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Ray And Cheri Archibald’s Project Rudolph Brightens Soldiers’ Holidays

Ray Archibald shows hundreds of donated flat ornaments, while his home. wife, Cheri, is like Mrs. Claus as she inventories candy boxes. (Photos by The workshop is a donated semi-truck trailer brimming with boxes of Dianna Troyer) candy and plastic bins filled with colorful flat ornaments and hand-written

By Dianna Troyer The spirit of Christmas giving never quits at Ray and Cheri Archibald’s home in Oakley. As directors of the non-profit Project Rudolph, the Archibalds maintain a year-round Santa’s workshop for soldiers next to their

letters that are sent to thousands of soldiers worldwide for Christmas. “We never know what donations we’ll find in our mailbox or at our doorstep all year long,” says Cheri. “We’ve had gifts from all 50 states and 14 foreign countries. After Project Rudolph started, we outgrew our house and a storage shed, so we’re grateful Handy Trucking donated the trailer.” The Archibalds are unpaid volunteers and fit Project Rudolph in between their part-time jobs. Ray, 63, retired from a local phone company and drives truck during harvests or helps with home remodeling. Cheri, 62, teaches piano, works at a bookstore, and is a substitute teacher. Since Project Rudolph was launched in 2006, the Archibalds and hundreds of volunteers from throughout Minidoka and Cassia counties have shipped more than 50,000 gift bags. Each hand-decorated paper lunch bag is packed with a flat ornament, a candy cane, a copy of the poem A Soldier’s Christmas, and handwritten letters from a child, a youth, and an adult. The bags have been sent to soldiers in Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and Korea. Last year, 8,400 gift bags were mailed. “Soldiers have said they like our gift bags because they’re homemade and individualized,” says Cheri. “We try to ship to those who are sometimes forgotten, like small forward operating bases overseas and the mortuary (Continued on page 42) unit in Dover, Delaware.”

PAGE 2 IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT

DECEMBER 2016/JANUARY 2017

Mountainside Comes Alive With Lights! Approximately 3,500 lights are lighting up the mountainside telling a message to the USA. The display is approximately three hundred feet wide and one hundred feet high. It can be seen – through January 1, from 6-12 pm – as a person drives past on Highway 21, mile marker 33, about 4 miles before Idaho City (just before the three lane passing). On the left side is a figure of an angel from the Lord with a message to the USA (the letters USA are flashing off and on). There is a large Santa Claus sitting in this sleigh, which is being pulled by three reindeer.

Toward the bottom of the display is a snowman. Next is a large flashing arrow pointing to the right (bypassing Santa Claus and the Snowman) where it brings your attention to the words “IN HIM.” On the right side of the house, facing the street is a lit nativity scene depicting Mary, Joseph, and the manger with a red cross growing out of the manger. The angel’s message to the USA is that it is not Santa Claus, nor is it in a snowman, but it is “In Him,” Jesus our Savior. Dennis Splain, Boise ISI

Amidst Love and Torment Article & Photo By Saralee Perel Last week my husband, Bob, and I celebrated our 39th anniversary. We met when I was lecturing at the local college. I can still see him in the audience, his blue eyes matching his blue cotton work shirt. We took to each other instantly. Over the years, we’ve been more than lovers; we’ve been best friends. We were a great team – until January 22, 2003, when my spinal cord injury turned our marriage into mutiny. It was my entire fault. Bob had to dress me, bathe me, and do every household chore. He was a hero and I turned on him. Instead of addressing my inner fury, I shamefully directed my anger toward the person I loved. One Thanksgiving, when I lifted Bob’s carefully made platter of turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce, I dropped it. When I tried to clean up, I couldn’t. So Bob started cleaning. “I can do this myself!” I said. “You think you can do everything!” “But I want to do everything,” he said. “I love you.”

“No you don’t. You just feel obligated.” Instead of Bob expressing his feelings, he kept them all inside and grew very depressed. We slept in different rooms. I tried to quell my hatred of life by abusing alcohol, which naturally made Bob more despondent. He lifted me off the floor at nights when I had overdone drinking. A therapist told him he should leave me on the floor, but when he did, it exaggerated my rage, leaving both Bob and me hopeless about our future. I don’t remember who used the word “divorce” first. One night, I got in the car to drive to my office and sleep there. But I couldn’t drive. I fell asleep while Bob was sobbing at the car window. He got the extra set of keys and climbed in. “I came to sleep here with you,” he said. That simply broke my heart. In that moment, that one moment, I became clear. All along, Bob wasn’t thinking of himself or of being my caregiver. He was thinking of me, with a heart filled with nothing but love. We hugged while both of us cried. “How could I do this to you?” I said. “You did nothing to me,” he said. “I’ve always understood that it wasn’t I you were angry at.” Right then, our terrible time was over. It had

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The Idaho Senior Independent is published six times each year in February, April, June, August, October, and December by Barrett-Whitman, 415 3rd Avenue North, Great Falls, MT 59401 and is distributed free to readers throughout the state of Idaho. The mail subscription rate is $10.00 per year (6 issues). The Idaho Senior Independent is written to serve Idaho’s mature population of all ages. Readers are encouraged to contribute interesting material. Views expressed in opinion stories, contributions, articles, and letters are not necessarily the views of the publisher. The appearance of advertisements for products or services does not constitute an endorsement of the particular product or service. The publisher will not be responsible for mistakes in advertisements unless notified within five days of publication. All copy appearing in the Idaho Senior Independent is protected by copyright and may be reprinted only with the written permission of the publisher. Advertising copy should be received or space reserved by the 5th of the month preceding the month of publication.

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DECEMBER 2016/JANUARY 2017

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lasted over a year. And so, on last week’s anniversary, we both said our lives today couldn’t be better. We toasted each other over a special Italian dinner. Bob, touching his heart, said, “Every time you walk into the room, I light up like a sunrise.” Ever since that night in the car, we’ve learned to talk with each other instead of keeping our emotions inside, or directing them where they shouldn’t go. Our anniversary was splendid. And our love is timeless. Award-winning nationally syndicated columnist, Saralee Perel, can be reached at sperel@saraleeperel.com or via her website SaraleePerel.com. ISI

Funny, Funny, Funny Phyllis Diller Submitted by Jim Meade Most children threaten at times to run away from home. This is the only thing that keeps some parents going. – Phyllis Diller Any time three New Yorkers get into a cab without an argument, a bank has just been robbed. – Phyllis Diller We spend the first twelve months of our children’s lives teaching them to walk and talk and the next twelve years telling them to sit down and shut up. – Phyllis Diller Burt Reynolds once asked me out. I was in his room. – Phyllis Diller What I don’t like about office Christmas parties is looking for a job the next day. – Phyllis Diller

The only time I ever enjoyed ironing was the day I accidentally got gin in the steam iron. – Phyllis Diller His finest hour lasted a minute and a half. – Phyllis Diller Old age is when the liver spots show through your gloves. – Phyllis Diller My photographs don’t do me justice – they just look like me. – Phyllis Diller I admit I have a tremendous sex drive. My boyfriend lives forty miles away. – Phyllis Diller Tranquilizers work only if you follow the advice on the bottle – keep away from children. – Phyllis Diller

I asked the waiter, “Is this milk fresh?” He said, “Lady, three hours ago it was grass.” – Phyllis Diller The reason the golf pro tells you to keep your head down is so you can’t see him laughing. – Phyllis Diller You know you’re old if they have discontinued your blood type. – Phyllis Diller ISI

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PAGE 4 IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT

DECEMBER 2016/JANUARY 2017

Ideas For Gifts For Readers – Roundup with Jack Patterson & Others By Connie Daugherty Jack Patterson, Dan Landeen, Todd Christensen, Gary Meuser, Paul Hatfield, Steve Stuebner, and Mark Lisk. I always believe that the best gift you can give anyone is a book – fiction, nonfiction, even a blank page journal. Life is about stories and whether recording our own or reading someone else’s, books are those special ways to connect. I will touch on a variety of books and authors that might make good gifts for yourself or others. If you like mystery/thrillers, then Idaho author Jack Patterson’s series is for you. “Cody knew steroids were bad and tough to get, especially in a rural town in southern Idaho… he just needed a little help, a little kick while working out… it was harmless.” Then the itching started, and kept getting worse. “No one would believe that Cody Murray, Statenville’s greatest football player in 50 years had scratched himself to death.” Meanwhile across town, “Cal Murphy… relished the idea of sleeping in every day, one of the few perks afforded underpaid reporters at a newspaper that only published weekly.” In Dead Shot, Jack Patterson introduces the first book in his Cal Murphy Thriller series. Over the last two years he has added ten more; the most recent one was released in October. But it is in Dead Shot that we meet journalist, Cal Murphy who once dreamed of being a big city sports writer. “He really wanted to be big time, but he was too depressed… writing for a weekly was never in his plans.” Writing for a small town weekly means he covers everything from school board meetings to whatever hard news there might be in Statenville, Idaho. So when the bodies of two Statenville high school football stars are found murdered, Cal gets the call. And everything changes. All too quickly, he discovers that life in Statenville is not as simple and innocent as it seems. Not only do people not want to answer his questions, some including his editor, want him to stop asking. “Guy knew Statenville had a hallowed secret. He didn’t actually know what it was – and he was paid handsomely not to search for it. Every month Guy found a brown paper bag on his back porch full of $20 bills – 100 of them, to be exact.” The more people refuse to answer Cal and the more they try to throw him off track, the more determined he becomes to find out what is going on. His determination and curiosity are contagious, at least for Kelly Mendoza, local girl and official photographer for The Register. Kelly is a local girl, she knows her town, knows its people and their lives – at least she always thought she did. But as she joins Cal on his quest, she begins to wonder if she ever knew anything about her hometown.

“Statenville had been effectively cocooned through careful planning,” so much so that most of its citizens, including Kelly, had no idea what was going on – until Cal starts sticking his nose where it doesn’t belong. Everything that had been carefully created over the past twenty years could be “vanishing at the hands of a pesky reporter bent on pulling back Oz’s curtain.” Only Cal didn’t know he was in Oz. “One misstep and Statenville would turn into a rural ghost town like every other small town in America that hadn’t figured out a way to beat the gloomy economic times.” And the leaders who created their own version of utopia in Idaho are determined to preserve their way of life. When a man claiming to be with the FBI appears on the scene Cal and Kelly are even more confused – it’s impossible to tell who the good guys are any more. Suddenly they need to decide whether the story and the truth are more important than their lives, which are threatened from all directions. Until the last page, Dead Shot keeps you guessing with unexpected twists and turns. And this was just the beginning for Cal Murphy. As the series continues Jack Patterson’s writing just gets better and better, his plots more and more intriguing and his characters more and more compelling. In Dead Man’s Land, Cal Murphy is back in Seattle after chasing his dream of the big time around the country. He is focusing on sports writing and happy to be back in the comfort of the northwest. He is on a bus with the Yakima Seafarers baseball team on its way to Boise covering Vicente Prado, a Cuban baseball player who recently joined the team. It is supposed to be a simple coming-to-America heart-warming story. Then along the road in the middle of nowhere, the bus is suddenly forced off the road. “Cal noticed…his new Cuban friend was terrified…he jumped out of the window and landed on his feet. Cal watched him sprint into a nearby thicket,” then almost without thinking Cal Murphy, sports reporter followed. And readers are off for another intriguing Cal Murphy adventure. Proving himself a prolific writer, Jack Patterson has also introduced another series – the James Flynn series – set in Washington D.C. The Warren Omissions introduces readers to James Flynn, another determined reporter, and then in 2015 Patterson published Imminent Threat, the second in the series. The story begins in Idaho Falls at the Idaho National Laboratory. “Terrorists just attacked one of our facilities that makes plutonium in Idaho,” this message interrupts a senate budget meeting in Washington D.C. James Flynn is there at the moment it all happens, and something is just not right, something besides the attack that is. Political intrigue at its finest, Imminent Threat brings senators, a war hero, a biotech researcher, a team of mercenaries, and of course James Flynn together in typical Patterson style with so many unexpected twists and turns that you not only don’t know where you are going, you wonder how you got there. James Patterson was selected as one of Idaho’s 2015 top ten-fiction writers for Dead Man’s Land and Imminent Threat. Dan Landeen has published a fictional series set in Idaho and the northwest – introducing the series and the characters in Renegade Legacy. “Jessie had been my friend and mentor for many years but recent revelations about his life since his death…was one of the reasons I was sitting out here.” In Renegade Legacy, we learn a bit about Jessie and his relationship to Adam, the narrator. Hunting and fishing – actually any outdoor activities best define the Jessie that our narrator knows, then he discovers that he really didn’t know Jessie at all. The narratives in this first book introduce the reader to the many hidden sides of the illusive, Jessie. The story continues

in the second volume of the series, Realm of the Sasquatch. “It had been almost six months since my wife and I had inherited hundreds of millions of dollars from a man named Jessie… I had been surprised to learn that Jesse wasn’t even his real name.” Besides money, Jessie also left Adam stories, many stories. The Realm of the Sasquatch, set in Idaho, is one. Dan Landeen is the author of several books related to natural resources of the Pacific Northwest. These two novels are his first foray into the world of fiction writing. Thinking about New Year’s resolutions? Look for The Generosity Revolution by Paul Hatfield of Boise and published by Endurance Press. “The great thing about generosity,” writes Hatfield, “is that it is not just for rich people…every one of us can be generous.” Like Everyday Money, Hatfield’s The Generosity Revolution is written to serve as a guide with “ten steps that you can do that will allow you to be more generous than you have thought possible.” We all feel the pull of generosity during the holiday season; however in The Generosity Revolution Hatfield encourages readers to be generous all year, every year. Need some more inspiration for the new year? Check out A Smarter Heart: Unlocking the Mystery of the Human Heart by Gary Lee Meuser, another book published by Endurance Press. “A mystery of the heart that we all need to grasp is that the heart has neurons just like the nervous system… over 200,000…more than some key cognitive areas of the brain,” explains Meuser. But A Smarter Heart is not a science or anatomy book. It is an inspirational spiritual guide. However, “understanding the physical attributes and operations of the body are necessary in grasping many of the spiritual truths of our existence,” writes Meuser. In A Smarter Heart, Meuser leads readers on an exploration of the heart in depth as he correlates recent scientific research with Biblical references and suggested individual activities and meditations. Meuser examines the link between the heart and the mind as well as such questions as; can the mind feel or can the heart think? Written to be a Bible study, A Smarter Heart examines many common questions like why are there so many church splits, why do some people turn their back on God, why Christians struggle with relationships, “why can’t we all just be happy?” For some of us happiness is spending time in nature. In Owyhee Canyonlands: An Outdoor Adventure written by Steve Stuebner and illustrated by Mark Lisk, readers get a detailed guide to 55 hiking and mountain biking trips as well as a mile-by-mile guide to the 100-mile Owyhee Uplands Backcountry Byway. While some of the places highlighted in Owyhee Canyonlands offer driving and camping opportunities, many of the hikes described are for the more experienced backcountry adventurer. Some of the trails self-guided adventures with no trails per se with no services. The authors recommend carrying topo maps, BLM maps, and a GPS unit. However whether you opt for the readily accessible sites or the hidden hikes, “there s just something special about a place that is so huge that it makes you feel small, really small in the whole scheme of things. You will be awe-struck by the many box canyons and the variety of caves, spires, honeycombs, and unique rock formations you encounter.” Steve Stuebner and Mark Lisk have been exploring the Owyhee Canyonlands for several decades and have pooled their knowledge and experience to create Owyhee Canyonlands: An Outdoor Adventure. Whether out in the beauty and splendor of Idaho’s outdoor landscape, or curled up in your favorite easy chair, a new book promises adventure and experience in the New Year. Like James Patterson, most of these authors were selected as some of Idaho’s top writers in 2015. ISI

DECEMBER 2016/JANUARY 2017

We’re waving goodbye to 2016 and welcoming 2017. Doors closing, doors opening – as new opportunities beckon ‘round every corner. At this wonderful time of year, we celebrate beautiful gifts and open our hearts to new beginnings and the humanity of the season. What an opportunity to take your optimistic heart and reach out for new friendships – why not send in a personal ad or reply to one below. Who knows, one simple ad or letter could very well change your life in an astonishing way! To respond to any of these personal ads, simply forward your message, address, and phone number, or email address to the department number listed in the particular personal ad, c/o Idaho Senior Independent, P.O. Box 3341, Great Falls, MT 59403. We will forward your response, including the address, phone number, and/or email address that you provide to the person placing the ad. When you respond to an ad in this section, there is no guarantee that you will receive a response. That is up to the person who placed the ad. Please submit your correct address plainly printed, so you can promptly receive replies. Respond to the ads in this issue, and also sit down now and prepare your own ad to run in our next issue. There is no charge for this service, and your ad may lead you down the path of companionship and true love! You may submit your responses to personal ads appearing in the Idaho Senior Independent at any time. However, to place a personal ad in the February/March 2017 issue, the deadline is January 20, 2017.

IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT PAGE 5

Naturally attractive, 62-year-old, short, and sassy female. I enjoy retro camping, yard sales, country fairs, casinos, and home life. Seeking tall gentleman between the ages of 59 to alive-andnot-boring – no druggies, boozers, smokers, or jailbirds. Must be financially secure – teeth and sense of humor a must! Facial hair a plus. No hotheads need reply. I’m not a Barbie doll and I don’t want a Ken doll – but perhaps a Paul Bunyan. Reply ISI, Dept. 12501, c/o Idaho Senior Independent, Box 3341, Great Falls, MT 59403. SWF. I live in Idaho Falls and am praying for a Christian man. I love the artsy side of life, and I love to dance. I am an all around woman who has many interests, but I can also sit and relax by a glowing fireplace. No problem relocating. Take a chance, and send a reply! Reply ISI, Dept. 12502, c/o Idaho Senior Independent, Box 3341, Great Falls, MT 59403. Single male, 60s, North Idaho, non-smoker, non-drinker, optimistic, healthy, and in good shape (physically and financially). Interests include: animals/birds/pets, botany, geography, geology, history, limited NW travel, hot springs, reading, small museums, gently bicycling, antiques, gardening, and walking/hiking. Seeking friendship/ partnership with an available lady who has similar interests. Reply ISI, Dept. 12503, c/o Idaho Senior Independent, Box 3341, Great Falls, MT 59403.

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SF. I am not really looking but I could not resist. I am not as sweet as homemade apple pie. I am ornery, like the cattle, which break through the fence. Gentle, as the smell of lilac in the spring. Oh, but I am strong like the tall pine-limbs, heavy laden with cone. I am like an old country road, winding around. Like the whip-poor-will passing through the sun. I am 77 yrs, 5’5” 106lbs. I drive a Nissan Rogue. How’s that for style? Reply ISI, Dept. 12505, c/o Idaho Senior Independent, Box 3341, Great Falls, MT 59403. ISI

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Seeking friendship and companionship. Attractive white female, Panhandle area. Nonsmoker, once-in-a-blue-moon drinker, no drugs. Honest, financially secure, down to earth, independent, affectionate, sense of humor, positive. I enjoy camping, vintage RV shows, fairs, yard sales, antiques, gardening, cooking, and reading (fiction or crime). Seeking non-smoker or other tobacco, no heavy drinkers or drug users. Must be financially secure, honest, and considerate of a person’s space. And have sense of humor and your own teeth. Facial hair a plus. Rational people only – no wackos! Reply ISI, Dept. 12504, c/o Idaho Senior Independent, Box 3341, Great Falls, MT 59403.

PAGE 6 IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT

DECEMBER 2016/JANUARY 2017

IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT PAGE 7

PAGE 8 IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT

DECEMBER 2016/JANUARY 2017

It is the Christmas/holiday season and the music of the season can be heard on downtown streets, at shopping malls, on the radio, during TV specials, on the stereo at home – virtually everywhere. These familiar songs will soon be playing in our heads even when our ears are turned off! And we know the words of most of the songs by heart since we have sung them so many times since first learning them so many years ago. But where did they come from? In fact, most of us don’t know the writer/ composer of many of these songs we know and love at this time of year. With Christmas songs as the theme, we hope you enjoy this month’s quiz submitted by Myrtle Gamroth who is challenging your knowledge of who wrote/composed the songs of the season. Thank you, Myrtle, winner of this month’s $25 prize. Thank you to all who participated in our Where Did They Come From – Moving Sports Franchises quiz in the October/November 2016 issue.

The winner of the $25 prize for submitting the correct answers is Susan Sankey of Hayden. Congratulations, Susan! Two $25 cash prizes are awarded from the “Contest Corner” in each issue of the Idaho Senior Independent. One prize goes to the person who submits the winning answers to the featured quiz from the previous issue. The second prize goes to the person who submits the entry that our staff selects as the featured quiz or puzzle in the “Contest Corner” for this issue. Be creative and send us some good, fun, and interesting puzzles! Please mail your entries to all contests to Idaho Senior Independent, P.O. Box 3341, Great Falls, MT 59403, or email to idahoseniorind@ bresnan.net by January 20, 2017 for our February/March 2017 edition. Be sure to work the crossword puzzle on our website at idahoseniorindependent.com.

