Montana Senior News | April // May 2018 by Montana Senior News

VOL 34 # 4 • APRIL // MAY 2018 INFORMING • ENTERTAINING • EMPOWERING

MONTANASENIORNEWS.COM

DOUSING THE

FLAMES NO SINGLE SOLUTION FOR WILDFIRE MANAGEMENT READ MORE ON PAGE 38

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MONTANA SENIOR NEWS â&#x20AC;˘ APRIL // MAY 2018

ABOUT US

Contributing Writers

Our Staff

MAILING ADDRESS 1985 McMannamy Draw Kalispell, MT 59901 PHONE 406-761-0305 or 800-672-8477 WEB montanaseniornews.com EMAIL info@montanaseniornews.com

Published six times per year, our paper exists to serve our mature readers. We encourage our readers to contribute interesting material. As such, any views expressed in editorial are not necessarily the views of the publisher. Likewise, this publication does not endorse any particular product or service shown in the advertisements appearing in this paper.

Robert Hunt....................... Publisher Janet Hunt.......................... Chief Financial Officer Kathleen McGregor........... Advertising Sales Diane Brosseau................. Advertising Sales Carol Blodgett.................... Advertising Sales Digital Specialist Jonathan Rimmel............... General Manager Graphic Designer Webmaster Nann Parrett...................... Managing Editor Sherrie Smith..................... Production Assistant Ruth Hunt........................... Social Media Manager Peter Thornburg................ Distribution

Natalie Bartley Marie Buckley Fish Holly Endersby Ella Mae Howard Gail Jokerst Jack McNeel Aaron Parrett

Charles Parrett Jonathan Rimmel Russell Rowland Dianna Troyer Suzanne Waring Jeremy Watterson

ÂŠ 2018

All copy appearing in this publication is copyright protected and may be reprinted only with written permission of the publisher.

Contents Letters to the Editor......................3

Dining Guide.................................. 28

Fitness............................................ 56

Brain Games.................................. 4

Recreation...................................... 30

Nutrition......................................... 59

Comics............................................ 7

Senior Discounts........................... 36

Answers to Brain Games..............62

Home & Lifestyle........................... 8

Cover Story.................................... 38

Photography.................................. 63

Modern Senior.............................. 16

Southwest MT................................ 40

Travel.............................................. 64

Inspiration...................................... 20

Money Matters.............................. 46

All About Montana........................67

Fluffy Critters................................. 22

Health Care.................................... 49

Entertainment............................... 24

Caregiving...................................... 53

APRIL // MAY 2018 • MONTANA SENIOR NEWS

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Letters

QUESTIONS•COMMENTS•PRAISES•SUGGESTIONS ROUTE PLANNING FOR UNPREDICTABLE ROAD CONDITIONS (Elizabeth Larch) may not be aware of a state/county rule about snow plowing(“A Solution to Unpredictable Road Conditions,” Feb/Mar MSN)—main highways and “school bus routes” are cleared first. I plowed snow 1982-83 winters at Ferndale area, east of Bigfork. I had all the county roads there (Swan Sites, Bear Creek Road, etc). Always started at 4 am, bus routes first! Then the rest. It

worked well for most folks. I hope this helps Elizabeth’s understanding of route planning. Trixie Neugebauer, Kalispell

DIVERSE STORIES, KNOWLEDGEABLE AUTHORS I look forward to reading each edition of your paper. The wife and I live in the Denver, Colo., metro area. We are both in our 80s, so we qualify as seniors. We have relatives in the Kalispell region and are particularly interested

in news of that area. However, the diverse stories included in each issue are exceedingly interesting. The authors are knowledgeable and write interesting stories of Montana and various social and personal issues. The diverse articles going from food to travel to romance to aging in place to the inevitable “garage sale” make for good reading. Keep up the good work. Gerald Birney, Denver, Colorado

A Few Random Thoughts About Trees BY BONNIE MCCUNE (SENIOR WIRE) There’s something about trees that makes me feel good without thinking. I might believe I’m as low as the soles of my shoes, worrying about car payments, anxious over diplomatic relations with North Korea, fuming about my flopped soufflé—but let me walk by a spruce, aspen, maple, or oak, and that mood starts to dissipate. The day seems sunnier, the air fresher. Doesn’t matter the season. Every season brings its own joys and discoveries. Last winter a frost would hit, and leafless trees would be iced with the most delicate coating of crystals. In spring tiny green buds push through the protective scales on

branches as if sampling the climate to decide if the temperature warrants further growth. Trees seem to pulse with life itself.

Vote!

Arbor Day is coming up, the last Friday in April in most states. I remember planting a sapling with great ceremony with my class in elementary school, as well as sporadic similar activities over the years hosted by community groups. Why did we bother? When, with typical human irrationality, we’ve for centuries cut down and decimated trees by the millions. England, Scotland, and Ireland used to be covered with forests, but mankind happily thwacked its way down the earth to use the resources for more urgent needs. Now Arbor Day, as well as additional activities like the Tree City USA program, makes amends by encouraging natural tree CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

Learn more at www.alforsenate.us

FIXING BROKEN GOVERNMENT After 30 years of fixing broken people, Dr. Al is fixing broken government. Send Dr. Al to Washington D.C. to fix the broken policies burdening Montanans! • THIRD GENERATION MONTANAN | Born and raised in Great Falls, Dr. Al is the great grandson of farmers and miners. • AIR FORCE VETERAN | Dr. Al demonstrates service above self. Over a decade in the Air Force fortified Dr. Al’s love for our nation. • PHYSICIAN & HEALTHCARE EXPERT | Dr. Al has cared for +100,000 patients. He will fix our broken healthcare system. • BATTLE-TESTED STATE LEGISLATOR | Dr. Al is a fearless advocate for rural healthcare, public lands, and the protection of life from conception to natural death. • FAMILY VALUES | Dr. Al is a husband of 30 years, father of six children, and soon to be grandpa!

Paid for by Dr. Al Olszewski for U.S. Senate

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MONTANA SENIOR NEWS • APRIL // MAY 2018

PAGE 4

Brain Games

PUZZLES•QUIZZES•GAMES•CONTESTS•BRAIN TEASERS•FUN

FIREARMS WANTED

Any inherited or estate items. Discretion assured.

Call Tom at 406-546-6930

ANSWERS TO PUZZLES ON PAGE 62

The Heritage An Assisted Living Facility for Native American Elders A beautiful facility overlooking the Tongue River Valley and small town of Ashland in Southeastern Montana. We call it “The Miracle On The Hill.” The Heritage Living Center relies solely on donations. Your gifts of support will be everlasting and appreciated by our Native American elders/residents at the Heritage Living Center. We hope you consider supporting our family members, relatives and friends. We would like to invite you to a two day visit or as our weekend guest. Please call the Heritage Living Center 406-784-2840 mention the AD and we will set up a date for your complimentary stay.

To make a donation please send to: Soaring Eagle P.O. Box 879 Billings, MT 59103

Name:__________________ Address:________________ City:___________________ State:_____ Zip:_________ Amount:________________

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APRIL // MAY 2018 • MONTANA SENIOR NEWS

Sudoku

Brain Games

PAGE 5

Complete the grid, so each row, column, and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit www.sudoku.org.uk

ANIMAL TALK A man is walking in the desert with his horse and his dog when the dog says, “I can’t do this. I need water.” The man says, “I didn’t know dogs could talk.” The horse says, “Me neither!” Submitted by Julie Fink Brantley

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MONTANA SENIOR NEWS • APRIL // MAY 2018

Brain Games

Doodle Puzzle By Florence Paxton Here’s a coloring page to help you pass the time. And while you’re at it, seek and find various subjects associated with our great state. TIME TO BRUSH UP ON YOUR MONTANA FACTS! State Nickname: Big Sky Country State Bird: Western Meadowlark State Flower: Bitterroot State Tree: Ponderosa Pine State Animal: Grizzly Bear State Fossil: Dinosaur

Thanks to all who participated in our Doodle Puzzle contest for the February/March 2018 issue. The winner of the $25 prize is Carol Erickson from Sidney, MT. A $25 cash prize is awarded from each issue of the Montana Senior News to the person who submits the prettiest coloring from the previous issue. Please mail your entries for all contests to the Montana Senior News, 1985 McMannamy Draw, Kalispell, MT 59901, or email to info@

montanaseniornews.com by May 15, 2018 for this edition. 1. Big Horn Sheep 2. Bird 3. Capital 4. Deer 5. Dinosaur 6. Elk 7. Falls 8. Fish 9. Flag 10. Flower 11. Geyser 12. Grizzly Bear 13. Native American 14. Museum 15. Rodeo 16. Tree Answers to last issue’s Doodle Quiz: 1. Bees, 2. Cheetah, 3. Babar the Elephant, 4. Yogi and Boo Boo, 5. Army, 6. Hare, 7. Spider, 8. Wolf, 9. Five, 10. Dragonfly, 11. Four, 12. Angora Goat, 13. Drones, 14. Goat,

APRIL // MAY 2018 • MONTANA SENIOR NEWS

s c i m o C

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PAGE 8

Home&Lifestyle

GARDEN•REAL ESTATE•RECIPIES•DECOR•ANTIQUES

Wood Stove Honey Mustard Chicken BY GAIL JOKERST Some 35 years ago, a friend introduced me to a curry-scented chicken dish that has justifiably earned its place as one of my favorite go-to dinners. When I want something tasty that’s simple to make, I look no further than Wood Stove Chicken. The recipe came from the pages of The Christian Science Monitor and features a sweetly pungent honey-mustard sauce that’s tempting enough to eat solo by the spoonful. Since most people I’ve served this to request seconds, along with the recipe, it seemed fitting to share the ingredients and directions with more people than can fit around my dining room table. Despite having heated our home with wood for several decades, I confess I’ve never made this one-pot gem using a wood burning stove. Fortunately for me, our electric oven has always accomplished the job admirably. But no matter, since the chicken and sauce ingredients nestle compatibly in a Dutch oven, any reliable heat source should do—gas, propane, electric, charcoal, or wood. Over time, I’ve tweaked the original ingredients to suit my preferences. I substituted

fresh garlic for powdered, slightly increased the curry quotient, and opted for chicken breasts or tenders over a 3-pound bird cut into parts. A melding of the aforementioned garlic and curry, plus butter and Dijon mustard, the sauce thickens to a glossy golden-brown coating for the chicken. Best of all, it requires minimal effort or attention. As one friend emailed me after creating her first batch without having sampled the dish beforehand, “I liked the fact that it was

easy to prepare and used ingredients that I always have on hand. And it didn’t taste like any of the chicken recipes that I have. And, did I mention that it was DELICIOUS!!!” MSN Gail Jokerst is a longtime contributor to Montana Senior News and Idaho Senior Independent. Visit her website at www.gailjokerst.com.

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APRIL // MAY 2018 • MONTANA SENIOR NEWS

WOOD STOVE CHICKEN INGREDIENTS < < 1 3-lb. chicken, skinned and cut in pieces (instead, I use enough boneless skinless chicken breasts or tenders for 4 servings. Since I rarely cook 3 pounds of chicken at a time, I cut the sauce ingredients below in half.) < < 2 Tbsp. butter < < 1/4 cup brown mustard (Grey Poupon Dijon Mustard works nicely.) < < 1/2 cup honey < < 1 tsp. garlic salt (or mince a fresh garlic clove, and add salt to taste.) < < 1/2 tsp. freshly ground pepper < < 1/2 tsp. curry powder (or more, depending on your relationship with curry.) paprika DIRECTIONS Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. In a Dutch oven on top of the stove, melt the butter, and gently sauté the garlic over low heat until just fragrant, or mix in garlic salt. Stir in mustard and honey and blend well, cooking briefly. Season with salt (if not using garlic salt), pepper, and curry. Add chicken, and stir to moisten all the pieces. Sprinkle with paprika, cover with the Dutch oven’s lid, and bake for an hour if using a

TREES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

life in this country. However, this is not a global trend. A report from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations says the single largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Latin America and the Caribbean is the conversion of forests to other land uses, such as agriculture. In Brazil alone, 78 million acres of rain forest are lost every year! More than 20 percent of the Amazon rain forest is already gone. Perhaps they need a huge horde of elementary students swarming into the region to plant seedlings. Unfortunately, do-gooders’ enthusiasm may outstrip scientific knowledge. Planting the wrong type of tree may do more harm than

HOME & LIFESTYLE

PAGE 9

3-lb chicken cut in pieces. At the half-hour mark, turn over the chicken, sprinkle with more paprika, replace the lid, and continue baking until the hour is up, or the chicken tests done. Chicken tenders and boneless skinless chicken breasts cook in less time, depending on their thickness, so check them sooner. I usually see how things look at the 20-minute mark. That’s when I turn over the chicken pieces and sprinkle them with additional paprika before replacing the lid and letting the chicken cook for about another 20 minutes. When the chicken is done, see if the sauce is thick. If it is, you’re ready to serve dinner. If it’s not, remove the chicken from the Dutch oven, and keep it warm while you reduce the sauce. Put the Dutch oven back on the stove top, and bring the sauce to a boil, stirring constantly. It is thick enough when you can run a rubber scraper or spatula across the pan bottom and create a visible path through the sauce as you stir. The sauce will thicken even more as it cools. At this point, you can strain the sauce to remove any minced garlic, but it’s not necessary. Pour the sauce over the chicken, and serve immediately with rice or noodles. If you like a side dish of steamed Brussels sprouts, broccoli, or cauliflower, those veggies taste especially good with the honey-mustard sauce drizzled over them. MSN

good if we’re discussing global warming. The New York Times reports using conifers where broad-leafed once flourished might increase global warming, while in colder regions, trees absorb more sun heat, again raising ground temperature. We can’t win, at least until we learn there are no simple answers to complex problems, no matter what the issue. Until we can figure out the solutions for the dilemma of trees and global warming, we can treasure the trees currently in our lives. Parks, thoroughfares, pots, farms, mountains, forests—trees are everywhere. Let’s take note by relaxing under tree limbs to celebrate the low-key, simple, friendly observance that is Arbor Day. MSN

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HOME & LIFESTYLE

PAGE 10

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(TNS) When my mother had a heart attack, she was taken to the hospital. She did not make it back. It was left to my sister and me to clean out her apartment. During our childhood, mom was a figure of rigid neatness and cleanliness. Saturdays were always clean up days; we spent hours thoroughly dusting, sweeping, and, cleaning the house. As adults, my sister and I each lived clear across the country. Mom visited us frequently. We still came back to visit at her home, but we hadn’t been there for years at the time of her death. That was why the state of her apartment was a shock to us. We saw closets packed with clothing and shoes that hadn’t been worn in decades. Every surface was covered with knickknacks and mementos. Did my mother ever look at this clutter and pick something up to let it evoke memories? She loved to travel and did so often, filling many, many scrapbooks with pictures of what she had seen. The people shown in the scrapbooks were strangers to us, her photos of sites like the Great Wall of China didn’t interest us. She left no indication of anyone who might have liked to receive these scrapbooks. My mother’s apartment building had an incinerator. After we went through the albums and selected pictures we wanted to keep, the rest went down the incinerator. Piles of items that were decades old were taken by hired handymen to garbage bins at street level. Furniture and still-good items were donated to mom’s friends or the Salvation Army. My sister and I both lived out of state and far away. We had jobs and family to return to; there was no time to sell anything. That entire time is still a nightmare. I returned home determined I would not leave the burden of clearing out my worldly goods to others. If you are 50 or 60 years of age, you may want to start a ‘Death Cleanup’

for yourself—it will benefit you while you’re still alive. Here are tips on how to do it: Start with the oldest clutter first. When was the last time you cleared out junk drawers in various rooms? Which kitchen tools do you no longer use? Toss or donate them. Are there boxes of stuff in the garage or basement

or spare room that have gone unopened for many years? Can you even remember what’s in them? If a box has been around for more than four years, you’ll probably never miss the stuff inside it. Do a quick look-through for stuff which needs to be shredded and dispose of the rest. You don’t need ten-year-old bank statements. Shred and toss them. The same with collections of old medical bills or other unimportant papers. Donate stacks of paperback books you likely will never read again, as well as sports equipment you probably won’t use again. Don’t keep clothing or shoes you haven’t worn in years, let someone else enjoy them. For items of sentimental value, like photo albums or various certificates, make a list of who you would like them to go to after you’re gone. Put that list with your will. Getting rid of unwanted items you’ve kept only out of habit will lighten up the space you live in. In addition, scientific research shows that decluttering your home may lessen or even end depression. Plan to work on your ‘Death Cleanup’ half an hour a day or every other day. Within a surprisingly short time, you’ll have more space and more peace of mind. Best of all, you make it easy for those who have to clean up afterward. MSN Wina Sturgeon is an active 55+ based in Salt Lake City, who offers news on the science of anti-aging and staying youthful at: adventuresportsweekly.com. She skates, bikes and lifts weights to stay in shape.

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APRIL // MAY 2018 • MONTANA SENIOR NEWS

HOME & LIFESTYLE

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Teach Your Grandkids Critical Thinking Skills BY KIMBERLY BLAKER Every day we’re inundated with information and often from two opposing sides. So how do we teach kids to evaluate the information they read and hear, whether it comes from the media, our leaders, family, or friends? Teaching kids to think critically is the solution and is crucial to their developing the ability to assess information and form logical conclusions about what is presented to them. Fortunately, grandparents can help foster critical thinking in their grandchildren, in many ways, to help them develop problem-solving skills. WAYS TO FOSTER CRITICAL THINKING Ask your grandchild questions. When a child asks a question or comments on a situation, look for opportunities to ask questions, rather than immediately providing an answer. Open-ended questions offer the chance to think and assess. Examples of questions you can ask are, “What would you do to solve this problem?” or “I’d like to hear what you think.” Once your grandchild has answered, ask in a non-judgmental tone for them to defend their answer. “Can you tell me why you think that?” or “What led you to this conclusion?” are a couple of questions to get kids to expound on their answers. Asking such questions provides additional opportunity to consider how they arrived at their answer. Through the process of thinking and talking about it, your grandchild might discover any faulty thinking in their initial response. Regardless of whether or not your grandchild’s thinking was correct or logical, give praise for their effort in thinking their answer through. Then, if their reasoning is

faulty, gently explain what you believe and why, to help correct any assumptions or misconceptions. Use play as an opportunity to foster critical thinking. Kids often learn best through play. Whatever they’re playing, encourage them to strategize. If it’s a board game, have them think through their next move and consider what their opponent might do. If building with legos, have your grandchild consider how the placement of one piece will affect the placement of other pieces and the look or functionality of the structure. Take advantage of everyday tasks. Giving kids real-life opportunities to problem solve is an excellent way to hone their critical-thinking skills. When your grandchild is helping you do chores, for example, allow him to do it their way a few times to see if he can figure out the most efficient way to complete the task. If, after several tries, it’s taking your grandchild longer than necessary, or the job isn’t getting done as well as it could, ask her to think of a way to do it that’s faster or does the job better. Allow your grandchild time to think about it, so she can find a solution. If she can’t come up with a solution, offer a tip and ask how that might help. Encourage thinking outside the box. Kids already have the innate ability to think outside the box, which is also known as divergent thinking. But as kids grow, thought becomes more convergent. A certain degree of convergent thinking is necessary, so we don’t give the same weight to all possibilities. Still, a certain amount of divergent thinking is crucial for the ability to solve problems. When the opportunity arises, ask your grandchild to think of all the possible ways a problem might be solved or something can be done. Then ask him to consider and weigh out the pros and cons of each solution to determine which is best.

BOOKS THAT TEACH CRITICAL THINKING The following books encourage kids to think critically and show them how to evaluate situations, examine beliefs, and understand the methods of science. Some of these books also contain activities to help kids hone their critical thinking skills. Horoscopes: Reality or Trickery? by Kimberly Blaker. Grades 4 to 8. In this book, kids discover the tricks astrologers use to create horoscopes, which create the illusion of horoscopes being valid forecasts or assessments of personality. Kids can do a fun personality test, to help them see how horoscopes are created. Then they can test the validity of horoscopes in real life. The book contains seven activities to entertain and educate kids on the scientific process and making deductions as they sleuth for the truth about astrology. Bringing UFOs Down to Earth by Philip J. Klass. Grades 4 to 7. In this fun book, kids learn fascinating facts about UFOs and how UFO reports are investigated. They also learn CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

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HOME & LIFESTYLE

PAGE 12

CRITICAL THINKING CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

about rational and scientific explanations for UFO sightings and reports. How to Fake a Moon Landing: Exposing the Myths of Science Denial by Darryl Cunningham. Grades 7+. This book addresses eight hotly debated science topics in which the author discusses the research and current thinking on each issue. Readers discover how people on all sides of the issues manipulate information to suit their views. In the end, teens are armed with the needed information to draw conclusions on each topic. An Illustrated Book of Bad Arguments by Ali Almossawi. Grades 7+. This beautifully illustrated and handy book introduces readers to a variety of faulty arguments people use, including ad hominem attacks, the straw man fallacy, slippery slope arguments, and more. Throughout the book, the characters commit every error in reasoning imaginable thereby providing readers clear examples of logic failures. How Come? Every Kid’s Science Questions Explained by Kathy Wollard and Debra Solomon. Grades 4 to 6. Kids discover the answers to more than 200 mysteries and phenomena in this fun-filled book. They learn the secrets to why stones can skip across water rather than immediately sinking and whether running to shelter when it’s raining keeps you drier than walking.

Logic to the Rescue: Adventures in Reason by Kris Langman. Grades 5 to 9. In this swordand-sorcery fantasy story, kids learn about logical fallacies, testing a hypothesis, and setting up experiments in biology, chemistry, and physics. Flat Earth? Round Earth? by Theresa Martin. When a school teacher passes out clay spheres to the class to be decorated, one student crushes his, arguing the earth is flat. This leads to a trip to the principal’s office where the boy, unwilling to succumb to “common knowledge,” poses several arguments. The narrator then takes on the challenge of providing proof the earth is round. The book teaches kids the value of questioning and not taking things at face value. Philosophy for Kids: 40 Fun Questions That Help You Wonder About Everything by David White. Grades 4+. In this interactive book, kids have the opportunity to grapple with philosophical questions that have been discussed and debated as far back as the ancient Greeks right on through modern-day thought. Philosophy for Kids is filled with fun and exciting activities to help them understand philosophical concepts.

