrady Renfro can be reached at 777-3229 Dominic Farrenkopfdfarrenkopf@outlook.com

Ravalli Republic, Sunday, October 15, 2017 - 5

Volunteering is good for your health Colleen Gilligan Dahlstrom

“Our volunteers enjoy their work and working with other volunteers for the Ravalli Republic in spite of weather challenges,” Meet Bitterroot she said. “We have many volunteer Volunteers opportunities including writing news Pam Aikens and her articles, helping with office work, husband, Jim Carlson, accounting, and fundraising.” moved to the Bitterroot From April 2017 through June Valley in October 2016 2017, Ravalli County Recycling recyfrom Wisconsin. She and her huscled 509 tons of material. You can band, both retired teachers, jumped contact Ravalli County Recycling at right in looking for volunteer oppor406-375-5398 to learn more. tunities. They signed up with the Volunteering is Good for Your Retired & Senior Volunteer Program Health (RSVP) and are active volunteers with Pam is a great example of the several organizations including Ravalli active volunteer community in the County Recycling.

Bitterroot Valley. Inherently, we all “I volunteer because it is a great recognize that volunteering makes us way to match my skills and abilities feel good; but research is now docuwith volunteer opportunities that menting that it actually can extend serve others,” Pam said. “It is also a and improve the quality of our life. great way to make connections with The Corporation of National new people after recently moving to Community Service (CNCS and the area.” funder of RSVP) has presented Pam and Jim have incorporated research documented in a report volunteering throughout their entire titled “The Health Benefits of life. Pam and her son went to Bolivia Volunteering: A Review of Recent to help build a school and church, Research,” which establishes a and she and her daughters have strong relationship between volunDominic Farrenkopf traveled to Ecuador to volunteer at teering and better health. It notes Volunteer Pam Aikens enjoys making connections with R.S.V.P. a dental clinic. Their grown children that “Those who volunteer have continue to volunteer just as they did lower mortality rates, greater functional ability, and lower rates of with their parents growing up. depression later in life than those who do not volunteer.”

Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) Ravalli County Recycling As the Volunteer Coordinator for the Retired and Senior Volunteer Pam, who taught for 35 years as a reading specialist, has recently Program (RSVP) for Ravalli County, I have the honor of witnessing been named as the new volunteer coordinator for Ravalli County some of the incredible work volunteers accomplish in the Bitterroot Recycling. Her husband Jim is the new treasurer with the non-profit, Valley. RSVP currently partners with more than 60 organizations like which provides one of the only recycling options in the Bitterroot Ravalli County Recycling. We are a place for volunteers 55 or older Valley. Pam said that “customers are appreciative that Ravalli County who want to serve in their community. If you are interested in finding Recycling is here.” your right volunteer opportunity, please give us a call at 363-1102.

Janice Lee, a longtime RSVP and Ravalli County Recycling volunteer, added that if the community wants to recycle, this is the place to do it.

6 - Ravalli Republic, Sunday, October 15, 2017

Yoga practice has benefits for all ages

eve byron Ravalli Republic

Yoga can benefit people in different ways at different times of their lives, according to the American Association of Retired Persons, or AARP. The group recently noted the various ways yoga can impact people lives, beginning at age 50. Studies show yoga has a powerful effect on stress and hypertension, by reducing blood pressure through poses, meditation and breathing.

One way yoga does that is to create a “relaxation response,” which is a state between being awake and being asleep. That helps reduce anxiety, according to a 2017 study published in the Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

Wendy Davis, who teaches yoga at Main Street Studio in Darby, said she has many clients who are 55 and older. One woman was 90 years old when she came to an Intro to Yoga class as part of the Darby Adult Education program.

“She said she always wanted to try yoga,” Davis recalled. “She came to a number of classes and she did really well. It’s never too late to start.”

Yoga’s slow, deliberate movements help with balance and stability,

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which is important since falling is one of the leading cases of injuries among adults.

“As we age, we tend to lose our balance. So you have to work on it,” Davis said. “Balance and stability help prevent falls, and if you do fall the recovery is quicker and easier.”

An added benefit is yoga also tones muscles, which helps build confidence and strength.

Those movements and poses also tone the mind, with one study showing that focusing on breathing and synchronizing it with movement, had immediate positive impacts on people who have multiple sclerosis.

“It definitely improves the upper respiratory system,” Davis said.

“Yoga connects movement to breath, so as you breathe, you move.