How Well Do You Know Your Christmas Songs Submitted by Myrtle Gamroth, Butte Below are a numbered list of popular Christmas songs and an alphabetical list of songwriters and composers. On a numbered sheet of paper or via email, match the letter of the writer/composer to the numbered song. In researching this quiz, we discovered a couple of disputed circumstances regarding authorship – one based on murky historical facts and another based on legal claims. In both cases, we have provided writer/composer names that we believe are likely more accurate. It is okay to use the internet to find the answers. Good luck. We look forward to your entries. Christmas Songs 1. Away In a Manger 2. White Christmas 3. Hark the Angels Sing 4. O Come All Ye Faithful 5. Winter Wonderland 6. Little Saint Nick 7. Joy to the World 8. All I Want for Christmas 9. Mistletoe 10. Snoopy’s Christmas 11. Little Drummer Boy 12. Santa Claus is Coming to Town 13. Silent Night 14. Let it Snow, Let it Snow 15. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer 16. I’ll be Home for Christmas 17. Silver Bells

18. Rockin’ Round the Christmas Tree 19. Blue Christmas 20. Jingle Bells 21. Frosty the Snowman 22. Here Comes Santa Claus 23. Sleigh Ride 24. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus 25. A Holly Jolly Christmas 26. Jolly Old Saint Nicholas Writer/Composer A. Katherine Davis/Harry Simone B. Brian Wilson/Mike Love C. John Wade D. George Weiss/Hugo & Luigi E. Johnny Marks F. Billy Hays/Jay Johnson G. Tommie Connor H. Walter Kent/Kim Gannon I. Irving Berlin J. Johnny Marks K. Martin Luther L. Mariah Carey/Walter Afanasieff M. Robert May/Johnny Marks N. Jack Rollins/Steve Nelson O. James Piermont P. Charles Wesley Q. Leroy Anderson R. Sammy Cahn/Jule Styne S. Gene Autry/Oakley Haldeman T. Fred Coots/Haven Gillespie U. Emily Miller V. Felix Bernard/Richard Smith W. Jay Livingston/Ray Evans X. Justin Bieber Y. Isaac Watts Z. Joseph Mohr ISI

Answers to Where Have They Been – Moving Sports Franchises Are Like Whack A Mole Submitted by Gary Bores

1. N 2. E 3. J 4. W 5. S 6. T 7. R 8. H 9. K

10. L 11. G 12. X 13. M 14. Q 15. A 16. V 17. B

18. U 19. I 20. Y 21. F 22. O 23. D 24. P 25. C

DECEMBER 2016/JANUARY 2017

IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT PAGE 9

These Are Not Really Trick Questions Submitted by Jim Meade Just for fun, take a few minutes to answer these questions and keep those aging grey cells engaged and active. The answers are at the end. 1. Johnny’s mother had three children. The first child was named April. The second child was named May. What was the third child’s name? 2. A clerk at the butcher shop is five feet ten inches tall and he wears size 13 sneakers. What does he weigh? 3. Before Mt. Everest was discovered, what was the highest mountain in the world? 4. How much dirt is there in a hole that measures two feet by three feet by four feet? 5. What word in the English Language is always spelled incorrectly? 6. Billy was born on December 28, yet his birthday is always in the summer. How is this possible? 7. In California, you cannot take a picture of a man with a wooden leg. Why not? 8. What was the President’s name in 1975? 9. If you were running a race, and you passed the person in 2nd place, what place would you be in now? Here are the Answers: (No peeking!) 1. Johnny is the third child’s name. 2. The clerk weighs meat. 3. Mt. Everest was the tallest even though it hadn’t been discovered. 4. There is no dirt in a hole. 5. Incorrectly. 6. Billy lives in the Southern Hemisphere. 7. You can’t take pictures with a wooden leg. You need a camera to take pictures. 8. The same as it is now – Barack Obama. 9. You would be in 2nd place since you didn’t pass the person in first place. ISI

ACROSS

1. Rooster to a farmer 6. “Law & Order” character 9. Wild feline 13. Bipolar disorder phase 14. Santa ____, CA 15. Like a Druid, e.g. 16. Mountain climber’s spike 17. Roulette bet 18. “Bravo! Bravo!” 19. *”A Tale of Two ____” 21. *E. L. Doctorow novel 23. Feeling blue 24. Bona fide 25. “Big Brother” network 28. Rubik’s puzzle 30. Real life “Citizen Kane” 35. At the end of one’s what? 37. Wine container 39. Charted record 40. Beauty salon straightener 41. Like unspoken agreement 43. Evening purse 44. *”All Quiet on the Western Front” by Erich ____ Remarque 46. Low-cal 47. Surfer’s stop 48. Outdoor stone seating 50. They got their revenge? 52. Dunce 53. Gunk 55. Public Enemy’s music 57. *”Wuthering ____” (E. Brontë) 61. *Dreiser’s “Sister ____” 64. Matter of debate 65. *”On ____ Majesty’s Secret Service” (Ian Fleming) 67. *”For Whom the Bell ____” (E. Hemingway) 69. Tossed starter 70. E in BCE 71. *”Germinal” author ____ Zola 72. Litigant 73. Dreaming stage of sleep 74. Comedy Central’s public humiliation

DOWN

1. Band aid 2. Nonclerical 3. Naysayer’s favorite prefix 4. Civil unrest, Pl. 5. *Newbery Medal winner “ ____ Magee” 6. New Mexico art colony 7. *”Howards ____” (E. M. Forster) 8. Core of personnel 9. Deal with the devil, e.g. 10. Tangerine grapefruit hybrid 11. “Howdy, ____!” 12. Casino chip 15. Long John Silver’s appendage 20. Something concluded 22. Pleasurable interjection 24. Officially cancel 25. *Reason for punishment (F. Dostoyevsky) 26. Laundry booster 27. Mushroom’s reproductive structure 29. Canaanite deity 31. Mars, to the Greeks 32. Fraction, e.g. 33. Plural of sputum 34. *”The Book ____” (M. Zusak) 36. *”The Famous Five” author ____ Blyton 38. *”The ____ Runner” (K. Hosseini) 42. ____ incognita, a.k.a. unknown land 45. Curved like a foot 49. Creation of the right side of the brain 51. One who darts 54. Theater guide 56. Movie trailer, e.g. 57. Snake’s warning 58. Biblical twin 59. ____ of Man 60. ____ gum, food additive 61. Pack like sardines 62. Pelvic parts 63. Corner pieces 66. Old-fashioned “before” 68. Position ISI

PAGE 10 IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT

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IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT PAGE 11

Paying Back While Paying Forward to a Community They Love Article By Jack McNeel Photo By Jackie McNeel Kelly and Joe Hall moved to Lewiston and bought a car dealership nineteen years ago without knowing a soul in town, but that rapidly changed. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is such an outstanding, wonderful community. It has been so good to us through the business â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the warmth and welcoming of this awesome area. We feel itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the right thing to give back and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re both involved in so many things in the valley,â&#x20AC;? Kelly declares. And that is an understatement of the Hallâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s involvement in community support activities â&#x20AC;&#x201C; almost from the day they arrived. One organization that provides significant community reward is Jacksonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pay It Forward Foundation where Kelly serves on the Board of Directors. Its mission is to assist families with children under the age of 18 with serious illness or injury. Jackson Baldwin, for whom the organization is named, was just six years old when he was diagnosed with stage IV cancer. To help offset the costs of treatment, funds were raised through a community auction. Jackson loved life and laughter, and his fight taught those around him about courage, how to find good in everything, and to smile when things were bad. Kelly explains, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jackson really taught the community to pay it forward when another little boy became very ill. For Jacksonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 10th birthday, Jackson asked if he could have a party, and rather than gifts for him, could people bring money to help this other little boy. Sadly, Jackson died the day before his birthday, but they had the party anyway, and $6,000 was raised that day. Out of that party came the Jacksonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pay It Forward Foundation.â&#x20AC;? The seven-person board includes Jacksonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s parents Scott and Stacy and operates year around to assist families. Every case is based on whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going on in that familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life, their situation, and what the foundation can do to help them. Youngsters may have a serious illness or severe injury. One involved a youngster with a cleft pallet. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There are no financial qualifications. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just about helping them through a time where something serious is going on with their life. We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t help every family in the same way.â&#x20AC;? Generally, 20 to 25 families are assisted each year, and each family receives a nice basket that may include such things as gasoline and restaurant gift cards, airline vouchers, iPads, a blanket, etc. But the Foundation may also pay rent and utility bills â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all based on the individual situation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They may get airlifted to a city like Spokane or Seattle for surgery and we may help with some of these expenses that insurance doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t cover,â&#x20AC;? Kelly adds. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Money for this comes from a large

marriage. It is offered internationally through the Catholic Church and involves hosting a weekend retreat at St. Gertrudeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Monastery in Cottonwood. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s to reflect on being married â&#x20AC;&#x201C; lifelong commitment â&#x20AC;&#x201C; not just the wedding day,â&#x20AC;? she explains. Kelly and Joe do one or two weekends a year as a presenting team. There is a time commitment for presenters, not only in attending three weekends each year but also in preparing the talks they have with the young couples. For example, these retreats encourage good communication and reflection on how upbringing and finances/money can affect a marriage. By exploring different aspects of a coupleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s relationship, the goal is to lay the groundwork for a long and successful marriage. These programs are all very near and dear to Kellyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s heart but she confesses some of her roles may be ending soon. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We just had our first grandchild so Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m thinking I might have to give up some of these responsibilities,â&#x20AC;? she says with a laugh. And while Kelly may lighten her load a bit, you can bet she will continue to offer her time and talents to benefit the Lewiston community. ISI

auction held every two years in January, which has raised over $350,000 since the Foundation was established in 2006. The committee works as a team, and Kellyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s continuous role is ordering the items for the baskets given to the families â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and she assists at auction time. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s heart wrenching and sad but such a blessing to be able to help,â&#x20AC;? she says. Since 2006, Kelly has been on the board of the Lewiston Independent Foundation for Education (LIFE). It provides funding and helps with projects to benefit both staff and students in the Lewiston school district. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That is probably our main goal as a foundation,â&#x20AC;? she explains. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We facilitate a lot of scholarships helping people, groups, and families who want to start a scholarship for a senior. Those scholarships grow over time and may provide a scholarship every year. We sponsor a big fundraiser once a year and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m also in charge of that.â&#x20AC;? LIFE now issues about $13,000 in impact grants each year, for which teachers can apply and use up to $1,000 to enhance their classrooms for students. Kelly referees the grant process and assembles a panel to judge the grant applications. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re basically here to support the school district any way we can,â&#x20AC;? she concludes. For the last seven years, the Halls have worked with Engaged Encounter for couples contemplating

What is the definition of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Old?â&#x20AC;?

Just before the funeral services, the undertaker came up to the very elderly widow and asked, â&#x20AC;&#x153;How old was your husband?â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ninety-eight,â&#x20AC;? she replied: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Two years older than I am.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;So youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re 96,â&#x20AC;? the undertaker commented. She responded, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hardly worth going home, is it?â&#x20AC;? I have sure gotten old! I have outlived my feet and my teeth. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had two bypass surgeries, a hip replacement, new knees, fought prostate cancer and diabetes too. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m half-blind, canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hear anything quieter than a jet engine, I take 40 different medications that make me dizzy, winded, and subject to blackouts. I have bouts with dementia. I have poor circulation and can hardly feel my hands and feet anymore. I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t remember if Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m 85 or 92 and have lost all my friends. But, thank God, I still have my driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s license. My memoryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not as sharp as it used to be. Also, my memoryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not as sharp as it used to be. ISI

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Submitted by Jim Meade I very quietly confided to my best friend that I was having an affair. She turned to me and asked, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Are you having it catered?â&#x20AC;? And that, my friend, is the sad definition of â&#x20AC;&#x153;oldâ&#x20AC;?!

PAGE 12 IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT

DECEMBER 2016/JANUARY 2017

Garry Bush, Lewiston Historian Article By Jack McNeel Photo By Jackie McNeel History strikes different folks in different ways but taking time for a tour around Lewiston led by Garry Bush will be interesting and provocative. Lewiston’s history dates to the latter part of the 1800s and Garry is very knowledgeable about the city from the old Victorian neighborhood of Normal Hill and the underground vaults downtown to the female boarding houses, second story girls and paranormal events that defy logical explanation. Garry and his wife Barbara have lived in Lewiston since 1971 after having been raised in the shadow of Disney Studios in Burbank, California. With graduate degrees in history, geography, and photography, he moved to Lewiston to teach those subjects at the High School. Garry coached five different sports teams and calls Lewiston schools “a fantastic place to work.” Garry retired from teaching after 30 years and has become more involved with learning local history and sharing it with others, which was stimulated by his friendships with Tom Campbell and Tom’s father, both local newspaper reporters with 80 years of history between them. Tom Campbell grew up in Lewiston in the 30s and 40s and later offered tours on Normal Hill and downtown.

“When he passed away, no one picked up the tours so I decided as a tribute to him I should take people on walking tours downtown.” Those tours became very popular, due in part to Garry’s background in theater and educational consulting. “I was on stage at our civic theater for years in straight plays and musicals and I also directed at the Lewiston Civic Theater. I was also fortunate during my teaching career to be selected as one of nine teachers from Idaho to be a teaching consultant for the National Geographic Society.” With that background, Garry also did teacher workshops for Idaho colleges and universities and this all parlayed into presenting on an international level. “Wow! I was in the right place at the right time,” he exclaims. Garry was also trained by the National Park Service (NPS) as an interpreter. During the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial, Garry performed a one-man show as a first person interpretation of Sacajawea’s husband, Toussaint Charbonneau. The NPS would stop along Lewis & Clark’s route exactly 200 years to the day

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after that expedition had been there, and Garry would act out the role of Charbonneau. Garry presented for two years along the route from St. Louis to Fort Clatsop in Oregon and back. This invaluable experience led to the tours he now conducts in Lewiston. “The current tours are historic walking tours of downtown Lewiston,” Gary explains. “I take them through old buildings that aren’t open to the public. I take them underneath the sidewalks into sidewalk vaults. These were originally called historic walking tours but more and more people wanted to know about the stories they’d heard. They wanted stories about the spirits that supposedly roam down there. It’s still 95% history but I throw in some of the paranormal stories and activities that people have experienced.” The paranormal part attracts a lot of interest. Garry has worked with paranormal investigative teams from Seattle and Spokane as well as Lewiston, but Gary claims he’s a skeptic. “I don’t see things, hear things, feel things, but others have, and although I have seen things, I can’t explain them. Things like somebody coming unglued because we walk in and they’re being groped and can’t understand because no one is behind them. A man went down to his knees yelping and holding the top of his head as if a cattle prod had hit him on top of the head. How do you explain stuff like that? “I’ve seen people get sick to their stomach and run out. I’ve seen people who have marks on them that they didn’t have before. I’ve seen people track with their eyes and their body while looking at someone walking past me on a staircase. It’s not just once and not just one person, it’s multiple people on different sides of the room. I don’t know if I want to understand it or know it any better than I do. I just skirt on the periphery because it’s not what I do. I’m a historic tour guide and a story teller.” Garry related the experience of an individual who wanted a private tour, and even though Garry explained he needed a minimum number before he’d provide a tour, but this man said he’d pay for 20 but wanted to be alone. They agreed that the tour was in an old hotel from 1898 and Garry was not to provide any information other than “yes” or “no” to questions. “This man was like a bird dog on a scent and he went through the whole building,” Garry explains. “I just sat. He’d come back and tell me what all three paranormal investigative teams had researched – telling me the same stories. I don’t know how to explain that. “Being a historical interpreter lends itself well to starting a walking tour, trolley tour, or tour guide for hire for international bus lines that come through. It started slowly but has somewhat overwhelmed me. It’s been an interesting journey,” Garry adds. “I have an open air trolley with slat seats; I do tours of Normal Hill which is on the bluffs near the college. In 2011, Old House Magazine said that Normal Hill was one of the finest Victorian neighborhoods in the U.S. with 90% of the homes I travel to having been built prior to 1930. People love to hear the history of the development, the homes, and the architecture.” The subject of ‘female boarding houses’ and ‘ladies of the evening’ also comes up. Garry is quick to point out that the negative connotation is not historically accurate. “They were licensed professional ladies and prostitution was perfectly legal in Lewiston for a long time. The houses were put on the Sanborg Insurance maps and showed up on the tax roles as female boarding houses.” Gary also works with tour boats that come up the Columbia and Snake Rivers to Lewiston. Three years ago, the American Steamboat Company added this route to its catalog. “It’s the #1 rated cruise line on the Mis-

DECEMBER 2016/JANUARY 2017

sissippi, and the ship The American Express, is superior to the others, both internally and externally, and also the largest. It carries 220 passengers while the others are in the 140-150 range.” The American Express Line also runs three large touring coaches, which carry 55 people

each “and look like steamboats traveling down the road,” Gary explains. “At every port, including the Lewis-Clark Valley, they hire local guides as interpreters. I have eight or nine tour guides on a rotation basis.” Thus, the travelers can hop off and on, allowing them to leave the boat and take a bus

IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT PAGE 13

tour of the area with local guides. For Garry, it has been quite an experience and a rewarding retirement occupation. “I started out honoring a friend to keep history alive and now people downtown, city government, and visitors have fallen in love with the idea.” ISI

Keeping Memories of Horse Drawn Travel Alive

Article By Jack McNeel Photo By Jackie McNeel There was a time before bustling freeways crisscrossed the nation and contrails streaked the blue sky – a time that lives mostly in memory when horses provided the power and wagons of various types were the conveyance. While younger folks have mostly just seen pictures, those from older generations have memories from a time when plenty of travel and farming was done with horses. Lewiston residents Kent and Patti Meshishnet keep these memories alive by visiting rodeos and other events with a team of horses and an 1860 mud wagon – a type of stagecoach – that used to run between Lewiston and Grangeville on the old wagon roads. “Somehow it got into hands of the Pendleton Roundup and was used in its huge horse drawn parade. That was many years ago, and after they had a fire, it was sent back over to Lewiston country. It wasn’t in very good shape and sat in front of the Normal Hill College – now Lewis Clark State College (LCSC),” Kent explains. “Then the Lewiston Roundup and LCSC partnered up and refurbished it,” he continues. “We wanted it completely original and it still has the wooden frame and wooden wheels. The only thing added was rubber around the steel parts of the wheel. We put it back in mint condition and now pull it in all these parades representing the Lewiston Roundup Association, which owns the wagon.” The Lewiston Roundup had been sending its stagecoach to parades and at other times had it on display, but when the person running the stagecoach decided to end his involvement, the Roundup Board didn’t have anyone to continue until the Meshishnets became involved. ““We had been breeding and raising a lot of horses, and one day Kent came home and said, ‘I’ve got a proposition for you,’” Patti explains. “‘If we’re going to feed all these horses, why don’t we go into draft horses and find something to pull that stage coach and start helping?’ That’s how we got involved.” They use their two Belgian horses plus a paint/ draft horse team. “It’s a draft horse bred with a smaller horse so the offspring is a little smaller. So we have two teams right now,” Patti states. “Plus we also have eleven saddle horses,” Kent adds. They’re pretty well equipped with three other wagons plus the 1860 mud wagon and an enclosed trailer to haul the horses and stage coach, so only one rig is needed to travel to the various locations. “We’re liking it,” Kent adds with a chuckle in-

take a ride. Kent feels that it is the ties to the past that people love. Some find it hard to believe that people actually rode from Lewiston to Grangeville in the stagecoach. But as Kent adds, “It took three days to do it.” Clarkston also has a lighted Christmas parade that the Meshishnets sometimes take part in. “We put lights in and head down the parade route. It’s kind of fun – cold but fun,” Kent laughs. Their trips to other towns are often for small local events – events occurring just once a year and often including a parade. It’s that aspect where the horses and stagecoach fit in nicely. Communities having a rodeo coming up often involve Roundup royalty. Ken said they try to hit other events, which fall on the same date to avoid competing with the royalty while still representing the Lewiston Roundup. Older seniors are very enthusiastic about see-

dicating that he was not sure their son, Kirby, was as crazy about as a teamster who often gets the job of harnessing the horses. “It’s not light work by any means but Kirby is a lot younger than some of us and can lift that harness.” Their most recent acquisition is a stagecoach with intriguing history from Virginia City, Nevada. They bought it from TNT Stage Lines where it was used to give rides out of Virginia City and in the movie industry. This particular stagecoach was used to bring the money from the very first Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament. “They came straight out the front door of the casino and down the street carrying three million dollars in cash. Guinness World Book of Records said it was the most cash ever known carried by a horse drawn stagecoach.” That stagecoach is being cleaned up and reconditioned and the Meshishnets will put it back in use locally. Since 2011, Kent and Patti have been making the circuit of parades and rodeos, usually starting their season with the Asotin County Fair in spring and ending with the Pendleton Roundup in mid September. The majority of the events they attend are located throughout central Idaho including the Culdesac Shebang Days, Craigmont June Picnic, plus the Genesee, Kendrick, and Joseph, Oregon and Walla Walla rodeos. “We travel about 800 miles a year doing this,” Keith added. Lewiston also holds a big July 4 celebration and the Meshishnets will be there with their horses offering rides in the stagecoach to a normally long line of eager riders. An indication of their popularity is that a line of people remains steady throughout the day waiting for an opportunity to

Here Comes Jazz – Grounded In Tradition, Breaking New Ground

The University of Idaho Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival is celebrating 50 years of jazz education February 23-25, 2017. Don’t miss this musical lineup! Saturday’s headlining artist is four-time Grammy Award winner Esperanza Spalding, a worldrenowned genre-bending composer, bassist, and vocalist. Her onstage engagement and theatrical performance demonstrate that she is grounded in jazz traditions, but never bound by them. Saturday’s performance opens with the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival Big Band, with special guests Julia Keefe and Claudio Roditi. Friday’s concert showcases a performance by the critically acclaimed vocal group New York Voices. Known for its close-knit voicings, inspired arrangements, and unparalleled vocal blend, Friday’s performance opens featuring a special Hampton-Goodman Tribute honoring the Benny Goodman Quartet – the group where Lionel Hamp-

ton got his start. This tribute will feature Stefon Harris, Anat Cohen, the house rhythm section, and other guests. Thursday’s headlining artist is the returning artist Rene Marie with the Rene Marie Quartet. Thursday’s concert opens showcasing the University of Idaho Jazz Choir I and II and Jazz Band I, featuring trumpet and flugelhorn player, Claudio Roditi and Rene Marie. For tickets, call 1-888-884-3246) or visit uidaho.edu/ticketoffice. For information on the Festival visit uidaho. edu/jazzfest or call 208885-5900. ISI

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PAGE 14 IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT

DECEMBER 2016/JANUARY 2017

ing the team and coach. Patti related an example of going to the Royal Plaza Assisted Living facility in the valley. “They invited us to come over and give rides to their residents. Many of these people relate to any horse drawn stuff, probably more than the younger generations. They wanted to tell about riding in wagons in the old days. Their eyes light up and they can tell you about their parents, how they plowed with horses or whatever.” When asked if they had humorous stories Kent immediately spoke up. “My son Kirby is learning a lot and helping a lot. We went to Pendleton and brought a different coach, one from Virginia City. The owner was telling Kirby, ‘You know these stage coaches will tip over. Whatever you want to do, don’t ever jump off if it starts to tip over. Kirby asked, ‘Oh, it’s a lot safer to be on it if it rolls over?’ The stagecoach owner said, ‘Oh, no! You’re going to die either way, but people will laugh at you if you jump off!” ISI

Overcoming Tragedy With Community And Church Support

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Article By Jack McNeel Photo By Jackie McNeel Dianna Olson’s enthusiasm for life and community is contagious. Listening to her talk about the Moscow community and the broad support she has received over the years is all positive. And she is full of laughter and believes her faith has served her well. But life has not always been kind to her. Terrible episodes in her life include the loss of a daughter, son-in-law, and 7-month-old grandson in a horrific traffic accident. That was followed by the unexpected and very rapid death of her husband Don from a heart attack. But the community stepped up. “Community and church people came and surrounded us. Local farmers came from every direction and finished our fall farm work,” she explains. Later her house burned to the ground with everything in it. “The community rallied around us again and helped us rebuild. All this to say that our faith and the support of those who have a lot of faith and love in Moscow have really helped. I can’t say enough good things about the community of Moscow, the Church of the Nazarene, and my good neighbors,” she exclaims. How does one overcome such losses and emerge positive, upbeat, and caring for others? She credits community support and her strong religious convictions that arise from her younger days. “While in high school in Lewiston, I wrote a paper on the power of positive thinking in the context of what scripture tells us to do,” she says. “I believe that God is in control of absolutely everything. There’s a reason for these things happening and a reason why he’s still got me here and not gone yet. Make good use of the gift of life. It truly is a gift. That’s my attitude.” Dianna believes the love and support have allowed her to “pull up out of a hole in our lives.” She and Don had raised registered quarter horses and showed them all over the northwest. That love of horses remains and is very evident as she talks of a little filly that was born July 3 on her farm outside Moscow. “She has turned out to be a cremello, an unusual color. She is like one in a million and has two glass blue eyes. She’s very, very unusual.” Horses have also led to one of her delights in life; working with young people. “I have a young gal, Shanna Bell. People think I’m working with her but she’s actually

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helping the old lady,” Dianna laughs. “She comes out and encourages me and works with the filly. “I just like helping kids. They’re just awesome, especially young men who are still floundering around. You can still influence their lives in a very positive way, see what their special talents are, and head them in that direction.” Quoting a bible verse that says train a child in the way he should go, she uses a young man, Daniel, as a prime example. “I saw he had a gift as a natural born horse w h i s p e r e r. H e w a s working with my horses and going through some things in his life. A great orator had said, ‘the outside of a horse is good for the inside of a man.’ That really took hold of Daniel. He trained one of my horses. I encouraged him to become a farrier and got him started at a farrier school in Snohomish. The instructor said he’s one of the best he’s ever graduated, and Daniel is now a certified farrier. I have the joy of being part of that!” Dianna has a blossoming interest in western dressage, which judges the horse and the rider in English dressage but in a western setting. At an event in Colville, there were 50-60 competitors, and Dianna intends to become involved with the group and cultivate interest in her young friend Shanna. Dianna has been a hairdresser for over 50 years and retains a clientele but no longer in a salon. “I help them out by making house calls if they’re sick or can’t get out.” She has also worked in the salon at Good Samaritan Village. Dianna also drives bus for Idaho Roadrunners, a non-profit travel club in Moscow with over 200 members. When a neighbor asked Dianna if she knew anyone with a commercial drivers license (CDL), Dianna said she had one from long ago. “But, they trusted me, I took off, and if nothing else it beefs up their prayer life when I’m driving,” Dianna says with a laugh. “We’ve had a good time with trips to Yellowstone National Park last year and down to California and back through Oregon this year.” Dianna has a strong sense of humor despite the tragedies she has endured – a humor that she imparts to her family and to all those with whom she is in contact. She is also a long-time member of the Nazarene Church and has sung in the choir for over 40 years. She loves to sing and has joined a group called “Heart Songs.” Considering the challenges she has faced, Dianna reflects her very strong faith when she says, “God endows every human being with a gift. Our gift to Him is to use it by helping other people and being a blessing to everyone else.” ISI

DECEMBER 2016/JANUARY 2017

IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT PAGE 15

68% of Women, 56% of Men Losing Sleep Over Money Sixty-eight percent of women and 56% of men are losing sleep over at least one money problem, according to a new CreditCards.com report. The gap grew eight percentage points over the past year. Overall, about six of every 10 Americans are losing sleep over at least one financial issue. However, it is often not just a single money problem that is keeping people awake at night. CreditCards.com asked about five specific financial issues: saving for retirement, paying for education, paying health care or insurance bills, paying the monthly rent or mortgage, and paying credit card debt. On average, 2.3 of the above issues combined to keep roughly 60% of individuals

awake. Both genders are most concerned about saving enough money for retirement, 44% of women and 35% of men lie awake at least occasionally because of this. Saving for retirement is also the most common worry for people age 30 and older, college graduates, and those with annual household income of $75,000 or more. Affording educational expenses is the number one concern for Millennials and non-whites. Paying for healthcare or insurance bills is the second-biggest fear among women; educational expenses rank second among men. Money anxiety peaks between the ages of 50 and 64 and drops sharply after 65.