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How Do You Know It’s True? Discovering the Difference Between Science and Superstition by Hy Ruchlis. Grades 7 to 10. In examining a variety of superstitions, such as astrology and the unlucky number 13, the author addresses the problem that the nature of superstition is that it’s unobservable. He also does an excellent job illustrating the dangers of magical thinking. The book helps readers walk away with a better understanding of science. Sasquatches from Outer Space: Exploring the Weirdest Mysteries Ever by Tim Yule. Grades 4 to 7. Have you ever wondered if there’s any truth to the stories about Big Foot, the Loch Ness Monster, UFOs, or astrology? These mysteries and more are explored in this book, which also provides readers hands-on experiments they can do to get to the truth of these tales. Nibbling on Einstein’s Brain: The Good, the Bad and the Bogus in Science by Diane Swanson and Francis Blake. Grades 3 to 7. In this book, kids learn how to tell the difference between good science and faulty. The author encourages critical thinking through a combination of fascinating fictitious scenarios and real-world examples. The book includes fun activities to help kids develop critical thinking skills. The Magic Detectives: Join Them in Solving Strange Mysteries by Joe Nickell. Grades 4 to 6. This book contains 30 short mystery stories of paranormal investigations, each one containing clues to uncover the mystery. At the end of each story, kids flip the book upside down to read the ‘magic detectives’ conclusions. Stories include haunted stairways, the mummy’s curse, poltergeists, and more. MSN

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HOME & LIFESTYLE

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Mickey Mantle Card Why Do We Collect? BY JEREMY WATTERSON Collections are as varied as collectors themselves. I recently met a collector of milk bottle caps. The gentleman showed me a seemingly endless folder of remnants from an industry that hasn’t existed in my lifetime—and those were just his caps from Montana dairies. A friend of mine collects fire extinguishers. Another has a wide assortment of sheet music devoted to the state of Idaho. It seems that people will collect just about anything. As a young boy, I had a sports card shop with a buddy. We even had a catchy name, The Sports Card Fan Attic. We cleaned out my parents’ tool shed, hung some posters of Michael Jordan and Bo Jackson on the walls, emptied my aquarium of fish and water, and placed our best cards in our re-purposed display case. Customers were our teammates in little league, fellas from our Cub Scout troop, and kids we met while social networking at the city pool. My folks might have thought they recognized a budding entrepreneur in their son, so they got me a subscription to a sports card price guide. Each month I got a new guide and would adjust my pricing of Ken Griffey Jr., Barry Sanders, and Chipper Jones rookie cards. My most vivid recollection from that summer is opening one of the price guides with a cover story on a Mickey Mantle rookie card that had just sold for the equivalent of four-years’ tuition at a Montana university. I showed the article to my old man while he sat in his recliner, listening to Harry Caray call a Cubs game. He turned ghost-white and relayed the story of how as a kid he had placed the gum-smelling piece of cardboard, now worth a small fortune, in the spokes of his bicycle. “In my day, all the best cards went in your spokes.” Hailed as the post-war Holy Grail of baseball cards, the last near-mint 1952 Topps Mantle rookie card brought to auction sold for $1,135,250 in 2016. A 1951 Bowman Mantle card, depicting the young Yankee slugger against a blue sky, was just purchased out of the state of Montana by collector Michael Osacky. Based out of Chicago, Osacky has been collecting since his grandfather gave the budding youngster a shoebox full of mid-century gems. Osacky’s Montana find, the first baseball card to depict the future hall-of-famer and perhaps the best switch hitter the game ever saw, came from a shoebox in Great Falls. The family tracked down Osacky through his website, Baseball in the Attic, and after a few weeks of negotiations, the professionally authenticated and graded card exchanged hands—saved from the bike spokes of history. For my partner in our childhood card shop, one of the joys of collecting was opening a foil pack of cards and inhaling the fresh smell of the glossy ink as he thumbed through his finds. This is what my friend wanted to know about Osacky’s Mantle card: What’d it smell like? Osacky couldn’t quite describe the musty odor, just that when you smelled it, you knew it was old—like your grandfather’s sitting room, or a library—a sensory connection to the past. Maybe that’s why we collect, to late in life thumb through our memories, recollecting moments in an effort to hold on to a piece history forever. MSN Jeremy Waterson writes from historic Wallace, Idaho where he lives with his wife, two rambunctious boy children, one sheep dog, and many simple vices.

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MONTANA SENIOR NEWS • APRIL // MAY 2018

HOME & LIFESTYLE

Fall Back—Now BY MARIE BUCKLEY FISH Every spring we complain about Spring Forward. A spate of statistics prove, or claim to prove, moving the clocks ahead has multiple negative effects. Then there’s the story of the wise Native American telling us you can’t cut a foot from the top of the blanket to sew it to the bottom and make it longer. We have a few days of carping about the lack of value in the process and the known detriment, then we shrug our shoulders and say no more about it until the next spring when we repeat the process. As we move on toward the time when we are expected to Fall Back, we need to have a sensible, reasonable discussion about the pros and cons of the so-called Daylight Savings. This was instituted in 1920 as a means of increasing productivity. We have nearly 100 years of docile participation we can look back on to determine if we achieved that objective.

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With this history in hand, we can list any or all of the benefits of springing forward and can balance them against the negative results. If the positives outweigh the negatives, we can accept it and move on. I might even learn how to adjust the clock on the dashboard of my car before I just buy a new car. If there are no real benefits, if this is a colossal failure, let’s agree to fall back in the fall, then remain on Standard Time permanently. If we wait until spring, it’s obviously too late. If a few businesses or segments of the population feel they benefit from getting up an hour earlier for six months of the year, what is preventing them from making that choice on their

own? A business has a great deal of flexibility as to when it opens to the public. To a lesser extent, schools can have flexibility in when they schedule their first morning classes. Many stores and manufacturing plants are open 24 hours a day. Schools and colleges have morning and evening classes. Moving the clock forward has become easier now that our cell phones and computers are programmed to change the time automatically. How do they do this? Would they have to be reprogrammed if we stop moving forward every spring? We don’t want to jump into making a change that will affect all of us without calm and deliberate study on the benefits or detriment to any segment of our population. That is why we should begin those deliberations now before the next year’s calendars are printed. MSN

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APRIL // MAY 2018 • MONTANA SENIOR NEWS

HOME & LIFESTYLE

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Are You Financially Prepared for an Emergency or Natural Disaster?

(StatePoint) Being financially prepared for an emergency or natural disaster is about more than just having savings set aside. Having access to critical personal and financial information will help you on the road to recovery. Here are some tips for getting organized and prepared for the unexpected. COMPILE INFORMATION The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Emergency Financial First Aid Kit includes fillable checklists, and is a handy and free way to compile important information, such as driver’s license numbers, birth certificates and Social Security numbers, bank accounts, insurance policies, mortgage statements, credit cards, taxes, health insurance cards, accounts, medications taken and any other health records, as well as household contact information, including landlords, doctors, schools, employers, contractors, lawyers, and insurance agents. Be sure to revisit this information periodically and update it as needed.

major disaster areas, we quickly respond by offering mortgage relief options for those in the impacted areas. This includes suspending mortgage payments for up to 12 months so victims of natural disasters can focus on what’s important: their own safety and the safety of their families,” says Yvette Gilmore, Freddie Mac VP, Single-Family Servicer Performance Management. “As soon as it’s safe to do so, it’s important that impacted homeowners contact their mortgage company right away to discuss their mortgage relief options.”

immediate assistance for money. Government officials will never ask for money and will always show their ID badges. Saving for a rainy day is an important step that everyone should take to prepare for the unexpected. But remember, true financial preparation for emergencies and disasters goes beyond a savings account. MSN

GET SECURED Secure your property as best as possible, keeping it safe from damaging natural elements and, if you are evacuating, potential vandalism while it sits empty. Consider protecting valuables, mementos and personal information in a safety deposit box or a fire- and water-proof safe. When it’s safe to return home, document any damage to your home and belongings with photos or videos, if possible.

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PAGE 16

Modern Senior

TECHNOLOGY•SCIENCE•KNOWLEDGE•COMPUTERS•MOBILE

Baby Boomers Find Companionship Online BY JIM MILLER

If you don’t want to spend any money, free sites like OKCupid.com and PlentyofFish. com are good places to start, but these sites have a lot of advertising. Free apps like Tinder (GoTinder.com) and Bumble.com are available, but these tend to

Whether you’re interested in dating or just looking for a friend to spend time with, online dating sites have become a very popular and effective way for baby boomers to meet new single people. Making new friends can be challenging as we get older, which is why online dating sites are an excellent option for baby boomers. They provide an easy and convenient way to meet dozens of new people, without ever having to leave home. And, to make things even easier, many sites today use matchmaking algorithms that factor in © Rawpixel.com, Bigstock.com your interests and preferences, so be geared toward younger adults looking for they can steer you to matches that are best casual romance. suited for you. If you’re interested in lots of choices, Here are some consider Match.com, which has a huge memtips to help you get bership in all demographics. Or checkout started. eHarmony.com, which is also very large, but Choose a site more targeted for people who want to take or two: Hundreds things slowly. of matchmaking If you are looking to find a specific type of websites and apps person, hundreds of niche sites like OurTime. are available, so com, SeniorPeopleMeet.com, and 50more. choosing can be a com are great for 50 and older. EliteSingles. bit confusing. Costs com is ideal for professionals, DateMyPet. range between com for animal lovers, VeggieDate.org for $15 and $20 per vegetarians, JDate.com for Jewish singles, month; however, BlackPeopleMeet.com for African Americans, some dating sites and ChristianMingle.com for Christians. are completely free Create a profile: When you join a matchto use. Depending making site, you’ll need to create a personality on your preferprofile that reflects who you are, including ences, here are recent photos, hobbies, interests, favorite some options to look into.

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activities, and more. If you need some help, sites like ProfileHelper.com can write one for you for a fee. Use caution: When you register with a site, you remain anonymous. No one gets access to your personal contact information until you decide to give it out, so be prudent whom you give it to. Before meeting, you should chat on the phone or video chat a few times, and when you do meet in person for the first time, meet in a public place, or bring a friend along. And if someone asks for money, don’t send it. Online dating and sweetheart scams are out there, so be aware. If you want to be extra cautious, you can even do a quick background check on your date at MyMatchChecker.com. Don’t be naive: In an effort to get more responses, many people will exaggerate or flat out lie in their profiles, or post pictures that are 10 years old or 20 pounds lighter. So don’t believe everything you see or read. Make an effort: A lot of times, people— especially women—sit back and let others come to them. Don’t be afraid to make the first move. When you find someone you like, send a short note that says, “I really enjoyed your profile. I think we have some things in common.” Keep it simple. Don’t get discouraged: If you don’t get a response from someone, don’t let it bother you. Just move on. Many others will be interested in you, and it only takes one person to make online dating worthwhile. MSN

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MODERN SENIOR

PAGE 17

Smart Speakers, Home Automation, and Privacy THE MORE YOU AUTOMATE, THE MORE YOU REVEAL AND RECORD ABOUT YOUR DAILY LIFE. BY BOB DELAURENTIS Q. I want an Amazon Echo, but my wife thinks it’s creepy to have a microphone listen to everything we say. What do you think? A. I think your spouse is very wise. New tech is always flawed, and smart speakers are very, very new. The privacy implications of installing an always-on microphone in your house should not be glossed over. The three main competitors in the smart speaker market are Amazon, Apple, and Google. The “smarts” in smart speakers comes from an “intelligent personal assistant,” similar to phone-based assistants like Siri and Cortana. Each manufacturer focuses on the features that best serve their interests. Amazon’s Echo speaker excels at buying stuff. Google has the best search. And Apple has the best audio and the best privacy safeguards. They also vary in price from hundreds of dollars to less than $40 for the Amazon Dot. Although each manufacturer publishes privacy policies about their smart speakers, understanding how they work under the hood is the best tool to compare their strengths and weaknesses. Q. Amazon already knows which laundry soap I buy along with everything else I purchase from them. What difference does it make if I order it on an Echo or tap my phone’s screen? A. I agree! The brand of toothpaste you prefer is not especially interesting, except perhaps to a toothpaste marketer. When phrased with a single piece of information, privacy concerns can sound like over-the-top conspiracy theories. Privacy is not endangered by trivial bits of data, it is jeopardized by assembling those small bits of information into a picture. Allow me to speculate about a few of the potential problems from a technologist’s perspective. In order to work, the records for those components are stored outside your home, in The Cloud. That is just a fancy way of saying that they are in a database in a data center somewhere in the world. That database may be secure from casual hacking attempts, or it may not. The technicians who write the software that makes everything work can probably see your data. Very little of it is encrypted, after all it’s just mostly timestamps and temperature readings. Data often looks boring on the surface, but let me feed that raw data to a statistical analysis program. Now the boring data is suddenly interesting. Now I can see patterns. Like what time you leave for work each day. What time you cook your meals. Maybe I can see which rooms you are in at different hours of the day. I know when the house is empty. A basic awareness of what can happen to the data you leave in your wake is a thought-provoking exercise. The more you automate, the more you reveal and record about your daily life. WANDER THE WEB - THREE GOOD SOURCES OF INFORMATION ABOUT HOME AUTOMATION AND PRIVACY If This, Then That This is a great site for home automation enthusiasts. It can bridge many different services in unique ways. ifttt.com

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Schneier on Security Bruce Schneier is a longtime security expert who has been writing about these issues since 2004 www.schneier.com Apple’s Security Story This is an overview of how Apple handles customer data. HomePod security is covered by the section on HomeKit. www.apple.com/privacy/ approach-to-privacy MSN A tech enthusiast his entire life, Bob is currently developing an educational software project. When not writing, he is in the kitchen cooking up something unusual, or outside with a camera. He can be contacted at techtalk@bobdel.com.

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MONTANA SENIOR NEWS • APRIL // MAY 2018

MODERN SENIOR

PAGE 18

Technology: The Good, the Bad, the Modern Conundrum BY K. F. DONAHUE (SENIOR WIRE) My washing machine is thinking. I’ve put in a load of laundry with appropriate levels of detergent, made the necessary selections for type of load, closed the lid, pushed the start button, and I don’t hear a sound because my machine is thinking—deciding the level of laundry, determining the amount of water needed, making all the choices I would have done myself using a traditional washer. Perhaps I would not have been so precise as my thinking washer—and I am all for saving water, using less detergent, and saving drying time even with my energy-saving machine because my thinking washer has squeezed out as much water as possible in its spin cycle, but I do find the change more than a little futuristic. However if the technology of computer boards

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and sensors will conserve water, energy, time, and even space, I will acquiesce while even enjoying the convenience. Computers have become increasingly smaller as they have been creeping into everyday life over the decades. Three decades ago I bought my first portable personal computer which was still awkward when compared to today’s hand-held devices, but it was a welcome adjustment next to a choice over the bulky desktop versions of the time. Before long, word processing, Internet research, email, document and photo storage became everyday occurrences. Then with what seemed to be the speed of light, cell phones sprang into everyday use, shrank in size, and soon could do nearly everything the computer could. And so the exponential advancements of technology have continuously touched everyone’s life with cell phones, televisions, credit cards, banking, automobiles, appliances, home security, and more. Perhaps cell phones have become the most worldwide popular technological advancement of the century. Nearly everyone has a cell phone, which we can all see the results of if we ourselves are not pulled into the apps of our own devices. Cell phones allow us instant communication through a conversation, a text message, an email,

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and more, depending upon the software applications and accounts that are installed. Personally, I choose not to be a part of the social media craze of Facebook and Twitter since I believe that a certain amount of privacy is essential to my own well-being. I don’t need or want my entire life, my every move, hanging out there on the net for the world to see; however, friends and family members hold different opinions, and if it’s a new item, then they must have it. Our parents and grandparents probably said the same things about television when it debuted in the middle of the last century, but I do wonder where constant cell phone usage and social media are leading the upcoming generations. We have all seen the individuals so addicted to today’s technology and apps that they are always looking at their phones rather than paying attention to their surroundings, or always snapping selfies rather than interacting, or always videoing an event rather than participating and enjoying the moment. Where is conversation? Where is interaction? Where is an honest interest in others? A case in point, if you text at all, you have probably at some time been caught in someone’s group mailing from which there is no escape as your phone keeps beeping with pointless banal minimal word comments along with strings of emoji symbols at all hours of day and night. When this happens, I feel as if I have been transported into an excerpt from a primary age storybook, See Spot Run. Not for me. No thank you. Don’t get me wrong. I am all for technology used wisely. In fact, almost 30 years ago while living and teaching elementary school on a small (merely 85 square miles) Caribbean island, I, along with the computer/media teacher, encouraged a group of 4th and 5th graders to enter a contest simulating a Mars landscape with a programmable Lego robot that could pick up and deposit rock samples in a designated container. Technology can be useful, a wonderful learning tool, and the kids garnered an honorable mention! Technology is a special tool that can make our everyday tasks more convenient, energy efficient, safer, and even more interesting. However, the social applications of the worldwide cell phone usage do give me pause. Let’s not forget how to say “Good Day” to an actual person and how to converse using multi-syllable words. Meanwhile… My washing machine is thinking. MSN

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MODERN SENIOR

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PAGE 20

Inspiration

THOUGHTS•PEOPLE•STORIES•PLACES

At 93 and in Hospice Care, Still Jumping from Planes Air Corps, and became a tail gunner in a B-24 Liberator. When he got to Hardwick air base in England in July 1943, he was told the average life expectancy was 13 weeks. A lot of guys went out in the heavyweight bombers with sexy nose art and catty names, like Juicy Lucy—and never came back. Jones survived 13 months and 28 combat missions over Europe with the 93rd Bomb Group of the Mighty 8th Air Force. “I wanted to fly,” he said.

BY DAVID LAUDERDALE, THE STATE (COLUMBIA, S.C.) (TNS) Howard P. Jones Jr. is a 93-year-old hospice patient who, in February, chose to skydive into a celebration of a remarkable life. “I like it,” was the three-word explanation of a man dying of congestive heart failure. For the past 10 years, Jones, of Walterboro, S.C., has been doing a tandem jump on his birthday at the airport near his home. But this time, Pruitt Health Hospice in Beaufort arranged the jump and celebration of life as an “ode to him.” “His wish was to have one last jump,” said Michelle Stanton, volunteer coordinator with the hospice. But you never know. Jones still wants to go up on his birthday in June. He’s been in hospice for a year. And the old man of the

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50-BELOW-ZERO You had to be small to even get in a rear tail turret. You were strapped into the thing, hanging “greatest generation” will dive headlong into out into the freezing skies with flak exploding life as long as he has breath. all around and German fighters sneaking up Jones calls skydiving “kind of indescribfrom below. You were in the fetal position. able. The first minute is a free fall, running There wasn’t enough room for a parachute. 120 miles per hour, and then you pull the chute You could barely reach your machine guns. and float all the way down.” But you were the rear lookout. It was up That’s a milk run for a long life that’s been to you to keep the 10-man crew from getting tough—at least in airplanes. blown to bits. Jones was raised by grandparents until “You saw where you’ve been,” Jones said, striking out on his own at age 16. He worked holding a model of the B-24. Even the model farms in Upstate New York until something is heavy. And dusty. happened that still brings tears to his eyes. It “You’re going 220 miles per hour in one was the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The direction, and the German fighter is going 300 day that lives in infamy, Dec. 7, 1941, changed miles per hour in the other direction,” he said. everything, and Jones wanted to do something And you’re five miles up—on a mission about it. to blast away at Axis rail lines and factories He joined the U.S. to end a war that claimed 26,000 lives in the Army, went into the Mighty 8th alone. “It could be anywhere from 20 below entral Independ ent Li C h vin zero to 50 below in ort g that turret,” Jones N said. om sborn He wore silk Executive Director long johns over silk underwear. Then 800-823-6245 • 406-452-9834 came a cotton flight 1120 25th Ave NE • Black Eagle suit. Over that was Howard P. Jones Jr. of Walterboro, S.C., took part in a tandem jump on February 24, 2018. PHOTO COURTESY PRUITT, HEALTH.Hospice

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APRIL // MAY 2018 • MONTANA SENIOR NEWS PLANE JUMPER CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20

Walterboro resident, Howard P. Jones Jr.’s eyes begin to well with tears as he reminisces about his days as a tail gunner in a B-24 Liberator during World War II. DREW MARTIN/THE ISLAND PACKET/TNS.

a leather, sheepskin-lined suit laced with electric heating coils plugged into the plane. Boots and gloves were also lined with heaters. “Hopefully the power worked,” he said. ‘TRAVELING CIRCUS’ Jones has never flown alone. His free fall in February reflected U.S. history and its spirit.

INSPIRATION

Americans cranked out 19,000 of the behemoth B-24s—8,000 of them by the Ford Motor Company. And a man from Ridgeland came up with its most famous use. Gen. Jacob E. Smart was architect of Operation Tidal Wave that performed a lowlevel bombing raid on the oil refineries at Ploiesti, Romania. A major contributor was Gen. Edward J. “Ted” Timberlake’s 93rd Bomb Group, named “Ted’s Traveling Circus.” Timberlake proudly claims membership in “Ted’s Traveling Circus.” And he’ll pick a fight over which was the better heavy bomber, the B-24 or the more glamorous B-17 Flying Fortress. “Both were there to do the same job,” he’ll admit. “To get rid of Hitler.” Jones was working on a Jeep at a base in Charleston, S.C., when Germany surrendered. He went back home to work more than 30 years with General Electric. “I’m like an engineer without the papers,” he said. They sent him to the Lowcountry of South Carolina to help make large turbines for nuclear power plants.