I do vinyasa flow classes, where as you inhale you raise your arms overhead, and as you exhale you fold forward. It helps them understand breathing and deepening our breaths. “ As a weight-bearing activity, yoga also can help slow bone thinning that leads to osteoporosis, particularly among postmenopausal women in their 50s, AARP notes. Regularly practicing yoga is good for your joints, too, with the fluid movements helping lubricate joints and make them less prone to arthritis and osteoporosis.

“Flexibility and joint health all improve with yoga, but in the elderly in particular they might notice the other changes first, because it takes a long time to improve flexibility, especially if you’ve been moving the wrong way all your life,” Davis said. “But most people will see improvements.”

In the Bitterroot, a wide range of classes are offered for yoginis (or aspiring ones) throughout the valley.

Ravalli Republic, Sunday, October 15, 2017 - 7

What YOU can do to prevent falls

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According to the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 1.6 million Americans receive emergency room care each year for fall related injuries. Falls are the number one cause of death due to injury for people age 65 or older in the United States.

Falling is not an inevitable part of growing older. Many falls result from factors that can be changed. Visit with your primary care provider if you have concerns about falling or if you have fallen in the past.

Falling once doubles your chances of falling again.

Many falls are caused by an individual’s physical condition or health issue such as: - muscle weakness in the legs - decreased balance - low blood pressure - foot pain or numbness - slower reflexes - visual changes - medication side effects or interactions Consider the following changes you can make to decrease your risk of falling: - Be physically active. Tai Chi, water aerobics and simply walking are all examples of exercise that assist with strength, balance, flexibility and endurance. Work with your primary care provider or physical therapist to plan a program that is right for you.

- Have your medications reviewed. Find out about possible side effects of the medications you take. Some may affect your coordination or balance and even cause dizziness, fatigue or confusion. Review your medications (including over the counter products) with your primary care provider or pharmacist.

- Have your blood pressure checked in both lying and standing positions. Some people have normal blood pressure when seated, but their pressure drops upon standing. Tell your doctor if you feel faint or unsteady when you get up.

- Have your vision checked regularly. Even small changes in your eyes can make you less stable. Make sure your prescriptions are up to date and keep lenses clean. If you use reading glasses, take them off when you are walking as they can distort your depth perception.

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8 - Ravalli Republic, Sunday, October 15, 2017

- Use safe footwear. Wear low-heeled shoes that fit well and support your feet. Choose shoes with non-slip soles and stay away from shoes without backs.

Over half of all falls happen in the home due to safety hazards that are both easy to overlook and easy to fix: - cluttered rooms - lack of railings and grab bars - reaching for high or low items - poor lighting Whatever the cause, most falls in the home and community can be prevented. Take these steps to “fall proof” your home both inside and out.

- Remove or secure any items that could cause you to trip or slip.

Relocate pet bowls, shoes and toys. Tape down cords and remove throw rugs or secure them with double-sided tape.

- Remove unnecessary furniture and decorative items. Rearrange living areas to clear pathways.

- Make sure chairs and beds are not too low or too high. Chairs with arms make it easier to stand.

- During the winter, ask someone to spread sand or salt on icy surfaces and be sure to wear footwear with good traction. Better yet, don’t take chances walking on slippery surfaces alone.

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- Make sure you have good lighting in each room including stairwells, outdoor walkways, and hallways. Install the brightest possible bulbs in light fixtures. Use nightlights or keep a flashlight next to your bed.

- Have handrails installed on both of stairs and walkways. If you must carry something, hold the item in one hand and hold the handrail with the other.

- Have grab bars installed next to the toilet and in the shower. Make sure they are secured to the wall properly.

- Rearrange cupboards and closets so that frequently used items are within easy reach. Ensure that you are able to obtain food, dishes, clothing, toiletries and other everyday necessities without standing on a stool or balancing on one foot.

- Invest in an alert system so that if you should fall, you are able to contact emergency services for help.

- Use safety equipment to make self-care activities less dangerous: - Shower chair - Hand held showerhead - Raised toilet seat - Bedside commode - Walker with basket or tray - Cane - Reacher - Portable/cell phone - Ask a loved one or caregiver for help identifying other fall hazards in your home You can also contact your physical or occupational therapist to request a home safety evaluation. They can provide individualized recommendations for home modifications and safety equipment specific to your needs.

For more information, visit http://nihseniorhealth.gov/falls or http:// www.cdc.gov/Features/OlderAmericans/ Questions and or comments regarding this health column? Please contact Marcus Daly Rehabilitation Center, a service of Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital, 1200 Westwood Drive, Hamilton, MT 59840. Working together to build a healthier community!