The biggest improvement was observed among households making between $50,000 and $78,000 per year. They are 14 percentage points less likely to lose sleep over financial matters now than they were in 2015. This information suggests that as Americans’ own opinions of their financial health continues to improve in the era after the Great Recession. The survey was conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates International. The margin of sampling error for the complete set of weighted data is plus or minus 3.7 percentage points. ISI

Recognize signs of swindlers and abusers – red flags may not always be obvious When multimillionaire socialite Brooke Astor was swindled out of millions of dollars by her son, Anthony Marshall – who was eventually jailed for his misdeeds – the sordid case introduced a new phrase into society: elder abuse. “Unfortunately, this kind of financial and other elder abuse was not a one-off occurrence,” notes Will Sleeth, a partner in national law firm LeClairRyan’s Williamsburg office and leader of the firm’s Estate and Trust Litigation team. According to published reports, victims of elder financial abuse lose an estimated $2.6 billion dollars a year; and while one of every 20 older adults has admitted to being victimized by some form of perceived financial mistreatment, it’s believed that only one in 44 cases of financial abuse is even ever reported. “I’ve handled over 100 estate disputes, and in a sizeable number of those cases, elder abusers committed an array of unethical actions including isolating, threatening, and pressuring elderly people to change their estate plans,” Sleeth writes in a recent blog, Recognizing Signs of Elder Abuse (and Traits of Elder Abusers). His post appears in the firm’s Estate Conflicts, which focuses on disputes involving wills, trusts, guardianships, and celebrity estates. Children of elderly parents, and others who love these vulnerable individuals, need to be vigilant on their behalf, he advises. “One big mistake that I see people make is assuming that because a person is neither poor nor uneducated, ‘he can’t be an elder abuser,’” explains Sleeth. “Nothing could be further from the truth. Frequently, elder abusers are educated, at least partially well off, and socially sophisticated. Don’t err by thinking it wouldn’t make sense for them to abuse.” The best way to safeguard them is to be alert, Sleeth advises. “In many of the estate disputes that I’ve litigated that involve elder abusers, there is a paper trail of prior bad acts by the elder abusers,” he says. “Often, this paper trail is easily available on the Internet.” In Sleeth’s experience, elder abusers have included disgraced medical professionals, lawyers who were disciplined or who lost their licenses, convicted felons, and businesspeople caught up in shady schemes. “In all of those cases, a family member or friend who spent about 15 minutes

doing a basic Internet search could have learned about the prior misconduct,” he counsels. A history of litigation can also be a red flag. “I’d say that in over half of the elder abuse cases that I’ve handled, we’ve been able to confirm that the abuser tried to prey upon a prior victim too,” he notes. “In Virginia, a person can search the circuit court case information system and the general district court information system to try to ascertain whether a person has previously been sued.” Other early warning signs are so-called investment advisors who suggest odd, opaque, or risky funds, or who recommend an “investment club” run by “a friend,” he adds, noting that people who tend to shy away from much social contact may also be more likely to take advantage of a vulnerable senior. “I have never seen an elder abuser who was the PTA President, a member of City Council, or a high-level executive at a reputable company. They tend to have a very small circle of friends,” Sleeth writes. “They also tend not to be extensively involved in social organizations that would bring them into contact with large numbers of people.” In the end, he suggests, “if you suspect that something ‘just doesn’t seem right’, please take action and consult with your locality’s social services department, and depending upon the severity of the situation, legal counsel.” It could save a loved one from a great deal of suffering. ISI

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PAGE 16 IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT

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Solutions for Lower Income People Who Owe Taxes By Eric Olsen Many lower income people retire owing past due taxes they simply can’t afford to pay. They read articles and seek advice on the internet, even advice from accountants and tax preparers. The advice they often receive is like teaching someone how to play cards, without telling them about the four aces. The cards that beat every other card in the deck. You can’t teach cards and not talk about the aces. There are laws that provide solutions for those who owe past due state and federal income taxes. You need to be

aware of these laws – the four aces – so you can stop worrying and preserve your income for your personal needs. First the Ace of Spades. As a practical matter, the IRS never garnishes pensions or retirement income for past due taxes owed. Although there are reports of the IRS’s garnishing 15% of a person’s social security, it very rarely happens and can usually be prevented. If you are of a lower income, you can be placed on uncollectable status with the IRS and pay nothing simply by applying over the phone or online. First to visit these IRS websites that provide budget guidelines: irs.gov/businesses/ small-businesses-self-employed/national-standards-food-clothing-and-other-items and irs.gov/ businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/ local-standards-housing-and-utilities. These IRS websites provide budget guidelines to qualify for uncollectable status, budget numbers the IRS won’t volunteer. If you say you can pay something, the IRS will gladly take your money. But do not underestimate your needs or you could end up paying some amount when according to IRS budget guidelines, you needn’t pay anything. If you are already being garnished 15% of your social security, it is possible to be placed on uncollectable status and stop the garnishment. Second, the Ace of Clubs. Social security, pensions, VA benefits, and other forms of retirement income are protected by federal law. This money cannot be taken for past due state income taxes. Even bank account deposits that are traceable to social security and pension income do not lose their exempt status. Unfortunately, state taxing agencies will never tell you. If the bank account is garnished, most people do nothing, not knowing they can file a claim of exemption and have the money returned. Many states will not offer uncollectable status to persons with lower income that is protected. They prefer to badger and intimidate in order to collect from those who don’t know their rights,

forcing some into utter poverty. If a state tax collector calls, simply advise him or her that this income is federally protected social security, pension, VA benefits, or disability and that you can’t afford to pay the tax. You can pay voluntarily if you choose, but this money can’t be taken and the state tax collector knows it. Third, the Ace of Hearts. This is knowledge about tax liens. A state or IRS tax lien may strike unnecessary terror into your heart. Language in the lien notice can make you worry that you are going to lose your home, car, or other possessions. Tax collectors are not in the business of selling people’s homes. It just doesn’t happen in real life. They file the lien and count on being paid when the home is sold. Tax collectors will not go after personal possessions making a lien where there is no home meaningless. So in most instances, tax liens are not a practical concern. Finally, the Ace of Diamonds. Bankruptcy is generally unnecessary for lower income folks because their income is protected. However, taxes can be eliminated through bankruptcy. The general rule is that the tax must be over three years old and have been assessed for at least two years in order to be wiped out in bankruptcy. If there is a lien, it is the practice of the IRS to remove the lien at some point after the bankruptcy discharge even if there is equity in the home. Certainly, we should all strive to perform our civic duty and pay our taxes. However, laws and procedures are in place protecting lower income and poor seniors so they can provide for their needs. America wants you to have the food and medicines you need, so if your circumstances warrant, these taxes do not have to be paid when you qualify for uncollectable status with the IRS. Homes and possessions are not going to be taken and sold. Finally, a tax lien is usually an edgeless sword that will have no real effect. Eric Olsen is Executive Director and an attorney with HELPS Nonprofit Law Firm helpsishere. org. ISI

Incentive Trusts Can Motivate Your Heirs By Jim Miller

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Dear Savvy Senior, What can you tell me about incentive trusts? I have two adult children that are financial disasters. Before I die, I want to put some type of requirements in place that they will need to follow in order to receive their portion of my estate. Otherwise, they’ll blow it all in the first year. Troubled Parent Dear Parent, If you want to influence your family members even after you’re gone, an incentive trust is definitely an option to consider. Here’s how it works, along with some tips to help you create one. Incentive Trust? An incentive trust is an estate-planning tool designed to help prod your heirs in a direction you desire when you’re no longer around. Some or all of your assets are passed to your trust when you die rather than directly to your heirs. Your trustee is empowered to distribute funds from the trust only when your beneficiaries do whatever it is you have specified in the trust. For example, an incentive trust might encourage a beneficiary to graduate from college, enter a particular profession, get married, or even have children. It could also reward beneficiaries who do charitable work, or supplement the incomes of those who choose low-paying, yet meaningful careers like teaching or social work. Or, it could penalize beneficiaries who don’t work by cutting off or decreasing distributions, or placing restrictions on heirs with addictions by requiring that payments go directly to rehab centers. But be aware that these types of trusts can also have drawbacks. A poorly constructed incentive trust can have a high risk of unintended consequences. For example, if your trust provides a financial incentive for your children to be employed full-time, but one of them gets sick or seriously injured in a car accident and can’t work, they could be punished unfairly. You also need to know that incentive trusts aren’t cheap, and you can expect to pay an attorney $2,500 to $5,000 to draft one. There are also legal limits on what you can do with an incentive trust. While state laws vary, incentive trusts that encourage a beneficiary to join

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or leave a particular religion, or leave a spouse or not marry at all, can be challenged in court and possibly struck down. How To Make One To create a solid incentive trust that accomplishes what you envision, tell your estate-planning attorney that you want to include precise instructions that clearly spell out your wishes, but you also want to include language granting your trustee the right to use his or her discretion and that the trustee’s decisions should be final and binding.

IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT PAGE 17

This allows your trustee to make common sense rulings, which will reduce or eliminate the chances of unintended and unfair consequences. It also makes it very difficult for beneficiaries to challenge successfully the trust or trustee in court. When a trust grants final decision-making authority to its trustee, it becomes almost impossible for beneficiaries to argue that this trustee is not correctly implementing the trust’s terms. The key is to select a trustee who’s smart enough to interpret your intent and has sufficient

backbone to stand up to beneficiaries when necessary. You also need to select a successor trustee too if your first choice can no longer serve. Fees paid to a trustee vary widely depending on the state’s fee schedules, the size and complexity of the trust, and conditions laid out in the trust. Send your senior questions to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of The Savvy Senior book. ISI

Donations to Charity – Are Yours Going to the Cause You Intended? By Tait Trussell You may not be wealthy. But you are among the 70 percent of Americans who gave nearly $350 billion to more than 1.5 million charitable organizations in the country last year. These figures come from the Center for Philanthropy at Indiana University, which collects such donation data. But whether you gave your local hospital, your college, your church, the United Way, or whatever $100 or $100,000, you want to make sure your money will be used for the purpose you intended. Right? That's what Charles Robertson thought, too. The story of Robertson and his family will undoubtedly determine whether, in the future, a donor's money will be used as intended. The Robertson Story begins in 1961. Charles Robertson and his wife, Marie, heeding President Kennedy's call: "Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country," decided to create a foundation for that purpose. Robertson was a 1926 graduate of Princeton University. He donated $35 million in stock to support a graduate school program at Princeton's Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs to prepare students for careers in the foreign service and related government agencies. But the Robertsons' surviving son and daughters contend that Princeton never made good on $250 million dispersed to conduct the program. The Robertson children sued the university to get control of the foundation and its endowment. Over the years, the Robertson endowment ballooned to $600 million. At issue is what's known as "donor intent." In the world of philanthropy, it applies to nonprofit, philanthropic organizations. If you give money to your college for the business school, you don't

want it going, instead to the girls' soccer team, for example, no matter what the amount you gave. The nation's charity system is built on trust. The American Association of Fund Raising Counsel, the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy, the Association of Fundraising Professionals, and the Counsel for Advancement and support of Education adopted a code of ethics, a "donor's bill of rights” so to speak. It declared that donors have the right "to be assured their gifts will be used for the purposes for which they were given." What made the Robertson case important was that the money given to Princeton was to be used for a specific mission or purpose. According to the Robertson foundation's charter of incorporation, the money was to be used to "maintain and operate...as part of" the Woodrow Wilson graduate school, a place "where men and women dedicated to public service may prepare themselves for careers in government – with particular emphasis on those areas of the federal government that are concerned with international relations and affairs." The money Highest Prices Turn Your was to go toward makPaid In Old Forgotten es ad Dec ing us less ignorant of Treasures Into Cash!!! other cultures in the face of the world situWe Pay Top Prices For Gold, Silver & ation’s creating a great Platinum Items. 9k, 10k, 14k, Dental 18k, 22k, 24k Any Condition New, Used, Or Damaged need. ISI

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Good Vibrations – The Beach Boys, November 1966 By Randal Hill “We’re gonna have either the biggest hit in the world, or the Beach Boys’ career is over,” said band member Bruce Johnston Only Brian Wilson believed in it – everyone else in the group hated Good Vibrations. It wasn’t what their fans expected, they argued. It ran too long for radio airplay. Mainly, it was just plain weird. The Beach Boys had become superstars with hits about surfing, hot rods, summer fun, and romance. Why mess with a winning formula? But leader Brian insisted he knew what he was doing, that they were all on the verge of something really, really big! Still, Mike Love put off writing the “trippy” lyrics until the

day he drove to the recording studio. In his autobiography, Wouldn’t It Be Nice, Brian explained his interest in cosmic vibrations. “My mom told me dogs discriminate between people. They like some because the people give off good vibrations. They bite others because they give off bad vibrations.” Early in 1966, Wilson felt he could create a masterpiece about some good, good, good, good vibrations. When the other Beach Boys hit the tour road that summer, Brian stayed behind. Now he had the time to stretch out in the studio, push beyond boundaries, and set new standards with his music. Into his mix went eclectic musical instruments as a fuzz bass, a clarinet, a cello, and a harp, as well as an eerie-sounding electronic device called a theremin, a forerunner of the synthesizer. He later admitted, “I threw in everything I could think of.” With no lyrics to guide him, Wilson spent six months in four different studios with a rainbow of new sounds swirling in his head, everything wrapped around rich Beach Boys harmonies. Good Vibrations unfolded in three elaborate, highly textured phases that required numerous studio musicians. (The Beach Boys played no instruments this time.). Randomly taped chord changes and musical bits and pieces melded into a mosaic of fragments that he called “feels.” Dennis Wilson rehearsed the lead vocal, but when he contracted laryngitis, brother Carl stepped in at the last minute – and nailed it. Later, Brian mixed the track four times. When he had finished, Good Vibrations clocked in at an extremely long 3:35. The tune, which began as seventy disjointed hours of recorded tape, cost Capitol Records $50,000 – over $350,000 in

today’s money – and became the most expensive single ever recorded. In the end, though, Brian proved himself right. Released that October, Good Vibrations moved 100,000 records in its first four days, shot to #1 in both America and England, and to date has reportedly sold 16 million copies. This was not just another seven-inch plastic disc of music but a sonic masterpiece and one of the finest pop-music productions. With its ethereal layering of melody and harmony, Good Vibrations showed the world how rock ‘n’ roll could be elevated to a valid art form, the proof being found in Brian Wilson’s now-iconic psychedelic symphony. Bibliography: Bronson, Fred. The Billboard Book of Number One Hits (Third Edition). New York: Billboard Books/Watson-Guptill Publications, 1992. Cresswell, Toby. 1001 Songs: The Greatest Songs of All Time. New York: Thunder’s Mouth Press, 2005. Golden, Bruce. The Beach Boys: Southern California Pastoral. Rockville, MD: Borgo Press, 1976. Shannon, Bob and John Javna. Behind the Hits: Inside Stories of Classic Pop and Rock and Roll. New York: Warner Books, Inc., 1986. Wilson, Brian with Todd Gold. Wouldn’t It Be Nice: My Own Story. New York: HarperCollins Publishers, 1991. Quotes, respectively, are from pages 148, 138, and 145. Internet: en.wikipedia.org. Printouts: The Beach Boys, Good Vibrations (song) rollingstone.com. “Good Vibrations.” 500 Greatest Songs of All Time songfacts.com. “Good Vibrations” ISI

Those Beautiful Cars of the ‘50s By Jerry Ginther When you saw a ‘57 Chevy coming down the street, even a block away, you knew it was not a ’56 Ford Crown Victory. Can you remember when cars were easily identifiable at first sight? Proprietary attributes such as front grills, rear tail fins, hood ornaments, and chrome trim made them easily recognizable from a considerable distance. The make of the car and the year it was manufactured were unmistakable even to those who knew little about cars otherwise. When I was a youngster, there were several pre-WWII autos still on the road, too. Looking back, I’m amazed by the fact that some Ford cars had V-8 engines in them before 1940. Those engines were known as flathead V-8s, because the intake and exhaust valves were in the block. Later, in the ‘50s, the valves were located in the engine head, but were referred to as “overhead” valves. Somewhere, back in the good old days, I’m told that Lincoln cars were equipped with V-12 engines and overdrive. For a full-sized car, I’m thinking that those old Lincolns had to be the fastest vehicles on the highway. Do you remember the song, “Hot Rod Lincoln?” If you’re less than 40 years old, you have probably never heard the term “overdrive” either. The interior of those pre-WWII types sported gadgets that the present generation has likely never seen. Starter pedals were located on the floor next to the accelerator. Actually, they were just a steel rod protruding through the floorboard with a rubber boot around it. One had to push the rod with the right foot to engage the starter. The headlight dimmer switch was also located on the floor, but to the left side of the clutch and brake pedals. This configuration continued for many more years. As technology progressed, the starter switch was improved to a push button on the dashboard. In those older vehicles, the ignition switch had to be turned on with a key before the starter was engaged by either the foot switch or the push button. The key was not used to start the engine, only to shut it off. Fender skirts, seat covers, and steering wheel “spinners” were popular with my age group. Those skirts gave a lower to the ground appearance to the rear end of the car. Seat covers protected the original upholstery from stains and wear and tear. If you had good taste in color and design, they really looked better than the upholstery in most cases. Spinners were more popular before power steering was added as a luxury item. They were just large knobs on a spindle, which clamped around the rim of the steering wheel. The large end of the knob would spin freely making steering the car much easier and faster than with the hand-over-hand method. Some had a fancy design with colored pictures under a clear plastic cap. Many of those pictures became the topic of some colorful conversations, too. However, spinners were soon outlawed, because of their breaking free

DECEMBER 2016/JANUARY 2017

of the steering wheel while the car was in a turn causing accidents. There were also broken wrists, arms, and fingers from being struck by the spinners when they were released to allow the wheel to return to its original position. Spinners also found their way onto the steering wheels of farm tractors. Tractors of that era did not have power steering and the spinners made the sharp turnarounds at the end of the rows almost effortless.

Today, I cannot tell the make or year model of an automobile by looking at it even when I’m standing beside it. I could read the manufacture’s emblem on the car; however, I would have no idea in which year it was made. I can’t remember when cars began to lose their distinctive appearances. It must have been a slow process, but it seemed to hit me suddenly when I was asked what kind of a car my neighbor drove. I realized I had no idea although I’d seen the car 50 times.

IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT PAGE 19

Then a startling reality set in. Looking around at the cars that I could see, I realized I could not name the make or model of a single one. I wondered how in the world would I identify a car to the police other than by its color? “Well, officer, it was small, box-shaped, and blue, but I have no idea of its make or model. It looked like all of the other cars in town.” That’s what my police report would probably sound like today. ISI

The Tough Marriages Are The Easy Ones By Bill Hall son. Almost by definition, that is one of those kids gratified some relatives would be that they were Sometimes marriage is like any other sport who always felt a greater affinity for older people. proven correct in their prediction that the marriage in that you’re more likely to boot an easy play And you don’t have to be the older spouse to bring wouldn’t work. than a tough one – May-December marriages, some maturity to a marriage. Playing the marriage game is like playing for instance. But some May-December marriages may baseball or tennis. You tend to get sloppy on the On the face of it, a May-December marriage also last because they are not expected to. Both easy ones, not the hard ones. A baseball player may be a tough play, but the facts indicate other- partners are inspired to try harder by knowing will make an amazing catch and then drop an easy wise. I heard the other day that May-December that the spectators are standing around waiting one because he gets cocky on the sure things and marriages have a pretty strong success rate. for the crash. doesn’t bear down. That’s not actually very surprising if you stop to You see the same thing happening in other Similarly, in marriages that look perfect from think about it. But a person might guess otherwise marriages that friends and family didn’t expect the outset, couples sometimes don’t understand at first glance. After all, marriage can be challeng- to last – interracial marriages, marriages across the danger lurking in those early bumps in the ing enough without the absence of cultural icons religious lines, and marriages in which one parent road. The possibility of failure has not been made in common like your generation’s movies, books, or another has to be restrained when the minis- so apparent to them. They think they have less inmusic, and wars. ter asks if anyone knows any reason why this centive to bear down. They lack the unifying effect If her favorite tune is something by Britney marriage should not proceed. There’s nothing to of a common adversary in the person of a snotty Spears and he still hasn’t got over the death of solidify a marriage like the noisy prediction of an in-law who gives the union bad reviews. Frank Sinatra, that’s going to complicate decisions in-law that it will never last. Proving critics wrong can inspire any team, in on what music to listen to on the CD player during Most people getting married in that circum- sports or marriage, to rise higher than the expectalong irritating trips by car. stance try harder. When the rough spots in the tions of the scoffing mob. Such couples also get into conversations marriage inevitably emerge, the sobering thought Hall may be contacted at Wilberth@cableone. with others where one spouse is left off in a side hangs over each passing spat of how smug and net or at 1012 Prospect, Lewiston, ID 83501. ISI eddy of the gathering by references to entertainers far more familiar to older people than Although we have not listed all of the many events featured during the holiday season, below is a small sampling of to younger people. Such chalfun things that will pique your interests, and with a little searching on the web or by phone, you can fill in the gaps. lenges are surmountable but To start, we would suggest contacting the following resources: Boise Convention & Visitors Bureau at boise.org or not unimportant because in every successful marriage a 800.635.5240; Hells Canyon Visitor Bureau at visitlcvalley.com or 877-774-7248; Idaho Division of Tourism at visitidaho. certain amount of conversation org or 800-847-4843; Lewis Clark Valley - North Idaho Tourism Alliance at visitnorthidaho.com; and Pioneer Country is usually required. Normally Travel Council at seidaho.org or 888-201-1063. These are just a few of the regional and community resources that you grunts and slurps at the dinner can consult in order to add enjoyable events to these crisp winter days and evenings! Additional information regarding events marked with an asterisk can be found in advertisements in this issue of the table will not suffice in cementIdaho Senior Independent. Many of the events listed run on multiple days, but we have listed just the first day of the ing the union of two people. event. Please call the listed phone number or visit the website for more details. Granted, some marriages have been known to go on for Start Location Event Phone Web Address years with hardly a word spo- Date Dec 1 Boise Winter Garden aGlow 208-343-8649 idahobotanicalgarden.org ken. And in those cases, that Boise Miracle on 34th Street, The Play 208-342-5104 boiselittletheater.org may be why they survive. 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Check Out These Events For December & Into The New Year

PAGE 20 IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT

DECEMBER 2016/JANUARY 2017

Three Unique Vacation Destinations in Northern Arizona Article By Jack McNeel Photos By Jackie McNeel The cold of winter sends many folks from the northwest toward the warmer climes of southern Arizona, and if you can extend into the spring and fall shoulder seasons consider spending additional days in the region between Flagstaff and Phoenix. You’ll find some fun areas and exciting things to do which you may have been bypassing in years past. Let’s take a brief look at three communities with very different and distinct personalities. Sedona Heading south from Flagstaff the highway twists and turns as it drops into Oak Creek Canyon before emerging at Sedona, The Most Beautiful Place on Earth in So Many Ways, its Chamber

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advertises. That rating actually came from a USA Weekend survey that rated Sedona #1 in America. It is beautiful with fantastic reddish rock spires, mountains in all directions, and the wooded Oak Creek flowing through the bottoms. Photographers have a heyday trying to capture the color and grandeur of the countryside and shoppers enjoy equal enthusiasm at the many shops and galleries. For a town of just over 10,000 the number and variety of shopping establishments are incredible. The town is built for tourism as its nearly 5 million annual visitors can attest. With a variety of tours available from pink jeeps to helicopters, rock climbing, trail rides, hot air balloons, and the list goes on. Or you may wish to just relax along Oak Creek. There is something else seldom noted elsewhere: vortex tours. These locations reportedly give people beneficial sources of energy. I can’t vouch for that but others swear to it. Cottonwood Cottonwood lies half an hour southwest of Sedona in the heart of the Verde Valley. Its population is comparable to Sedona, but there the similarities end. Cottonwood is more laid back, has a much smaller business district, and is less expensive while still offering great vacation opportunities. The Verde Valley has come into its own as a wine producing district. It has the rocky soils, sunshine, and heat characteristic of grape growing regions worldwide, but wine production came to this area only 10 years ago. The Verde Valley Wine Trail consists of six wineries. A day of visiting all six is a wonderful exploration for wine aficionados. Attracting many visitors is the Verde Canyon Railroad and its four hour train ride “into wilderness country and thousands of years back in time.” It’s a comfortable ride with climate-controlled seating and private restrooms. Visitors are provided with

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wine or cider to toast the ride and appetizers are provided during the trip through beautiful scenery and some locations where How the West Was Won was shot. Guests are kept informed of many sights along the trip including a glimpse of Sinagua cliff dwellings in the cliffs above the track. A bald eagle nest sits in a tree alongside the tracks and an adult eagle is often seen nearby. The Verde River and its streamside vegetation contrast with the cliffs above. The train crosses spans as high as 150 feet above the stream below. The Blazin’M Ranch Dinner & Show provides an evening of western hospitality at the highest level and a fun venue for the grandkids. There’s a shooting gallery with a Colt revolver using wax bullets. Or you can try roping a stationary steer with a couple of cowboys standing by to give a hand. Or take a ride aboard a trailer being pulled by a vintage tractor. There’s a real saloon if you want something a bit stronger before dinner – the Prickly Pear Margarita is a winner if you want to try something new. The dinner of barbecued pork and chicken and all the fixings is outstanding – and seconds

are allowed – but save room for dessert! Then it’s time to sit back for the harmony and comedy of the Blazin’M Cowboys or Vegas-famous Kevin Barnes and his top flight magic show. Prescott Prescott, the original Territorial Capital, was more of a cowboy town and is recognized as the home of the World’s Oldest Rodeo founded in 1888. That cowboy atmosphere still lingers but as Don Prince, Director of Tourism for Prescott, explains, “Lately the emphasis has been more on outdoor recreation,” reflected in the area’s 450 miles of trails and the beautiful lakes. “We’ve not forgotten the historical angle and the arts and culture, but the recreational opportunities have been our focus for awhile.” A 54-mile trail now circles town and is used for an ultra-marathon, and they also host a mountain bike race that attracts top international riders. With free entertainment in the courthouse plaza and frequent weekend festivals, Prince explains, “It’s become a big deal with the racing and community concerts and has created a new industry for us. There’s always something going on here, usually a lot happening.” Watson Lake and its adjoining park have become known for its unique boulders called Granite Dells. These huge, rather lumpy boulders are unusual in this region noted more for reddish sandstone and attract increasing numbers of rock climbers. Don’t overlook the Downtown Historic District around the courthouse and Whiskey Row. Little has changed in the past hundred years and many buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places. Whiskey Row still has the old time saloons and restaurants, places that were frequented by the likes of Doc Holliday and the Earp brothers. Prescott has changed but that early western feeling still remains in this part of town. ISI

DECEMBER 2016/JANUARY 2017

IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT PAGE 21

Caregiving Tips for Long-Distance Caregivers By Jim Miller Dear Savvy Senior, Can you recommend any long-distance caregiving tips that can help me with my elderly father who lives in another state? He has physically declined over the past year, but is determined to stay living in his own house. Worried Daughter Dear Worried, Providing care and support for an aging parent who lives far away can be very difficult and stressful. Here are some tips and resources that can help. When it comes to monitoring and caring for an aging parent from afar, you have a couple options. You can either hire a professional to oversee your dad’s needs, or you can manage things yourself by building a support system, tapping into available resources, and utilizing technology devices that can help you keep tabs on him. Professional Help – If your dad needs a lot of help, you should consider hiring an “aging life care professional” who will give him a thorough assessment to identify his needs, and will set up and manage all aspects of his care. These professionals typically charge between $100 and $200 per hour, and are not covered by Medicare. To find a professional in your dad’s area, ask his doctor for a referral or visit the Aging Life Care Association website at AgingLifeCare.org. Do-It-Yourself – If your dad only needs occasional help, or if you can’t afford to use a care manager, here are some things you can do yourself to help him. Assemble a support system: Put together a network of people (nearby friends or family, neighbors, clergy, etc.) who can check on your dad regularly, and whom you can call on from time to time for occasional help. Also put together a list of reliable services you can call for household needs like lawn care, handyman services, plumber, etc. Tap local resources: Most communities offer a

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range of free or subsidized services that can help seniors with basic needs such as home delivered meals, transportation, senior companion services, and more. Contact the Area Aging Agency near your dad – call 800-677-1116 for contact information – to find out what’s available. Use financial aids: If your dad needs help with his financial chores, arrange for direct deposit for his income sources, and set up automatic payments for his utilities and other routine bills. You may also want to set up your dad’s online banking service, so you can pay bills and monitor his account anytime. Or, if you need help, hire a daily money manager (aadmm.com) to do it for you. They charge between $25 and $100 per hour. Benefitscheckup.org is another excellent resource to look for financial assistance programs that may help your dad, particularly if he’s lowerincome. Hire in-home help: Depending on your dad’s needs, you may need to hire a part-time homecare aide that can help with things like preparing meals, housekeeping, or personal care. Costs can run anywhere from $12 up to $25 per hour. To find someone, ask for referrals through your dad’s doctor or area hospital discharge planners, or try websites like Care.com, CareLinx.com, CareFamily.com, or CareSpotter.com. Utilize technology: To help you monitor your dad and manage his care from afar, various technologies can help. For example, there are motion sensors (like Silver Mother - sen.se/silvermother) and video cameras (nest.com/camera) that can help you make sure he is moving around the house normally; computerized pillboxes (medminder.com) that will notify you if he forgets to take his medication; simplified computer tablets (grandpad. net) that provide important face-to-face video

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calls; and a variety of websites that can help you coordinate care (lotsahelpinghands.com) and medical information (reunioncare.com) with other family members. For more tips, call the National Institute on Aging at 800-222-2225 and order its free booklet Long-Distance Caregiving: Twenty Questions and Answers. Send your senior questions to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of The Savvy Senior book. MSN

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PAGE 22 IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT

DECEMBER 2016/JANUARY 2017

Disturbing Trend in Home Medical Equipment Reimbursement On July 1, 2016, Medicare cut funding and reimbursement rates for vital home medical equipment across rural America by 50-80%. As a result, trusted homecare providers have been forced to make difficult decisions to keep their doors open. Should they change their delivery/service policies, reduce their product offerings, or require beneficiaries to pay up-front for their medical equipment in situations where Medicare will only partially reimburse? These changes are causing patients to lose access to vital medical equipment they need in order to stay in their homes. People for Quality Care, the durable medical equipment industry’s advocacy group, reports an uptick in the number of callers having difficulty

getting their needed equipment, services, and supplies. This is, in part, due to an increasing number of home medical equipment companies that now have to file Medicare claims non-assigned, requiring beneficiaries to make up the difference in cost. “Many patients don’t have the financial capacity to take on this additional cost, reports Kelly Turner, Director of Advocacy for People for Quality Care. However, the companies who serve them are operating in the red with Medicare’s current reimbursement, so both sides are being squeezed. It’s a no-win system.” Companies operating in rural states are concerned about their ability to continue serving their patients if Medicare continues to underpay severely for the equipment, supplies, and services patients need. And the problem is widespread. A recent study showed that nationwide, companies are being paid only 88% of their costs of providing home medical equipment to Medicare

beneficiaries, driving many companies to turn to their patients to pay the remaining balance out of pocket. While some patients can afford to take on the extra expenses, many cannot, which is further exacerbated in rural areas that are generally poorer than their urban counterparts are. Immediate legislative action is needed – even during Congress’ lame-duck session – to stabilize the home medical equipment benefit and ensure patient access. It is important to advocate for Medicare beneficiaries’ continued access to home medical equipment by calling the Washington D.C. switchboard at 1-202-224-3121 and sending a letter to your legislator. Also, call 1-800-404-8702 to register your Medicare concerns and complaints regarding home medical equipment funding. Visit People for Quality Care to learn more and to send a letter to Congress about this important issue. ISI

By Lisa M. Petsche If you are providing care to a chronically ill or infirm family member, you may be aware of the importance of taking a break from caregiving duties and have arrangements in place that allow for this. If not, this article is for you. Although caregiving can be quite rewarding, it can also be very stressful due to the physical toll of hands-on helping and the mental and emotional strain of dealing with the illness of a loved one, especially if he or she poses behavioral challenges. That’s why it’s important for caregivers to have respite, ideally on a regular basis. Healthcare professionals encourage caregivers to take breaks in order to attend to things on their “to-do” list they have been putting off, but especially to take care of their personal needs and maintain their individuality. This break time can involve a wide variety of activities, from performing necessary household management tasks, to running errands, to engaging in self-care (catching up on sleep, getting a haircut, attending a support group), to enjoying some recreation and leisure time (pursuing a hobby, visiting friends, attending a cultural event, taking a vacation). Benefits The goal of respite is to refresh caregivers physically, mentally, and spiritually and provide a change of pace – and often environment – to renew their energy and restore their perspective. When practiced regularly, respite helps keep the stresses of caregiving manageable, prevents burnout – a common phenomenon among caregivers that’s manifested by physical health we are devoted to enriching the lives of those entrusted to us. problems or emotional symptoms such as frequent irritation by small annoyances and feeling overwhelmed. The benefits of respite extend to care receivers as well: they receive a fresh approach to care and perhaps more individualized attention from the alternate caregiver. If rePhone: 208-743-4558 spite takes place in the Prestige Care & Rehabilitation 1014 Burrell Avenue • Lewiston community, it provides T h e O r c h a r d s www.prestigecare.com a stimulating change of environment and a chance to socialize as

well as participate in new or previously enjoyed activities. In addition, regular breaks can serve to reduce any tension that may exist between caregiver and care receiver because of constant togetherness and, in some cases, personality differences. Respite also expands each person’s world, opening them up to new relationships and opportunities and providing interesting topics for conversation when they are together. This serves to enrich the relationship between the caregiver and care receiver. Care Options In-home respite may be provided by a healthcare aide employed by a government agency or hired directly by the caregiver through a home healthcare agency; by an individual with or without formal training hired under a private arrangement (often located via word of mouth or newspaper classified ad); by a trained volunteer (for example, from the Alzheimer’s Association); or by a relative or friend. Community-based respite options include caregiver support groups that offer concurrent care; adult day care centers that provide social and recreational programming and often include a midday meal; and residential care facilities that have a short-stay program. Selection Factors Some caregivers are fortunate to have friends or relatives nearby who are able and willing to provide regular or occasional respite. Some may offer to help, while others might need to be asked but are glad to be of assistance. Other caregivers, however, may not have any local relatives, or none who are in a position to help (due to their own health problems or other obligations, for example), and must rely on formal help instead. The following factors need to be considered when choosing a respite service. • Type of assistance needed – companionship, supervision, housekeeping, personal care, or medical monitoring and intervention. This will determine the type of caregiver qualifications required. • Special medical or behavioral needs, communication challenges, and any eccentricities of the care receiver. • Time involved – length and frequency of desired breaks. • Setting – consider transportation issues as well as the care receiver’s energy level, personality (for example, shy versus outgoing), and any preferences he or she may have. • Cost, including whether a subsidy or insurance coverage is available. Be aware that some agencies may charge a time minimum per visit for homemaking, personal support, and companion services. If you decide to seek private in-home help, arrange to meet with the potential helper in your home after performing a telephone screening. Prepare a list of questions in advance, to help you determine the person’s qualifications and suit-

Respite Is A Must For Caregivers – Take A Break From Caregiving And Do It Often

At Prestige Care Rehabilitation & Care Center,

DECEMBER 2016/JANUARY 2017

ability, and provide a comprehensive description of your relative’s needs and your expectations. Pay close attention to how the candidate interacts with your relative. Ask for and check references, both educational and employment-related, and do a police check on anyone you wish to hire. If you decide to pursue care in an adult day care center or residential care facility, take some

IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT PAGE 23

tours and talk with staff and clients. Involve your relative in this process as well, if feasible. Otherwise, bring along a family member or friend for a second opinion. Lisa M. Petsche is a medical social worker and a freelance writer specializing in boomer and senior health matters. She has personal and professional experience with elder care. ISI

Plan Ahead For Medical Appointments By Lisa M. Petsche When the relative you are caring for must attend a medical appointment, planning is crucial, especially if they have special healthcare needs. You need to be prepared not only for the appointment itself, but also for the travel and wait time involved. Follow the tips below to minimize stress and maximize success. Before You Go • If accessible transportation is required, book it well in advance. • Don’t schedule anything else on the appointment day. • If you are driving to an unfamiliar location, call in advance to get directions and information about parking options. Also inquire about the accessibility of the premises in terms of parking, entrances, and washrooms, and whether transport chairs are available. • Complete any forms received at a previous appointment or by mail, for example, questionnaires or pre-op paperwork. • Review any literature received in advance regarding how to prepare for the appointment and what to expect. • Ensure your relative wears loose-fitting, breathable clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Layer garments to make it easy to adapt to warm or cool temperatures. • If the weather is inclement or you are anxious about parking, plan to take a taxi so you and your relative can be dropped off and picked up at the medical building’s entrance.

• Make a list of everything to bring along. What to Bring • Tickets for accessible transportation, disabled parking permit, parking pass or sufficient money for parking lot fees. • Mobility aids. • Nourishment. Snacks are especially important if you or your relative is diabetic. If your appointment is near lunchtime, pack a sandwich and drink for both of you. If your relative resides in a care facility, request a bag lunch a day in advance. Bring an apron or towel to protect their clothing while they eat, and wet wipes for cleaning up afterwards. • Sufficient prescription and over-the-counter medications to cover the time you expect to be away. Bring an extra dose in case the wait is unusually long. • Extra incontinence pad or brief. • Change of clothes and a plastic bag for soiled garments. • Facial tissues. • Hand sanitizer. • Medical insurance information. • List of all health conditions and medications, including dosages and frequency of use. • List of questions and concerns. • Note pad and pen to record information and instructions. • Cell phone that is sufficiently charged in touch with someone. • Reading material or other diversionary items like crossword puzzles or personal music players

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DECEMBER 2016/JANUARY 2017

to keep your relative pleasantly occupied during waiting periods. Bring something for yourself, too. When You Arrive • Make use of hand sanitizers. • If it’s your first time in the building, orient yourself. Consult any layout plans or directories, typically found by main entrances. Find out where washrooms are located, and whether there is a cafeteria, coffee stand, or snack shop for purchasing drinks and snacks. The latter is good to know for future visits. • Have health insurance information ready when you check in at the office or clinic. Let the receptionist know of any special needs your relative may have like behavioral issues that may be exacerbated by noise or a long wait or if your relative has another appointment in the building or elsewhere. Before You Leave • If your relative resides in a care facility, ask the healthcare provider to make a brief note regarding any findings, recommendations, and plans.

This is important information for you to take back for the charge nurse and the physician overseeing your relative’s care. Also inform staff of any tests or follow-up appointments that are scheduled or require booking. • If a referral is being made to another healthcare professional, ensure you are clear about their name, area of expertise, location, and the purpose of the consultation. • If your relative is being booked for a test, inquire about the typical amount of time involved and whether special preparation is required. When You Get Home • Note any consultations or tests on your calendar right away. Attach appointment cards with a paper clip, so you have phone numbers handy if you have any questions or need to reschedule. • Keep any forms or information sheets you’ve been given in a labeled file folder, for easy access. Lisa M. Petsche is a medical social worker and a freelance writer specializing in boomer and senior health matters. ISI

Flexibility Is Key For Parkinson’s Caregivers By Lisa M. Petsche Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive disorder involving damage to nerve cells in the brain that control muscle movement. According to the American Parkinson Disease Association, 164 Americans are diagnosed with PD every day. Incidence increases with age and the majority of cases develop after age 60. The main symptoms of PD are shaking, known as tremors, slow movements, rigidity, and balance problems. Other symptoms may include fatigue, excessive sweating, loss of coordination, loss of facial expression, difficulty initiating or continuing movement, “freezing”, stooped posture, shuffling gait, difficulty with handwriting, decreased speech volume, swallowing problems, sleep problems, and depression. Dementia may occur in the later stages. Although symptoms and the rate of progression vary considerably among individuals, PD usually advances slowly and patients can lead active lives for some time. Disease progression tends to be more rapid in older adults. There is no cure for PD. Medications are available to alleviate certain symptoms, but their effectiveness can vary over time. In cases where medication does not work, surgery may be considered. Lifestyle modifications are an important part of any treatment plan. If you have a loved one with PD, read on for a variety of tips for managing caregiver stress, including uncertainty about how the future will unfold. Mental Well-Being Accept the reality of the illness, and that ongoing adjustments will be required. Let go of any bitterness resulting from unrealized plans and dreams, so you can move forward and channel your energy in constructive ways. Learn as much as possible about PD and its management and educate family and friends. The American Parkinson Disease Association at 800-223-2732 or apdaparkinson.org is a good resource. Accept that how your relative feels and what he or she can do may vary throughout the day, and from one day to the next. Cultivate a focus on living in the moment and enjoying life’s many simpler pleasures. Emotional SelfCare Keep communication lines open with family members and Spring Creek, American Falls • 208-226-7856 friends in your social Edgewood Soda Springs • 208-547-2057 network. It’s important edgewoodseniorliving.com to stay connected to

people who care. Recognize that you are only human. Allow yourself to experience all emotions that surface, including resentment and guilt, which are normal in care situations. Do get help immediately if you feel an urge to harm your relative or yourself. Find an outlet for expressing your thoughts and feelings – talking with a friend, keeping a journal, or attending a caregiver support group. Seek help from your primary physician or a counselor if you continually feel anxious, sad, or angry. Depression is a legitimate medical condition and is treatable. Spiritual Well-Being Set aside quiet time each day to nurture your spirituality and help keep you grounded. Do things that center you and bring inner peace, such as meditating or getting out in nature. Do things that provide you with meaning and purpose, such as writing a family history, getting a pet, or helping someone less fortunate. Just be careful not to take on too much. Practical Tips For Daily Living Because PD is incurable, the goal, from a medical perspective, is to achieve the highest possible level of functioning and prevent or minimize complications. The following are some strategies. Help your relative follow the management plan prescribed by the doctor and allied health professionals, which might include medication, diet changes, exercise, rest, adaptive aids, lifestyle changes, stress management techniques, and regular medical checkups. Let care providers know right away if a plan is no longer working. Encourage your relative to do as much for themselves as possible to maintain their abilities and independence. Help them find substitutes for enjoyable activities they can no longer engage in. If mobility issues prevent your relative from getting around in the community, help them rent or buy a scooter or wheelchair so they can go out independently or with accompaniment. Set up a record-keeping system to organize health information. Ready-made products can be found in office supply stores and bookstores. Be prepared to advocate for your relative in hospital, rehab and other care settings, to ensure they receive their Parkinson’s medications on time. This is crucial for their functioning and quality of life, yet often overlooked in institutional environments. Make home as safe as possible – for example, remove scatter mats and install handrails along stairs. Arrange for an occupational therapist to perform a home safety assessment to identify hazards and make recommendations. If accessibility is an issue, renovate or develop a plan to move before a crisis occurs. Accept offers of help and ask for assistance as needed. The local office on aging is a good place to start. Lisa M. Petsche is a social worker and a freelance writer who has personal and professional experience with elder care. She has a close relative living with Parkinson’s disease. ISI

DECEMBER 2016/JANUARY 2017

IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT PAGE 25

Music on Phones, Identifying Favorite Songs, and a Podcast Primer

By Bob DeLaurentis Q. I have used an iPod for years, but now that I carry a smartphone, I’d like to use it for music. What is the best way to do that? A. Any smartphone can replace an iPod. To get started, try installing the music you already own onto your phone using the same connection formerly used for the iPod. Moving from an iPod to an iPhone is very simple, since everything is managed via iTunes. Moving from an iPod to Android may require a new app, but generally, it can be done. Where smartphones surpass the iPod is their ability to use streaming music services. These services deliver music catalogs with tens of millions of different songs, turning your smartphone into a universal jukebox. The three big streaming music services are Apple Music, Spotify, and Pandora. Each has different strengths, but they all deliver first class experiences. All three offer generous free trials to let you explore their options in depth. Apple (apple.com/music/) tends to be the easiest to use, so I would start there if you are already an Apple customer. Spotify (spotify.com) is a step up and works on both iPhone and Android. They have a larger catalog, and more options for sharing playlists with your friends. Pandora (pandora.com) does not have a giant catalog, but they generate excellent playlists. If you love music as much as I do, I recommend trying these services. Q. Sometimes I hear a song that I would like to add to my music collection. What is the best way to find a song’s name? A. The time-honored answer is a Google search. Choose a lyric phrase of at least three or four words. Nearly any short phrase will work. To help Google find the best answer, enter the phrase inside quote marks, then the word lyrics, exactly like this: “walk right through my shoes” lyrics. The quote marks tell Google to find the exact phrase, so spelling counts. Adding the word lyrics (or an artist’s name) will focus the search. This works nearly every time.