PAGE 21

“Three Mile Island ended that,” Jones said. In retirement, he used those same skills to make things from wood. He has lost his wife, and he’s in hospice care. But the old tail gunner is still living at home. And he’s still flying. MSN

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Funerals Are for the Living BY MARIE BUCKLEY FISH You have probably heard this before but maybe it bears repeating. Most of us believe that the funeral or the Celebration of Life, the Wake, is for the individual whose life has ended. I’m sure that is the motive of those who request or demand their family and friends forego services when their life is over. They do not realize the final service is not so much for them as it is for those left behind. We don’t know if the person that we loved is in a place where they can see and appreciate the celebration of life, or if they are in a better place where they are learning the mystery of the afterlife. We, who are left behind and grieving our loss, very often need the funeral, the family get-together, the opportunity to grieve, to share our love, and to celebrate the life of this special person whom we will see and share our lives with Eagles no more. Manor It is for the beginning

our friends and family are growing in their acceptance and love of folks who do not share the same religious faith or life style. As our democracy becomes more democratic, we are working to become more accepting of our family and our friends. MSN

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of accepting loss, the opportunity to console one another. Our last gift to our friends and loved ones is to allow them this time together. We don’t all receive comfort in the same way, but the loss of a loved one will more often bring family and friends together than will a wedding or graduation or joyful occasion of a new baby. The Celebration of Life is gaining in popularity, possibly because

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PAGE 22

Fluffy Critters PET TIPS•BREEDS•CARE•GROOMING

JAZZ the Wonder Dog BY KAREN VAN ASCH “Come on Jazz.” I tugged at my overweight retriever’s leash. She sat, immovable, fixed to the cement driveway as if she were a statue. She turned to me, staring intently with her gorgeous black-lined chestnut eyes. I turned away in order to steel my heart and gave another tug at her leash. I could not move her. I sat down with a sigh and looked into my dog’s sad, knowing eyes. How did she know? This time she was not going to the beach or the park as we had done so often before. This time she would not be coming back. One phone call had derailed our comfortable life in Pacifica, Calif. “Your dad is NO WINE BEFORE ITS TIME dying of cancer, you need to get up here I saw a wino eating grapes. now,” the doctor advised my husband Nic. I I told him, you gotta wait. heard Nic hang up, and, as I walked into the kitchen, I saw him standing still by the phone, Mitch Hedberg his head down. “My dad is dying” spoken softly was all he said. He turned from me, shoulders heaving, vainly attempting at to contain his tears. Minutes later, he picked up the phone, Guided Tours dialed some numJune – Sept • 10am Wed – Sun Prehistoric Indian Rock Art bers, and firmly 406-428-2439 • 406-366-2835 dating back as far as 400 AD asked “When’s the Located on the Lundin Family Ranch 25 mi SE of Lewistown next flight out from S an F r an c i s c o t o Spokane?” In two hours, he was on the next plane to his father’s home in Sagle, Idaho. “Karen, I need you up here, can you be all moved up here in a week?” My husband’s voice was full of a desperation I had never heard in 15 years of marriage. I replied with a cheer I didn’t feel, “of course honey.” I tried to find a home for Jazz, but it

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seemed nobody wanted a dog that couldn’t hold her water while she slept. I gave Jazz a pat. “Euthanize, murder her, that’s what you’re really going to do,” I sighed. I wrapped my arms around Jazz Dog’s neck and burst into tears, sobbing in anger at Opa for putting me in this situation, and at Nic for making us move to Idaho. I hated the cancer that had taken control of my life by making Opa ill. Jazz sat there silently, as she had done many times past, giving me comfort by her presence. She licked my hand. I took her muzzle in my hands, “No old girl, you’re coming with me, let’s go back in the yard.” Now I just had to call my mom to tell her there would be one more riding to North Idaho with us. “Sorry mom, I couldn’t bring myself to have Jazz put to sleep. You don’t have to drive up to Idaho with me and the kids. You’re the best, and I love you so.” I was hoping she’d come anyway. There was a silence on the phone as I braced for her reply. “Honey,” there was a slight pause here. “So we’re going to take an incontinent dog with a bad hip through four states?” She added with a gentle laugh, “Can you even lift her up into the car?” The next morning my brilliant mother arrived at my doorstep as I was locking up the house and putting my 3-year-old son, Aaron, and 5-year-old daughter, Emma, into their car seats. “Mom, what in the world did you bring that kiddy pool for?” I asked, thinking our leaving her and the stress of my garage sale had put my mother on the edge of madness. “Sweetie, humor me, put the kiddy pool into the back of the car, and toss the dog’s bed in it. We will be a lot happier with Jazz in a plastic pool until we get to Sandpoint.” Being a naturally obedient daughter, I opened the back hatch and took everything out of the cargo area, including my prized crates of antique teacups and flower vases. CONTINUED ON PAGE 35

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Entertainment

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Honey BOBBY GOLDSBORO, APRIL 1968 RANDAL HILL Many music fans think “Honey” is a true story. It isn’t. Nashville songwriter Bobby Russell one day just happened to notice how tall a tree planted in his front yard had grown since it was a sapling. From that serendipitous observation came the inspiration to write the world’s best-selling song of 1968, recorded by Bobby Goldsboro. Born in Marianna, Fla., in 1941, Goldsboro spent his teen years in Dothan, Ala., where he excelled in baseball at Dothan High and dreamt

of a career in the major league. But music also drew his attention, and Goldsboro formed a rock band called the Webs. (“We had a big spider web on the drum.”) The Webs often backed up musicians who drifted through town. One such artist was Roy Orbison, who would later hire Goldsboro in the early 1960s as part of his backup band.

As a solo artist, Goldsboro later signed with United Artists Records, and, beginning with the DAILY Top-10 song “See the Funny Little Clown” early • Mexican & American Food in 1964, racked up half a dozen Top-40 discs • Sunday Breakfast Buffet 9am–1pm before spending 1967 without a single hit and • Serving Billings for over 39 years finding his career on the wane. 980 S. 2th St. | West Billings 406•652•2020 Bobby Russell was one of Goldsboro’s pals. Russell had written “Honey” for HIGHEST QUALITY ex-Kingston Trio SEASONAL DISHES member Bob Shane. FIRST CLASS SELECTION Goldsboro wasn’t OF WINE & BEER impressed with CASUAL & INTIMATE Shane’s version and later admitted, “It RESERVE OUR didn’t really thrill me PRIVATE DINING ROOM all that much because it was so overdone, 119 North Broadway • Billings / 406-294-9119 overproduced, lots of MON–SAT: 11AM–Close/SUN: 10AM (Brunch 10AM–2PM / Dinner 2PM–Close) drums and things.” OPEN

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But Goldsboro felt that Russell’s tune had the potential to return him to the hit charts with a different, simpler approach. When Shane’s version bombed, Goldsboro rushed into a Nashville studio and nailed “Honey” on the first take. In three weeks, Goldsboro’s version rocketed to the top of the Billboard charts, where it remained at Number One for five weeks and became his signature song—and biggest single ever. Songwriter Russell’s biggest success has since been recorded by country royalty (Eddie Arnold, Roger Miller, Tammy Wynette, Lynn Anderson), mainstreamers (Dean Martin, Patti Page), and even some soul stars (Four Tops, Aaron Neville). Half a century later, though, “Honey” often appears on “worst songs of all times” lists, along with such past ridiculed recordings as “MacArthur Park,” “Convoy” and “Disco Duck.” So, why, like Rodney Dangerfield, does “Honey” get no respect from some folks? While many people feel the song is a touching tribute to the idea of appreciating those we love while they are still with us, others have blasted the storyline as being schmaltzy and often deride such lyrics as “She was always young at heart/Kinda dumb and kinda smart” or “One day while I was not at home/While she was there and all alone/The angels came.” These last lines prompted one Internet wag to ask, “Did this babe die or did she leave with the Hell’s Angels?” Bobby Goldsboro has his own take on the song, one that is no doubt shared by most people: “Actually, what it is, very simply, is just a guy remembering little things that happened while his wife was alive.” MSN

APRIL // MAY 2018 • MONTANA SENIOR NEWS

ENTERTAINMENT

PAGE 25

Review: Shaking Out the Dead (KATE CHOLEWA, THE STORY PLANT, 2014)

BY AARON PARRETT Kate Cholewa’s Shaking Out the Dead drew me in by way of its unusual characters living quirky, challenging lives. Geneva, 62 and given to meditative reverie and cunning insight into other people’s emotional anguish, happens to have a husband suffering in the last stages of Alzheimer’s at a local nursing home. Tatum, a 30-something woman scarred by failed relationships and her sister’s scorn, can’t bring herself to trust love, even though she’s courted by the sincere and sensitive Paris—a waiter and cook at a café catering to the disadvantaged and destitute. The novel is set in Helena, Mont., though many scenes feel as if they take place in the

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more run-down sections of Missoula or Billings, where people share apartments above restaurants and coffee shops, and where young people freely mingle with seniors both at work and home. Whereas almost every standard Montana novel focuses on rural life and the isolation for which the state is known, Cholewa builds a believable world set in one of Montana’s modest urban centers, replete with gritty and sometimes sordid reality: a hint of prostitution, occasional violence, and the mundane reality of things like traffic and urban sprawl. The heart of this novel, however, is a child named Rachael, 9 years old, whose mother dies of cancer. Because her father is unable to cope with the loss of his wife and its devastating effect on his daughter, he sends Rachael back to Montana with his sister-in-law, Tatum, after the funeral. Because Tatum lives with Geneva, we see the world through the eyes of three very different generations of girls and women, and we’re given perspective on the interesting ways in which they share life lessons. Shaking Out the Dead is both a love story (the tortured romance that unfolds between Tatum and Paris satisfies the itch we all have as readers to know what happens when unrequited love eventually becomes requited) and a story about the finality of death and how we cope with loss. Along the way, Cholewa presents the interior workings of these characters’ hearts and minds with a psychological high-fidelity that reminds me of the best novelists of that approach—Henry James, Edith Wharton, or even James T. Farrell. Throughout the narrative, the author

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ENTERTAINMENT

PAGE 26

SHAKING CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25

As Geneva looks at her wedding ring, for example, while agonizing over her feelings about her marriage, she pinpoints the transcendent power of symbols: “Geneva was wary of investing inanimate objects with power—not because she thought the power was imagined, but because she knew it came to be real. She didn’t want to have to assess, every day, whether or not she had it in her to bear the symbol’s weight.” More than anything else, what makes this novel so eminently readable is the convincing dialogue: no mean feat when the subject matter is so intense. Whether it’s the fragile psyche of a young woman averse to romance, or a late middle-aged woman wrestling with what the commitment part of marriage counts for when her husband has slipped into the late stages of senility, or the broken heart of an artist unable to win the woman he loves—the author gives them lines that surprise us with how insightful they are while sounding so natural in the mouths of this collection of people she has made us care about.

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At the same time, Cholewa presents some heavy emotional scenes with caring finesse, turning the reality of living with mastectomy scars or sexual complications of Alzheimer’s into plot points that actually engage the reader and make you think about how messy and difficult every ordinary life really is. Ultimately, Shaking Out the Dead is a love story, but a love story not limited to the vagaries of romance and heartbreak. There’s plenty of both here, but this is a Love story with a Capital L. It’s an exploration of the kind of agape love

BY HOLLY ENDERSBY Thanks to President Domingo Samiento of Argentina, Malbec wine is here to stay. But in 1853, when President Samiento asked a French botanist to select grapes from the Old World to grow in Argentina neither men knew bringing the Malbec grape would help save that variety. A decade later, France was hammered by a Phylloxera (an insect related to aphids that feeds on grape plant roots) outbreak that attacked grapes in the Rhone region where most Malbec grew. The infestation wiped out 70 percent of the grapes while those in Argentina continued to flourish. Ninety years later, in 1956, the French Malbec vines were destroyed again by a freeze, leaving the world Malbec stage to Argentina. Today, World Malbec Day will be April 17th, and we’re here to help you find some excellent wines to enjoy.

Malbec grapes like high altitudes and dry climates, with warm days and significantly cooler nights. Their flavors reflect the regions where they grow, which means one Malbec may taste very different from another. Photo by Holly Endersby. Grapes grown in cooler microclimates may have a more pronounced black cherry or raspberry taste while those grown in slightly warmer climes will lean toward black plum or blackberry. Most will have a black pepper spice to them. I asked Eric Hovland, owner of Bistro 45 in McCall, ID for two wine recommendations. Without hesitation, suggested I try the 2015 Durigutti Malbec Classico at a reasonable CONTINUED ON PAGE 27

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that human beings are capable of feeling—even unconditionally—for the people (including family) who drop into our lives, with whom we connect in ways that cut much deeper than eros in the end. MSN

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APRIL // MAY 2018 • MONTANA SENIOR NEWS

MALBEC CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26

$14.99. Brothers Hector and Pablo Durigutti of Mendoza, Argentina are the winemakers behind this luscious wine. My first words after the initial taste were, “Oh, my!” This is one of the most delicious wines I have ever had. The Durigutti Malbec is a smooth wine, redolent of dark fruit—think black cherry—with a deep structure and power that simply fills your mouth with flavor. The brothers use native yeast fermentation, age the wine for 12 months in new American oak, and bottle it unrefined and unfiltered. You can’t go wrong buying this wine, and it is splendid with robust red meats, sharp cheeses, and red-sauced Italian offerings. The Mascota Vineyards of Mendoza produce a $14.99 Malbec that is aged 12 months in American and French oak as well, but nothing else is similar to the Durigutti. This wine is thinner, not as robust or mouth-full, with almost a “jammy” flavor to it: more a mix of

ENTERTAINMENT

fruits rather than one specific one. The 2015 we tasted would be good on a hot summer day, despite it being a red. It has a scrumptious aroma that just begs for light foods, a gentle breeze, and a hammock. The second recommendation from Eric Hovland was a winner. You will never go wrong selecting the 2016 Padrillo Malbec from Ernesto Catena of Mendoza, Argentina. This wine has a full-mouth feel that is also amazingly smooth and redolent of deep, dark black cherry with touches of blackberry and a tiny bit of zing at the finish. This Malbec has a lower alcohol content—12.5 percent—which all four of my tasters enjoyed. I find that a higher alcohol content can actually detract from a wine’s overall character. We drank this wine with a rich elk-barley soup with rustic bread that was a perfect pairing. At $17.99, this is one of the more expensive wines we tried, but everyone agreed it was one we would gladly buy again. In fact, if you can only buy one Malbec, this is one to grab.

PAGE 27

And for you Costco fans, Kirkland has some excellent Malbec wines at very reasonable prices. One I liked in particular was the 2014 Malbec. It was robust, but not astringent, with a smooth texture and a great peppery finish that lingered on the tongue. In fact, I love sleuthing for wine bargains at Costco, especially among its Signature wines, which can occasionally be found under $20. Just be sure that you allow any Malbec you choose to breathe for 20 or minutes before pouring, to fully appreciate this wonderful wine. MSN Holly Endersby has been an award-winning outdoor writer for 25 years, working in newspaper, magazines, TV, and web-based magazines. She enjoys horse packing in wilderness areas, fishing, hunting, snow and water sports, yoga, and hiking. She was the first Conservation Director for Backcountry Hunters & Anglers.

Helena’s New Cooperative THE ORIGINAL MONTANA CLUB BY SUZANNE WARING The initial scene for Nevil Shute’s 1941 novel, The Pied Piper, opens in a private gentleman’s club in London. The smoking room with a fire in the fireplace provides the setting for one man telling another a long but tantalizing story that took place on the European Continent. This smoking room in a gentleman’s club would have been a familiar setting to readers. In the late 19th Century and into the 20th,

model, clubs were soon established in the purpose of being an exclusive private men’s U.S., and the concept found its way to Helena, club. Today, a bronze plaque on the side of Mont., where the Montana Club was created the building indicates this was also the spot in 1885. where gold was first found in Last Chance The Original Montana Club became the Gulch, an event that paved the way for the oldest private club west of the Mississippi, development of a town like Helena that would and two men could have easily sat down in yield an establishment like the Montana Club. front of the fireplace there with one ending Though a fire destroyed the building in up telling the other a story. 1903, it was rebuilt and reopened on June The Club’s purpose, upon formation, was 24, 1905. The new Clubhouse building was to foster “literary, mutual improvements, designed by renowned architect Cass Gilbert. and social” interaction among its members CONTINUED ON PAGE 29 and the community. Gambling was forbidden by the Club’s Constitution, although that stricture was relaxed in the early 1900s, and slot machines were introduced into the Club following Prohibition. Initially, members met in various locations, but when the Club’s membership grew, and its purpose expanded, the memFridays & Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays at 3pm bership invested in erecting a six-floor building in 1893, on Written by: Ernest Thompson, Directed by: Dale Ruhd a triangular piece of land at the intersection of Fuller and 113 E. Callendar St., Livingston Sixth with the sole 406-222-7720 or www.blueslipper.com

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the numerous private men’s clubs that were popular in London provided a place where men of some prominence could relax. Thought of as a “home away from home,” these clubs included card rooms, pubs, billiard rooms, dining rooms, sitting/smoking rooms, libraries, and rooms where out-of-town members could stay overnight. Following this English

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Among other structures, Gilbert designed the U.S. Supreme Court Building in Washington, D.C., and the Woolworth Building in New York City. The Clubhouse has housed the Club, and remained an architectural landmark, in downtown Helena for more than a century. With prohibition, two major wars, and the depression, Montana Club membership ebbed

the cooperative. Nonprofit organizations may also subscribe to a share of common stock for $100, and businesses may subscribe for $250. These members still have only one vote. The preferred, non-voting stock is priced at $250 per share and provides for a dividend should the Club make a profit. To date, the Club has recruited 370 subscribers of common and preferred shares, and that number is still growing. Organizers expect to convene the initial meeting of subscribers sometime in April 2018 when all subscribers entitled to vote will pass their co-op bylaws and elect the co-op’s first board of directors. Since last fall when the co-op campaign was launched, the number of scheduled activities has increased; the dining room has had more people for dinner; and an increasing number are coming or bringing clients to the Montana Club

ENTERTAINMENT

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for lunch. The cooperative model appears to be injecting new life into an old establishment. “The members love it,” said Tara Slack, Assistant General Manager, “because they say it’s like earlier years with all the activity and more people coming into the Club.” It is not hard to imagine two individuals settling down for a visit in one of the sitting rooms of the Montana Club. Most likely, though, any story told by one of them wouldn’t have taken place on the European Continent but instead in the American West. MSN A multifaceted interest in Montana people and their communities keeps Suzanne Waring looking for topics to research in old newspapers and books and people to interview.

Photo by Nann Parrett.

and flowed. It dropped to 139 in 1934 but increased to 800 members in 1955. Not until 1953 were women allowed to join. Until then, women could be escorted to dinner or could use the bowling alley, but if they arrived before their male escort, they had to remain in an entrance room. The informal bar is in the basement of the Montana Club and was named the Rathskeller, which is a German word meaning bar, or a combination of a bar and restaurant. With the Millennials, the newest generation of adults in the 21st Century, being notorious non-joiners, the Montana Club was losing revenue as their older clientele dwindled away. The Club faced extinction after 132 years. If the Original Montana Club were to continue, a new concept had to be introduced. In 2017, the Board of Governors decided that the Original Montana Club should become a for-profit cooperative association. A cooperative is a business entity owned and democratically controlled by the people who desire and use its products, supplies, or services. It is organized, incorporated, and capitalized under applicable state laws. The hallmarks of any cooperative are open membership and democratic member control. Members contribute equitably to their own independent cooperative, work for the sustainable development of the community, and serve their members by working with other cooperatives. Governance of a cooperative is the responsibility of a board of directors elected by and accountable to the member owners. A professional manager is normally hired to oversee co-op operations. The base capital initially comes from the member owners. Net proceeds are allocated to members according to the extent they use the cooperative’s services during the year, not the equity held. If a cooperative fails, the liability of each member is limited to the amount personally invested. From looking inward for over 100 years, the remaining members of the Original Montana Club began looking outward by using this cooperative model. The Club began marketing the cooperative concept and promoting stock subscriptions in August and September of 2017 when the Club facilities were opened to the public. There are two kinds of stocks. One share of common stock is priced at $50 and gives an individual member owner one voting right in

Make the Right Choice for Your Peace of Mind. Why Choose Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana? Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana (BCBSMT) is a name you can trust. BCBSMT has served the people of Montana for more than 75 years. Our Medicare Supplement insurance plans offer in-depth coverage to help protect your health while also offering our high-level customer service and additional benefits. The ABCDs of Medicare For more information: Call: Toll Free: 1-866-543-4177 8:00 a.m. to 8 p.m., local time Monday through Friday. Web: www.getbluemt.com/medsupp Write: Blue Medicare Supplement c/o Member Services P.O. Box 3897 Scranton, PA 18505-9947

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MONTANA SENIOR NEWS • APRIL // MAY 2018

PAGE 30

Recreation

SPORTS•ACTIVITIES•FISHING•HUNTING•CAMPING

Kite Fliers’ Spirits Soar BY DIANNA TROYER To Terry Zee Lee, flying customized kites is like watching an aerial art show that not only entertains spectators and kite fliers but also helps them heal and learn. Whenever she has taught workshops or organized festivals or traveling exhibits, she said she has seen how kites can restore and transform people’s attitudes. “There are so many great kite stories,” said Lee, 69, who founded the nonprofit organization SkyWindWorld in Billings 20 years ago, to teach about the transformative and artistic power of making and flying kites. Her associate, Drake Smith, 70, a retired engineer, helps design and sew the kites. “Flying a kite just makes a person feel happy.”

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While doing a workshop, a student who was angry at the world designed a kite with a middle finger erected to flip off the world. “We talked, and he realized he was angry with people—not nature—and ended up changing the design to a peace sign,” she said. Another time, at Wyola School on the Crow Reservation, a gust of wind caused a student to accidentally lose a $1,000 kite that had a buffalo emblem on it, which Lee had commissioned from Blackfeet artist John Cadotte. “We all watched it fade away,” said Lee, who offered a $100 reward for its return. “For months, kids were on their bikes, four-wheelers, and horses looking for it.” Lee intuitively knew it would be found. “It floated away toward an area where cattle and buffalo graze,” she said. “Once ranchers started running their cattle to the high country, I was pretty sure someone would see it.” Sure enough, three months after its disappearance, a rancher retrieved it from a gully. “It had been stomped on, was torn, and had dried buffalo manure on it. We put it back together and brought it to the school for the student to fly again,” she said. “He was devastated when he lost it. When he saw it again and started flying it, you could see him grow inches taller and heal. He was so happy.” In April, when a 3,000-foot addition to Wyola School will be dedicated, staff and students plan to fly kites during the celebration. Throughout April and May, Lee travels to schools in Montana, other states, and Canada, to teach students about the wonders of kites. “My program is STEM with the letter A added (STEAM),” she said. “To make a kite, you’re not only using science, technology, engineering and math, but creating a work of art.”

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Dolores Purdy (Caddo) painted this cotton kite, called “Honoring the Ancestors.” It was flown at Madison Buffalo Jump. PHOTO COURTESY OF SKYWINDWORLD.