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Ravalli Republic, Sunday, October 15, 2017 - 9

Renting can have social and financial benefits green shoot media

Many seniors find they require significantly less space than they did when they were raising their families and building their careers.

If you are considering selling your home and downsizing to a smaller space, consider renting before settling in with another mortgage. There are many financial and social benefits to renting a home. Here are just a few: BEEF UP YOUR NEST EGG When you rent, you need no down payment and pay no separate real estate taxes. Going from owning a home to renting, you would liquidate your assets — freeing up that money for other purposes.

So sell your current place and use the profits to pay off remaining debts or beef up your nest egg; this is the time of your life when maybe having a bit of extra cash (whether to save or to play) could provide comfort.

NO MAINTENANCE When you rent a property, maintenance and repairs are a landlord’s responsibility — relieving you of the pressure to climb ladders and sparing you the expense of a repairman.

If the roof needs replacing, a water pipe bursts, or the air-conditioner dies, you won’t see the bill for the repairs.

AN EXCUSE TO DECLUTTER After living in the same space for several decades, it is easy to accumulate a lot of items.

Through the years, you likely have amassed a collection of things, some of which you may have even forgotten that you own.

Your “third act” is a great time in life to take stock and downsize to eliminate the burden on your life and create more time for doing the things you enjoy.

PLENTY OF AMENITIES AND BUILT-IN COMMUNITY Community pool. Tennis courts. Fully-equipped gym. These are just a few of the amenities that come fairly standard with most apartment complexes. These amenities also offer built-in socialization.

By frequenting the community pool, you are likely to start conversations with other renters and get to know your neighbors. Renters are more likely to know their neighbors, participate in community events and make new friends through approaching people they don’t know.

It also can be a lot easier to find someone willing to check up on your place when you go on vacation.

CHOICE OF LOCATIONS Apartment complexes can be easily found near some of the best restaurants, bars and shopping, which can make it easier to get around and get out of the house.

Being a senior, you also have your choice of age-restricted complexes — if you prefer to avoid the college crowd or families with young children.

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10 - Ravalli Republic, Sunday, October 15, 2017

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 older and $6 if you are younger than 60 years of age.

“This is a great time to just get together as friends and talk and visit,” O’Brien said. “Average attendance at 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

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For more information, call Ravalli County Council on Aging at: 363-5690.

Stevensville Senior Center With 254 members, the Stevensville Senior Center is strong and thriving.

The Stevi Senior Center is open to all seniors over 65 in the Bitterroot Valley as well as Missoula. The dues are $5 a year per person. The responsibilities of the group are to show up and eat a good meal.

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

The center provides toenail service, flu shots, bone-density screenings and Meals on Wheels. Lunch is served each weekday. The Monday through Friday lunches begin at 11:30 a.m. and are $3.50 for people over 60. There is an entree, salad bar, beverages and dessert.”

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

The Center is part of Ravalli County Council on Aging and they provide assistance to seniors, helping them maintain their independence.

Located at 100 Mission Street in Stevensville, the center is always seeking new members.

The center welcomes 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.

Ways people can get involved are by donating medical equipment, money and their time for fundraisers.

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

Ravalli Republic, Sunday, October 15, 2017 - 11

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 hap-

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

Computers with Wi-Fi and high-speed 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.

Ninety-nine 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 the games and activities.”

For more information, call 3635181.

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 threeyear 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 the 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.

World-Class Orthopedic Care rafting

orthopedic surgeon

riding

“I’m back to rafting, kayaking, walking and even dancing.

My new knees have really changed my life.”

“Everyone in my riding group was so happy for me when I could finally get back on a mule. It felt wonderful!”

Meridee Armendariz, Salmon, ID Both Knees Replaced

swimming

Maxine Krowen, Victor Both Knees Replaced

gardening

“With my shoulder repaired, I’m back to swimming laps for a workout. It’s nice to be normal again!”

“Now it feels natural to walk. I’m also back to gardening and exercising.

I don’t even think about having artificial hips.”

Bob Davis, Victor

Shoulder Arthroscopy

Agnes Baraz, Helena Both Hips Replaced

Call today to schedule an appointment.

O we D Yes, edicare! pt M acce

Clinic hours: Mon - Thurs 8am - 5pm, Fri 8 am - noon

Phone: 406 361 7680 312 Fairgrounds Road Hamilton