Most modern smartphones can find songs with voice commands. There are subtle differences depending on the smartphone model, but the basics are the same. Both Siri on Apple and Google Assistant on Android will try to find a song by listening to it for a few seconds. Tell Siri, “Hey Siri, Shazam this song,” or tell Google Assistant, “Okay Google, Shazam this song.” The phone will listen for a few seconds and then tell you the name of the song. Shazam, which is also available as a standalone app, is a service that delivers this capability. I have tried this countless times, sometimes in very noisy places, and it works about 90 percent of the time. Practice with songs you already know. Next time you will know what to do when you hear that perfect song. Q. I would like to add some variety to the things I listen to while driving. I enjoy music, but I like stories as well. I have heard about podcasts, but do not know what they are. Can you help? A. Most podcasts are spoken word audio programs that are produced on a regular schedule and automatically delivered to your computer or smartphone. Podcasts have been around for well over a decade, but the smartphone and a few successful programs have helped them find a broader audience in the last few years. In many ways, podcasts are similar to the way traditional radio sounded in its early days. Advertising is minimal, quality varies, and yet good podcasts still deliver a personal, satisfying listening experience. We are in the middle of a golden age of podcasts. You do not have to have a smartphone in order to get started, but podcasts and smartphones are natural together. If you have an iPhone, start with the standard built-in app Podcasts. On Android, my favorite is an app called Pocket Casts. If you are on a personal computer, the best place to start on Mac or Windows is iTunes. Each of these programs offers a catalog of shows that you can subscribe to, all free. I will share a few of my personal favorites in the next section.

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Wander the Web

In Our Time – Science, Religion, History, and Culture In Our Time is one of my favorite podcasts. Some podcasts are downloadable versions of radio broadcasts, and this is an excellent example of how moving online can be an improvement. The website includes access to over 500 back episodes, and on-demand access makes your smartphone or computer act like a TiVo for radio. I am sorry for the cryptic URL; it is the only one available. Visit bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006qykl Podcasts with a Focus on Tech Podcast topics range far beyond tech, but this is a tech column, so I am compelled to point out two of the best collections of tech-related podcasts, Relay and 5by5. Noteworthy programs include Clockwise and The Critical Path. Visit relay.fm and 5by5.tv. Is This Thing On? isitdownrightnow.com is the first site to check if you suspect that while your internet connection is working, your favorite site is offline. It lists most of the major sites on its home page, and it will search and report on any specific site by request. Visit isitdownrightnow.com or iidrn.com. ISI

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Little Nell Is No Longer Out With The Smokers By Bill Hall Sometimes cats, like people, shed their worst habits as they grow older. Nellie is no exception. Some people quit smoking. Some cats kick mice. And I don’t mean cats play mouse soccer. I mean they kick the mouse habit as surely as I finally burned out on cigarettes some years ago. It dawned on me one recent fall morning that our little tabby Nellie hasn’t brought a mouse, or part of one, inside in more than a year. That’s something new under the fading fall sun when living with Nellie. It used to be that the mouse catching grew worse this time of year – or better from Nellie’s perspective. It depends on whether you’re a cat or a cat keeper. In that respect, Nellie is like some deer hunters I know. The dead deer that is a triumph to the hunter can mean the heartache of venison to the family that has to consume one of the worst flavored wild meats in creation. But if somebody doesn’t pretend that venison is edible, the deer hunter can’t go hunting again. Similarly, I always had the feeling that Nellie didn’t actually care much for mice as a meal. The older she got, the less inclined she seemed to actually eat the mice she caught. For instance, she would bring dead mice, all wet with cat slobber, and leave them on the floor on my wife’s side of the bed, the classic cat compliment to someone the cat likes. That had its downside for both my wife and me. She would get out of bed in the morning, stepping with a bare foot onto a dead, wet, furry thing. And I would awaken abruptly to the sound of shrieking. But the point is that Nellie stopped eating the mice, kind of like a cigar smoker halfway toward kicking the habit that stops lighting up and just chews all day on one of those ropes. The uneaten mice were something of an improvement. In the beginning, Nellie had been like a tobacco user back in the era before society ran all the smokers outside. She would eat most of the mice, all except their little rear ends. Like an untrained smoker, she would leave rear remnants of her scruffy habit all over the house. Then she stopped eating them. She just

brought their little corpses inside. Next, she stopped killing them. She brought them inside still alive and let them get away. Some people have cats to rid a house of mice. We had a cat who supplied the house with mice. And it was my job to catch them. I become the family mouser. Autumn was the worst. Nellie became more active and efficient at catching mice. I think it was partly that the colder weather slowed the mice a bit. Nellie would come out of a heated house with her muscles already warm. But the cool fall weather made the mice sluggish. It gave her an unfair advantage. And of course, some of it may have been the tendency of so many mammals, including humans, to stock up going into the winter. Nellie may have brought more live mice inside in the fall in an attempt to create a mouse herd to see her through the winter. I see the same tendency with my wife this time of year. She instinctively buys more food in the fall, more large sacks, and boxes of staples to see us through the cold months, even though there are stores nearby that will be open 24 hours a day throughout the winter. But my wife’s fall habit probably makes sense to Nellie. However, Nellie now seems to have given up mice. She never brings them in the house any more – alive or dead. She has quit the habit. It’s probably because I used to make such a fuss about it, throwing her and the mice outside and closing the cat door for a while until the meal was over. Just as you now see people, sad outcasts, standing outside public buildings in cold weather smoking cigarettes in the only place this society has left to them, I made Nellie go outside to practice her unpleasant habit. The whole gory business finally just became too humiliating to her, a habit more trouble than it was worth. And now Nellie, the former mouser, and I, the former smoker, no longer leave little butts all over the house. Hall may be contacted at wilberth@cableone.net or at 1012 Prospect Ave., Lewiston, ID 83501. ISI

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By Lori Pelkowski Done with flowers just because it’s winter? Think again. Flowers lift our spirits throughout the year, and are especially welcome during the holiday season. Whether from the florist or the supermarket, adding flowers to your home will boost your attitude and make you smile. Roses, carnations, or lilies in red and white are the stars of the holiday season. In vases, in bowls, or individually, use your imagination to transform your holidays from festive to magical. Try these ideas from the Flower Promotional Organization. Make a jar of water enhanced with floral preservative to use for all your holiday flowers. When using individual or small groups of flowers, always place them in a florist’s water vial, and check the water daily. Jazz up an evergreen wreath or cornucopia with seasonal twigs and berries. Then add the finishing touch of groups of three bright red flowers tied together with holiday ribbon. Evenly space these beauties around the wreath and be the envy of the neighborhood. Carry the look throughout the house by laying flowers along a bookcase or tucked into the china cabinet. Place them at intervals along an evergreen garland with ribbons and pinecones for a unique look. Spray paint different sized pinecones silver and gold to add extra sparkle to any winter arrangement. Place individual flowers in beautiful glass ornaments filled with water and hang them from the tree, the chandelier, or holiday swag. Fill a crystal bowl with golden glass ornaments and tuck red flowers around or in the ornaments. Or, fill the bowl with white flowers and accent it with deep green ornaments. For a festive Chanukah centerpiece, fill a silver bowl with blue glass ornaments studded with white roses. Fresh flowers and candlelight are a match made in heaven for holiday decorating. Both flowers and candles come in so many shapes, sizes, and colors that they provide limitless possibilities throughout the home. Whether your mood is festive, elegant, or whimsical, decorating with candles and flowers will add just the right touch. Lift your spirits this holiday season. Change your mood from hectic to heavenly. Just add the tranquility of flowers. ISI

DECEMBER 2016/JANUARY 2017

IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT PAGE 27

Blind Nonagenarian Realtor Joe Taylor Radiates Gusto For Life Article & Photo By Dianna Troyer Joe Taylor pulls his to-do list from his shirt pocket and reads it with his fingertips. The tiny raised dots and dashes of Braille on a card remind him that he will have to present an offer to a seller in the afternoon. “I’ve been blind since I was 48, but it hasn’t slowed me down,” says the Burley realtor while having lunch with a friend at the Senior Junction in town. “If I need help with something, I’ll squawk,” says Joe, who will celebrate his 91 st birthday on Dec. 21. “I think I’ll live to be 100, and then I might think about cashing in my chips.” Joe regularly has lunch at the senior center with Byron Barrett, a longtime real estate client and friend. “I’ve bought about six properties from him,” says Byron of his residential rentals, commercial property, and land. “I keep using him because he’s knowledgeable about local real estate and legal issues.” He asks Joe to look for properties with a loading dock for semi-trucks. Byron and Joe not only share an interest in real estate, they both do their own remodels. “There are some days when I swear he isn’t blind,” says Byron, “like when you see him roofing or installing flooring at his rentals.” They swap stories of renters who damaged their property and others who were ideal. As they chat, Brookelyn Jaynes, who helps at the center, says hi to Joe.

“You look terrific today,” he tells her, and they both laugh. After lunch, his secretary Catherine Walcroft picks him up at Senior Junction and takes him to his nearby office at River Bridge Realty. He types notes using his Brailler and calls clients. “It took about four months for me to learn Braille,” he says, as he types up a client information card. “When I first started selling real estate, it took quite a while to get the listings transcribed to Braille.” Joe began gradually to lose his eyesight when he was 46 and was farming in the Kamima area. “I had complications with cataract surgery and glaucoma for a couple of years,” he says. “My sight disappeared slowly. At one time, light bothered me so much that I had to wear welding goggles to stop myself from sneezing when I went outside. One day I was propping up a haystack with poles and one slipped and hit me in the head. That pretty much ended my sight for good.” Believing he could no longer farm without his sight, he was looking for other jobs when he heard about a real estate office that needed someone to answer phones and take messages. “I’ll always be glad L.B. Jardine gave me that job,” he says with a smile. “I’d write out messages using a thin horizontal wire as a guideline on paper.” The real estate business intrigued him so much that he enrolled in classes. “I tape-recorded the lessons and studied,” he says. “For the final test, someone read the questions to me, and then I’d tell him the answer. In my class, I passed with the highest score.”

By Patricia M. Johnson With the wave of baby boomers in full motion, many builders are telling me they are focusing less on standard 55-plus retirement communities and more on communities featuring “age-targeted homes.” The difference is that 55-plus communities typically don’t allow children to live there, nor do they have driveway basketball backboards for the grandchildren’s visits, nor back-yard swing sets, and so on. Age-targeted communities are designed and positioned to attract mature households, but they are not marketed as 55+ communities. In the age-targeted homes, buyers are younger, upper 40s to early 60s, and though bought by anyone of any age, they are designed to appeal to older buyers. Although most consist of one-story, many models have lofts and upper rooms. You’ll still get your tree trimming, snow removal, and

exterior maintenance for a charge and security is still there. These buyers usually are still raising the family and have a lot in common with their neighbors. There are playgrounds on-site and social gatherings geared to this age group. The American Housing Survey indicates that the age-targeted market has perhaps four times as many houses as agerestricted communities. The Chicago Tribune newspaper found no previous surveys of agetargeted housing have been conducted to com-

Age-targeted Homes Appeal More To Retiring Baby Booomers

At age 49 in 1974, Joe launched his new career in real estate. “For years, I was one of the top sellers in this area whatever office I worked in.” At times, his work volume was so large that he hired two secretaries to work different shifts. “One came in at 9 in the morning and worked until 3, and the other came in at 3 in the afternoon and worked until 9 at night.” Joe has slowed down his workday in recent years. “I usually get in at 1 and leave at 5,” he says. His work ethic is matched by his wife, Ethel’s. “She’s 16 days younger than I am, is 4-foot 10 inches tall, and outworks me, even with her macular degeneration,” he declares. “Sometimes, I’ll ask her if it’s quitting time yet, and she says, ‘Not quite.’ We’ve been a good team the past 23 years.” Joe not only sells property, he owns several rentals as investments. “I have to keep busy or I might be dangerous,” he says, grinning. “I’ve had a great life and am satisfied, but I’m not done yet.” ISI

PAGE 28 IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT

pare growth in the segment, but experts agree that an increasing number of age-targeted homes are being built. They found many buyers are hesitant about age-restricted communities. They see the age restriction as the first step on the way to the nursing home. The National Investment Center for Senior Housing had a study that suggested age-restricted projects provide more services, and that could account for a higher happiness quotient. Seniors who live in an age-restricted project are happier than those in a mixed-age development. Now we get to my favorite information-packed organization, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) in Washington, D.C. “The age-targeted segment is growing because the 55 to 65 age bracket is growing,” said Paul Emrath, housing policy economist. One of their studies shows one-fourth of home buyers 50 and older are paying more for the home of their golden years than they did for their previous house. More than half of the buyers in age-restricted, age-targeted, or even independent-living communities are spending the same or more on those homes. Several community developers I questioned stated they don’t have to restrict their buyers, although units and houses are rarely sold to people with

TOMLINSON

DECEMBER 2016/JANUARY 2017

small children. It is a benefit for the towns and communities because age-targeted developments contribute taxes to local coffers, but don’t add to school enrollment. Some stated developers could be forced into age-restricted projects because this is what the municipalities want. Most of the age-restricted communities will have a clubhouse, exercise rooms, pools and other community room(s), just like the 55-plus communities. Not all want the glitz of the big active adult communities. Many builders are using the term, “carefree living” instead of “active-adult” to describe their homes and apartment units. Another real estate analyst likes the word, “intergenerational.” Now that’s a new one! Builders have been focusing on the over-50 crowd for years, building upscale townhomes and single-family homes that require little maintenance. They must include features that make it easy for people to remain in a home even after they become less mobile as they age. So, if age-targeted developments are much more appealing to boomers than age-restricted

communities that carry the stigma that residents must be 55 years of age or older, will this give you something new to think about? Many 55-plus retirement communities are designed for older buyers with substantial cash from the sale of a previous residence. Therefore, they can afford such optional amenities as crown moldings, tray ceilings, hardwood floors, granite counter tops and more. They are willing and able to pay the monthly assessment for maintenance. Hey – no more lawn mowing, tree and bush trimming, exterior maintenance, or snow shoveling. Love that last one! Regardless of where we live – age-targeted, age-restricted, carefree living, intergenerational, 55-plus, active adult, or whatever, (did I forget one?), we do not want to be thought of as old. It’s your choice! Check them all out. Contact your realtor, then find, and visit some of these developments that build for all ages while preparing for the needs of those over 50. Patricia Johnson is a retired interior designer who has been helping seniors ease the chore of renovation for many years. ISI

Retirement Dream or Nightmare? By Billy and Akaisha Kaderli Home is sweet... or is it? There’s a powerful love affair with the idea of retiring overseas and buying real estate. From Belize to Panama, Costa Rica to Nicaragua, Lake Chapala to the other gringo enclaves of Mexico, the touts are pushing this idea hard and to a willing audience. “Buy, buy, buy! It’s your last chance! Hurry, hurry! The time is now!” Before you jump, though, take a breath. Have you thought this through? There’s a big difference between traveling to an exotic location with warm breezes, sunshine, and beaches for a vacation, and actually living there permanently. Consider a scenario we’ve seen happen time and again. How It’ll All Play Out Sure, you may have done your homework and read about all of the “opportunities” of retiring to some faraway place; perfect weather, low cost of living, affordable health care, and great home prices... at least compared with where you currently live. So in your excitement, you jump on the plane, fly down to Somewhere, and can’t believe what your money will purchase. You find the perfect place that just happened to go up on the market, so you contact a real estate agent and make an offer the same day. Wonder of wonders, it’s accepted and you now own your dream retirement home. This is it. You’re planning on living out the rest of your days right here in this tranquil, peaceful paradise. Returning home, you sell your current house if you’re lucky, and then ship, fly, or drag everything you own down to your new digs. You’ve settled into the perfect life of a retiree in an exotic location. Days turn into weeks and weeks turn into months as you meet other expatriates, swapping tales from previous lives. Family members and friends all come down to visit, clearly envious of your new lifestyle, and for a while your new hosting role is exciting. Could it get any better? Then it happens. Your friends don’t make the trip down this year. Your kids are busier than ever with their own lives and families. Grandbabies are born, and you’re beginning to feel as if you’re missing out on their lives. The bloom is coming off the rose. Yo u r n e x t - d o o r neighbors start a homebased business creating havoc with parking, and a nightclub opens a few doors down, where the noise can be heard well into the night. Horror stories of friends’ homes being robbed and cars being broken into add

up and intrude into the self-confidence you had about living overseas. You contemplate leaving your “paradise.” Even condos can present unexpected problems. If neighbors don’t pay monthly maintenance fees, repairs can pile up, and your investment can go down the drain, causing costly legal fights and making relationships among neighbors untenable. Don’t Count on Ethics Don’t be fooled. You won’t find a regulatory governing body that supervises real estate sales in most of these tropical Edens. Often, anyone can become a real estate broker. No license is needed, no schooling, no bonding, and no continuing education. All you need is enough money to print some business cards, and voila! You’re a broker. Selling real estate is a popular first job for expatriates. Without real estate laws to protect you, it’s 100% buyer beware. You’re buying what you see, not what’s in those glossy brochures. Try Before You Buy Our advice has always been to rent first. After all, it can take months for a town or neighborhood to reveal its true character. What seems like a quaint difference in culture could become a sore point later down the line. You might learn that a particular area is not right for you and that a place a few miles away is preferable. Go ahead and rent a place. Get to know and live alongside the local culture. Travel around the area and learn the ins and outs of a city or town. Don’t get caught up in the sales hype encouraging you to buy now. Neighborhoods Can Change in Unpredictable Ways Living in many foreign countries isn’t like living back home. You won’t always find zoning laws or city planning. So if you sink a large portion of your wealth into a house and your surroundings become undesirable, you’ll find yourself stuck. One couple we know purchased a run-down lakefront home. Putting in hours of sweat equity and a good deal of cash, they made the place into a beautiful show house. Then a high-density housing development was built near them. The couple sold out and moved back to the States. Dealing with Foreign Laws and Economies Expatriate homeowners and their money can also become prime targets of the local governments. Nations around the globe have been hurt by sluggish economies and are always looking for more revenue. They can raise taxes or even alter immigration requirements for their own gain. Remember, it’s a lot easier to buy a home than to sell, and for every buyer, there’s a seller who wants out. Ask yourself why the sellers want to give up their paradise. You might learn something useful and save yourself a boatload of money. Billy and Akaisha Kaderli wrote the popular books, The Adventurer’s Guide to Early Retirement and Your Retirement Dream IS Possible. ISI

DECEMBER 2016/JANUARY 2017

Since its founding in 1910, more than 110 million Americans have participated in Boy Scouts, learning responsible citizenship, character development, and self-reliance. Scouts reflect values such as trustworthiness and service to others, and mastery of outdoor and other skills through a variety of activities that earn merit badges. At the top level of Scouting achievement is the Eagle Scout designation, which is attained by only four percent of Scouts who must satisfy requirements that can take years to achieve. The Eagle Scout must demonstrate Scout Sprit, an ideal attitude based upon the Scout Oath and Law, service, and leadership. This includes an

extensive service project that the Scout plans, organizes, leads, and manages. Undoubtedly among our readers, there are many Boy Scouts and some Eagle Scouts who will appreciate this issue’s Remember When by Milt Turley of Avery, whose story, Sometimes Things Aren’t What They Seem, gives us insight into the trials and tribulations of becoming an Eagle Scout and the importance that achievement has meant throughout his life. Thank you, Milt. Remember When contains our readers’ personal reflections and contributions describing fictional or non-fictional accounts from the “Good ol’ Days” or reflections on life in general. Contribu-

IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT PAGE 29

tions may be stories, letters, artwork, poetry, etc. Photos may be included. Each issue of the Idaho Senior Independent features the contribution deemed best by our staff. The contributor of the winning entry will receive a $25 cash prize. We look forward to receiving your contributions for our February/March 2017 issue. Mail your correspondence to Idaho Senior Independent, P.O. Box 3341, Great Falls, MT 59403; email to idahoseniorind@bresnan.net; or call 1-866-360-5683 or 208-318-0310. Visit us online at idahoseniorindependent.com.

Sometimes Things Aren’t What They Seem By Milt Turley Scouting in the United States is an American tradition – more so in the 1950s and 60s than today with kids’ attention focused on small screens and social media. Other factors may be the Boy Scouts’ having been embroiled in divisive social issues. As a Boy Scout and eventually an Eagle Scout, I found scouting a perfect fit for my interest in outdoor skills such as hunting and fishing. It was also a means to be productive in my community and establish a tradition of giving back to that community – in my case with a 34-year teaching career. Our Scout Troop in Pinehurst had always planned a summer trip to Yellowstone Park, but with few moneymaking projects, we always seemed to come up short of funds. But when Pinehurst became incorporated and our Scout Master was part of the town leadership, we found a perfect way to raise money since street names and house numbers became part of the incorporation process. So our Troop purchased and then sold the street signs to the city and then visited each house and asked the homeowner to buy their assigned house number. It was a successful moneymaker – merit badges, capitalism and community service – and we made enough to go to Yellowstone Park for a week! We had a great time camping, hiking, fishing, and seeing the wildlife and geological wonders of Yellowstone. We even took a one-day horseback ride into the backcountry. My fellow Scout, Ron, and I had been working on our Eagle Scout designation for the previous three years, and after the Yellowstone trip, we turned our attention to the last two merit badges we needed. Both badges required a major funding project and a work commitment. We decided our project would be to build footbridges around Lake Elsie above Big Creek on the South Fork of the Coeur d’Alene River. Lake Elsie had a major erosion problem from spring snowmelt runoff, which created large ravines in many places around the lake. The footbridges made out of three-inch lodgepole pine would allow better access to the east and upper ends of the lake, and at the same time, we would construct rock dams in the ravines to reduce the erosion. Lake Elsie was only accessible from a trail that ran across the face of Striped Peak, one of the highest in that area, and it had a lookout tower on its crest. The trail was about 5 miles into the lake as there were no roads to the lake at that time. After extensive planning, fundraising, and purchasing of equipment (handsaws, nails, shovels, rope, and backpack equipment), we headed out to the Striped Peak area. We parked Ron’s 1950 Studebaker pickup at the trailhead and made the first trip in with all we could carry, making the ten-mile roundtrip back to the pickup by nightfall. For the second trip, we left the pickup at about ten the next morning hoping to be into the lake by 3 pm that eve-

ning with all the equipment and supplies to start the project the following day. It was a little overcast as we loaded up and started out, but at the midpoint, we could see a major black cloud approaching from the west and could hear the thunder and see the lightning as it got closer. When we got directly below the lookout on the trail, we decided to climb up the 200 yards to the lookout and take cover until the storm passed. From our scouting training about weather/ lightning, we understood the lookout was grounded with heavy copper wires leading from the antenna on top of the lookout to ground stakes at the bottom of the tower. So, we knew we would be safe there. By the time we made the climb to the lookout, we were soaking wet and lightning was striking below us and off to the north. Protected from the weather we had front row seats as we watched the spectacular lightning show unfold around us – at times observing the green halos that lasted for several minutes after the close strikes. The storm broke around daylight the next day and as we exited the tower, Ron made a terrifying observation; someone had removed all the heavy copper wire leaving the lookout ungrounded. We had been extremely lucky, and believe me, we have never forgotten that night in the lookout tower! We hiked down to the trail and continued on to the lake. Our project went relatively well as we had planned, and we were finished in about 14 days during which we used our scouting skills as we ate fish, grouse, rabbits, mushrooms, and huckleberries – merit badge, survival. When we finished the project, we only needed to make one trip out, since we decided to leave the tools in a cache to use for repairs in the following years. Eight years later, they put a road up Big

Creek to Lake Elsie and I was able to retrieve those tools, some of which I have to this day. Despite our work, the bridges are now gone as are the erosion dams – ravaged by old man winter. As a teacher of young men, I have found that today most in the 16- to 20-year age group laugh at scouting, especially at the suggestion that it may help them learn some discipline and responsibility. Unfortunately, I believe scouting has been relegated to the past because of the changing social fabric of our society. Fortunately, for my friends and me and in all these years of teaching, I not only used what I learned in scouting, but I have been able to write letters of recommendation for young men who have had the determination to obtain their last merit badge to become an Eagle Scout. I could always identify students who were Scouts, since they shone like a beacon in a sea of ordinary. As a side note, during my military service with an elite 12-man recon/advisory team, I found that seven were Eagle Scouts. Not a coincidence! ISI