Lee became enchanted with kites as a child when her mother made her and her siblings tie a kite to their wrists, so they could easily be seen on Oregon beaches. Her mother also taught her an appreciation for Native American culture. Her two childhood interests merged with a cathartic visit to First Peoples Buffalo Jump near Great Falls. She envisioned kites with images of buffalo on them rising, where the animals had once fallen to feed tribal members. Her traveling exhibits of custom kites, called “The Flying Buffalo Project” and “Visions of Lewis and Clark,” have been well received throughout the world. Every year, Lee organizes kite festivals at buffalo jumps throughout Montana. On June 16, a festiCABIN RENTALS val is scheduled at Fresh mountain streams flow from towering peaks and the Madison Buffalo wildlife abounds with Yellowstone National Jump near Three Park a mere 20 minutes away. Forks. On July 14, kites will brighten 406-838-2393 • Beartooth Hwy 715 US 212 the sky at the First bigmooseresort.com Peoples Jump. Other Montanans Brian Kjensmo cherish kite flying, Specializing in Estate Liquidation CONTINUED ON & Firearm Appraisals • Firearm Collections • Coin Collections • Decoys • Sporting Art

PAGE 31

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RECREATION

PAGE 31

Heeding the Call of Spartan Races

Alger Swingley hopes to complete a trifecta this year, finishing the Sprint, Super, and Beast races offered at Spartan obstacle race courses. Last year, Swingley, 61, was eighth in his age group at a race near Bigfork. PHOTO COURTESY OF ALGER SWINGLEY.

BY DIANNA TROYER Exhausted, yet elated, after completing his first Spartan obstacle course race near Flathead Lake several years ago, Alger Swingley knew he would return again and again to run in the increasingly popular event.

KITE FLIERS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 30

too. In Livingston the first Sunday of the month at 4 p.m. at the Northside Soccer Fields, Chip Njaa hosts a kite festival in spring, summer, and fall. “We have the biggest turnout in May,” said Njaa, owner of Livingston Kite Company. “We have about 150 people who are anxious to get outside in the sunshine after the darkness of winter.” He offers kites and advice at his shop. At Lee’s website, skywindworld.org, she provides free plans to make an easy-to-fly Eddybird kite. “It’s a reliable flier for anyone’s

The scenic springtime course leads racers up steep slopes, through flat meadows, and near the scenic shoreline. Swingley had slogged through mud, slithered under barbed wire, climbed walls, leaped over flames, and was eager to do it all again the next year. Spartan Racing Inc. offers courses to test competitors’ physical strength and mental fortitude and to ultimately “rip you from your comfort zone,” according to Spartan.com. “If you think you can’t do it, you’re wrong. Get to the starting line and show yourself what you are capable of.” “This will be my fourth time,” said Swingley, 61, a member of the Blackfeet Nation. “It’s a challenge, and you have such a strong sense of satisfaction after completing it. During training throughout the year, you’re looking forward to the event.” Swingley will lead the Blackfeet Outfitters team during the Spartan Sprint and Beast races on May 6 and 7 at Averill’s Flathead Lake Lodge at Bigfork. Named for Swingley’s guiding business based in Babb, he and about a dozen Blackfeet tribal members will be among thousands of Spartans from throughout the nation who have registered for the popular event. Last year, 7,100 Spartans competed in the races, which are hosted and sponsored by the Kalispell Convention & Visitor Bureau. This year, Swingley hopes to notch a trifecta, finishing a course in the three Spartan racing divisions: the Sprint with about 20 to 23 CONTINUED ON PAGE 32

pleasure,” Lee said. She may be reached for scheduling classes and festivals at 406-698-9369, or at her website. MSN Dianna Troyer is a freelance writer based in Pocatello, Idaho. She enjoys family and friends, skiing, riding horse, and hiking.

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1-800-551-3191 Montana SMP is a program coordinated by Missoula Aging Services and partnered with local Area Agencies on Aging. This project was supported, in part by grant number 90MP0233, from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects under government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official Administration for Community Living policy.

PAGE 32

MONTANA SENIOR NEWS • APRIL // MAY 2018

RECREATION

SPARTAN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 31

participants. Swingley was a natural to invite and lead a tribal team. Running his hunting and fishing business, he was already physically fit with the demands of his job—hiking, climbing, lifting, and feeling at ease in the outdoors where trudging in mud and splashing through water were the daily backdrop of his outdoor office. After finishing his first race, Swingley became so motivated with training he shed 45 pounds and changed his diet. He hopes to inspire others, showing how fitness and healthy food can help you live a more fulfilling lifestyle. The more Swingley learned about Spartan racing, the more he liked. “At obstacles, racers will often help each other,” he said. A racer lugs a log at one station along the obstacle course. They are “giving generously,” a fulfillPHOTO BY GRAVITY SHOTS. ment of one of the nine points of the Spartan creed, which has little to do with muscle and obstacles in 3 to 5 miles, the Super with 24 more with a mindset. True Spartans push their to 29 obstacles in 8 to 10 miles, and the Beast minds and bodies to their limits, master their with more than 30 obstacles in 12 to 14 miles. emotions, and learn continuously, according “I wanted to do a trifecta last year but to Spartan.com. They know their flaws as couldn’t with my schedule,” he said, although well as strengths, prove themselves through he was pleased to actions not words, and live every day as if it finish eighth in his were their last. age group last year. People of all fitness levels are welcome, “This year, I’ll be either as elite racers who are competitive or able to finish the open entrants who simply want to finish. A Sprint and Beast racecourse is offered for children, too. here, then I’ll do a The Montana Spartan race is not only on Super in California.” Swingley’s bucket list but also on Thomas Swingley was 8:30am–2:30pm Opens 9:00am Sunday Reynolds’ list. A commercial loan officer in led to Spartan racClosed Monday Twin Falls, Idaho, the 50-year-old plans ing when the staff to complete the Beast at Bigfork. Reynolds o f t h e K a l i s p e l l GREEK NIGHT 1st Friday Each Month became hooked on Spartan races in 2013 after Convention & finishing his first Beast race in Sacramento. Visitor Bureau, BREAKFAST & LUNCH “I’d done some Dirty Dash obstacle wanting to ensure AMERICAN FAVORITES courses, but they weren’t timed and weren’t a good turnout on SUNDAY SPECIALS very challenging for me,” said Reynolds, who race day, began 500 Central Ave registers for at least a half dozen Spartan calling potential Great Falls 406-727-1962 races a season throughout the West. fifthstreetdiner.com “Wherever I go, I’m out there for the competition. I don’t plan to win, but I do compete with myself and my teammates on the Spartan Spuds. If GO SOMEWHERE SUPER I have the opportuand still have gas money nity, I’ll run the first sitting in your pants race of the day in the elite group and run

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More than 7,000 racers of all ages are expected to compete along a Spartan obstacle course in May at Bigfork. The Kalispell Convention & Visitor Bureau has been hosting and sponsoring the Montana Spartan Race, now in its sixth year. PHOTO BY THE FLATHEAD BEACON.

a second race for fun or with team members who are running in the open wave.” He offers advice for those who are considering a Spartan race. “People tend to focus too much on the obstacles and spend a majority of their training on completing obstacles,” he said. “They may be able to complete every obstacle, but do they have the cardio to run 4 miles, 9 miles, or 13-plus miles? Focus on running, mostly trails, and in your spare time work on grip strength and obstacles.” After completing the Montana course, he will run in the Spartan Sprint Race on June 23 at the Thomas Pence Ranch near Payette in western Idaho. He will also race in Nevada, Colorado, Utah, Washington, and California. “I’m excited for the upcoming season,” said Reynolds. MSN Dianna Troyer is a freelance writer based in Pocatello, Idaho. She enjoys family and friends, skiing, riding horse, and hiking.

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APRIL // MAY 2018 • MONTANA SENIOR NEWS

RECREATION

PAGE 33

Tag-Team Antler Hunting BY HOLLY ENDERSBY “Be the elk.” That’s the first thing Ray Petersen, an antler hunter for 40 years, told me about successful shed hunting. “Know where elk feed and rest at the time of year their antlers are shed. And go where no other people are hunting them,” he added. For Petersen and his wife, Jenny Blaylock, this means spending days hiking steep mountains and glassing ridges and draws, to follow the elevation changes elk make in the transition from winter to spring range when they typically shed their antlers. “Find the sweet spot,” Petersen said, “between the winter and summer range, where you’re most likely to find elk sheds.” But, he cautioned, the elevation changes yearly, depending on snow depth, so where elk were last April isn’t a guarantee they’ll be there this year. Sometimes, according to Petersen, you can visit the same area and find sheds from the same animal several years in a row. Then, something, usually predators or people, cause the elk to move, and your honey-hole comes up empty. “That’s why it’s called antler hunting, not hiking,” laughed Blaylock. “It’s like regular hunting, but without the gun. You walk slowly and methodically. It’s a completely different mind-set from hiking.” While April is prime time for elk antler hunting, this formidable team uses late winter to look for whitetail and mule deer sheds as well. “Whitetail antlers tend to be found in wooded areas with thick brush but in less rugged country,” said Petersen. “We start looking for them in late January.” Blaylock said mule deer like to hang up high on rimrocks, to really see their surroundings. “We’ve found mule deer antlers in places you’d think were better suited to mountain goats.” The couple begin looking for muley sheds in February. When Petersen finds a whitetail shed, he scours the area in concentric circles, looking for the match. “If you find a freshly dropped antler, you almost always find the second one within 200 yards of the first one,” he reported. But, he added, the smaller the antler, the less likely you’ll find the second one. Sometimes looking in bushes, at the base of trees or next to a windfall will produce an antler. “Think about where a buck might rub his head to scrape the antlers off,” Petersen recommended. Blaylock has found antlers behind fence lines and downed trees, where a buck has jumped, and the landing has jarred the antler off. “Any time you can get elevation and use binoculars to look over open country before grass starts to grow is a good way to cover a lot of ground,” shared Blaylock. “You can go from ridge to ridge, glassing after snow is off, which is why April is good for finding elk sheds: their large size makes successful glassing possible.”

Both Petersen and Blaylock like to ride FiresideLanesMT.com mountain bikes behind gates closed to motor• Senior Bowling Leagues ized traffic to find pristine areas for antler • Cold Drinks & Hot Machines! hunting. And when Blaylock rides her horse, • Snack Bar she is always on the lookout for antlers. “I found three antlers riding my horse 1431 Industrial Ave • Billings • 406-245-3678 one day, even though I had hunted the area thoroughly on foot. Being higher up provided the perspective I needed to find the sheds.” Staying safe is important to this couple. They hunt with backpacks containing food, extra clothes, headlamps, water, and first aid. More often than not, they plan on coming out On the Montana Dinosaur Trail to a trailhead in the dark. Each of them carries Prehistoric–21st Century a radio as well, even though they try to stay Something for Everyone! in sight of one another. It’s just nicer, they Open Memorial Day–Labor Day Mon–Sat 9am–5pm • Sun & Holidays 1pm–5pm said, to talk quietly into a radio than try to 406-377-8168 • FRONTIERGATEWAYMUSEUM.ORG shout to each other and take a chance of scarOff I-94, Belle Prairie Frontage Rd, Exit 215, 1mi E of Glendive ing animals. In addition, they carry a SPOT emergency communication device that can send out critical injury, health, or rescue information. R e s pe c t i n g t he animals and their environment is an important part of antler hunting. “We’re very careful not to push animals around when we’re looking for sheds,” said Petersen. “They survived winter, they’re in a depleted physical state, and disturbing single animals or herds is just not ethical.” It also means, if you are out with your dog, you’ve taught him not to chase wildlife. Petersen, who often takes weeklong to 10-day solo trips, enjoys having his dog along. “A dog is a great companion. If you’re out for a week alone, it’s just SENIOR LIVING nice to have your dog for Permanent Move-ins by May 31, 2018 OF BILLINGS to talk to!”

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PAGE 34

MONTANA SENIOR NEWS • APRIL // MAY 2018

RECREATION

PHOTO BY JENNY BLAYLOCK.

You can also teach dogs to hunt antlers. “Labs are excellent antler dogs,” said Blaylock, “but you can teach any dog to find them given enough time and training.” The couple is currently training a new puppy by hiding antlers around their property and praising him lavishly when he finds them. This active couple likes to hike into the backcountry, set up camp, and antler hunt for a week or so. “It involves a whole lot of walking and several trips to get the antlers out to the trailhead when we are done,” said Blaylock.

Tackling Tick Season BY HOLLY ENDERSBY As a kid, I thought nothing of picking ticks off me after a day in the woods. While the blood sucking little creeps were a nuisance, we never thought they’d carry a deadly disease. Today, however, ticks are no small matter, and tackling tick season successfully is important for anyone venturing into field or forest.

With typical loads of 60 to 100 pounds of antlers, they both use meat packs, rather than backpacks, to carry out the sheds. And they both use trekking poles for stability. “Poles are absolutely essential,” said Blaylock. “You can really get hurt if you fall with a load of sharp antlers on you. And carrying loads in your arms is not a good idea.” The most unique antler Petersen has found was a non-typical, 10-point elk that was heavily palmated (where the prongs join in sheets, resembling the palm of a hand with extended fingers), with heavy mass over all. Another time he found a honey hole between the Snake and Salmon Rivers with a huge number of antlers that he tied to his bike, which was then too laden to ride. When rain started pouring down, it became too loaded down with mud to push. “I had to abandon everything and come back again the next day,” he laughed. Although Blaylock has found a matched pair of seven-point elk antlers, she said her goal is to find a matched set of spikes. “Those smaller elk antlers are almost impossible to find in pairs,” she said. “But, I’m going to keep hunting until I find a set!” This retired couple stays in shape all year with hiking, riding, and skiing, to be able to

The insect most likely to carry Lyme disease in Idaho and Montana is the western black legged tick. Not all ticks are infected, but there’s no way to tell by sight if one is infected or not. The ticks actually contract the bacterial disease most often from infected deer or mice and act as a carrier since the tick isn’t affected by the bacterium at all. The risk of the tick transmitting the disease increases the longer it is attached to you. A classic bite from a tick carrying Lyme disease results in an expanding red bullseye around the bite site within one to four weeks of contraction. In 70 to 80 percent of

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enjoy the rugged pastime of antler hunting. They feel blessed to spend so much time in nature, observing animals on public land. “It’s really like an adult Easter egg hunt,” said Blaylock. “You might not find an antler every time you go out, but when you do, it is a real treasure.” MSN Holly Endersby has been an award-winning outdoor writer for 25 years, working in newspaper, magazines, TV, and web-based magazines. She enjoys horse packing in wilderness areas, fishing, hunting, snow and water sports, yoga, and hiking. She was the first Conservation Director for Backcountry Hunters & Anglers.

infected people, an expanding rash occurs with a significant number of people showing flu-like symptoms of fever, chills, headaches, fatigue, and muscle aches. In addition, some people experience swollen lymph nodes and joint pain. While a blood test taken three to four weeks after a bite can confirm the disease, many doctors manage a bite with classic symptoms proactively, not waiting for the blood test. Lyme disease is most curable when treated early with antibiotics. This works because the culprit is a bacterium, killed with the right prescribed drugs. If the disease is not diagnosed and treated promptly, more body systems can be affected, including damage to joints, heart,and nervous system, often happening weeks to months after the bite. Other rashes may also appear on the body, the person may experience intermittent pain and weakness in legs and arms, develop headaches, experience memory problems, and may suffer from Bell’s palsy, a partial loss of control of facial nerves and muscles. Unfortunately, those who go undiagnosed for months or whose treatment is unsuccessful, joint inflammation, abnormal nerve sensations, and confusion may become pronounced and long lasting. Depending on the weather, April is the typical start of tick season in Idaho and Montana. This is when my dog always gets his first CONTINUED ON PAGE 35

APRIL // MAY 2018 • MONTANA SENIOR NEWS TICK CONTINUED FROM PAGE 34

application of tick medicine. Unfortunately for people, no treatment exist to make us safe from ticks. Prevention is the name of the game for people. As you move through grass or shrubs in woody areas or open grasslands, ticks can brush off onto your body or clothes. Be tick-smart, and always wear a hat and long sleeves. Tuck your pants inside your socks. April through June is the time I wear long pants, not shorts, when I hike, fish, turkey hunt, or ride bikes or horses. I liberally apply insect repellent containing DEET on any exposed skin and apply permethrin to my hat, the bottoms of my pant legs, and my boots, but NEVER to my skin. If it’s an unusually active tick season, I continue these preventative measures through July. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends checking your body and clothes for ticks after being in the great outdoors. Ticks love more sheltered parts of your body, so be sure to check your hairline, your armpits, and, unfortunately, your groin.

RECREATION

For those areas of your body you can’t see easily, use a mirror or ask a partner or spouse to check you over. I’ve found ticks in my scalp when I didn’t wear a hat and around my waist after floundering through thick brush hunting, even in the fall, which was a huge surprise. When I’m riding my horse in brushy areas or in the woods, I push my long hair up under my helmet and make sure I apply insect repellent to all sides of my neck. CDC experts suggest showering after being in a likely tick-infested area and putting clothes you wore outside in a hot dryer to kill any hitchhikers. If you do find an attached tick, don’t panic. Take fine-tipped tweezers, grab the head of the tick, and pull straight out, with no twisting. Applying fingernail polish or Vaseline will not remove the tick.

PAGE 35

Once you’ve removed the tick, kill it, clean the site, and apply a topical antiseptic. Keep an eye on the site for several weeks: if you notice any of the symptoms listed on the CDC website, go to a doctor immediately. Avoiding ticks in the first place is the best step for successfully tackling tick season. For the best information on Lyme Disease, symptoms, and prevention, go to www.cdc. gov/lyme MSN Holly Endersby has been an award-winning outdoor writer for 25 years, working in newspaper, magazines, TV, and web-based magazines. She enjoys horse packing in wilderness areas, fishing, hunting, snow and water sports, yoga, and hiking. She was the first Conservation Director for Backcountry Hunters & Anglers.

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In went the kiddy pool, provisions for the dog, and snacks and drinks for the rest of us. I had great friends I could pass my treasures to. With a few quick calls, my friends each had a nice keepsake from me. I lifted Jazz into the kiddy pool and closed the hatch. Funny how she seemed lighter when she wanted to get in. When we opened the hatch and lifted Jazz out for the last stop, she was home. She loved Lake Pend Oreille. She greeted her old friends Tuan, the golden retriever, and Rafiki, the jet black Scotty, with a wag of her tale and a bounding run, reminiscent of her puppy days. Emma and Aaron couldn’t always articulate their own grief in words. I see now that it is a rare parent who can help their children when they, themselves, are incapacitated by grief. “Mom, please read me a story” was answered with a “Later, Emma,” which never came. What can a little girl do to find solace? I’ll tell you what Emma did; she went out the front door, leaving a world of sickness and medicine and tensions she didn’t understand. She played in the sunshine and skipped through pine trees under chirping birds. Her constant companion was a golden dog with soft brown eyes, who listened intently to every word she said. When dad was counting out pain medication and couldn’t play a game of ball, Aaron softly walked to the door and went outside. He spied a lizard sunning itself on a rock and forgot about feeling lonely. Aaron picked up a ball and tossed it to his old pal Jazzaroo. Next, his two friends balanced on an old log amidst wildflowers and butterflies. Aaron anointed his steed Jazz with moss and went off to hunt lions and rhinoceroses. Where did I go for comfort? Those around me were too overwhelmed by their own troubles to help me. Jazz was the one who heard my cries and answered by nudging her head under my hand. Jazz is a gift who teaches me to find joy in scattered moments of my day. I chose to keep the best when I tossed out the teacups and kept “Jazz the Wonder Dog.” MSN

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MONTANA SENIOR NEWS • APRIL // MAY 2018

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MONTANA SENIOR NEWS • APRIL // MAY 2018

COVER STORY

The 2017 fire season went down in the record books: Montana blazes burned through 1.2 million acres, destroying 126 structures along the way. With regard to size, it was the worst wildfire season since 1910. Firefighting costs racked up to a staggering $386 million. Two firefighters lost their lives. People were left feeling helpless and angry. As we approach the 2018 wildfire season, we wonder what can we learn from last year. How did last year’s fires blow out of control? Why couldn’t we stop them? What can we do differently this year? Unfortunately, no easy answers exist for these questions.

BY GAIL JOKERST Like cut diamonds, efforts to fight fires are always multi-faceted. And as diamonds are never alike, neither are fires nor the methods used to douse flames. No one-size-fits-all approach exists in firefighting, whether on the prairie or in the forest. Instead, solutions typically begin with the words, “It depends.” That makes sense, considering facets of firefighting include location, weather, and topography.

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They also include nationally shared manpower and resources, whose availability depends on what other disasters might be occurring simultaneously. Western firefighting teams could as readily be sent to an oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico or hurricane site in Texas as they could to a National Park or Forest within Montana. No one knows this better than John Thompson, a BLM Fire Management Officer based in Butte. “Fire management can’t be done with a broad brush. It must be specific to what will work in your local landscape at the time. One technique won’t cure all problems,” said Thompson, who puts safety at the top of his priority list. “Every tool in firefighting is effective in certain situations, but not in all situations.” A veteran of 31 fire seasons, Thompson served a rotation as the Incident Commander last summer for two of the state’s most high

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profile fires—Seeley Lake’s Rice Ridge Fire and Glacier National Park’s Sprague Fire. As part of his job, Thompson assembles inter-agency teams capable of fighting fires anywhere in the nation. “It’s by design to have people with various areas of expertise—not just federal government—on the teams. Since we want the nuances of each site represented,” explained Thompson, “teams are also comprised of agencies on the state and local levels.” When on assignment, Thompson strives to ensure that locals are well informed about that fire’s status and the actions underway to contain or put it out. He takes that task as seriously as extinguishing flames. To keep people updated, he holds open meetings whenever and wherever communities face possible risk. “I work for the public, and communicating with the public is one of the key aspects of my job. We need to find out if people are getting the information they need. If not, we ask how we can improve and better communicate without using jargon,” said Thompson, who has held meetings inside buildings as well as outside at the end of ranchers’ driveways. “At Rice Ridge, we held public meetings six times a week in three locations. Audiences have different concerns, and that changes how we prepare. We don’t like to shoot from the hip.”

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Considering how much misunderstanding surrounds this emotional and political issue, these meetings provide an important venue for sharing correct information about fire behavior and for answering questions uppermost on people’s mind. One common misperception regards smoke. As Thompson explained, “Smoke does come from a burning forest, but not necessarily from trees; it also comes from the ground.” Another misperception deals with fire suppressants and retardants. “They can work in lightly forested areas, but a dense tree canopy keeps them from reaching the ground where they need to be,” he noted. “Fuel goes from the ground to treetops.” Undoubtedly, social media has hugely affected how fire information is disseminated. Somebody who may not attend a meeting may turn instead to Facebook or Twitter for news. “Everyone wants immediate updates. If you aren’t providing that, people will share their own. We want to be sure the information is timely and accurate. If we don’t give it out, someone will make it up,” commented Thompson, who often travels with a group of people who monitor social media to make certain the information is correct. “By using this approach, it stops 90 percent of the false information.” While not every question asked at meetings can be addressed in this space, here are three of the most common questions and the answers people heard. Q: Why were the fires so hard to put out? A: “Every fire season is different. Last year, the difficulty was the dryness. We saw fires move at night, which is unusual. At Seeley Lake, 8,000 acres burned one night. The next night, 40,000 acres burned. Temperatures didn’t cool off at night. “There was no humidity or dew in the morning to help, so the fires never stopped burning,” explained Thompson. “We were also competing against other natural disasters and fires for manpower, aircraft, logistical support equipment, and mobile kitchens. In fire seasons like last year’s, we exhausted all our resources nationwide, including manpower. We even ran out of caterers capable of feeding a small community.” By all accounts, the season was historic. According to the Daily Inter Lake, $386 million was spent on fighting Montana fires. The destruction included 1.2 million acres of land and 126 structures with the biggest loss being the lives of two firefighters.

COVER STORY

PAGE 39

Q: Why isn’t more logging being done to prevent fires? A: Thompson readily acknowledged that decreasing the fuel supply means fewer flames, but those words are easier to say than put into effect. “Fires are an exercise in probability. You never know where they’ll start. There are historic lightning belts, but it’s still a card game. Selectively thinning—versus clear cuts—could be a treatment; it opens things up,” explained Thompson, a forester by education. “But you can’t predict lightning or where a cigarette will get tossed or a campfire will be left burning. Treatment has to be in the right place, and who knows where that is. If people think logging is a magic pill to stop all fires, they’re fooling themselves.” Q: Why weren’t more aircraft used? A: Although it may not have appeared to be the case last year, more helicopters and air tankers were deployed early in the fire season than many people realized. “So many aircraft flew out of Helena, we ran the airport out of fuel,” commented Thompson. “But if California had happened sooner, Montana would have lost a big portion of resources. When those fires hit, our aircraft disappeared in a matter of hours.” Finances also play a role as $10,000 to $20,000 can be spent in a matter of 30 seconds. Should an aircraft be available to drop retardant, and if weather conditions are cooperative, the flight still must occur at the right place at the right time. It also must be backed up with enough people on the ground to build or strengthen a fire line, people whom Thompson may not have then. As it turns out, the limiting factor in ending many fire scenarios is running out of fire crews. This often happens before aircraft, retardant, suppressant, funding, or wraps for buildings cease to exist. “We’ve gone from about 450 to 250 crews nationwide. That stems partly from implementing more stringent physical requirements to prevent injuries and from drug testing. It’s a challenge to get enough crews to get the work done, ” he said. “Many markets are competing for the same pool of people. I’m not convinced it’s lack of a work ethic. It’s hard work. Some thrive on it, but not everyone. I slept in a tent 53 nights last summer; some people don’t want to do that. It’s not camping.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 45

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Fiddler and Philosopher THE WIT AND WISDOM OF MIKE WILLIAMS

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“You forgot your fiddle for a fiddle lesson?” he asked, clearly annoyed. “Well,” I said. “I was in a hurry to get out of town.” “Why?” he asked. “Were the cops after you?” I laughed. He loaned me a fiddle for the lesson and—not that I ever amounted to much of a player—what licks I have I owe to Williams. I think a lot of Montanans who play music because of Williams would say the same thing: he’s a great teacher. In 1975, Williams moved to Helena, where he has been playing in bands and giving lessons ever since. He’s almost entirely selftaught, though he started playing drums in high school, a choice of instrument that served him well when he was in the Navy in the 1950s. “I was stationed in Guam, where I played evenings with a jazz outfit at a club called The Coral Club. You had to be 21 to be in the bar, and I was only 19, but I had acquired a phony I.D., so I could sit in with the jazz group on drums with a set of brushes.” After his stint in the Navy, Williams went to Florida State University, to earn a BA and

MA in philosophy, and then went to Athens, Ga., to get a PhD at the University of Georgia. “I had a guitar at the time, but it was a log, really. An Italian make called an Eko, which was impossible to play,” he said. “My roommate wanted to play guitar, so he offered to trade me a fiddle for it. I didn’t realize at the time that it was a three-quarter size fiddle, a kid’s instrument. But I figured I had played a little mandolin, so I would be able to play the violin as well.” Eventually, he acquired a violin of the correct scale and commenced learning the southern Appalachian fiddle music he still loves and plays, often for square and contra dances around the state. While in Florida, he played in a weekly jam at a Sinclair Station in a little town outside the city. “The guy owned a filling station, but after hours he’d have a jam session in one of the garage bays,” said Williams. The session even attracted on occasion the star fiddler from Florida, Vassar Clements, who at the time had a day job driving a red-side panel van for Gordon’s Potato Chips. While in Athens, Williams attended classes in Old Peabody Hall, reading Plato and Kant

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by day, but spending his afternoons and evenings practicing his fiddle on the back porch under a huge magnolia tree. “I must have been pretty terrible starting out,” he said. “We had a neighbor who called the cops on me. I’m just sitting there sawing on the fiddle when I see two policemen suddenly climbing up the stairs toward me. ‘We’ve had a noise complaint,’ the one says. I told them it was just me practicing my fiddle, and the cop says, ‘well, now. I like that old fiddle music. Why don’t you play us a tune?’” Williams scratched out a tune, after which the officer smiled at his partner, then at Williams and said, “Well, son. I’ll tell you what: you keep on practicing, but maybe you’d better do it inside.” Williams had some trouble finishing school because he soon got involved in Students for a Democratic Society on campus. He also participated in civil rights demonstrations and women’s marches. “Jeannette Rankin [the famous congresswoman from Montana] had moved to Bogart, a little town next to Athens, where she had started a kind of community center on these issues, called The Rankin House. “A lot of students were involved there. I started neglecting my classes, because these issues were important. It was a pretty tense time there in the late 1960s. And I was learning more and having more fun being involved in that way.” As a result, he completed his

coursework, but never finished his dissertation. In the early 1970s, Williams headed west, where, after a stint in Colorado, he landed in Helena, Mont. He started playing with local musicians, joining a group called the Parlor Pickers, one of Helena’s longest-running musical ensembles. He also began repairing instruments in a small shed he built in his back yard, which evolved into Crow Peak Music, where he also started teaching lessons to all ages and all skill levels. He even developed his own system of tablature, so people averse to learning music could still make progress. “I did eventually learn to read music myself,” he said. “One woman asked if I could teach her son to read music, so he could not only play fiddle, but maybe get into the orchestra at the middle school. But to do that, he’d have to learn to read music. So, I said, ‘Sure, I can do that.’” Williams had to learn himself, so he sat at the piano with some sheet music and figured it out. In the 1980s, Williams was a regular at the Montana Old Time Fiddler’s Contests (in Polson mostly, but also in Lincoln), where he won his division a few times and later served as a judge. His repertoire is immense—he can play hundreds of fiddle tunes and can sing near as many old country standards, including bluegrass and Carter Family material. Accomplished at playing jazz, he was a member for a few years of Helena’s hot jazz ensemble, Cottonwood Club. He’s also known to whip out a polka or a schottische at a square dance on occasion. And he always brings a sense of humor to jam sessions and even to his song lists. One summer at a fiddle contest in Lincoln, meat bees were swarming everywhere and actually causing some difficulty for the performers.

SOUTHWEST MONTANA

PAGE 41

I had offered to back him up in the contest on guitar as he fiddled, but I needed to run through his tune choices before we took the stage. “Good idea,” he said. “Let me tell you the tunes I plan to play.” He picked Bumblebee in a Jug, The Flight of the Bumblebee, and the Bee’s Wing Hornpipe for his performance. The judges laughed when he announced his set list, and they may have even awarded him some bonus points for making the most of a bad situation. I caught up with Williams one recent night at The Staggering Ox jam session in Helena, hosted by local band The String Beings, of which Williams is a leading member. “I play in several bands pretty regularly,” he told me while on a break. “I play in the WMDs with my son Kyle, Barb Piccolo, and Steve Laster on banjo. Then there’s the Nitecrawlers, also with Barb. That’s a bluegrass outfit. And the Tuesday night jam here. And I’m in an Irish band ... We call ourselves The Rakes of Mallow.” Over the course of his musical career in Montana, Williams has become something of a legend, well loved for his wit and good humor, his patient teaching style, and his impressive musical talent on fiddle, banjo, mandolin, and guitar. A lot of accomplished musicians tend to avoid beginners, but not Williams: he’s well known for encouraging everyone to join a jam session, even rank beginners, perhaps because he knows that’s how you learn, and it doesn’t have to be Carnegie Hall to be fun. CONTINUED ON PAGE 42

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MONTANA SENIOR NEWS • APRIL // MAY 2018

SOUTHWEST MONTANA FIDDLER CONTINUED FROM PAGE 41

Richard Gibson, Butte’s Accidental Historian

He turns 80 this year, but you’d never know it. He still reminds me of a kid having fun, no matter who he’s playing with, or what kind of music it is. He’ll show you the notes, then lead the tune, and when it’s over, he’ll have you in stitches with his off-thecuff commentary on everything from the questionable morals of banjo players to the optimal strategy for navigating the winter ice in Helena. MSN An author and musician, Dr. Aaron Parrett is a professor at the University of Providence. He runs a vintage print shop, the Territorial Press, in Helena, Mont.

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Geologist Richard Gibson of Butte looks at one of his many rock samples. “I was born a geologist,” he said. “I knew it at an early age.” PHOTO BY AARON PARRETT.

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of what has disappeared, Gibson gives an account of “lost” history, but more importantly, of what has remained: Butte’s people and their enduring memory for what can’t be erased or razed. Richard Gibson describes himself as an “accidental” historian. “I’m a geologist,” he said. “I sort of fell into the history stuff by chance.” How he ended up in Butte was a stroke of luck. It so happens that Indiana University (where Gibson attended graduate school in geology) runs a field station in the Tobacco Root Mountains near Cardwell. “For seventeen years, every summer I would come out and teach classes in making maps, and so I knew about Butte a little bit through that.” Gibson’s career had mainly been in petroleum geology, the major part of which he spent in Texas after the 1975 oil boom. Prior to his stint in Houston, though, Gibson’s first geology job was unusual and interesting: analyzing the geology of kidney stones. “I was born to be a geologist,” he said. “I knew it at an early age. I think 7th grade, I knew for sure. I had always collected rocks and was fascinated by the subject.” (It turns out that kidney stones are composed mainly of calcium phosphates and calcium oxalates, in case you wondered.) In 1989 the Berlin wall came down, and yet another unique and unusual opportunity came his way: the new post-Soviet nation of Russia opened its territory to oil exploration proposals, and because Gibson knew that the USGS had geological and geophysical maps of Russia made by the Soviets in the 1970s using magnetic field data, he would be able to analyze those maps and report the best places to find oil. “What’s most fun for me is learning things, finding stuff out,” Gibson explained.

APRIL // MAY 2018 • MONTANA SENIOR NEWS development that seems to mark Gibson’s life—and the next thing he knew, he had the makings of a book that told the story of Butte by way of the buildings that had given way to “progress,” or at least to major changes to the industrial landscape of Butte. Lately Butte has made it onto the national map for two vastly different claims to fame: on the one hand, there’s the Folk Festival, now in its 10th year. “The Folk Festival has been a great thing for Butte, and for Montana,” he said. “I’ve observed two general categories people fall into at the festival: there’s the ‘folk festival people;’ that is, the people who are there because of the festival, and they come from all over the country and become enamored with Butte. But the other category is all the people from Montana who come to the festival and discover Butte. So many Montanans pass through on the interstate and never get off the highway. They see the pit and maybe judge the town on that basis, but they never stop in Butte and go discover the uptown. But then they come for the festival, see the uptown, and say, ‘wow! I had no idea!’” On the other hand, there’s the Berkeley Pit, steadily filling with water, and every few years drawing national attention for killing unfortunate migrating birds who settle into its toxic pond. “There’s a lot of anxiety at the notion the Pit will overflow and flood Butte,” Gibson said, “which is geologically impossible. There’s quite a bit of misinformation around.” Instead, he patiently explained, the water in the pit is rising, but will reach an equilibrium point with the water table long before it reaches the lip of the pit. “At that point, water will not be flowing into the pit, as it is now, but will reach a balance point with the existing water table.” There is a danger of course that the water could flow from the pit into the water table, but that’s only one possibility. The larger point is that paranoia about the pit overflowing and flooding the flat is completely off the

PAGE 43

mark. “The plan is, and has been since 1994, for pumps to kick in 2020 and start sending the water through a treatment plant to remove the heavy metals, and then discharge it into the natural drainage of Silver Bow Creek.” Gibson has now entered that hallowed pantheon of Butte “characters.” He walks everywhere, knows everyone, and has made lasting contributions to the historical preservation societies in Butte, such as the Archives and the Mai Wah Society. He’s a regular at Quarry Brewing, where he meets regularly with other scientists and barstool historians to chat about Butte and geology and to win trivia contests. He’s also become one of Butte’s favorite people. “One thing I have discovered about Butte is that it has a non-stop series of small-world stories,” Gibson said, a glint in his eye. “You have to be careful how you talk about people because everyone is someone’s cousin, or they used to work together, or something.” After our morning chat, we left his place on Quartz, heading east across uptown Butte in search of some lunch. On the sidewalk on Granite Street, we encountered a bewildered CONTINUED ON PAGE 44

Joe’s Pasty Shop B

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“So, that was really a fun time in my life.” In 2003, Gibson decided to choose a more or less permanent base in the West, and his choice came down to Butte or Denver. The difference in cost of living was the deciding factor. “I knew the area in a general sense from my time at the Indiana U. Field Station, and in 1974 I had helped start the Tobacco Root Geological Society,” Gibson said. “That’s actually one of the accomplishments I am most proud of, starting that society. Every year we give away $7,000 to $9,000 in scholarships to geology students.” Having chosen Butte, he picked out a house at the apex of the uptown, on Quartz. “I figured I needed to just buy a house in Butte and settle in.” But since his Montana connections had largely been the field office out of Cardwell, he didn’t know many people in Butte. He began volunteering at the World Museum of Mining, giving modest 20-minute talks on the geology of the Butte Hill, and the history of mining in the region. “That led into the historic preservation interest,” he said, “and that led into the Mai Wah Building and the Mai Wah Society.” (The Mai Wah Society documents the history of Asian people in Butte and Montana). Along the way, Gibson studied the history of the town, the physical changes it experienced as a result of the Berkeley Pit opening, and gradually he became one of the resident experts on Butte. “I really have fallen in love with its history and the people. Butte was a great discovery for me.” What led to writing Lost Butte was essentially the accumulation of all his Butte knowledge. “I decided that if I were going to be doing the historical tours and giving the talks at the Museum, I needed to know the details of the history behind the areas, and so I learned—much of it from books, but probably as much from the people I talked to.” One thing led to another—a pattern of

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MONTANA SENIOR NEWS • APRIL // MAY 2018

Montana’s Indian Reservations: The Flathead FIRST IN A SERIES COVERING THE SEVEN RESERVATIONS WITHIN MONTANA

BY JACK MCNEEL The entire area we now call Montana was homeland for a number of Native American tribes for hundreds of years before the Lewis and Clark Expedition passed through on their westward trip in 1805 and on their way east the following year. Early trappers soon followed, then homesteaders, and the world of Native Americans was forever changed. The Flathead Reservation, like many reservations, is home to more than one tribe, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. It may also be the most beautiful reservation in the country. It encompasses the southern portion of Flathead Lake, the largest natural lake west of the Mississippi. The 20,000-acre National Bison Range is within its borders as is Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuge, a waterfowl management area. Both these areas are managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Department but lie within the reservation boundaries. In 1982, the tribal council established a tribal wilderness, the only of its kind in the country, which encompasses 92,000 acres. Within this Mission Mountain Tribal Wilderness Area is a 10,000-acre grizzly bear conservation area. Wilderness, grizzlies, bison, waterfowl—one readily sees the importance this reservation places on wildlife. The complex of wetlands in and around Ninepipe NWR has provided the habitat for the reintroduction of trumpeter swans, a program that began in 1996. Now as many as 220 of these majestic birds use the reservation during the summer, and that number can swell to 300 when additional migrants winter there. The wetlands are included in “Montana’s Wildlife Viewing Sites.” Adding to these conservation efforts are 37 wildlife crossings along Highway 93, which runs through the reservation. The crossings allow wildlife of all kinds to safely cross from one side of the road to the other. Most are under-highway crossings, which serve as a national model for others to emulate. In 2012, the Ninepipe NWR received

a prestigious award from the National Wildlife Federation as the “Outstanding Conservation Organization” in the country. Many tribes along the Pacific coast speak the Salish Language, which has many dialects, but the Confederated Salish and Pend d’Orielle here are the easternmost tribes to speak Salish. The Kootenai language is very different, in fact it’s called a language isolate as it’s not related to any other language in the world. Both languages are being kept alive on the Flathead Reservation. The reservation, Buffalo statue on Salish Kootenai College Campus. PHOTO at 1.3 million acres, BY JACKIE MCNEEL. is the seventh largest in the country and is actually larger than the state of Rhode Island. The ancestral homeland of more than 20 million acres was drastically reduced with the Hellgate Treaty of 1855. The current tribal population is over 8,000, roughly 6,000 of which live on or near the reservation. Native Americans have a long history of serving the U.S. by enrolling in the various forms of military service in numerous wars and conflicts. The Salish/Kootenai people are no exception. One prominent example is Louis Charlo, the great grandson of Chief Charlo, who served as chief from 1870 until 1910. Louis was a Marine and took part in the original flag raising at Iwo Jima. The famous photo of Marines raising the flag was actually the second flag raised, when a photographer was present. Drastically, Louis was killed two weeks after the flag raising when he was shot while trying to rescue a fellow Marine. A stone etching of Louis stands near tribal headquarters in Pablo, Mont. Education is a priority for the reservation. Salish Kootenai College became accredited in 1984 and was the first tribal college in the northwest with that standing. Five years later, it became the third tribal college in the nation offering a registered nursing program. Today the school offers five vocational programs and 19 associate degrees, plus four-year degrees in hydrology, psychology, forestry, life sciences, and in tribal historical preservation. The Flathead Reservation has also made its mark in the way of athletics. The basketball teams at SKC have had phenomenal success in competition with other tribal schools. Since 2000 the men have won 10 national championships and the women have won six. In boxing, tribal member Marvin Camel became boxing’s first cruiser-weight world champion in 1980. A book about him is titled Warrior in the Ring.

HISTORIAN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 43

looking elderly fellow who stopped us to ask if we could help him find a certain address on South Montana Street. I smiled, stepped aside, and let Gibson do the talking. But I wanted to tell this poor lost soul that he must be the luckiest man in Butte, because of all the strangers he could have stopped to ask for directions, he literally found the best possible person for the job. If you’re lost or in search of some obscure address in that town, there’s no one better to buttonhole and ask than Richard Gibson. “What are you trying to find?” Gibson asked the man. “Well, a doctor,” the fellow answered. “An allergist, actually.” “Oh, right,” Dick responded. “I know who you’re looking for. He’s on South Montana. You’re on North Montana. Walk down a couple blocks to Broadway, and when you cross it, you’ll be on South Montana. That doctor’s office will be just another block down, on your left.” MSN An author and musician, Dr. Aaron Parrett is a professor at the University of Providence. He runs a vintage print shop, the Territorial Press in Helena, Mont.

APRIL // MAY 2018 • MONTANA SENIOR NEWS Tribal business ventures are numerous, varied, and impressive. It was 1999 that S&K Technologies was formed and also S&K Electronics. In the succeeding 19 years, S&K Technologies alone has grown to five subsidiary companies with customers around the globe. About two years ago, one of those companies, S&K Aerospace, won a $4.2 billion U.S. Air Force contract, working with 93 foreign military customers— the single largest contract to date. About 18 months ago, the Confederated Tribes of the Flathead Reservation purchased Kerr Dam, now renamed Selis Ksanka Qlispe Dam, which is located below Flathead Lake on the Flathead River. The Flathead tribe in the first in the nation to wholly own and operate a hydroelectric facility and now able to market over a million kilowatts of electricity. A third major operation, and likely of more interest to tourists, is the KwaTaqNuk Resort in Polson on the southern shore of Flathead Lake. It’s a beautiful facility with an outdoor patio overlooking the lake, 107 rooms plus several large rooms suitable for conventions, an

FLAMES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 39

Since a national multi-agency command group reviews the countrywide fire picture, its members rank every fire based on population density and numbers of houses and businesses in an affected region. Unsurprisingly, remote wild land and range fires rarely receive top priority. As Thompson pointed out, four factors are weighed—threats to life, threats to improvements of property both personal and community, the value of resources such as timber and land that can have economic impacts, and politics. Since many Montanans live in an urbanwild land interface where houses abut forests, Thompson emphasized that homeowners can take steps to help protect their property. Without missing a beat, he began listing them. “Don’t put six cords of firewood under your house. It’s okay to have trees near you, but thin them out. Prune trees, so they can’t become ladders; fires can’t be fought in tree tops. Remove available fuel and create a defensible space,” he added. “Fire is part of the forested environment, and we have to figure out how to coexist together. It’s a partnership if you live in the woods, and you

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indoor pool, restaurant, and gift shop—the list goes on. The resort also has a casino, which the tribes manage in conjunction with the Gray Wolf Peak Casino north of Missoula. Visitors might also enjoy visiting the People’s Place in Pablo. It’s listed as a cultural center but might also be called a museum. It allows visitors to learn more about tribal cultures surrounding the heritage of these tribes. Quoting Rob McDonald, the tribes Communication Director, “It’s a place to laugh and swap stories and a place for people of all nationalities and tribal affiliations to visit.” MSN

Jack McNeel was born and raised in Idaho. His working career was spent with Idaho Fish and Game Department but after retirement he launched a career as a freelance writer and photographer for many publications, primarily about Native American subjects, hunting, fishing, and travel. He now lives in Hayden, Idaho.

need to be prepared. Firefighters may not have the time or resources to save a home.” Thompson also encouraged people to clean out gutters full of volatile pine needles and to remove any jute doormats. As he noted, “It takes very little to start a big fire.” Lastly, he suggested that homeowners get a free preseason assessment of their risk factors through taxpayer-funded firewise.org and the Montana Department of Natural Resources. While 2017 was not a fire year with many triumphs, Thompson did find a sliver of a silver lining in that smoky black cloud. “Whenever we can bring our firefighting plans to fruition and no one is hurt and no structures are lost, we consider that a success. But last year’s season was more frustrating than ever, and our victories were small,” he admitted. “In those cases, when we can get everyone home safely at the end of a shift, we see that as a victory. “Some look at firefighting as a war. We don’t. War comes with an acceptable loss rate. We can’t work that way. You can’t be up there fighting the fire at all times. It’s not humanly possible or safe.” Thompson has met Montanans thankful for his teams’ efforts and others who were

more disgruntled than grateful. In the latter case, he calmly reminds people that he and his crew are there as problem solvers, not magicians. “Have patience with the firefighting process,” he urged. “We want the fire out as much or more than the public does. We’re all trying to get to the same end state.” For information on current fires, visit websites for local, state and federal government agencies as well as InciWeb.org. Several good mobile apps for tracking area wildfires are also available for download: WLF Map, Wildfire, and Fire Finder to name a few. Check your app store. MSN Gail Jokerst is a longtime contributor to MSN, living in fire country.