PAGE 30 IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT

DECEMBER 2016/JANUARY 2017

Is Your Loved One Drinking Too Much? By Amy Abbott The opioid epidemic is, no doubt, the health topic of the year, if not the century. The increased abuse of prescription drugs is a serious and devastating problem. Another more familiar addiction demon wreaks havoc with families, and especially with seniors. That demon is alcohol. However, none of us wants a lecture about our socially acceptable drinking habits. We are all used to our evening cocktail, and no one bats an eye. We consider it a social ritual. Moreover, we’re blasted with conflicting information. A little red wine is good for us. A little red wine is bad for us. Let’s hoist a jug of red wine, a rasher of bacon, and multiple, evil carbs and have a huge picnic in spite of all the data. Hear me out – there are other considerations. The UK Institute of Alcohol

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Studies and the U.S. National Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependence (NCADD) offered these caveats. • While older adults consume less alcohol than younger drinkers do, seniors are more likely to drink daily. • Alcohol-related hospital admissions in the UK are rising among those age 65 and older. The NCADD notes 6-11% of U.S. hospital admissions result from alcohol or drug problems. • Death of a spouse and loss of our longtime home or severe illness may lead to isolation or loneliness, which may up consumption. U.S. widowers over 75 have the highest rate of alcoholism. Lifestyle changes are difficult at any age. • A traditional belief that liquor is medicinal – from the “hot toddy” school of thinking – may offer comfort. We read these facts, shake our heads, and move on. It is not we or anyone we know. It is the other person. I was blissfully unaware until a job took me to many retirement centers. I learned that upon admission many patients ask if alcohol is allowed. Many skilled nursing facilities need a doctor’s order that states, “Rodney may have two beers a day.” Other retirement centers, with assisted or independent living, feature bars and evening cocktail hours. My dad’s facility has a bar aptly named “The Pub.” However, I am making a point here. Every population group has a percentage of people who cannot handle alcohol. Upping our awareness may help us encourage a loved one to slow it down or stop drinking. Who is at risk? The UK study identified three types of senior drinkers: 1. Survivors are lifelong drinkers. Studies tell us that survivors may have a life cut short 10-15 years by their heavy drinking. We all know individuals whose livers have gone kaput before their will to drink ended. 2. Reactors are people who did not start drinking until later in life. These individuals may have suffered significant loss, illness, and pain, or an unwanted retirement. 3. Binge drinkers may not use alcohol every day but drink to excess when overindulging. The National Institute of Health explained that as we age the amount of water in our bodies decreases. When older adults imbibe alcohol, less water present means less dilution of alcohol. This ups the blood alcohol content (BAC). Younger people can consume the same amount of alcohol and have a lower BAC. Reactors and bingedrinkers, according to the study, have the best opportunity to curb alcohol use with appropriate treatment. What are the signs that may identify that drinking has become a problem in our loved one? The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence offered these warning signs: secretive drinking, drinking rituals, loss of interest in hobbies, ignoring warning labels on prescription drugs, slurred speech, change in appearance, chronic and unidentifiable health complaints, hostility or depression, and confusion or memory loss. A genuinely sad aspect is that these signs may be hidden among other aspects of aging. We become blind to what we do not want to recognize. We may toss off these symptoms to the usual process of growing older. When we can identify these problems, treatment abounds. The good news is that there are multiple treatment and rehab programs, focusing on the specific physical and emotional needs of seniors. Addiction and support groups, including Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, offer help in most areas specific to gender and population. Medicare plans generally pay for treatment – so please check your specific plan. Your loved one, of course, must consent to treatment. Now armed with reasons that lowered or no alcohol use may be best, the real battle is within the individual. Encouragement from family or friends may be a start. ISI

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Boosting Levels Of Known Antioxidant May Help Resist Age-Related Decline Researchers at Oregon State University have found that a specific detoxification compound, glutathione, helps resist the toxic stresses of everyday life – but its levels decline with age and this sets the stage for a wide range of age-related health problems. A new study, published in the journal Redox Biology, also highlighted a compound – N-acetyl-cysteine, or NAC – that is already used in high doses in medical detoxification emergencies. But the researchers said that at much lower levels NAC might help maintain glutathione levels and prevent the routine metabolic declines associated with aging. In that context, the research not only offers some profound insights into why the health of animals declines with age, but specifically points to a compound that might help prevent some of the toxic processes involved. Decline of these detoxification pathways, scientists say, are causally linked to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer, some of the primary causes of death in the developed world. “We’ve known for some time of the importance of glutathione as a strong antioxidant,” said Tory Hagen, lead author on the research and the Helen P.

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Rumbel Professor for Health Aging Research in the Linus Pauling Institute at OSU. “What this study pointed out was the way that cells from younger animals are far more resistant to stress than those from older animals,” said Hagen, also a professor of biochemistry in the OSU College of Science. “In young animal cells, stress doesn’t cause such a rapid loss of glutathione. The cells from older animals, on the other hand, were quickly depleted of glutathione and died twice as fast when subjected to stress. “But pre-treatment with NAC increased glutathione levels in the older cells and largely helped offset that level of cell death.” Glutathione, Hagen said, is such an important antioxidant that its existence appears to date back as far as oxygen-dependent, or aerobic life itself – about 1.5 billion years. It’s a principal compound to detoxify environmental stresses, air pollutants, heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, and many other toxic insults. In this study, scientists tried to identify the resistance to toxins of young cells, compared to those of older cells. They used a toxic compound called menadione to stress the cells, and in the face of that stress, the younger cells lost significantly less of their glutathione than older cells did. The glutathione levels of young rat cells never decreased to less than 35 percent of its initial level, whereas in older rat cells glutathione levels plummeted to 10 percent of their original level.

IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT PAGE 31

NAC, the researchers said, is known to boost the metabolic function of glutathione and increase its rate of synthesis. It’s already used in emergency medicine to help patients in a toxic crisis, such as ingestion of poisonous levels of heavy metals. It’s believed to be a very safe compound to use even at extremely high levels – and the scientists are hypothesizing that it might have significant value at much lower doses to maintain glutathione levels and improve health. “I’m optimistic there could be a role for this compound in preventing the increased toxicity we face with aging, as our abilities to deal with toxins decline,” Hagen said. “We might be able to improve the metabolic resilience that we’re naturally losing with age.” Also of interest, Hagen said, is the wide range of apparent detoxification potential offered by glutathione. Higher levels of it – boosted by NAC – might help reduce the toxicity of some prescription drugs, cancer chemotherapies, and treat other health issues. “Using NAC as a prophylactic, instead of an intervention, may allow glutathione levels to be maintained for detoxification in older adults,” the researchers wrote in their conclusion. This research was supported by the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, and the Medical Research Foundation of Oregon. ISI

Healthy Entertaining During the Holidays

By Ann Hattes Agonizing over what to serve family, friends, and grandkids during the holidays? Serve what nutrition-conscious people want. For a simple quick meal, serve bison burgers or bison hot dogs. Bison is a nutrient-dense food because of the proportion of protein, fat, mineral, and fatty acids to its caloric content. Similar to fine beef with a slightly sweeter and richer taste, it satisfies with eating less. Naturally tender and lean, bison should be cooked slowly at low to medium temperatures as it cooks faster than beef. Do not overcook as it can become tough and dry. For an appetizer at home or tailgate parties, try avocado stuffed marinated mushrooms. Try some other avocado recipes at avocadocentral. com, too. Avocados contribute nearly 20 vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients to your diet, and have a decadent, creamy texture that adds a delicate

flavor to many foods. To find ways to add more fruits and veggies to meals for guests and grandkids, look for recipes and snack ideas at fruitsandveggiesmorematters. org. Pineapple, for example, is sweet as candy but so much better with fiber and vitamin C. At this site, you’ll also find tips for ways to stretch your fruit and vegetable dollars when shopping. To spend more time with your guests and less time in the kitchen, complement a fresh salad with natural cheeses and other toppings. Perfect for Thanksgiving is a cranberry pecan finisher with mozzarella and asiago cheese, dried cranberries and toasted pecans. Potato finishers – all-American, au gratin or cheddar broccoli – help complement any potato dish, whether baked, mashed, roasted, scalloped, boiled, or fried. If any of your guests need to avoid gluten, Funky Monkey snacks (funkymonkeysnacks.com),

“fruit that crunches,” are a healthy, safe choice. Varieties include Bananamon (banana and cinnamon), Carnival Mix (banana, pineapple, apple, papaya and raisins), Jivealime (pineapple and lime juice), and Purple Funk (banana and acai berry). Cloves from Madagascar, Jamaican allspice, Indonesian cinnamon and nutmeg are just a few of the ingredients that create the distinct and memorable flavors of the paper thin Moravian cookies originally made by Moravian settlers to North Carolina, and produced today by the Salem Baking Company (salembaking.com). The Vintage Taste Cookbook, with 100 easy to elegant recipes, features Moravian cookies as a signature flavor, subtle complement, or finishing touch to appetizers, entrees, and desserts. Try a roasted root vegetable cobbler with Moravian orange-cranberry cookies as part of the topping. Finally, no holiday meal is complete without a

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Avocado Stuffed Marinated Mushrooms 2 8 oz. boxes fresh white mushrooms 2/3-cup prepared balsamic dressing 1-tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1-teaspoon coarse ground garlic salt 1 green onion, finely chopped 2 ripe, fresh avocados, halved, seeded and scooped out (Large avocados are recommended for this recipe. A large avocado averages about 8 ounces. If using smaller or larger size avocados adjust the quantity accordingly.) 1/2-cup crumbled feta cheese Using a wet paper towel, wipe all mushrooms to remove any soil. Pop out mushroom stems. Place mushroom caps in a sealable plastic bag and add

salad dressing, making sure all the mushrooms are coated with dressing. Marinate the mushrooms for 30 minutes. Remove mushrooms from dressing and set aside. In a medium bowl, combine lemon juice, garlic salt, onion, and avocados. Coarsely mash, combing all ingredients. Spoon avocado mixture into a sealable plastic bag and seal lightly. Push mixture away from one of the bottom corners of the bag. Using scissors cut a small hole in this corner of the plastic bag. Squeeze a generous amount of the avocado mixture through the hole in the bag into each mushroom cap and sprinkle with feta cheese. Serve. ISI

Osteoporosis – Your Body’s House By Dr. Holly Carling Among the many health challenges we face today is osteoporosis – our bones are becoming increasingly brittle, thinner, and poorer in quality. Two factors reflect bone health, bone density (which seems to be all we pay attention to in this country) and bone quality. Bone density quantifies the amount of mineralization in the bone (bone mineral density or BMD). It accounts for both peak bone mass and bone loss. Bone quality refers to the architecture of the bone matrix, turnover and damage accumulation, as well as mineralization. Bone is a living tissue that must be replaced continually throughout adulthood. Bone cells called osteoclasts resorb old bone and other cells called osteoblasts create new bone. This remodeling is vital to prevent old bone from becoming brittle. Osteoporosis does not occur if only mineralization of the bone is impaired, but it does occur when both mineralization and the bone matrix are affected. As an example, people of Japanese descent have half the bone density that Caucasians have, but only a fraction of the fractures. The difference is better bone quality. So what makes good bone quality? In order to build good bone, you must start with good materials just as you would if building a house. Straight wood, sheetrock, steel, nuts, bolts, screws, wiring, quality roofing, concrete, etc. will make a sturdier home than mud, grasses, cardboard, tin, and scrap materials will. The body is no different. If you feed it poor nutrients – processed foods, fast foods, and junk foods – you would get a weak structure for a skeleton. The body cannot make something out of nothing.

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The body needs a variety of quality raw materials to make a strong structural foundation. These include minerals (not just calcium and phosphorus, but a variety of food-based minerals), raw proteins, essential fatty acids, enzymes, vitamins, and carbohydrates. It needs these on a daily basis. On days when these vital nutrients are missing, poor quality bone cells are being made. Just as important is the ability to transport nutrients into the tissues and into the bones. Good digestion is imperative to breaking down the nutrients necessary to build strong bone. If you have heartburn, reflux, IBS, or any number of digestive challenges, and especially if you are taking acid reducing medication, your ability to breakdown and absorb the nutrients will be impaired. Other factors that can diminish bone production include hormonal imbalances, drinking soda pop, coffee, steroid medications, Vitamin D deficiency, and a number of other medications. The best approach to improving bone health is with healthy behaviors such as weight bearing exercise and eating a healthy diet with minimal processed foods. Dr. Holly Carling is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine, Licensed Acupuncturist, Doctor of Naturopathy, Clinical Nutritionist, and Master Herbologist with nearly four decades of experience. Dr. Carling offers natural health care services and whole food nutritional supplements in her Coeur d’ Alene clinic. Visit vitalhealthcda.com or call 208-765-1994 to learn more. ISI

How to Reduce Your Medication Costs Dear Savvy Senior, Can you recommend any tips to help me save on my medication costs? I currently take five different prescription medications that are very expensive even with insurance. Searching Susan Dear Susan, There is actually a variety of ways you can reduce your out-of-pocket medication expenses without sacrificing quality. Here are a few strategies that can help, whether you are covered by employer-based health insurance, a health plan on the individual marketplace, or a private Medicare Part D drug policy. Know your insurance formulary rules: Most drug plans today have formularies (a list of medications they cover) that place drugs into different “tiers.” Drugs in each tier have a different cost. A drug in a lower tier will generally cost you less than a drug in a higher tier, and higher tier drugs may require you to get permission or try another medication first before you can use it. To get a copy of your plan’s formulary, visit your drug plan’s website or call the 800 number on the back of your insurance card. Once you have this information, share it with your doctor so, if possible, he or she can prescribe you medications in the lower-cost tiers. Or, they can help you get coverage approval from your insurer if you need a more expensive drug. You also need to find out if your drug plan offers preferred pharmacies or offers a mail-order service. Buying your meds from these sources can save you some money too. Switch to generics: Ask your doctor or pharmacist if the medications you’re taking are available in a generic form or a less expensive brand-name drug. About 75 percent of all premium drugs on the market today have a lower-cost alternative. Switching could save you between 20 and 90 percent. Pay for generics yourself: Most generic medications cost less if you don’t use your insurance. For example, chains like Target and Wal-Mart offer discount-drug programs (these programs will not work in conjunction with your insurance) that sell generics for as little as $4 for a 30-day supply and $10 for a 90-day supply, while some insurance companies charge a $10 copayment for a 30-day supply. Ask your pharmacy if they offer a discount-drug program and compare costs with your insurance. You can also find free drug discount cards online at sites like NeedyMeds.org, which can be used at most U.S. pharmacies. Split your pills: Ask your doctor if the pills you’re taking can be cut in half. Pill splitting allows you to get two months worth of medicine for the price of one. If you do this, you’ll need to get a prescription from your doctor for twice the dosage you need.

DECEMBER 2016/JANUARY 2017

Try over-the-counter drugs: Ask your doctor if a nonprescription medication could work as effectively as a more expensive prescription drug. Many over-the-counter drugs for common conditions such as pain-relievers, allergy medications, antifungals, and cold-and-cough medicines were once prescription only. But be aware that if you have a flexible spending account or a health savings account, you’ll need to get a doctor’s prescription for the over-the-counter drugs (except insulin) to be reimbursed.

IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT PAGE 33

Shop around: Drug prices can vary widely from drugstore to drugstore, so it’s definitely worth your time to compare prices at different pharmacies. To do this use GoodRX.com, a Web tool that lets you can find prices on all brand name and generic drugs at virtually every U.S. pharmacy. Search for drug assistance programs: If your income is limited, you can probably get help through drug assistance programs offered through pharmaceutical companies, government agencies,

and charitable organizations. To find these types of programs use BenefitsCheckUp.org, a comprehensive website that lets you locate the programs you’re eligible for, and will show you how to apply. Send your senior questions to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of The Savvy Senior book. ISI

The 7 Things You Should Know About Cervical Cancer (NAPSI) 1. All women are at risk. Unless you have had your cervix removed for noncancerous conditions (like fibroids), you can develop cervical cancer, which is caused by abnormal cell growth. 2. Black women with cervical cancer die at a higher rate. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, black women have more than twice the mortality rate of white women. Unfortunately, most of these deaths occur in women who have never been screened or have not been screened in the past five years. It is important to understand that when found early, cervical cancer is curable. 3. Your Pap test screens for cervical cancer. The Pap test is the most effective way to find and prevent cervical cancer. In addition to screening for cervical cancer, the Pap test looks for cell changes (pre-cancers) that can be treated before escalating to cancer. Your health and peace of mind will more than make up for the minor effort it takes to be tested. 4. HPV is usually the cause. The human papillomavirus (HPV) has over 150 strains and is transmitted by skin-to-skin contact – usually through sex. HPV can infect cells, causing genital warts and even cervical cancer. If you

are found to have HPV, do not panic. HPV is actually quite common – most women (and men) will have it at some point. Usually, HPV is nonthreatening and goes away on its own; however, it can cause cervical and other types of cancers. Your doctor can test for HPV during your exam. 5. There is an HPV vaccine but... The HPV vaccine has been shown to reduce the risk of HPV in women under 27 when administered properly; however, the vaccine only protects against the two most common strains that cause HPV and genital warts. Even if you have been vaccinated, you should still see your doctor for routine Pap tests. 6. You may not have symptoms. Women with cervical cancer may not show any signs early on. In more advanced stages, cervical cancer can cause abnormal bleeding or discharge from the vagina, such as bleeding after sex. If you have any of these symptoms, you should see your doctor. 7. Smokers have a higher risk. Women who smoke cigarettes are more susceptible to developing cervical cancer. For more information, visit bwhi.org. ISI

Want To Optimize Those 10,000 (Or Fewer) Steps? Walk Faster; Sit Less By Steve Lundeberg That popular daily target of 10,000 steps is a worthwhile goal, but a new study at Oregon State University suggests that if you find that unattainable, don’t despair – a smaller number, especially at moderate or greater intensity, can lead to health benefits too. It’s especially helpful if 3,000 of the steps come at a brisk pace, and limiting sedentary time also plays a role in healthy readings for cholesterol and other risk factors. The average American takes between 5,000 and 7,000 steps per day, researchers say. “Some physical activity is better than none, and typically more is better than less,” said John Schuna Jr., assistant professor of kinesiology in OSU’s College of Public Health and Human Sciences. “When it comes to steps, more is better than fewer, and steps at higher cadences for a significant amount of time are beneficial. A good target for healthy adults is 150 minutes per week spent at 100 or more steps per minute. And in terms of time spent sedentary, less is better – you want to spend as little time not moving as possible within reason.” Schuna, lead author Catrine Tudor-Locke of the University of Massachusetts, and six other researchers analyzed data from 3,388 participants age 20 and older in a National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Their findings were recently published in the journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. The research builds on earlier studies, many of which relied on self-reported estimates of activity levels, which tend to run high, or accelerometer data using proprietary output measures (e.g., activity counts/ minute), and also failed to take cadence – steps per minute – into account. A cadence of 100 steps per minute or greater is widely accepted as the threshold for moderate-intensity activity in adults. In addition to minute-by-minute step data, the researchers looked at relationships between step-defined physical activity and various cardiometabolic risk factors for the survey participants – such as waist circumference, blood pressure, fasting glucose, insulin, and cholesterol levels, as well as

body mass index. Among male participants, only the highest quintile – the top one-fifth – had a median of more than 10,000 steps per day, checking in at 12,334. Among women, the top quintile’s median was 9,824. Beyond just total step counts, the research looked at daily “peak 30-minute cadence” – the average number of steps in a participant’s most vigorous 30 minutes, which weren’t necessarily consecutive minutes. To measure sedentary time, researchers used the percentage of accelerometer time per day that showed no step-based movement.

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Among all survey participants, only the top quintile had a median peak cadence – 96 steps per minute – that was in line with accepted physical activity guidelines of 30 minutes a day at 100 steps per minute. Nevertheless, analysis across all quintiles showed a strong relationship between higher cadences – walking more briskly as opposed to less briskly – and favorable numbers in the cardiometabolic risk categories. The same held true for number of steps, whether above or below the 10,000-step threshold. And higher percentages of sedentary time were linked to less-favorable values in several risk factors. While FitBit, Garmin, and other fitness trackers might be responsible for the current 10,000-step fixation, Schuna notes that the magic number’s roots trace to 1960s Japan. From a fitness craze inspired by the 1964 Tokyo Olympics sprang the first commercial pedometer, the manpo-kei. In Japanese, manpo-kei literally means, “10,000 steps meter.”