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MONTANA SENIOR NEWS • APRIL // MAY 2018

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Money Matters

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include cash assistance, food stamps, and free or low-cost daycare. Or, if your household income is too high to qualify as a family, ask about the “child-only grant” for just the grandchild’s support alone. Also, find out if your state offers any additional programs, like guardianship subsidies, non-parent grants, or kinship care. Contact your state TANF program (see ACF.HHS.gov/ofa for contact information), or call your county social services office for more information on these programs. You also need to find out if your grandkids are eligible for Social Security, including benefits for children, survivor benefits, or SSI. You can find this out at your local Social Security office, or call 800-7721213 or visit SSA.gov. And finally, use BenefitsCheckUp.org, a comprehensive website that lets you search for additional financial assistance programs that you may be eligible for, such as lower energy bills, discounts on prescription medications and more. TAX BENEFITS In addition to the financial assistance programs, there are also a number of tax benefits that may help you, too, like the Dependency Exemption, which allows you to deduct $4,050 in 2107 on each qualifying grandchild. There’s also the Earned Income Tax Credit or EITC, which is available to those with moderate to low incomes, or the Child Tax Credit if you make too much money to qualify for the EITC. If you’re working, and are incurring childcare expenses in order to work, there’s a Child and Dependent Care Credit that can help. And, if you choose to legally adopt your grandkids, there’s an Adoption Credit that provides a federal tax credit of up to $13,570. There are even education-related tax credits that can help your grandkids go to college, like the American Opportunity Tax Credit or the Lifetime Learning Tax Credit. To learn more about these tax benefits, call the IRS at 800-8291040, or visit IRS.gov. You can also call the IRS publication line at 800-829-3676 and ask them to mail you the publications that further explain the aforementioned benefits. Ask for publications 501, 503, 596, 970, 972. HEALTH INSURANCE If your grandkids need health insurance, depending on your income level, you may be able to get free or low-cost health insurance through

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not be eligible for many of the previously listed financial assistance programs, and there can be problems with basic things like enrolling your grandkids in school, or giving a doctor permission to treat them. For help locating affordable or free legal assistance, visit www.FindLegalHelp.org, or call the Eldercare Locator at 800-677-1116 for referrals.

For more information and resources, see the Grandfamilies State Law and Policy Resource Center at GrandFamilies.org. MSN 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.

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PAGE 47

Submitted by Julie Fink Brantley

pretty simple: connect travelers to local people and culture by offering opportunities for them to stay in local dwellings. While hotels are often located on the outskirts of towns, forcing tourists to drive to food and nightclubs, Airbnbs commonly involve a house in a local neighborhood within walking distance of entertainment. Not only do the accommodations tend to be more comfortable and homelike than a chain hotel room, their locations immerse travelers in a neighborhood experience. When Abdul and Kathie Kadri—both medical doctors in Billings—retired and moved to Missoula, they turned their carriage house into an Airbnb.

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“We didn’t do it for the money,” Abdul explained. “We did it as an interesting thing to do and to compel us to renovate this old carriage house on our property.” The Kadris rent their carriage house out for $119 a night, with a large discount of 15 or 20 percent for rentals of more than a week. “It has been nothing but a positive experience for us, both as guests and hosts,” Abdul said. “We knew about Airbnb because we used them all over Europe and had just great experiences. And the same has held true here: we have had everyone from senior professors from back east to retired police detectives from Boston stay with us. The people are incredible, interesting people.” Airbnb, founded in 2008, is yet another consumer service that takes advantage of cell phone technology and the Internet. Though hosts get charged only 3 to 5 percent of the cost of their rentals, guests The bedroom of Abdul and Kathie Kadri’s Airbnb rental. typically pay between Not only do Airbnb accommodations tend to be more 6 and 12 percent in comfortable and homelike than hotels, they immerse travelers into the neighborhood experience. PHOTO BY booking fees. KATHIE KADRI. Potential guests must sign up for the free service and provide a valid email, address, telephone number, and photo, as well as a credit card. Because potential guests have to create a public profile that Airbnb hosts can check, the service is considered by most hosts to be safe. Theresa Cardiello of Helena, Mont., started renting rooms in her house through Airbnb in 2013. “I took a trip back east to see the color change in the fall, and my adult children, who had all left home and done lots of traveling, told me to look into Airbnb,” she said. “I ended up staying in five different places, all Airbnb, and had great experiences.” She came back to Helena and started offering the same experience to others as a host. “When I started, there were maybe four or five in Helena at the time. Now there are over 100!” Like the Kadris, Cardiello reported entirely positive experiences, both as host and guest. “Airbnb is really suited to the personality of the host and allows you to create a space that fits your life.” She charges $55 per night with a 25 percent discount for stays of more than a week and a 50 percent discount for stays of a month or more. In 2014, the Wall Street Journal reported that many homeowners on the brink of foreclosure had successfully turned to Airbnb to earn enough income to make their mortgage payments. In fact, many banks now recognize Airbnb earnings as income that will count during a home refinance. Some U.S. cities and municipalities have subletting or occupancy laws that require additional permits and registrations. Airbnb does maintain a list of cities requiring special permits on its website and will send tax forms to hosts who earn more than $20,000. Missoula recently passed new licensure laws, and Kathie Kadri was among the first to go through the new process last year (2017). MSN An author and musician, Dr. Aaron Parrett is a professor at the University of Providence. He runs a vintage print shop, the Territorial Press in Helena, Mont.

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APRIL // MAY 2018 • MONTANA SENIOR NEWS

PAGE 49

Health Care

MEDICINE•PREVENTION•DIAGNOSIS•TREATMENT

Montana Senior Medicare Patrol Program EDUCATING PEOPLE ON MEDICARE FRAUD, WASTE, AND ABUSE The Montana Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) is a national program funded by the Administration for Community Living, administered by Missoula Aging Services. SMP empowers people to prevent healthcare fraud, mainly through educating people on Medicare about fraud, waste, and abuse. According to Modern Healthcare, one in eight Americans have had their medical records in

some way compromised. The average cost to rectify that is $13,500 and 200 hours of your time. Medical ID theft is difficult to fix because no centralized source keeps all medical records. The best way to fix it is to keep it from happening in the first place. So what can people do other than to never give out their Medicare number unless they know exactly who they are speaking to? The

number-one deterrent to Medicare fraud is to read your statements. If you see something you don’t recognize or understand, call your provider, or call SMP. A $9 mistake once returned $1.37 million to Medicare. To find out how, or for help understanding your statements, call the closest Office on Aging at 1-800-551-3191 to reach your local SMP office. MSN

Prevent Back Pain as You Grow Older BY WINA STURGEON, ADVENTURE SPORTS WEEKLY (TNS) As people get into their 50s, their backs often start to hurt. It can become chronic. The pain may be there in the morning when you first wake up. Then it goes away after you start moving around. Or it may come on slowly, in the afternoon, especially if you sit a lot. Aching backs are one of the more common complaints of those who pass middle age. There are many known causes. One is poor posture. If you spend most of your day sitting, either on a couch or behind a desk, it’s hard to keep the back erect. It’s easier to slump over, especially if you’re staring at a screen—TV or device. This “slump-over” pulls on the ligaments of the spinal vertebrae, eventually causing painful pressure. When backs ache, few people think, “Oh, I’d better check my posture and keep my back straight.” But training your spine to stay straight, with shoulders back, is one way to prevent back pain as you get older.

Another reason for chronic back pain is a physical weakness. Many people no longer move around as much or as vigorously as they did just a few years previously. Many who may have put on weight don’t even take the opportunity to get exercise; they head for the motorized shopping cart as soon as they get into a store. This is the wrong thing for a pain-free back. If you sit while driving your vehicle to the store, and sit to do your shopping, then go back to the vehicle and sit while driving home, your back will get very little of the natural exercise that comes with just moving around. Sitting too much will almost guarantee a weak and painful back eventually. That gives us two rules to prevent back pain: Keep your spinal column erect and straight and do as little sitting as possible. The third rule is by far the most important: build up your spinal erectors. These are long columns of muscles and tendons that line CONTINUED ON PAGE 50

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HEALTH CARE

PAGE 50

BACK PAIN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 49

each side of the spine. They taper off in the rib and neck area. The greatest mass for spinal erectors is found in the lower back, where it supports the spine. You can, in fact, see these columns of muscle in the lower backs of fit and well-built athletes, such as NFL football players and female tennis players.

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Building strong and muscular spinal erectors will help support and strengthen the spine. These are actually easy muscles to build. Dead lifts with a bar or dumbbells will do the trick. But if you have allowed your spinal strength to atrophy, you must start out slow, with light weights and sufficient repetitions. For example, if you’re in your 50s or older, start with ten-pound dumbbells. They’ll probably feel like no weight at all, but going through the motion of a dead lift with light

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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 115 million Americans have diabetes or prediabetes today, but most of them don’t even know they have it. Here’s how to know if you’re at risk. The problem with diabetes is that most people don’t start thinking about it until they’re diagnosed, and that’s too late. Diabetes is a disease that develops over decades. Most people have prediabetes for a long time before the disease becomes full-blown type-2 diabetes, and even then it progresses gradually. That leaves a big window in which to stop, slow, or reverse the disease. Diabetes occurs when the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin to remove sugar from the bloodstream. Excess blood sugar damages

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weights will get your spinal erectors accustomed to the movement without stressing any muscle or tendon. It’s essential that you do the dead lift with proper form, otherwise, you could injure your back. Start with the weight “dead” on the floor, not held up against the shins. Bend over at the hips, not the waist, to pick up the weight. The back should be kept absolutely straight, without a curve. Ask a friend or a gym trainer to assess the flatness of your back. You can bend your knees, but keep them a little flexed, not locked straight. Pick up the ‘dead’ weight from the floor and stand up straight again. Hold the weight for a few seconds, then bend over and replace it on the floor. If you have been dead lifting with proper form for three or more weeks, and you feel no pain or irritation from the movement; add a small amount of poundage to what you’re lifting. If you’ve been doing ten-pound dumbbells, move up to 12-pounders. Don’t be too quick to add more weight. Gain more strength before you make any increase to what you’re lifting. Slow and steady is the key. The result is the building of supportive tissue that will eliminate much of the back pain associated with aging. MSN

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blood vessels and affects circulation, putting you at risk for a host of ailments, from heart attack and stroke to blindness, kidney failure, and nerve damage. ARE YOU AT RISK? If you answer “yes” to any of the following questions, your odds of developing diabetes increases. << Are you over age 45? << Are you overweight? << Do you have high blood pressure—140/90 or higher? << Do you have a parent or sibling with diabetes? << Are you sedentary? << Are you African American, Hispanic/Latino American, Native American, Asian American, Pacific Islander, or Alaska native? << Did you develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy?

APRIL // MAY 2018 • MONTANA SENIOR NEWS To help you determine your risk of developing diabetes, take the free online quiz at Diabetes.org/risk-test.jsp. GET TESTED If you find that you’re at risk for diabetes, your doctor can give you three different tests to diagnosis it. The most common is the “fasting plasma glucose test,” which requires an eighthour fast before you take it. There’s also the “oral glucose tolerance test” to see how your body processes sugar, and the “hemoglobin A1C test” that measures your average blood sugar over the past three months. It can be taken anytime regardless of when you ate. Most private health insurance plans and Medicare cover diabetes tests; however, if you’re reluctant to visit your doctor to get tested, an alternative is to go to the drug store, buy a blood glucose meter, and test yourself at home. Some top glucose meteroptions options, recommended by Consumer Reports, include FreeStyle Freedom Lite, Bayer Contour Next,

HEALTH CARE

True Metrix Blood Glucose Meter, OneTouch UltraMini, and the ReliOn (Wal-Mart) Micro, which all cost under $25. If you find that you are prediabetic or diabetic, you need to see your doctor to develop a plan to get it under control. In many cases lifestyle changes like losing weight, exercising, eating a healthy diet, and cutting back on carbohydrates may be all you need to do to get your diabetes under control. For others who need more help, many medications are available. For more information on diabetes or to find help, join a lifestyle change program recognized by the CDC (see CDC.gov/diabetes/prevention) that offers in-person and online programs in more than 1,400 locations throughout the U.S. Over the course of a year, a coach will help you eat healthy, increase your physical activity and develop new habits. MSN Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of the book The Savvy Senior. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Normanb, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org

Live Well with Dementia A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia is life changing and raises a lot of questions and emotions. It can leave a person feeling isolated and unsure of where to turn for information and support. The Alzheimer’s Association has created a robust, on-line resource, “I Have Alzheimer’s”—available at www.alz.org—for empowering those living in the early stage of the disease. The site offers LiveWell resources meant to help individuals move past feelings of isolation and on to planning, preparing, receiving support, and living their best life after diagnosis. Currently in Montana, 20,000 people live with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia, and an estimated 5.5 million across the country. It is not uncommon for these individuals to feel disconnected, isolated or abandoned by others. Denial and fear of what will happen as the disease progresses can prevent many individuals from seeking or facing their diagnosis. As a result, they often delay in planning for the future or accessing potential treatments. They may miss out on resources and support services that can help them live a positive and fulfilling life in the early stages of dimentia.

Screening can prevent colorectal cancer. Starting at age 50, all Montanans should be tested for colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is highly preventable, yet it is the second-leading cancer killer of men and women in the U.S and the third highest cancer in Montana. But it doesn’t have to be. Screening finds precancerous polyps so they can be removed before they turn into cancer. If you are age 50 or older, talk with your doctor and get tested for colorectal cancer. Medicare and many insurance plans help pay for screening. Please visit www.cancer.mt.gov for more information.

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“LiveWell resources and activities help those living in the early stage confront diseaserelated challenges by providing personal insights and strategies on how to live a quality life with dementia for as long as possible,” said Monica Moreno, director, early-stage initiatives, Alzheimer’s Association. “We hope that by hearing from others living with the disease, users will begin to embrace the notion that there is life after a diagnosis and use the LiveWell tools to gain a sense of control over their lives.” The LiveWell series includes interactive activities that allow users to enter customized responses and generate personalized summaries detailing the steps they can take to live well.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 52

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MONTANA SENIOR NEWS • APRIL // MAY 2018

HEALTH CARE DEMENTIA CONTINUED FROM PAGE 51

video reflection from individuals living in the early stage who recount the emotions they experienced after receiving their diagnosis and the process they went through to accept it. YOU ARE MORE THAN YOUR DIAGNOSIS A diagnosis and the accompanying losses may impact how individuals see themselves. This activity encourages individuals to explore unique aspects of their identity. A personalized word cloud is generated from their responses, which they can download and share the image of the word cloud.

receive a personalized plan they can share with others, to start conversations about how they would like to approach living a healthy and balanced life.

LIVE IN THE MOMENT It can be difficult to remain positive when facing the daily challenges of dementia. This tool contains videos featuring individuals living with dementia who share their perspectives on how the diagnosis changed their outlook on life and taught them the importance of living in the moment. “These resources address important issues that can help individuals living in the early stage of the disease identify what’s important and how they can move forward,” Moreno said. “We encourage individuals living with the disease to use these resources, to begin conversations with their care partners about how they can live as well as possible for as long as possible.” MSN

LIVE HEALTHY Understanding how to live a healthy and balanced life is often a challenge for individuals in the early stage of the disease. This resource helps individuals choose how to live well in their daily lives. Individuals

MAXIMIZE YOUR INDEPENDENCE Living with dementia may present daily challenges that cause a person to focus on their losses rather than their strengths and the available support. This activity encourages

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individuals to use strategies for living a quality life and identify how others may be able to help them with day-to-day activities.

The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. For more information, visit the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org or call the 24/7 helpline at 800-272-3900.

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APRIL // MAY 2018 • MONTANA SENIOR NEWS

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Caregiving

SUPPORT•INSIGHT•COMFORT•SERVICE•ENCOURAGEMENT

Stuck in the Middle WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CAREGIVING (StatePoint) As the population ages, more people (particularly women) will be “sandwiched” in between taking care of their parents or other family members in need, and their children. Take telenurse and nurse educator Kathie Wells, RN, BSN, CCM. At age 55, she is juggling full-time work, while raising school-age kids and caring for her husband Robert, 64, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD) in 2002. As a nurse, Wells understood the onset and progression of PD, which often includes motor symptoms such as tremor, rigidity, and balance issues. But her husband’s disease progressed in a surprising way when he began to see and believe things that weren’t real. PD is a neurodegenerative brain disorder often involving both motor and non-motor symptoms, including hallucinations and delusions. When those symptoms appear, it may be Parkinson’s disease psychosis (PDP), and it occurs in more than half the people with Parkinson’s during the course of their disease. Yet only 10 to 20 percent of patients will proactively report their hallucinations and delusions to their doctor. When Wells’ husband began to experience delusions, she found his behavior frustrating and alarming. For example, Robert would spend

Caregiver, Kathie Wells, her husband Robert, and their family.

hours in the yard, digging up garden stones, convinced he’d found valuable “treasure.” Neighbors remarked on Robert’s behavior, and his children wouldn’t invite friends over to avoid them seeing their dad relentlessly digging. Robert’s delusions, combined with his other PD motor symptoms, were hard for Wells to manage. She struggled to get enough sleep caring for her husband, and their children were hesitant to go out in public with him because he shared his treasure hunting stories with strangers all the time. While there’s currently no cure for PD, different treatment options are available to address both motor and non-motor symptoms. Wells says it was a relief when her

husband’s neurologist suggested an FDAapproved medication indicated for the treatment of hallucinations and delusions associated with PDP. Consider talking to a professional, as caregivers are more likely to experience relationships or social life suffering and emotional stress than non-caregivers. Likewise, caregiving can take a toll on physical health. Take time to sleep, de-stress, eat well, and exercise. Seek logistical and emotional help from family, friends, support groups, and advocacy groups, who often have free resources available. For example, the Parkinson’s Foundation has advice for caregivers and a helpline staffed by nurses, social workers and therapists. Report new symptoms or concerns to a healthcare provider as they arise, even if you understand your loved one’s condition. “I now know that delusions along with hallucinations are telltale signs of Parkinson’s disease psychosis; however, I didn’t recognize those symptoms immediately,” says Wells. For more information visit www.moretoparkinsons.com. Remember that you’re not alone. Support exists to help you manage the struggles associated with caring for loved ones. MSN

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MONTANA SENIOR NEWS • APRIL // MAY 2018

CAREGIVING

Choosing a Memory Care Unit BY JIM MILLER Choosing a good memory care residential unit for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease is a very important decision that requires careful evaluation and some homework. Most memory care units, sometimes called special care units, are housed within assisted living or nursing home facilities. At their best, they offer staff extensively trained in caring for people with dementia, individualized care that minimizes the use of dangerous psychotropic drugs, a home-like environment, and activities that improve residents’ quality of life. MAKE A LIST To identify some good memory care residential units in your area, ask a doctor for a referral, and use the Alzheimer’s Association online tool at CommunityResourceFinder.org. Make sure the facilities on your list are close to family members and friends who can visit often, because residents with frequent visitors usually get better care. RESEARCH YOUR OPTIONS Once you’ve made a list, contact your local long-term care ombudsman (see LTCombudsman.org). This is a government official who investigates assisted living and nursing home complaints and can tell you which facilities have had problems in the past. If you’re looking at a memory care unit within a nursing home facility, use Medicare’s nursing home tool (Medicare.gov/

nursinghomecompare), which provides a 5-star rating system. CALL THE FACILITIES Once you’ve identified a few facilities, call them to find out if they have any vacancies, if they provide the types of services your family member needs, what they charge, and if they accept Medicaid. TOUR YOUR TOP CHOICES During your tour, notice the cleanliness and smell of the facility. Is it homey and inviting? Does the staff seem responsive and kind to its residents? Also, be sure to taste the food, and talk to the current resident’s family members, if available. Find out about staff screening and training procedures, their turnover rate, and the staff-to-resident ratio. They should have at least one staff member for every five residents. Make sure the facility offers quality activities that can keep your family member engaged, even at night when they may be awake. Ask how they respond to residents who may wander or become aggressive. If the answer is locked doors and antipsychotic drugs, that’s a red flag. Because transitions can be unsettling for dementia sufferers, make sure your family member will be able to remain at the facility for the foreseeable future. And find out what, if any, health conditions might require leaving the facility or moving to a higher, more expansive level of care. It’s also a good idea to make multiple visits to the facility, including an unscheduled visit at

night or on weekends when the staff is more likely to be stretched thin. To help you evaluate your visit, the Alzheimer’s Association offers a checklist that you can access at ALZ.org/residentialfacilities. PAYING FOR CARE The national average costs for memory care within an assisted living facility is over $5,000 per month, and over $7,500 per month for nursing home care, but costs can vary, depending on your location. Since Medicare does not cover long-term care, most residents pay for care from either personal savings, a long-term care insurance policy, or through Medicaid once their savings are depleted. To help you research your financial options, visit the National Clearinghouse for Long-Term Care Information website at: LongTermCare.gov. MSN

Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of the book The Savvy Senior. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org

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APRIL // MAY 2018 • MONTANA SENIOR NEWS

CAREGIVING

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Annual Conference of Montana Gerontology Society Montana Gerontology Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting advances in the field of aging, professional development, public education, and advocacy. It has more tha 150 members—professionals, the general public, and students. MGS’s 36th Annual Conference, “Pathways: Aging in the 21st Century,” will be held April 26-27, 2018, at the Best Western GranTree Inn, in Bozeman. The conference will explore new pathways to aging and provide opportunities for thoughtful communication and idea sharing. It will be of interest to a variety of professionals in the aging network (healthcare providers, social workers, senior service organizations) as well as seniors, baby boomers, and retirees. Two exciting keynote speakers have been engaged for the conference. Kay Van Norman of Bozeman, Mont., is founder and president of Brilliant Aging, a consulting firm committed to changing the way people view and experience aging. She is an internationally known writer, speaker, and wellness consultant. As Director of the Keiser Institute on Aging (KIOA), Van Norman crafted collaborative wellness initiatives with world renowned researchers, industry leaders, and practitioners in gerontology, senior housing, fitness, and older adult wellness. She currently serves on the International Council on Active Aging and the American Senior Fitness Association boards. On Thursday, Van Norman’s keynote presentation, “Aging—It’s a Family Affair,” will explore aging as a multi-generational, not a solitary, pursuit. We learn about aging through our parents and grandparents, our children learn about aging through us, and we’re all impacted by community and cultural expectations of aging. This session explores how subconscious aging scripts can impact responses to health challenges and offers practical strategies to build a personal and family culture of well-being. Keith N. Fargo, Ph.D. is the Director of Scientific Programs and Outreach, Medical and Scientific Relations for the Alzheimer’s Association, Chicago, Ill. He oversees the Alzheimer’s Association TrialMatch® program, a service that connects people with ongoing clinical studies in their area. Additionally, Dr. Fargo oversees the Alzheimer’s Association International Society to Advance Alzheimer’s Research and Treatment (ISTAART). This professional society of the Alzheimer’ Association represents scientists, physicians, and other professionals active in dementia research. On Friday, Dr, Fargo will give an update on Alzheimer’s Association Research. He will share information about the latest progress in drug treatments to stop, slow, or even prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Many of the new drugs in development aim to modify the disease process itself

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by impacting one or more of the many wide-ranging brain changes that Alzheimer’s causes. Twenty breakout sessions will cover health issues, financial and legal topics, dementia, and caregiving. There will be several sessions on Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias. Other topics include Legal & Financial Planning, Combating Senior Financial Exploitation, Guardianship, Fighting Senior Hunger, Dangers of Senior Hoarding, Dementia and Age Friendly Communities, and Music Therapy. Sponsors and Exhibitors will share information and resources from a myriad of services and programs. Registration fees will be available for the entire two-day conference, or just for Thursday or Friday. MGS 2018 paid members get a discount on the full, two-day conference fee ($190.00), and on the one-day fee ($120.00). Students, seniors, and retirees pay only $90.00 for the full, two-day conference and $50.00 for one day. Registration includes lunch, breaks, program booklet, and handouts. For a conference schedule, registration form, or membership application, visit www.montanagerontology.org. MSN For conference info, contact conference@montanagerontology.org, or call 406-243-2453.

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Fitness

STRENGTH•EXERCISE•MOVEMENT•FLEXIBILITY•MOBILITY

Strength Training Tips For Seniors BY JIM MILLER Weak leg muscles and poor balance are two of the biggest factors that cause seniors to fall. Most people over 40 lose about one percent of their muscle mass each year, which really adds up over time. But study after study has shown it’s never too late to rebuild muscle through strength training. Regular resistance or strength training can help you build muscle strength, increase your bone density, and improve your balance, coordination, and stamina, as well as will help prevent falls. It can also help reduce the signs and symptoms of many chronic conditions like arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, back pain, depression, and obesity. And some studies even show that it helps improve cognitive function too. Here are some simple ways to help you get stronger. GETTING STARTED After you get your doctor’s okay, consider working with a professional trainer or physical therapist for a few sessions, to help you develop a safe and effective routine you can continue on your own. Or go to GrowingStronger.Nutrition.Tufts.edu for

a free program from Tufts University in Boston and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Also see Go4Life.NIA.NIH.gov, a resource created by the National Institute on Aging that offers a free exercise guide with illustrated examples of exercises you can do at home to strengthen your body. You can order your free copies online or by calling 800-222-2225. To improve your strength you have to keep stressing your muscles, so you’ll need to exercise at least two or three days a week for 30 to 45 minutes, and increase resistance and the number of repetitions over time. But be sure you give your muscles a day off between workouts. It makes the muscle stronger and more able to resist future injury.

EQUIPMENT If you work out at home, you’ll probably need to invest in some equipment. While some strength training can be done using your own body weight (like push-ups, situps, and leg squats), hand weights, ankle weights, medicine balls, resistance bands, or rubber tubing are all great tools for strength training. You can find all these products at sporting goods stores, or online at Amazon.com for around $10 or less. You can also use cans of soup, water bottles, or plastic milk containers filled with water or sand for resistance. SENIOR CLASSES If you don’t like exercising alone, consider joining a gym, or call your local senior center to see if they offer any strength training exercise classes. You should also check out SilverSneakers (SilverSneakers.com, 888-423-4632) or Silver&Fit (SilverandFit.com, 877-427-4788), two fitness programs offered in thousands of fitness centers, gyms and YMCAs throughout the U.S. that have special classes designed for older adults. These programs are available for free to seniors who have certain Medicare supplemental policies or Medicare Advantage plans.

Did you Know? About one third of People 65+ fall each year? Regain stability and improve your balance with physical therapy. Bigfork Columbia Falls Kalispell DT Kalispell W Lakeside Polson Whitefish

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APRIL // MAY 2018 • MONTANA SENIOR NEWS AEROBIC AND BALANCE EXERCISES Some other good fall-prevention exercises that can help you get stronger include aerobic activities like walking, cycling, or water aerobics. And to improve your balance there’s Tai chi, along with a number of simple balance exercises that you can do anytime, like standing on one foot for 30 seconds then

FITNESS

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switching to the other foot, and walking heelto-toe across the room. MSN Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of the book The Savvy Senior. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Normanb, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org

Diet vs. Exercise: Which is Better for Weight Loss? on average, people who ate six times or more (StatePoint) What’s more important: diet daily consumed fewer calories, had a lower or exercise? Anyone who’s tried to lose weight body mass index, and ate more nutrient-rich and maintain a healthy lifestyle has likely foods than those who didn’t eat at least six asked this question. times a day. Eating Sixty-eight persmaller meals every cent of people want three hours keeps you to lose 10 pounds or feeling full, controls more, according to blood sugar and helps a recent Harris Poll. boost metabolism. Spring is a good time to get started on your WATCH PORTIONS goals, so should you American portions focus on diet, exerhave become too big; cise, or both? and individuals used When it comes to to dining out may weight loss, the split © M.studio/stock.Adobe.com. consider restaurant should be roughly 80 portions to be correct, when they’re often percent focus on what you eat and 20 percent four times as large as what’s recommended. on exercise. The logic is simple, say experts. Learning portion control is key to losing “It’s all about calories in and calories weight. When eating out, ask for a to-go box out. If you’re eating less and exercising, and save half for later. you’re going to burn more calories,” said Courtney McCormick, corporate dietitian at VEG OUT Nutrisystem. “However, exercise often makes Vegetables are low in calories, high in us hungrier, which is why many people who filling fiber and loaded with nutrients. For only change their exercise habits don’t see breakfast, add spinach to an omelet. At lunch, the scale move.” pile your sandwich high with fixings like To achieve a healthier lifestyle and shed tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers, or use letweight, consider these quick tips that combine tuce as a wrap instead of bread. During snack both diet and exercise. time, munch on carrots dipped in hummus, or blend kale into a fruit smoothie. EAT MORE OFTEN A 2015 study from the Journal of the CONTINUED ON PAGE 58 Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that

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Edward S. Curtis was initially drawn to Southwest Indian tribes because they afforded him an unusual glimpse into pre-white Indian life. In the early 1900s, many people still lived in traditional ways, strongly tied to their ancient culture and religious traditions. The Native tribes of the Southwest had a strong relationship with their ancestral land, which in both its physical and metaphysical manifestations was at the center of their history, tradition, and beliefs. This exhibition will feature original photogravures printed on Japanese tissue circa 1907-1909 from the Bair Collection. The following tribes are included: Papago, Jicarillas, Navajo, Apache, Pima, Mohave, Yuma and Maricopa.

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MONTANA SENIOR NEWS • APRIL // MAY 2018

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Nutrition

FOOD•HOLISTIC•WELLNESS•LONGEVITY•PREVENTION

Hey Boomers, You Still on Acid-osis? To survive and flourish, cancer needs an acid, low-oxygen environment. Terminal cancer patients are around 1000 times more acidic than normal, healthy people. The vast majority of terminal cancer patients possess a very low body pH. Cancer survivor Melissa Etheridge is convinced a toxic western lifestyle is at the root of the disease that almost took her life.

BY WENDELL FOWLER Must admit I ought to have researched this sooner. When our earth suit is alkaline, disease cannot survive. When our ecology is acid, disease flourishes. Nearly all biological functions are dependent upon the pH of our internal environment. Our disastrous Standard American Diet is acid creating, so it’s obvious why America has one of the highest disease rates on earth. High acidity, or chronic acidosis corrodes temple tissue, and if left unchecked, interrupts all cellular activities and functions. Some symptoms of metabolic or respiratory acidosis: fatigue, confusion, mood swings, shortness of breath, sleepiness, headache, lack of appetite, jaundice, increased heart

rate, flapping tremor, and breath that smells fruity (a sign of diabetic acidosis). Other indicators may be obesity, slow metabolism, inflammation, osteoporosis, joint pain, tooth sensitivity, weakened immune system, bladder and kidney conditions, stressed liver, tumor growth, accelerated aging, osteoporosis, joint pain, and yeast overgrowth.

DIET VS EXERCISE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 57

DRINK MORE WATER A study found that when people drank six cups (48 ounces) of cold water, they increased their resting calorie burn by up to 50 calories each day. Another study found that dieters who drank two eight-ounce glasses of water before meals lost 36 percent more weight over three months than those who didn’t sip before sitting down to eat. So, fill up that water bottle!

DIET TO BLAME? Etheridge says acidic food caused her breast cancer. She told “Access Hollywood Live” she’s now healthier than ever, thanks to the diet and life choices she has made following her medical crisis. “I’m healthier now than I’ve ever been because I’m understanding what breast cancer is... It’s when your health is out of balance,

GET MOVING The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend 150 minutes of aerobic activity weekly, but research suggests that it doesn’t matter if you exercise for two-and-a-half hours straight or break it up into 10-minute chunks. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise per day, then build up to 60 minutes when you’re ready. Remember the key to meeting your weight loss and health goals is to make sustainable lifestyle changes. Focus on eating better and moving more and you’ll be on the right track. MSN

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APRIL // MAY 2018 • MONTANA SENIOR NEWS ACID-OSIS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 58

when you’re too acidic. It’s not like a disease that finds you, or something in your genes. It’s actually your own cells going bad. Our own western lifestyle is one of the reasons that half of us have cancer – because our western lifestyle is so acidic; the food we eat causes acid... the meats, the processed foods... and it’s really taxing us, and that’s why we’re seeing this epidemic.” And the singer insists stress is something cancer feeds off: “You can eat bad, you can sit around and watch TV and not get sick, but if you are stressed, you’re going down.” The American Association for Clinical Chemistry points out that acidosis is characterized by a pH (a figure expressing acidity or alkalinity) of 7.35 or lower. Maintaining a healthy, balanced pH requires mindful eating choices, with alkaline-forming foods the foundation. As a rule, 80 percent of what you eat should be alkalizing foods, with 20 percent acid-forming.

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Alkalizing foods: spinach, kale, arugula, collards, mustard greens, water cress, bok choy, cucumber, zucchini, grapefruit, lemon juice, baking soda, apple cider vinegar with the “mother” (indicating it is unrefined, unpasteurized and unfiltered), millet, quinoa, soy, raw almonds and cashews, seeds, sprouted grains, lentils, and wild rice. Choose fish and lamb over beef and chicken for less acid-forming protein. Acid-creating foods: high-protein foods, alcohol, processed cereals and flours, sugar, coffee and tea, red and processed meats, overcooked fruits and veggies, fried and fatty foods, canned foods, whole dairy products. Also, breads high in yeast and wheat products, and sugary snacks and drinks. Ketchup, mayonnaise, salad dressings, croutons and coffee are often “hidden acids,” according to Acid Alkaline Diet for Dummies, since they’re often overlooked. Despite our clean plant-based diet, my wife’s and my pH hovered at 6.0, so we took charge. Darned coffee! Every morning before

Suspicious Sweets BY CARRIE LUGER SLAYBACK Remember Diet Rite soda? In 1960, a big, iced glassful of it motivated me to begin my high school homework. Today I was shocked to read that Diet Rite, sweetened by aspartame, was banned in 1969 for cyclamate, a carcinogen. Longing to look like Twiggy, I cut calories by sipping the sugarless “healthy” drink, never suspecting a carcinogenic cocktail. Are Americans swallowing improved sugar substitutes, marketed as “healthy or “diet,” 60 years after Diet Rite? First, know that six types of artificial sugars exist, generating revenues in hundreds of millions of dollars yearly. Besides soda—sugar-free gum, jelly, baked goods, candy, fruit juice, ice cream, yogurt, and “health” bars all add to total daily consumption. The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center’s patient education site says “the average American consumes about 125 pounds of sweeteners per year.” Yikes! Sweeteners enter the market FDAapproved, however studies recommend moderate amounts. Does anybody reading this think a yearly 125 pounds is “moderate?” Most disquieting, consumers believe labels promoting “health,” “diet,” and “sugar free” as they drop packages into shopping carts for themselves, and their children. Current research regarding non-nutritive sugar substitutes puts doubt into fake sweetener’s health claims.

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The Harvard Chan School of Public Health quotes a study following 3,682 people for 7 to 8 years. They found “a 32 percent higher chance of cardiovascular events for heaviest [sugar substitute] users vs. lightest users…The study showed that those who drank artificially sweetened drinks had a 47 percent higher increase in BMI than those who did not.” Why the weight gain? Harvard says, “The human brain responds to sweetness with signals to eat more. By providing a sweet taste without any calories, artificial sweeteners cause us to crave more sweet foods and drinks, which can add up to excess calories.” And to further address questions regarding FDA approvals, Harvard Health’s Holly Strawbridge agrees with me that studies were done “using far smaller amounts of diet soda than the 24 ounces per day consumed in Town by many people.” Open Lunch Furthermore, “We & Dinner really don’t know what effect large 406-538-9510 amounts of these

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anything goes into our belly, Sandi and I each combine the juice of half a lemon, one-half teaspoon of baking soda and a spoonful of raw honey in a tall glass. (Not typical grocery-store honey) When it stops fizzing we add 8 ounces of warm water and drink it. Before supper, I brew each of us a warm cup of turmeric, Bragg’s vinegar, raw honey, lemon juice and fresh ginger tea. We test ourselves frequently with Hydrion pH strips available at health stores. Urine is more accurate than saliva, by the way. Even though it would be lovely, we don’t necessarily desire to live longer, just with the highest quality of well-being possible at our age. We can’t govern when we will cross over, so we’ve chosen to take charge and embrace healthier living in the now. Just say no to acid. MSN

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NUTRITION

chemicals will have over many years.” Next, listen to Dr. Robert Lustig, UC San Francisco pediatric endocrinologist and specialist in childhood obesity, who cautions, “We don’t know enough about sugar substitutes to © Sabidiz, Bigstock.com say they are safe.” He echoes the above question of amount, adding “Routine [users of] artificial sweeteners may start to find less intensely sweet foods, such as fruit, unappealing and unsweet foods, such as vegetables, downright unpalatable. In other words, use of artificial sweeteners can make you shun healthy, filling, and highly nutritious foods while consuming more artificially flavored foods with less nutritional value.” During last week’s trip to the fair, my grandchildren pulled off bites of cotton candy, later turning away from the bag of sliced apple my daughter offered. Lustig cites, “Animal studies suggesting artificial sweeteners may be addictive. Rats exposed to cocaine, then given a choice between intravenous cocaine or oral saccharine, most often chose saccharin.” Time magazine’s 12/24/14 article, “You Asked: What’s the Healthiest Sweetener,” sums up a lengthy article of current research on sugar and artificial sugars, some of which by asking for more data. Thank you, Time, but I’ve read enough. Weight gain, cardiac events, and addictive qualities coupled with understanding that testing for a generation of heavy use has never been done, convinces me. I won’t touch the stuff, and I’ll tell my offspring to cut it out of the cupboard, and out of my grandchildren’s growing bodies. MSN Carrie Luger Slayback an award-winning teacher and champion marathoner, shares personal experience and careful research. Contact her at carriemisc@icloud.com.

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MONTANA SENIOR NEWS • APRIL // MAY 2018

A Piece of Helena History EYBEL’S CAFE USED TO RESIDE WHERE THE PAINTED POT STANDS TODAY Jennifer duToit fell across this historical Helena photograph of the Eybel’s Cafe when she was working at the Business Improvement District/Downtown Helena Inc. office last winter. “I don’t know a thing about it—I just loved it,” she said. Interpretive Historian Ellen Baumler from the Montana Historical Society was able to give us a little insight on the image. Eybel’s Cafe was located on Helena’s Last Chance Gulch, where The Painted Pot stands today. Constructed in 1922, the cafe was famous for its homemade pies and catered especially to the town’s single residents, as noted on the National Register sign detailing the building’s history. Baumler said the Eybel family had been a Helena institution for many years and ran a hotel on Fuller Street as well. “It was more of a rooming house with furnished rooms, and they had many longtime lodgers,” said Baumler. The family’s first business was located over on Railroad Ave., which today is Hap’s bar. Hap’s was a known speakeasy during Prohibition, and Baumler suspects the Eybels may have run a clandestine operation there themselves when it was under their ownership. “Just speculation on my part,” said Baumler. MSN PAID ADVERTISEMENT

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NUTRITION

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Lunch at the Great Falls Senior Center ONE OF THE TOWN’S BEST-KEPT SECRETS BY AARON PARRETT Even though Zandy’s and Burgermaster closed a few years ago, Great Falls, Mont., has some mighty fine burger establishments worth visiting. There’s The Roadhouse Diner on 15th Street for the true hamburger aficio-

take-out place or getting food at the State a living out of observing people, often in Fair: you order and pay first, and then they restaurants. I asked him why he likes to eat call your name when it’s ready. But they serve at The Senior Center. everything on heavy white restaurant china, “Oh,” he said. “This is real Great Falls.” and there’s plenty of tables scattered around Then he added: “And the burgers are great.” with pleasant faces, where you can sit down, I suppose one of these days we’re going to have a bite, and make new friends. have to learn how to play bingo. MSN And the Vidalia burger—wow! A standard café burger with cheese An author and musician, Dr. Aaron and a big fat slice of Parrett is a professor at the University of Providence. He runs a vintage sweet Vidalia onion and print shop, the Territorial Press in all the trimmings. The Helena, Mont. fries are pretty good, but I like the tater tot option, and they serve you up a big healthy—well, goodsized, anyway—pile of them. Throw in a can of ice cold Coca-Cola or (my favorite) Squirt, and the whole bill comes to a whopping $5. I’m telling DIGNITY RESPECT you—you can’t beat it. For your basic burger joint, The Senior Center is right up there among the C R E M A T O R I U M best, but the ambiance really makes it shine. Imagine a restaurant with no cranky waiters and a room full of patrons who all know 100 Cattail Drive each other and who are always happy to see Lewistown one another. Where else can you order a (406) 538-4400 burger and see people still playing cribbage and bridge while they eat? It’s a lot like Tracy’s, but without the jukeboxes, with a Comfortable & Affordable Apartments little more white hair and twice the smiles Now Accepting Applications for Seniors! 62+ to go around. You can even get a candy bar for dessert on your way out at the snack • Income Based Rent, HUD 202 PRAC • On-Site Parking bar up near the door. • On-Site Community Administrator • Mailboxes on Premises I eat there pretty • Service Coordinator to connect • Utilities included regularly with the you with resources • Community Room Available Dr. Greg Madson, • Free On-Site Laundry sociology profesCall (406) 248-9117 or (800) 253-4091 TTY sor at University of 1439 Main Street • Billings Providence (formerly College of Great Falls), so he’s made

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nado, where they’ve turned the experience of a hamburger into an unparalleled culinary art, and the Burger Bunker on 5th Street, which serves up some of the best old-school, diner-style burgers and onion rings in the state. Ford’s Drive-In is never a letdown and always worth the extra wait time for curbside service. But I’m going to let you in on the secret address to a corner of hamburger heaven you might not have had the pleasure to visit yet: 1004 Central—The Great Falls Senior Citizens Center. Walking by on the street and looking in through the big plate glass windows, you might not ever suspect there’s a pretty decent café hidden way in the back of the building, past the rows and columns of bingo tables occupied by stalwart gamblers skillfully playing four or five cards at a time. But wander in, past the community bookshelves and bingo parlor, past the stairs that lead up to the second-floor billiards tables, and make your way to the back of the building to order the Vidalia Burger. It’s a little like a

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MONTANA SENIOR NEWS • APRIL // MAY 2018

PAGE 62

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APRIL // MAY 2018 • MONTANA SENIOR NEWS

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Photography

LIGHT•LANDSCAPES•HOW TO•PEOPLE•GEAR

Take Your Photographs From “Meh” to Bam!” BY JONATHAN RIMMEL Have you ever looked at a photograph you’ve just taken and thought, “Wow … this is boring!” Yeah, we’ve all been there, perhaps far too often. Thankfully, however, there are ways of taking your images from, “Meh, I guess that’s ok” to “Bam! That’s awesome!” The most important part of any incredible photograph is vision. You need to have a vision for how the image will turn out in the end. Now this doesn’t mean you need to see every single color, tone, and line. However, having an idea before you snap the shutter often makes all the difference. PHOTO BY JONATHAN RIMMEL

LOOK AT YOUR COMPOSITION. Do your eyes get stuck in one part of the image? A solid photograph will gently guide your eyes through it, taking in every element. When composition goes awry, the image falls apart. Rather than placing your subject dead center, or shooting everything at eye-level, try some different angles. Look for elements in the scene that pull you in to the photograph. Additionally, pay attention for items in the photo that distract the viewer from your subject. BE AWARE OF AND TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR LIGHTING. Lighting gives life to an image. In landscapes, try photographing just after a storm or during the coveted “golden hours.” This is nearly fool proof for great lighting, though be mindful of the light’s direction in relation to your subject. When it comes to portraits, you can be more flexible in your approach as often, you can control your light directly. You could go with dynamic, hard, side lighting, perhaps using a flash off to the side. Or you could go with soft, even light, such as what you’d have near a window or in open shade. With lighting, it all really depends on your subject, and the feeling you are trying to portray.