DECEMBER 2016/JANUARY 2017

“One of the questions has always been, what if one person with 10,000 steps per day accumulates nearly all of them in a two-hour time block, and another stretches them over 15 hours – does it matter in terms of health effects?” Schuna said. “This is a big debate in the field, with a couple of intertwined questions. Current evidence does suggest that moderate to vigorous activity and sedentary time have a certain amount of independence from each other in terms of health effects. But if you’re getting two or three hours of moderate to vigorous activity every day, even if you’re relatively sedentary the rest of the time, it’s hard to imagine the sedentary time would completely ameliorate or wipe out the health benefits associated with that level of activity.” A person who averages 10,000 or more steps/ day typically accumulates at least 150 minutes a week of moderate to vigorous activity, Schuna said. “Now there is an additional caveat regarding the manner in which physical activity is accumulated to meet current physical activity guidelines,

which states that aerobic activity should be accumulated in bouts of at least 10 minutes in duration.,” he said. “If we take this into consideration, it becomes more difficult to determine whether or not someone is meeting the physical activity guidelines using step counts alone. That aside, averaging 10,000 or more steps/day puts you in the top 15 percent of adults in terms of step-defined activity.” Schuna envisions a future in which wearable fitness trackers will feature apps that make minuteby-minute data available to the user, as researchgrade accelerometers now do to scientists. “That’s along this paradigm of personalized medicine,” he said. “In the future, everyone will have his or her genome sequenced, and from that we’ll be looking for specific markers that predispose people to higher risks for certain conditions. The physical activity and sleep data we collect from wearable devices will be used to track compliance to individualized behavior prescriptions while attempting to optimize each individual’s health.” ISI

Wait! Spine Surgeon Says Don’t To Rush To Spine Surgery... And Here’s Why If you suffer from low back pain, you know how debilitating it can be. When your back hurts, your life hurts. You’ll do anything to stop the pain, and often surgery is billed as the go-to solution. It’s no mystery why surgeons as a group want to cut (when you have a hammer, everything looks like a nail!), and it’s hard for patients to resist the lure of a “quick fix.” Plus, everywhere you look these days, you see ads touting the life-changing benefits of “one-inch incisions” and “minimally invasive” laser surgeries. That’s why it tends to surprise people when a spine surgeon (of all people) cautions against spine surgery. “Surgery is risky, it has a long recovery period, and often it just doesn’t work for chronic low back pain,” says Kamshad Raiszadeh, MD, author of the new book Take Back Control: A Surgeon’s Guide to Healing Your Spine Without Medications or Surgery (OptiFit Publishers, 2016, ISBN: 978-0-9975918-0-4, $24.95). “It might even make the problem worse. My advice: exhaust every possible option first. “The good news is there are probably better options,” he adds. “The system is slowly shifting toward prevention and natural healing methods for spine conditions, and for good reason. Not only are these options a fraction of the cost of surgery, for

many patients these methods simply work better.” In Take Back Control, Dr. Raiszadeh advocates for a holistic treatment centered on medically supervised exercise that takes into account the patient’s perceptions, habits, psychology, physical condition, lifestyle, and goals. When a patient fully commits to this more natural treatment regimen, surgery can usually be avoided. If you’re thinking of pursuing back surgery, here are some reasons to reconsider. “Minimally invasive” laser surgery is a marketing tool. You’ve probably seen ads for spinal laser surgery clinics encouraging you to mail in your MRI results for a “free consultation.” Don’t be fooled says Dr. Raiszadeh. First, an MRI alone cannot determine whether you need surgery. Second, lasers are minimally useful in back surgeries – mechanical grabbers and electrocautery are far more effective – and are primarily used because the notion of laser surgery appeals to consumers. Third, such procedures are still very invasive. “Despite the smaller incision, these laserperformed surgeries often remove bones and ligaments vital to the structural integrity of the spine, still cause scarring around the nerves, and often do not alleviate pain in the long run,” asserts Dr. Raiszadeh. “And I have seen many patients who

have undergone so-called ‘laser surgeries’ where it was clear that standard surgical tools like highspeed burrs were used and whose surgery had the same risks as traditional spine surgeries.” There is no widely agreed-upon surgical treatment for lower back pain. Based on a recent study in Spine, surgeons significantly disagree on methods for treating low back pain. In fact, there was 75 percent disagreement in how to treat back pain sufferers. “It is very telling that surgeons can’t agree on how best to approach a solution for back pain,” asserts Dr. Raiszadeh. “This lack of consensus should warn patients to proceed with caution and to avoid surgery until they have exhausted all lessinvasive treatment options.” Bad MRI findings are NOT a valid reason to have surgery. Dr. Raiszadeh explains that simply having a disc abnormality or even a disc herniation on an MRI is not a good enough reason to undergo a spinal procedure. Unfortunately, when patients can see a dark spot, they jump to the conclusion that they need surgery to “fix it.” “It is very common for adults to have abnormal MRI readings – even those who don’t have low back pain or sciatica,” he says. “It does not usually justify a surgery that will require weeks of recuperation and time out of work and could be ineffective at curing the pain in the first place.” Very often, surgery won’t cure back pain anyway. Spine surgery is best for relieving nerve compression, but it does not alleviate all back pain, says Dr. Raiszadeh. Without an evident reason for pain, like instability, nerve compression, or a fracture, surgery has an inconsistent record of success and shouldn’t be rushed. Most back pain will resolve itself when you take a “wait-and-see” approach. Your body has an impressive capacity to heal itself. Over my 20 years of surgical practice, I have been amazed at how many conditions, which I was taught were surgical, were in fact improved and in many cases resolved by maximizing the body’s own recuperative capacity. Many people have been conditioned to believe that surgery is the only answer for low back pain, and often, people don’t give themselves sufficient time and resources to allow natural healing to occur before going under the knife. “Give yourself plenty of time to heal and reassess your level of function after some time has passed,” advises Dr. Raiszadeh. “You can always opt for surgery later, but if you rush to cut, you can’t un-cut it later.” Conservative self-help programs combined with lifestyle changes often work better than surgery. Dr. Raiszadeh points to the success of his own integrated medical fitness program, SpineZone, located in San Diego. SpineZone has helped close to 7,000 patients recover from spinal injury or back pain without surgery. Not only do patients perform medically supervised exercises

DECEMBER 2016/JANUARY 2017

to strengthen the spine, they’re also schooled in lifestyle changes aimed at holistically reducing pain and improving their overall health – all under the care of a team of surgeons and specialists. “We’ve had countless patients tell us that our approach either eliminated their pain or lessened it dramatically,” he says. “Most find that they not only were able to avoid surgery, they decreased or eliminated the need for injections and addictive opioids.” The bottom line? Surgery should always be a last resort for back pain. “A ‘wait-and-see’ approach, combined with taking proactive steps to becoming healthier, works far better than surgery,” says Dr. Raiszadeh. “It gives your body the chance to accomplish what it already knows how to do: recover on its own. By taking control of your health instead of seeking out a ‘quick fix,’ you have a better chance of healing your pain and changing your life for the better.”

Ten (Non-Surgical) Tips for Healing Spine

Look for a good integrated care program. The “to cut or not to cut” decision is a big, complex one. It’s best made when all different spine practitioners (surgeons and non-operative specialists) are on the same team, that is, your team, focused on whatever method will help you the most. This is what integrated care programs – including those like SpineZone with its focus on medically supervised exercise – do for patients. A good program will consider factors like lifestyle, state of mind, and level of activity and create a personalized regimen that efficiently builds muscles, establishes spinal balance, enhances flexibility, and most importantly improves function and confidence in your spine. Don’t let paying out of pocket dissuade you. If you enroll in an integrated care program, you will likely have to foot some (or all) of the cost. But compare this to a lifetime of pain that could have been treated by a team of experts – or by a surgery that can leave you worse than before – and you’ll surely agree it’s a smart investment. Under the current American healthcare and insurance system, out-of-pocket payment is simply a fact for non-surgical treatment of back pain. If you can, avoid opioids. Using heavy narcotics to manage chronic pain is a slippery slope – plus physicians today are wary of writing prescriptions in the aftermath of widespread addiction struggles. Instead, use your body’s own pain relievers, called endorphins, to manage and alleviate pain. Endorphins are released with exercise and provide better and safer relief on their own! If you must take a pill, it’s best to rely on over-thecounter options. Make full use of “natural” pain management methods. Don’t discount home remedies like ice and heat therapies for reducing pain. Massage and acupuncture are also quite effective – as are short periods of resting your back. You can even try meditation and affirmations to improve your perception of pain. You can take a “dose” of these remedies any time you wish. If you’re overweight, lose weight. Excess weight, especially around your middle, contributes to back pain. Speak to your doctor about how to improve your diet and develop a fitness routine and nutrition plan to help you trim down. No, it’s not easy, but getting to a healthy weight will improve your life in countless ways. Fuel your body with spine-friendly foods. Good nutrition and hydration play a vital role in your spine’s health. Eat a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods like vegetables, colorful fruits, wild salmon, olive oil, legumes, nuts, and alliums such as onions and garlic. Avoid excess sugar, which is empty calories and contributes to other harmful conditions. Be sure to get plenty of water and reduce diuretics like caffeine and alcohol. Embrace exercise. Movement allows nutrients to pass into the spine, and exercise actually lessens back pain. Find a fitness routine that works for you. It doesn’t have to be high impact – in fact; a daily walk is a great place to start. Oh, and check out these stabilization exercises at takebackcontrol.com/spine-stabilization-101.html. Practice good posture and good spine

IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT PAGE 35

health habits. For example, it’s best to avoid sitting all day at a desk (try alternating to a standing desk, or get up and move periodically). When you must sit, be sure to practice good posture. Rotate your pelvis forward, allowing your spine to assume its natural curve, and then roll each of your shoulders back. (Oh, and don’t carry heavy bags over one shoulder, either – this can strain your spine and cause serious alignment problems.) Check your tendency to catastrophize. Don’t wallow in negativity. Your point of view profoundly affects your perception of pain, and catastrophizing (the habit of thinking or talking about a situation as worse than it actually is) will delay your healing and make you miserable. Be aware whenever you veer into negative thinking. If you feel discouraged, take a 10-second mental break to adjust your attitude and then keep moving forward. Work very hard to adopt a positive mindset. Chronic pain can easily crowd out optimism, but you must remain hopeful. A positive outlook will

make your recovery faster and far more pleasant. Use meditation and affirmations to improve your state of mind each day. It may sound Pollyannaish, but the mind and body are far more intertwined than most of us realize – positive thinking truly does diminish pain and make it more manageable. Kamshad Raiszadeh, MD, is the author of Take Back Control: A Surgeon’s Guide to Healing Your Spine Without Medications or Surgery. He has an unusual perspective for a spine surgeon. Early in his career, he realized that for most chronic back and neck pain patients, surgery was not the best solution. He and his team set about designing, developing, and perfecting a program to prevent unnecessary procedures and medications. Infused with an emphasis on strengthening, education, and self-empowerment, SpineZone has helped close to 7,000 patients enjoy full and lasting recoveries. For information, visit takebackcontrol.com, 858337-6909, or email info@takebackcontrol.com. ISI

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DECEMBER 2016/JANUARY 2017

Seasonal Temperature Changes Can Affect Arthritis By Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute (AOSMI) After the balmy weather of autumn, we know that winter has or will make its dramatic entrance. With dropping temperatures and conditions come seasonally-impacted allergies and symptoms for individuals with a variety of medical conditions. This is especially true for individuals with arthritis. It is important for arthritis patients to anticipate how their condition may be impacted as temperatures grow colder, as well as how best to manage symptoms in every season. Dr. Alan Nasar, MD, orthopedic surgeon and joint specialist, explains, “It is important to remember that, when we talk about ‘arthritis,’ a patient can be referring to any of a number of conditions – rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, to name a few. The arthritic condition the patient is managing, along with the areas of the body that are affected, will determine the impact

weather changes will have on symptomatology and treatment interventions.” As temperatures change, so does air pressure. Cooler temperatures lead to decreased air pressure, which can result in the expansion of the body’s tissues and organs. The added pressure on the joints caused by this expansion can exacerbate arthritis-related pain. Additionally, individuals may feel less inclined to exercise as the weather cools. A more sedentary lifestyle is associated with increases in symptoms for arthritis patients. Individuals living with arthritis can manage their condition in the colder months as they can at any time of year, with some small, manageable steps. First, it is critical to dress warmly to offset changes in temperature that can affect the joints. Patients can apply additional layers to the areas of their body that are most affected by arthritic pain, such as mittens or gloves for the hands and

scarves for the neck. Second, staying active and exercising regularly are key to minimizing pain and staying healthy throughout the colder months. This can be as simple as doing more physical work around the house, or more involved, like taking an aerobics class at the community center. Of course, all patients should consult with their doctor before increasing their current activity level. Regular exercise promotes strength and flexibility, which allows for better management of arthritis-related pain and other symptoms. Even with such precautions in place, arthritic pain may increase in the fall. If this happens, consult with an orthopedic specialist to determine what treatment options are available to you, both surgical and nonsurgical, to ensure your body’s optimal functioning. ISI

It’s Not Too Late To Get Your Flu Shot Provided by Centers for Disease Control Influenza is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death. Every flu season is different, and influenza infection can affect people differently. Even healthy people can get very sick from the flu and spread it to others. Over a period of 31 seasons between 1976 and 2007, estimates of flu-associated deaths in the United States range from a low of about 3,000 to a high of about 49,000 people. During recent flu seasons, between 80% and 90% of flu related deaths have occurred in people 65 years and older. “Flu season” in the United States can begin as early as October and last as late as May. Dur-

ing this time, flu viruses are circulating at higher levels in the U.S. population. An annual seasonal flu vaccine is the best way to reduce the chances that you will get seasonal flu and spread it to others. When more people are vaccinated against the flu, less flu can spread through that community. Everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu vaccine every season. This recommendation has been in place since February 24, 2010 when a CDC advisory committee voted for “universal” flu vaccination in the United States to expand protection. Vaccination to prevent influenza is particularly important for people who are at high risk of serious complications from influenza. Flu vaccination should begin soon after vaccine becomes available, if possible by October.

However, as long as flu viruses are circulating, vaccination should continue to be offered throughout the flu season, even in January or later. While seasonal influenza outbreaks can happen as early as October, during most seasons influenza activity peaks in January or later. Since it takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body that protect against influenza virus infection, it is best that people get vaccinated so they are protected before influenza begins spreading in their community. Flu vaccine is produced by private manufacturers, and the timing of availability depends on when production is completed. Shipments began in August and will continue throughout October and November until all vaccine is distributed. For additional information visit cdc.gov/flu/ protect/keyfacts.htm. ISI

Want to Stay Young? Stay Busy! Staying “young” mentally is something you work at by keeping busy and active, and that work pays off, says Dr. Noelle Nelson, author of the new book Happy Healthy…Dead: Why What You Think You Know About Aging Is Wrong and How To Get It Right (MindLab Publishing). “What if ‘busyness’ is kind of like a fountain of youth?” asks Nelson. “What if being busy, staying very active is a way to stay young?” A groundbreaking study from The Dallas Lifespan Brain Study of 300 older individuals between the ages of 50 and 89, found that the brains of people who were busy, worked better – regardless of their age. “Busier people tend to have better cognition, especially episodic memory. Our findings offer encouragement to maintain active, busy lifestyles throughout middle and late adulthood.” The study noted that busier people could reason better, had better working memory, better vocabulary, and had better ability to remember specific events from the past. “Since mental decline is something many of us fear as we go from 50 to 60 to 70 and beyond, this is extremely valuable information,” says Nel-

son. “Get busy, and you can keep those brains humming along just fine.” In practical terms, Nelson says to take a second look at retirement. “Maybe the fantasy of sitting on a beach sipping pina coladas for those 20 to 40 years post-retirement isn’t all it’s cracked up to be,” suggests Nelson. “Maybe you’d be better off sipping a pina colada on an occasional Friday evening after work.” If your job is not so pleasant and you can afford to opt out of the working world, Nelson suggests taking on a volunteer role. “There are volunteer organizations to fit every conceivable interest. There are even online volunteer matching organizations that help you find the best volunteer fit for you. And of course, there are hobbies you never had time for, physical activity to keep your body healthy, and time even to start a second career. “The Dallas Lifespan Brain Study points out that the more opportunities to learn and the more we are in contact with different people and situations, the more we stimulate our brains,” says Nelson. “A mix of activities – some creative, some physical, some giving back, some just plain fun – can be a wonderful approach to a busy, meaningful, and rewarding long life.” ISI

DECEMBER 2016/JANUARY 2017

IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT PAGE 37

Half of Those with Glaucoma Don’t Know It; Are You At Risk? Learn the risk factors for blinding eye disease Provided by the American Academy of Ophthalmology Approximately 2.7 million Americans have the potentially blinding eye disease glaucoma, but only half are aware of it. Meanwhile, glaucoma incidence is on the rise. Researchers predict that glaucoma will affect as many as 6.3 million Americas by 2050. Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve that links the eyes to the brain. It is most commonly associated with elevated pressure inside the eye, known as intraocular pressure, or IOP. Without treatment, glaucoma can cause irreversible vision loss in a person’s side vision, then in his or her central vision. With early diagnosis and treatment, sight can be preserved. However, glaucoma has no noticeable symptoms in its early stages, so it is imperative that people know the risk factors. Certain factors can increase an individual’s risk of developing glaucoma, including: • Family History: Individuals with a parent or sibling with glaucoma have a nine times higher risk of developing the disease, according to one study. • Older Age: As people age, their risk for glaucoma increases. Because this is the case for several eye diseases, the Academy recommends that adults start getting regular comprehensive eye exams at age 40. This is the age when early

signs of eye disease and changes in vision may first occur, even if you have seemingly perfect vision. It is important to get comprehensive eye exams from an ophthalmologist, a physician specializing in medical and surgical eye care. • African, Hispanic, or Asian Heritage: People of African and Hispanic heritage are three times more likely to have the most common form of glaucoma than Caucasians. Glaucoma-related blindness is at least six times more prevalent in African Americans than in Caucasian Americans. Additionally, people of Asian heritage are at an increased risk of a sudden and acute form of glaucoma known as angle-closure glaucoma. • Nearsightedness: Nearsighted people are more likely to have glaucoma. One study even found that the more severe the nearsightedness, the higher the risk of glaucoma. • Type 2 Diabetes: Having type 2 diabetes increases risk of glaucoma. The longer a person has lived with diabetes, the greater their risk for glaucoma becomes. Additionally, when the cornea – the clear, round dome on the front of the eye that covers the iris and pupil – is abnormally thin, IOP readings may be falsely low. This puts patients at increased risk for undiagnosed glaucoma. This is common among those who have had refractive surgery, such as LASIK or photorefractive keratectomy. Another risk factor associated with glaucoma is a history of eye trauma.

“Many of my patients are surprised to learn that one or more of these factors put them at an increased risk,” said Andrew Iwach, M.D., a clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology and glaucoma specialist. “Being aware of your personal risk of glaucoma is the first step to saving your sight. If you are at risk, get an exam – the sooner you do, the better we can protect you from vision loss.” Glaucoma treatment ranges from medicated eye drops to a variety of surgeries that can help reduce high IOP. This may involve procedures that make small changes in the eye to help fluid drain more easily. In some cases, small devices known as shunts or stents are inserted in the eye to increase the flow of the eye’s fluid. People age 65 or older and concerned about their eye disease risk may be eligible for a medical eye exam at no out-of-pocket cost through EyeCare America™. In addition, those who are at an increased risk for glaucoma may also qualify for a glaucoma exam through EyeCare America. This public service program from the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology matches volunteer ophthalmologists with eligible patients in need across the United States. To see if you, your friends, or family members are eligible, visit www.eyecareamerica.org. To learn more about glaucoma, its risk factors, and its treatment, visit www.geteyesmart.org. ISI

Discovery Could Open Door To Frozen Preservation Of Tissues, Whole Organs By David Stauth Researchers in the College of Engineering at Oregon State University have discovered a new approach to “vitrification,” or ice-free cryopreservation, which could ultimately allow a much wider use of extreme cold to preserve tissues and even organs for later use. “This could be an important step toward the preservation of more complex tissues and structures,” said Adam Higgins, an associate professor in the OSU School of Chemical, Biological and Environmental Engineering, and expert on medical bioprocessing. Cryopreservation has already found widespread use in simpler applications such as preserving semen, blood, embryos, plant seeds, and some other biological applications. But it is often constrained by the crystallization that occurs when water freezes, which can damage or destroy tissues and cells, Higgins said. This is similar to what happens to some food products when they are stored in a freezer, and lose much of their texture when thawed. To address this, researchers have used various types of cryoprotectants that help reduce cell damage during the freezing process – among them is ethylene glycol, literally the same compound often used in automobile radiators to prevent freezing. A problem, Higgins said, is that many of these cryoprotectants are toxic and can damage or kill the very cells they are trying to protect from the forces of extreme cold. In the new OSU research, the engineers developed a mathematical model to simulate the freezing process in the presence of cryoprotectants, and identified a way to minimize damage. They found that if cells are initially exposed to a low concentration of cryoprotectant and time is allowed for the cells to swell, then the sample can be vitrified after rapidly adding a high concentration of cryoprotectants. The result is much less overall toxicity, Higgins said. The research showed that healthy cell survival following vitrification rose from about 10 percent with a conventional approach to more than 80 percent with the new optimized procedure. “The biggest single problem and limiting factor in vitrification is cryoprotectant toxicity, and this helps to address that,” Higgins said. “The model should also help us identify less toxic cryoprotec-

tants, and ultimately open the door to vitrification of more complex tissues and perhaps complete organs.” If that were possible, many more applications of vitrification could be feasible, especially as future progress is made in the rapidly advancing field of tissue regeneration, in which stem cells can be used to grow new tissues or even organs. Tissues could be made in small amounts and then stored until needed for transplantation. Organs being used for transplants could be routinely preserved until a precise immunological match was found for their use. Conceptually, a person could even grow a spare heart or liver from their own stem cells and preserve it through vitrification in case it was ever needed, Higgins said. Important applications might also be found in new drug development. Drug testing is now carried out with traditional cell culture systems or animal models, which in many cases don’t accurately predict the effect of the drug in humans. To address this, researchers are developing “organson-a-chip,” or microfluidic chambers that contain human cells cultured under conditions that mimic native tissues or organs. These new “organ-on-a-chip” systems may be able more accurately to predict drug responses in humans, but to deploy them; cells must be preserved in long-term storage. The new research

could help address this by making it possible to store the systems in a vitrified state. The OSU College of Engineering is among the nation’s largest and most productive engineering programs and is a leader in signature research areas. ISI

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PAGE 38 IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT

IdahoSeniorIndependent.com

DECEMBER 2016/JANUARY 2017

New device stops a cold before it starts

USA — New research shows you can stop a Users wrote things like, “It stopped my cold cold in its tracks if you take one simple step with a right away,” and “Is it supposed to work that fast?” new device when you first feel a cold coming on. “What a wonderful thing,” wrote Physician’s Colds start when cold viruses get in your nose. Assistant Julie. “Now I have this little magic wand, Viruses multiply fast. If you don’t stop them early, no more colds for me!” they spread all through your airways and cause Pat McAllister, age 70, received one for Christmisery. mas and called it “one of the best presents ever. But scientists have found a quick way to kill a This little jewel really works.” virus - touch it with copper. Researchers at labs People have used CopperZap preventively, and universities worldwide all agree - copper is too, before cold signs appear. Karen Gauci, who “antimicrobial.” It kills microbes, such as viruses flies often for her job, used to get colds after and bacteria, just by touch. crowded flights. Though skeptical, she tried it That’s why the ancient Greeks and Egyptians several times a day on travel days for 2 months. used copper to purify water and heal wounds. They “Sixteen flights and not a sniffle!” she exclaimed. didn’t know about viBusiness owner ruses and bacteria, Rosaleen says when but now we do. people are sick Researchers say around her she uses microbe cells have CopperZap morning an internal electric and night. “It saved charge which copme last holidays,” she per’s high conducsaid. “The kids had tance short-circuits. colds going round This destroys the cell and round, but not in seconds. me.” Tests by the EnviUsers report it ronmental Protection also helps with sinusAgency (EPA) show New research: Copper stops colds if used early. es. Attorney Donna germs die fast on copBlight had a 2-day per. So some hospitals switched to copper touch sinus headache. When her CopperZap arrived, surfaces, like faucets and doorknobs. This cut the she tried it. “I am shocked!” she said. “My head hospital spread of MRSA and other illnesses by cleared, no more headache, no more congestion.” over half, and saved lives. Some users say copper stops nighttime stuffiThe strong scientific evidence gave inventor ness if they use it just before bed. One man said, Doug Cornell an idea. When he felt a cold com- “Best sleep I’ve had in years.” ing on he fashioned a smooth copper probe and The handle is sculpted to fit the hand and imrubbed it gently in his nose for 60 seconds. prove copper contact. Tests show it kills germs on “It worked!” he exclaimed. “The cold went away fingers to help you stay well and not spread illness completely.” It worked again every time he felt a to your family. cold coming on. He reports he has never had a Copper can even help stop a flu if used early cold since. and for several days. In a lab test, scientists placed He asked relatives and friends to try it. They 25 million live flu viruses on a CopperZap. No visaid it worked for them, too, every time. So he ruses were found still alive soon after. patented CopperZap™ and put it on the market. The EPA says the natural color change of copSoon hundreds of people had tried it. More per does not reduce its ability to kill germs. than 99 percent of their feedback said the copper CopperZap is made in the U.S. of pure Ameristopped their colds if used within 3 hours after the can copper. It is $47, with a full 90-day money first sign. Even up to 2 days, if they still got the back guarantee, at CopperZap.com or toll-free at cold it was milder than usual and they felt better. 1-888-411-6114. ISI

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(NAPSI) – Some eye diseases have no warning signs until damage has been done, but vision loss may be minimized if diseases are detected and treated early. That’s why comprehensive eye exams are essential to maintaining eye health and catching problems before symptoms occur. Approximately 11 million Americans live with macular degeneration, which damages central vision and is a leading cause of legal blindness. Yet many people have never heard of the condition until they are diagnosed. About 3 million Americans have some form of glaucoma, which affects side vision and can lead to blindness if not treated. An estimated half of these individuals aren’t aware they have the disease. “These statistics are one reason BrightFocus Foundation is offering free resources to help protect sight,” says Stacy Pagos Haller, BrightFocus President. She notes that a comprehensive eye exam is more than the eye chart used to test sight at distances. It also involves pupil dilation that allows the doctor to see signs of disease, and tonometry to measure eye fluid pressure, helpful in detecting glaucoma.

Comprehensive exams are particularly important for those at risk for vision diseases, including: • Persons with a family history of glaucoma; • Persons over age 60; • Hispanics; and • African Americans over age 40. Ask your doctor how often you should schedule exams, based on your family history and risk factors. BrightFocus offers resources in English and Spanish: • Download or request the pocket card, Top Five Questions to Ask Your Eye Doctor. • View Find an Eye Doctor directories to locate one near you. • Order brochures on glaucoma and macular degeneration. To access these resources, visit brightfocus. org/eye-health, or call 800-437-2423. BrightFocus Foundation is a nonprofit organization supporting innovative research worldwide and promoting public awareness to end macular degeneration, glaucoma, and Alzheimer’s disease. ISI

DECEMBER 2016/JANUARY 2017

IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT PAGE 39

Whether You Dine Out Or Prepare It At Home, Here Is Some Dish About Soup By Ellen Scolnic and Joyce Eisenberg It will soon be freezing with snow – perhaps a lot of snow, but lucky for us, January is National Soup Month. It only took a few clicks to learn that the word soup comes from the word sop, which referred to the piece of bread or toast that was soaked in broth and then eaten. You know, as in “sop up the broth.” Soup was one of the first fast foods. As early as 600 BCE, the Greeks sold soup on the street with peas, beans, and lentils as main ingredients. Soup was revolutionized in America when Dr. John Dorrance, a chemist, figured out how to reduce the water in soup. It was his idea to sell a small can of condensed soup for a dime. His invention made his family millionaires and

changed the fortunes of the Campbell’s Soup Company, too. Every culture has its favorite soup. This past weekend, Joyce cooked up a batch of split pea soup with ham, her husband’s favorite. Ellen made ribollita, the Tuscan bean soup her husband fell in love with on a trip to Italy. Ribollita means “reboiled,” because this is a soup that improves with age. The more times you reheat it, the more the flavors meld and intensify. Classic ribollita uses white beans and is vegetarian, but Italian grandmothers have many variations; some include pancetta or ham, others add Swiss chard or Tuscan kale. If you have a Jewish grandmother, chances are you have some chicken soup memories. Joyce is happy to have her grandmother’s vintage aluminum stockpot, which is so tall it doesn’t fit in

a kitchen cabinet. But even using a vintage pot, it’s hard to reproduce the soup of memories. Our friend Stephanie believes the deep, rich yellow color of the chicken soup she loved came from the chicken feet that were crucial to her family’s recipe. Although she loved that soup, Stephanie has yet to ask for chicken feet at the local grocery. While some bubbies never wrote down their recipes, Joyce’s Aunt Ruth did. Her cooking skills live on, thanks to a website she created to preserve her family recipes for her grandchildren. In between recipes for mandelbrot and macaroons, you can find her chicken soup recipe. Here’s the link – playalong.tripod.com/cook.html. So when the waiter or waitress takes your order – be sure to add some soup – there are three more months left of winter! ISI

PAGE 40 IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT

DECEMBER 2016/JANUARY 2017

Larry Torix and other archers find their niche while nocking arrows

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Curiosity is one of the permanent and certain characteristics of a vigorous intellect. – Samuel Johnson

Article & Photo By Dianna Troyer For longtime archer Larry Torix, it is just as thrilling to teach someone to shoot as it is for him to hit a bull’s-eye. “You wouldn’t believe how archery can change people,” says Larry, vice-president of the Minidoka Bowmen, an archery club based in Rupert. “Kids come in here shy, and before you know it with a few lessons, they’re hitting that X. You can watch them gain self-confidence.” Larry, 66, a retired Idaho State Police officer, began shooting years ago to relax after a day’s work in law enforcement. Established in 1948, the club has grown steadily to about 150 archers ranging in age from four to 80. They come from all walks of life. “We like the physical and mental challenge of the sport and have a winter league for those who like indoor competition,” Larry says. “About half our members just like to shoot targets year-round at our indoor or outdoor ranges. Others are hunters and shoot to stay tuned up for hunting season.” Members shoot at the indoor range any time of day or night, using an inexpensive $15 annual access code purchased in addition to a single annual membership of $25. “There’s someone down here about every night of the week,” he says of the club’s indoor range at 215 K Street in Rupert. Bows and arrows are provided for anyone who wants to try the sport. “We’ve welcomed teens on probation that come in with officers, Boy and Girl Scout troops, church groups, and we even had a wheelchairbound athlete who came during one of our open houses to shoot,” says Larry. Because membership has grown, the club built a 30-foot by 40-foot addition onto the building for

meetings and as a hunter’s education classroom. The clubhouse also has a partial kitchen and handicapped accessible restrooms. After the winter league ends, the club sponsors several spring and summer competitions. One of the most popular events uses life-sized, foam, three-dimensional targets. “People love the dinosaurs, especially a Stegosaurus and a Velociraptor because they look similar to the ones in Jurassic Park,” says Larry. The Cowboys and Indians Shoot in March, hosted at the Burley Trap Club, tests competitors’ shooting skills with firearms as well as archery. The club saves part of the money raised from entry fees at the meets to provide college scholarships. “In April, we pick three recipients who share $1,200,” says Larry, pointing to a bulletin board with photos of club members who have won prestigious competitions. Jasmine Shockey has earned several championship titles. She was the National Field Archery Association Idaho 3D Marked Women’s Champion in 2010 and every year consecutively from 2012 to 2015. She was also the Idaho State Field Shoot Women’s Champion last year and this year. Jasmine, her husband, Brad Shockey Jr., and their daughters, Dallis and Allison, shoot together, often traveling to competitions nationwide. “Archery truly is a lifetime sport for all ages,” she says. “You get addicted because of the wonderful people you meet.” The club’s events and other information are listed at idahoarchery.com and a Facebook page. ISI

Pickleball Keeps Alan Maxwell And Friends Moving And Laughing Article & Photo By Dianna Troyer Whenever Alan Maxwell and Vic Claridge and their friends play Pickleball, laughter is heard as often as the distinctive thwack sound of a ball hitting a paddle. The game with the peculiar name, along with its rules, tends to tickle players’ funny bones. “One of the funniest rules is that you have to stay out of the kitchen,” says Alan, referring to a non-volley zone, an area on a Pickleball court 7 feet from the net. “You can’t hit in the kitchen, so it eliminates

the aggressive overhead shots that you can do in tennis,” explains Alan. “So, this game is easier on your shoulders than tennis.” Alan, 64, and Vic, 66, began playing Pickleball in October 2015 after a friend in Twin Falls taught them. “We had played tennis together for 30 years and were looking for a sport to play in winter,” says Alan, who lives in Rupert. “There aren’t any indoor tennis courts in town, so Pickleball seemed perfect. We had a ball learning to play, so I bought the equipment. It’s inexpensive.” A package of six hard balls, similar to wiffle balls, costs about $15, while a solid racquet costs $20 to $100. A portable net costs about $150 and a roll of tape to mark off a court costs about $7. Vic says, “It’s not a hard game and can be competitive or social, whatever your interests.” Pickleball rules were developed to prevent one side from having an advantage. The ball has to bounce twice after it is served, once on the opponent’s court and once again on the server’s court. It slows the game down and prevents rushing the net to dominate the game. Alan and Vic have taught more than a dozen other players who meet regularly at the LDS Rupert West Stake Center to play. Depending on their schedules, six to eight men play every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 6 a.m. An hour later, about nine women play Monday through Friday.

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“We hope interest keeps growing, so eventually the city will provide a place to play,” says Alan. “It doesn’t take up a lot of room. Four Pickleball courts can fit on one tennis court.” Alan’s wife, Martha, became hooked, too. “I’ve never really played sports before, but the rules are so easy to learn, and it’s fun,” says Martha, 64, who nicknamed her racquet Yellow Lightning. “We have a ball because it’s great exercise for people of all ages. The net sets up so quickly, and you can play almost anywhere. We like it for family reunions.” Arleen Miles, 78, says she plays “because it keeps me moving and is such a positive game. I can still do it as old as I am. I’ve been told that two of the best women players in Twin Falls are 84 and 81.” Martha adds, “Arleen puts a mean spin on the ball that she learned from playing ping pong.” Another regular player, Annie Torix, 63, says, “It’s the women who make it fun. Some days we play better than other days, but no one cares. We’re all about 10 years apart in age and don’t take the game seriously.” Other competitors take Pickleball seriously. “At the Huntsman World Senior Games in St. George, it’s the first event that fills up in a few hours after

registration opens,” says Alan. Since becoming Pickleball players, the Maxwells have learned about its origins. In 1965, the late Joel Pritchard, a Congressman from Washington, and his friends invented the game while relaxing on Bainbridge Island during a summer

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weekend. Brainstorming for recreational activity for their families, they noticed an old badminton court on the property, some old ping-pong paddles, and a perforated ball. With that equipment, they developed the game, relying on badminton rules. Joel’s wife, Joan, a competitive rower, helped name the slow-paced, fledgling game. In an interview years after her husband invented the game, she said it reminded her of a Pickle Boat crew whose oarsmen were chosen from leftovers of other boats. The idea that the game was named for their dog, Pickles, arose because it made for a funnier story. As interest grew, the USA Pickleball Association was established in 1984 as a non-profit organization with a membership, tournaments, and rankings. Since then, the game has spread internationally, and the association estimates that more than 100,000 people play regularly. Alan taught their kids to play and is impressed that he can still beat his 39-year-old son Preston. “That won’t last long, though,” adds Alan, laughing. Martha, who plays four days a week, says, “I’m definitely addicted. It’s a game that just makes you feel good.” More information about Pickleball may be found at usapa.org. ISI

Historic Coins And Currency Fascinate Collector David Ryzak By Dianna Troyer Whenever David Ryzak handles historic currency or a collectible coin, he says he cannot help but wonder who else once touched it. “Maybe a president or an emperor or even Jesus touched certain coins. We’ll never know,” says the 70-year-old Burley resident who is a member of the Empty Pockets Coins and Currency Club. “What we do know is whenever you hold a coin or currency in your hand, you’re holding a piece of history.” To illustrate his point, he flips open a notebook filled with neatly labeled currency he purchased from the Publishers Clearing House. He turns to a page with a 1923 Deutsche mark. “Germany suffered from such high inflation after World War I that people were pushing around wheelbarrows filled with marks just to buy a loaf of bread. The country’s economic collapse eventually enabled Hitler to come to power.” Other currency in the notebook came from more than 20 countries including Pakistan, Bulgaria, Bosnia, and Germany. “The entire collection is only worth about $20, but that’s okay. It was fun to figure out the countries of origin.” The mysteries of coins and currency and their values are discussed at the Empty Pockets Club meetings the third Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Paul City Hall Community Room. New members are welcome. “It’s a fascinating hobby because you’re always learning,” says David, club secretary. For example, many people are unaware that an Idaho resident, Shoshone tribal member Randy L’Teton, was the model for the Sacajawea dollar, first minted in 2000. Randy, who grew up on the Fort Hall Indian Reservation, was a student at the University of New Mexico when sculptor Glenna Goodacre asked her to pose for the coin. At the club’s meetings, members also teach newcomers how to grade coins. If people are curious about a coin’s value, David suggests they find a dealer. Information may also be found at coinworld.com. “It might be worth more than you think. Some coins are more valuable than a house or car if they have a shiny luster and only a few were minted.”

Flipping through The Official Red Book, A Guidebook of United States Coins, he stops at a page describing rare 1913 Liberty Head nickels. An employee at the Philadelphia Mint struck them clandestinely. Only five are known to exist, and one sold for $3.5 million at an auction in 2014. Coins with mistakes are often valuable. For example, certain Wisconsin quarters minted in 2004 in Denver are worth more than 25 cents if they have an extra leaf on a corn stalk on the coin’s reverse side. According to the coin guidebook, if the extra leaf is low on the stalk, it’s worth $50 to $165 depending on its condition. Quarters with the extra leaf high on the stalk are valued at $75 to $200 in uncirculated condition. While the coin’s value is known, what will always be unknown is how and why the flawed coins were struck. Did a disgruntled employee at the mint intentionally add an extra leaf due to boredom, a grudge, or just to see if it could be done? David’s fascination with coins began in his teens when he collected Mercury dimes, Liberty quarters, and Barber half dollars. “A friend and I bought a former neighbor’s coin collection when we were in high school, and we split it up.” His numismatic hobby was sidelined for years while he worked as a geologist and spent time with his wife and children. In 2003, he had more time to collect seriously. “The Barber or Liberty Head half dollars always appealed to me for some reason,” he says. The government awarded DAVITA TWIN FALLS DIALYSIS CENTER top marks in “I had some from childits Five-Star Quality Rating System for providing quality dialysis care to patients.* hood, so when I started DAVITA TWIN FALLS DIALYSIS CENTER collecting seriously, I 582 POLE LINE ROAD • TWIN FALLS focused on those.” Call 208-733-2006 to schedule a tour and see why our David keeps his DaVita Center exceeds quality standards. Learn more at DaVita.com/Five Star. valuable coins inside © 2014 DaVita HealthCare Partners Inc. *According to 2014 data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) Five-Star Quality Rating System. specially made collec-

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tion books in a safe deposit box at a local bank. “It took me 10 years to find the 73 Barber or Liberty Head half dollars to complete a collection,” he says. The coins, minted from 1892 to 1915, were named for their designer Charles E. Barber. “The search is the fun part,” he says about finding coins through dealers, the Internet, or at coin shows. At a show in Las Vegas, he almost completed his Barber Dime collection. “I needed only the

1895-O to finish my collection, but the $200 dime was too worn out and the $2,200 dime was too expensive, so I waited for another opportunity. I did find the 1895-O at a later show at a price and condition that were acceptable.”

Archibalds’ Project Brightens Holidays - cont’d from cover

Ray says the project has touched lives in unforeseen ways. “The things that have happened because of this seem to be more than coincidence, as if the Lord’s hand was blessing it,” says Ray. “It’s literally been a life-saver for some people.” One year, they received a shipment of Beanie Babies. “We couldn’t use them because they were too bulky, so we found a chaplain in Iraq and shipped them to him,” says Cheri. “He distributed them to soldiers, who in turn gave them to the kids they met.” One day, a little boy tugged on a soldier’s sleeve and told him not to go down a certain street because he had seen a bomb planted there. The soldier asked the boy why he was telling him this. “From the inside his shirt, the boy pulled out a Beanie Baby,” says Ray. “How many lives were saved because of that?” Soldiers are not the only benefactors. “One woman thanked us for saving her life,” says Cheri. “She told us she was in her 40s, homebound from being disabled, and felt worthless. Writing letters helped her have a sense of purpose and hope.” The Archibalds are continuing the project their daughter Tawny and son Ian started to ensure soldiers would BABY LOCK know someone cares about them during the holidays. Tawny and her husband, Joseph, who is an Army flight medic, were stationed in Landstuhl, Germany. “It was their first year overseas, and they couldn’t come home for Christmas,” says Cheri. “She realized other soldiers were away from home for the first time, too, and decided to make some gift bags for them. She asked her brother to help her as his Eagle Scout project.” 208-733-3344 | TFSEWING.COM

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Ian and his parents organized volunteers for six weeks and made 1,500 gift bags that were distributed to soldiers traveling through Ramstein Air Force Base and to patients at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center. “It was intense getting it all organized,” recalls Cheri. “When we were done, we were relieved and thought that was the end of it.” The Archibalds resumed their daily routine, until an unforgettable letter arrived. “A soldier wrote and said he hoped we had time to do it again because that was all he got for Christmas,” says Ray. “How could we quit?” Meanwhile, Project Rudolph began to take on a life of its own by word-of-mouth. “People kept sending donations to pay for shipping,” says Cheri. “Last year, it cost about $4,500 to send 8,400 bags. Teachers from throughout the United States kept sending us letters their students had written.” Ray, a woodworker hobbyist, had an article written in a scroll saw magazine asking for handmade ornaments. Readers have been fulfilling his wishes ever since. Cheri says they need sturdy flat ornaments that will survive shipping. Donors can write Project Rudolph on them but should not write a year on them. “We’re always short on letters from adults, too,” she says. To pack the bags, volunteers meet at Burley Junior High School before Thanksgiving. “We have about 300 people from all walks of life and civic organizations who help out,” says Cheri. “We’ve even had people who have worked off their community service hours.” Ray estimates they fill about 4,400 bags in three hours. “It’s like trick-or-treat, where the items are at stations, so people get a bag and walk along to have it filled.” One station has pre-bagged candy while others have ornaments and letters. Cheri says she hopes a committee will eventually form to run Project Rudolph because it has grown so large. Tawny, whose husband is stationed in Korea, helps with donations as much as possible from her home in Texas. “We’ll keep doing it as long as we can,” says Cheri. “Unit leaders tell us the bags boost morale. The thank you letters we receive from soldiers keep us going.” To become involved, the Archibalds may be reached at projectrudolph.org or 208-862-3883. ISI

Five Secrets Fulfilled People Use Everyday By Dr. William Schiemann Are there real tricks to becoming fulfilled in life? You bet. My research and that of others suggests that there are key street-smart actions that those who are most fulfilled use every day in their professional and personal lives. I interviewed over 100 successful people some who were fulfilled and others who were not to understand why success does not always bring about fulfillment. There was amazing convergence around several things that fulfilled people do at work and home. Here are the top five: 1. Have strong values. Do your work environment, family, and friends allow you to behave consistent with your values? Having to behave contrary with your values can be debilitating. 2. Practice resilience. The ability to face adversity and bounce back. One part of resilience is having grit, a firmness of character, or as psychologist Angela Duckworth describes it based on her studies, perseverance and passion for long-term goals. It was a rare person who could pursue their long-term goals without setbacks in their lives, divorces, failed promotions, cancer, family members coming off the rails. Many people

DECEMBER 2016/JANUARY 2017

who I knew to be successful in their professional lives had many hidden stories of failures and bounce backs. They used a variety of approaches to get around those adversities that you can borrow in your own life, such as building a support network as you plough through challenges. Those who had developed mentors found them particularly helpful. Some dug deep into their long-term vision or spirituality to help them overcome setbacks. We all have setbacks, it’s how you get up that makes the difference. 3. Take risks. One interesting finding is the number of people who either took risks and vouched that those risks stretched them and enabled them to reach new heights, or those who regretted not taking more risks. It appears that wisdom brings with it perspective. What appeared to be huge risks to many when they were young now seem insignificant in hindsight. Although hindsight is often 20-20, it would be too easy to dismiss this advice simply as sages looking through the rear view mirror. Instead, many felt so strongly about this that they have gone overboard in encouraging their children to take more risks. This is one of the most difficult lessons in the art of fulfillment, but you can help yourself by having a longer term vision, with many stepping stones along the way that allow you to see the big picture. Imminent risks are often much less threatening when viewing the

big picture. Another key is talking to those who have faced those risks before, often providing sage advice that allows one to reduce the fear and anxiety that comes with perceived risk. 4. Build a network. One out-of-work pharmaceutical executive told me that the only time he networks is when he is out of work, lamenting that he has not learned from past mistakes. It takes so much longer to reconnect with people and build trust, he shared. This is an increasing challenge to those who are overloaded at work today. Many interviewees commented that time pressures reduced their attendance at meetings outside work, limited hobby and family time, and reduced the time to simply keep up with friends and professional colleagues on social media. Most realized that having a good network is a key skill, particularly in the world where networks and connections are the increasing key to scoring the next great job, or finding a life partner, or getting into the right school. If you are not building your network continuously, you are falling behind. 5. Give back. An often forgotten element that brought fulfillment to many was giving back. Sharing your skills and experiences with others can bring an incredible sense of fulfillment when you see what it can do for others. I began volunteering for not-for-profits later in life and I can attest that it has been one of the most rewarding experiences. One group I encountered during my investigations was Rosie’s kids a program to help

IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT PAGE 43

inner city kids go ahead in life by teaching them stage skills dancing and singings their hearts away. I first heard the back-story of so many of the disadvantaged kids crack houses, abusive parents, abandoned, homeless and then I saw these kids performing with huge smiles on their faces. One child summed it up for me when he said that he was excited about his future his chances. And with a tear in my eye, I realized the power of enabling others to become fulfilled. Take a moment to think about your own fulfillment. Do you have a vision, are you taking enough risks, have you built networks to help you during difficult setbacks, and are you giving back to others more in need? Try it. I think you will find yourself more fulfilled. William A. Schiemann, Ph.D. is CEO of Metrus Group. He is a thought leader in human resources, employee engagement, and fulfillment and author of Fulfilled! Critical Choices Work, Home, Life released October 1, 2016. ISI

Rocks Around The Clock In Filer In March! The Magic Valley Gem Club Annual Show will be held March 11-12, 2017 at the Twin Falls County Fairgrounds in Filer. This is your opportunity to experience the beauties and intricacies of Idaho’s gemstones and those from surrounding states. You will find 50 display cases filled with slabs, cabochons, finished jewelry, faceted gemstones, finished objects, and much more. We have also invited ten dealers from Idaho and beyond to display and sell their items. We are honored to have display and informational booths from the Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument and the Herrett Museum rotating collection. Throughout the show, club members will demonstrate faceting, micromounts, tumbling, sawing slabs, wire wrapping,

silver smithing, rock polishing, and other lapidary techniques. With door prizes, a grand prize drawing, games for the kids and the young-at-heart, two wheels-of-fortune, a sand dig, silent auction, and grab bags, this year’s show promises two days packed with fun and education. You will be able to learn about the Gem Club, the Gold Prospector’s Club, field trips, our annual scholarship at C.S.I., and what we have been doing since our formation in 1951 to promote the study and appreciation of mineralogy and allied earth sciences. For more information call Shirley Metts at 208-423-4827 or visit magicvalleygemclub.org. Everything we do is just plain fun, fun, fun! ISI

Buying a watch in 1880 – history you probably didn’t know! If you were in the market for a watch in 1880, would you know where to get one? You would go to a store, right? Of course you could do that, but if you wanted one that was cheaper and a bit better than most of the store watches, you went to the train station! Sound a bit funny? Well, for about 500 towns across the northern United States, that’s where the best watches were found. Why were the best watches found at the train station? The railroad company wasn’t selling the watches, not at all – the telegraph operator was. Most of the time the telegraph operator was located in the railroad station because the telegraph lines followed the railroad tracks from town to town. It was usually the shortest distance and the right-of-ways had already been secured for the rail line. Most of the station agents were also skilled telegraph operators for railroad communications. And it was the telegraph operator who had the watches. In fact, they sold more of them than almost all the stores combined for a period of about 9 years. This was all arranged by Richard, who was a telegraph operator himself. He was on duty in the North Redwood, Minnesota train station one day when a load of watches arrived from the East. It was a huge crate of pocket

watches, but no one ever came to claim them. Richard sent a telegram to the manufacturer and asked what they wanted to do with the watches. The manufacturer didn’t want to pay the freight back, so they wired Richard to see if he could sell them, which Richard did. He sent a wire to every agent in the system asking them if they wanted a cheap, but good, pocket watch, and he sold the entire shipment in just a couple of days at a handsome profit. That started it all. He ordered more watches from the watch company and encouraged the telegraph operators to set up a display case in the station offering high quality watches for a low price to all the travelers. It worked, the word spread, and soon people other than travelers came to the train station to buy watches. Richard became so busy that he had to hire a professional watchmaker, Alvah, to help him with the orders. And the rest is history as they say. The business took off and soon expanded to many other lines of dry goods. Richard and Alvah left the train station and moved their company to Chicago – where it still operates. And to think it all started with watches at the train station and telegraph operator, Richard Sears and his partner Alvah Roebuck. Now that’s history! ISI

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