Photo Submission

CHOOSE YOUR EXPOSURE WISELY. Sometimes a dark image works; at other times you’d want your image bright. Pick an exposure that suits your vision for the final photo. Play around with your aperture to change the depth of field. Not every landscape absolutely has to be absolutely sharp front to back. Perhaps focusing on a single element, and letting everything else fall out of focus, can tighten up scene and set the image apart. Similarly, play with shutter speeds. The photograph may have more impact with a slower shutter speed, to induce a sense of movement. Now go out there and implement these key steps. By paying attention to your composition, controlling your lighting, and using a creative exposure, you will move your images from that dreaded realm of boring snapshots into genuinely artistic photographs. MSN Jonathan Rimmel is a modern day renaissance man, dabbling in a little bit of everything. To see more of his work, visit jonathanrimmel.com.

GREAT HORNED OWL

Each issue, the Montana Senior News will hold a reader photo contest with winning entries prominently displayed in the photography section of the printed publication as well as in our online gallery. Submitted images need to show or represent the state in some way and must be a minimum of 300 dpi when printed at approximately a 5"x7" size. Photos will be judged on Composition, Originality, Technical Image Quality, and General Creativity. We will not publish subjects of a sensitive nature. Please submit your images for consideration by completing our online form: www.montanaseniornews.com/ reader-photo-submission To the right are a couple of submissions from our loyal readers.

Hiking in a small wooded area close to Bozeman, I happened to look up, and there was this great horned owl sitting on the branch of a tree. I had to scramble to get my camera out, and feared he would fly away before I could get the shot. I like this photo the best because the owl was watching my dog over his shoulder, and his eye was very big and wide. I went back the next day, thinking the owl was probably gone, but he was still there, just a few trees away from the tree he had been sitting in the day before!

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23 brick dome structures were used to turn wood from the surrounding hillsides into charcoal between 1884 and 1900. The charcoal was used to fire the smelter at Glendale, 5 miles east of the kilns. This was one of the most productive in the state during it’s operation, extracting more than $20,000,000 worth of silver and lead mined in the nearby Hecla mining district.

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MONTANA SENIOR NEWS • APRIL // MAY 2018

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Travel

CRUISES•GETAWAYS•CULTURE•VACATIONS

Beaches, Whales, History, Scenery WHIDBEY ISLAND MAKES FOR A UNIQUE VACATION BY JACK MCNEEL Folks in inland states like Montana and Idaho often look for “something different” when they go on vacation. Whidbey Island might be just that place with its combination of beach and fishing activities plus numerous parks, wonderful scenery, rich history, and unique lodging. It’s all within a day’s drive for all but those living in eastern Montana. Reader’s Digest agrees, picking the island as a finalist in their “Nicest Place in America” contest this past winter. That publication writes not only of the many facilities, scenery, and events but also of the unity of people and communities. Whidbey Island is located off the northwestern tip of Washington State, accessible either by Deception Pass Bridge, a lengthy, tollfree bridge near Burlington, Wash., or by ferry from Mukilteo to the south end of the island. It’s only about a 10-minute crossing, and rates are low. On a recent trip we opted to arrive via the bridge and leave by ferry. Deception Pass Bridge has been described as the most photographed

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spot in Washington. It dates back to 1935 and is actually two bridges that arch over Deception Pass, separated by just a short section of roadway. The first bridge is 511 feet long and the second is 976 feet in length. A fenced walkway attracts visitors wanting to spend time and view the water racing below. The state park at Deception Pass Bridge has miles of trails and is reported to be the most popular state park in Washington. Walking the shoreline, we observed seals and a variety of water birds. Spring, summer, and early fall are the prime times for visitors. Despite many lodging options, it’s advisable to make reservations in advance during those months, an indication of how desirable the island is for vacationers. Want to try digging clams? What about setting pots for crabs? You can fish from a boat, but it’s also possible to fish for salmon from one of several beaches. Whale watching is also popular. Some whales are visible from shore as they breech, but tour boats are also available to let tourists get closer to these incredible creatures. March through early May is the best time to see gray whales, while pods of orcas pass through in the late fall. The town of Oak Harbor is the island’s largest community and only a few minutes south of Deception Pass Bridge. It’s similar to many towns on the mainland with the same chain stores but has many smaller, unique stores as well. We chose to stay at an Airbnb a short distance from town, enjoying the quiet and having deer wander past. The ocean was only a couple hundred yards away. Many overnight accommodations are available. The PBY Naval Air Museum is located here, a must-see for those who remember World War II when these amphibious planes (Patrol Bomber Y) were stationed here to help protect the Pacific coast. The island has a lot of history. The town of Coupeville is the second oldest town in Washington and was established prior to Washington becoming a state. It’s a small town with some quaint shops, and the aura of “age”. More than 100 buildings are on the National Historic Register. Fort Casey State Park, offering 467 acres for camping and hiking, lies 4 miles from Coupeville. Admiralty Lighthouse is located here, a popular sight for individuals fascinated with the old lighthouses that

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APRIL // MAY 2018 • MONTANA SENIOR NEWS guided ships to safety. Admiralty Lighthouse was constructed prior to the Civil War, with huge guns placed to protect the sound still on view. Visitors can explore nearly 11,000 feet of shoreline as well.

Admirality Lighthouse. PHOTO BY JACKIE MCNEEL.

Fort Ebey is about an equal distance from Coupeville and was part of the coastal defense system during World War II. Today, 25 miles of trails and 3 miles of coastal shoreline provide for beach combing, fishing, bird watching, picnicking, and camping. Captain Whidbey Inn, a favorite stop on our trip, is located within Ebey’s Landing National Historic Reserve. It was built 110 years ago and retains that early 1900 rustic, but elegant, old world charm. We shared a BLSST sandwich and even that was larger than we could finish, as wonderful as it was. (Everyone recognizes a BLT but the SS added “smoked salmon” to the sandwich, appropriate for an island meal.)

TRAVEL

PAGE 65

Island Kayaking out of Langley for beginners We liked Oak Harbor, loved Coupeville, and and experienced kayakers alike. Or take a absolutely adored Lanley, the southernmost whale-watching boat where you’re pretty well of the “major” towns. It has a lot going on assured of seeing whales. for a small community. The town itself has Make a point of visiting Meerkerk a population of slightly over 1000, but the Rhododendron Gardens with its trails leaddistrict kicks that number up ing through their 10-acre display garden and considerably. We chose another 43 acres of trails near Greenbank, midway Airbnb, and it was instant love: between Coupeville and Langley. It has not an older building, hidden in the only thousands of rhododendrons, but also forest, beautifully maintained magnolias, dahlias, lilies and more. Whidbey both inside and out, with lots Island offers it all. MSN of nice touches. But everyone has their own desires and lots of options are available. Jack McNeel was born and raised in A printed walking guide Idaho. His working career was spent with Idaho Fish and Game Department for Lanley will lead you to but after retirement he launched a such shops and locations as career as a free lance writer and phoan historical museum, a fine tographer for many publications, primarily about fabrics and antiques store, art Native American subjects, hunting, fishing, and travel. galleries, a rare book store, He now lives in Hayden, Idaho. an ice cream parlor, and wine shops. Many wine grapes grow on the island, and, if that’s your thing, you can visit the Spoiled Dog Winery, Dancing Fish Vineyards, Blooms Winery, and others. Most also provide a tasting room. Art galleries abound as well. A brochure for the Whidbey Art Trail guides you to the 17 galleries sprinkled throughout the 58-mile island. If the natural world aligns more with your interests, you might try Whidbey Beach scene on south end of Island. PHOTO BY JACKIE MCNEEL.

TRAVEL

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MONTANA SENIOR NEWS • APRIL // MAY 2018

Share Love at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary BY NATALIE BARTLEY On your way to Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, or the North Rim of the Grand Canyon for a vacation? A visit to southern Utah’s colorful Canyonlands wouldn’t be complete without a convenient break in your journey at the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary near Kanab, Utah, which lies within a 30- 90-minute drive from any of these locations. Home to more than 1,700 animals, the Sanctuary is a fun and rewarding stop for animal-loving tourists who want to make a difference. Run by the non-profit organization Best Friends Animal Society, the project is a serious effort to enhance animals’ lives, with a straight-forward motto: “Save them all.” Animal rescue volunteer opportunities abound through the Best Friends four affiliate regional projects and 2,168 network partners, and closest one to Idaho or Montana is the Utah Sanctuary. “Our hope is people take this work to heart and see how they can help in their local

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community,” said Barbara Williamson, the Best Friends media relations manager. The Sanctuary offers several activity options. At the very least, visitors can drive through the property, located 5 miles north of Kanab off Highway 89. Others may want to join a Sanctuary tour. Perhaps volunteering or adopting a pet is a priority of a trip to the Sanctuary. “You could easily stay here a month and not see it all,” said Williamson. “For people who love the outdoors, this is an amazing place to come.” The 3,700-acre Sanctuary welcomes thousands of volunteers each year from across the globe for half-day or multi-month stints. “The demand is getting big,” said Williamson. It’s important to register online as soon as you know your dates, because different programs have limited capacities for volunteers. After volunteers register, the Sanctuary staff coordinates with them to design their upcoming experience. “Everyone is different in what they want to do as a volunteer,” Williamson said. Some prefer to walk dogs, brush cats, or teach parrots a word. Others prefer to work hard by scrubbing floors or maintaining the Sanctuary trails used for dog and cat walking. “Many people enjoy volunteering with animals they don’t know much about,” she said. Dog lovers might work with the pot-bellied pigs. Depending on the volunteer’s skill set, they might do executive assistant duties. Visitors can even opt for a program to take a dog, cat, or bunny on an overnight stay at a partner-hotel in Kanab or take a dog on a day-trip. “We have some really great local hikes you can do from your Kanab hotel,” said Williamson. After an outing, volunteers turn in a report on how an animal responded to the experience. The information helps inform potential adoptees about their future pet.

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On a guided tour, participants start at the Sanctuary’s on-site Welcome Center. The 2-hour Grand Sanctuary Tour gives an overview of the facilities. Other shorter tours focus on a particular animal area, such as Dog Town, Cat World headquarters, Horse Haven, Marshall’s Piggy Paradise, Bunny House, Parrot Garden, or Wild Friends. Guided hikes in Angel Canyon offer a way to be active while taking in the red-colored rock formations. A walking tour through the Angels Rest overlook and memorial site greets participants with the tinkling sound of 1,400 wind chimes waving in the breeze. It’s best to reserve your tour in advance, since spots fill up quickly. You can also explore the trail system on your own time or drive the road through the Sanctuary, with a self-guided map that Best Friends provides. On-site accommodations include cottages, cabins, and RV sites. Peak season is March through October, so make advanced reservations for these limited-availability options at the Sanctuary. Campgrounds, hotels, and private home rentals available in Kanab fill the housing gap. “If you have ever been here, you will come back,” Williamson said. Other visitors are motivated to go home and do more for animal rescue in their local area. On your next Canyonlands trip, consider a heart-warming volunteer stint or a tour at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. For your park visits, secure discounted National Park entrance fees with a purchase of the life-long National Park Senior Pass or the annual America the Beautiful Pass. Quickly recoup initial costs with multiple national parks visits near the Sanctuary. For more info, contact Best Friends Animal Society, 5001 Angel Canyon Road, Kanab, Utah 84741, (435) 644-2001, Bestfriends.org MSN Natalie Bartley is a Boisebased author of trail guidebooks Best Easy Day Hikes Boise and Best Rail Trails Pacific Northwest, and the mobile app travel guide Boise Best Outdoor Adventures. nataliebartleyoutdoor.com

APRIL // MAY 2018 • MONTANA SENIOR NEWS

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All About Montana

LOCAL PEOPLE•LOCAL STORIES•LOCAL FUN•LOCAL BUSINESSES

King of Soil Health EXCERPT FROM FIFTY-SIX COUNTIES: A MONTANA JOURNEY BY RUSSELL ROWLAND “Dead dead dead dead.” Fallon County farmer Jerry Sikorski pointed toward a cement-colored field of his neighbor. “You see the color of that ground? That’s because all the nutrients are gone… it has no soil health!” Jerry’s hands are huge, but not swollen. They look like the hands of a man six inches taller. “Okay, now look at this.” He bent down and scooped a handful of soil. He held it to his own nose, his hands looking cartoon-like, and poured some into my hand. Jerry Sikorski (left) with his two brothers. “Smell that,” he said. PHOTO COURTESY JERRY SIKORSKI. The soil looked like chocolate cake, almost black, with a firm but tender texture. It smelled like a prairie rainstorm. “See what I’m saying?” Jerry said. Then he broke the soil apart, revealing an intricate network of tiny roots. “Put that under a microscope, and you’d find thousands of bugs and organisms. Because that’s what gives it that kind of health.” It was striking, driving across one of the Sikorski fields, how the ground felt more like a golf course than most farm land. Normally, driving over a pasture in Eastern Montana is like riding a roller coaster, with bumps and dips that you don’t see coming. “I like to plant crossways every year too,” Jerry explained. “One year I’ll go north and south, and the next year I’ll go east and west. It levels out the land.” Over the course of decades, Jerry has devised a unique strategy for farming that involves no cultivation, crop rotation, planting cover crops, and small sections of pollination crops, designed for the sole purpose of attracting more bugs. Jerry is a believer in the process of interaction between insects, animals, and crops. He leaves a wide swath of wheat unmown every time he harvests for the insects and critters. Jerry was born and raised on this very farm, fifteen miles south of Baker. He’s a Vietnam vet, a man who served in the National Guard for over twenty years as a helicopter pilot, and who moved back to the farm as a young man. He’s completely self-taught, although if you suggest that to him, he’ll dismiss it. “I’ve been to a lot of talks and conferences through the years.” Jerry’s grandfather homesteaded this land in 1911, coming to Montana after migrating from Poland. Jerry’s dad was one of seven kids, and as with most families those days, they went through a complicated and sometimes contentious competition before he emerged with the farm.

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Eventually, his parents had five boys, of which Jerry was the youngest. Although there was nothing remarkable about the farm, they managed to survive, and his father showed some flashes of innovation, like being one of the first to incorporate. Ironically, this decision ended up turning on Jerry’s father when he got involved with a younger woman and the rest of the family voted Dad out of the corporation. CONTINUED ON PAGE 68

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PAGE 68

MONTANA SENIOR NEWS • APRIL // MAY 2018

ALL ABOUT MONTANA KING CONTINUED FROM PAGE 67

Jerry’s oldest brother took over, and when Jerry moved back, he worked for his brother while serving his time in the Guard. “My back is a mess after flying helicopters for twenty-six years,” he said. Jerry was refreshingly honest about the dynamics in his family, saying that his brother had been difficult to work for. But his brother became too old to run the place, and Jerry was the natural choice to take over. As is often the case, he was the only one interested. Jerry is always experimenting, so it’s hard to reduce his method to a simple routine. But there are a few consistent truths. Instead of plowing, Jerry uses a drill that buries the seed below the surface of the cover crops, which he never clears. The cover crop then provides warmth and a natural fertilizer. Plus it holds all the nutrients below the surface. He sometimes plants an entire field with a blend of seeds designed to form this cover crop. To many, spending the money for crops he will not harvest seems like a waste, but it is this long-term vision that has developed such healthy soil. We passed the neighbor whose field Jerry ridiculed, and Jerry pointed at the neighbor’s tractor, a monstrosity with tracks like an

army tank. “Imagine how much dirt that thing is throwing up into the air, and how much fuel he uses just to run that thing for a day!” I asked whether any of his neighbors have come around to his way of thinking. “Oh yeah,” he said. “This guy won’t admit it, but he never plows anymore, and he started planting crossways a few years ago..” Technically, the Sikorski farm doesn’t qualify as organic, which sort of makes a mockery of the whole concept. They occasionally use pesticides and fertilizer, so they don’t meet the standards. This doesn’t matter to Jerry. He is much more interested in creating soil that will continue to become more healthy with each passing year. MSN Russell Rowland has published three novels, including In Open Spaces, as well as a non-fiction narrative, Fifty-Six Counties. He has an MA in Creative Writing from Boston University and currently lives in Billings, Mont., where he teaches online workshops and consults with other writers. Visit www.russellrowland.com for more information.

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If you remember the old days in the world of technology—such as in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s—you will be sympathetic with Darby, Mont. In this community, the Internet has always been painfully slow for the individual subscriber who was still using dial-up, but even DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) users found it difficult to use, especially students in a classroom setting. If one student was connected to the Internet, others would have no access. When nearly everyone else in the country was using highspeed Internet, this community was being left behind. The situation was beginning to feel even more isolating about the time a benefactor remembered his home community. Superintendent of Schools Loyd Rennaker learned about and then made the announcement that through the will of Archie and Sue Lorentzen, who died within four days of each other of natural causes in December 2014, the Darby Schools would be receiving a portion of their trust. Archie Lorentzen was a 1949 graduate of Darby High School, and his mother had been Archie Lorentzen’s high school senior a teacher in the school system. photograph. After high school, Archie had enlisted in the Air Force. He took the pilot aptitude test and scored so high that he was trained as a pilot despite his not having a college degree. He flew 128 combat missions in Vietnam. After the military, he and some other Air Force friends had a business in California, selling manufactured homes. When the Lorentzens retired, they moved to the Flathead area in Montana.He and his wife decided to create a trust, giving the Darby School District 75 percent with the remaining going to the Air Warriors Courage Foundation, a national group that assists war veterans and their dependents. This amounted to approximately $3 million for the Darby School District. Lorentzen appreciated that Darby High School had given him an outstanding foundation for doing what he was able to do without a college degree. He wanted to give back. The Darby School System had an imminent need, as did the public library and other businesses in Darby: they needed high-speed Internet access. Fiberoptic cable had been laid as far south in the Bitterroot Valley as Hamilton, but that was the end of the line. It was not economical

APRIL // MAY 2018 • MONTANA SENIOR NEWS for it to be laid on down the valley to a community of around 400 houses. That 17 miles meant that this community in a beautiful setting was technologically cut off from the world. Because of the lack of highspeed Internet, students were missing out on a 21st Century education, compared with the outstanding education Archie Lorentzen had received for its time in the Mid-20th Century. The Lorentzens set no stipulations for how the money was to be used. That money became available early in 2015. Superintendent Rennaker, the school board, and a special selection committee made high-speed Internet a priority. Although it is highly unusual for a community itself to pay for fiberoptic cable to be laid, the school district solicited four requests for proposals.

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Century Link came back with the best proposal, and the fiberoptic cable was laid and operative by mid-March 2017. The cost of this project was $800,000. Using federal e-rate for 80 percent of the cost, the school district used the trust money to pay the final 20 percent. Now all members of a class can work on the Internet to do research at the same time. “The entire town also has access to highspeed Internet, especially the Darby Public Library, which is a community center for many activities,” said Rennaker. “It’s our community’s hope that an Internet provider will go ahead and run fiber optic cable up the nearby canyons, so that others who are part of our community will also have access from their homes.”

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The remaining amount of the gift has been placed in an endowment. Each year the school district will use the interest earned for scholarships and projects. The principal will be left in the endowment in perpetuity. When the Lorentzens’ attorney went to Darby to work out the particulars of the will, he took Archie Lorentzen’s money clip. Lorentzen had carried this clip his entire adult life. On the side, “DHS ’49” was inscribed. MSN A multifaceted interest in Montana people and their communities keeps Suzanne Waring looking for topics to research in old newspapers and books and people to interview.

P.E.O.: Women Helping Women Reach for the Stars BY GAIL JOKERST It’s hard to believe that a philanthropic group that has provided more than $300 million in financial assistance to over 102,000 women is practically unheard of throughout Montana and the U.S. But such is the case with the international organization known only by the initials P.E.O. And should you be curious about what that acronym stands for, here is some unsolicited advice: don’t ask. As with sororities, you have to be invited to join this sisterhood. Learning the meaning of those letters along with the organization’s password are two of its secrets that only members are privy to.

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Why the secrecy? According to Kalispell’s Lorraine Wagnild, a longtime P.E.O. member, “It lends an air of enchantment and mystery to the organization. It makes it special. Members want you to be dedicated to the purpose of P.E.O., to raise money to advance women through education. It’s a lifetime commitment. Once you join, you join for the rest of your life.” Founded in 1869 by seven college friends to help women pursue their academic dreams, P.E.O. is one of the oldest women’s associations in North America. Montana’s first chapter was established in Glendive in 1910. Within six years, additional chapters formed in Billings, Whitefish, Kalispell, and Laurel. By 1920, Bozeman, Butte, Missoula,

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Great Falls, Lewistown, Miles City, Hardin, and Cut Bank had joined their ranks. Today, some 3,700 women belong to 87 chapters in Treasure State communities. Internationally, P.E.O. membership numbers around a quarter of million women from every state and Washington D.C., along with six Canadian provinces. As one of P.E.O.’s “Golden Girls,” Wagnild has helped raise money for educational purposes for over half a century. During trying times, she has also lent a hand however and whenever needed to her local chapter’s sisters, as they refer to one another. CONTINUED ON PAGE 70

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BILLINGS ASPEN MEADOWS 3155 Ave C 406.656.8816

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HOT SPRINGS 600 1st Ave N 406.741.2992

LAUREL 820 3rd Ave 406.628.8251

LIVINGSTON 510 S 4th St 406.222.0672

MISSOULA 3018 Rattlesnake Dr. 406.549.0988

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SHELBY 630 Park Dr. 406.434.3260

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MONTANA SENIOR NEWS • APRIL // MAY 2018

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current members who can vouch for them. Then a secret ballot takes place. Acceptance must be unanimous. Chapters meet 15 times annually either in homes or community buildings, depending on the numbers attending. After the business portion of the meeting, a speaker often presents a program followed by an opportunity to share bragging rights or blessings with the

between these guys are the norm rather than the exception. “I attribute a lot of the things that have “Husbands bid against husbands, and worked out for me to being a part of the some things can go for over $100 each. That organization. The friends I’ve made and means we can raise between $3,000 and the inspiration I’ve gained have all been an $3,500 in one night,” explained Wagnild, emotional support,” stated Wagnild, whose whose local chapter members also hold an daughter Sandy Magnan is now her P.E.O. annual B.I.L. (Brothers-In-Law) dinner every sister as well. “We are here for each other, to May for the men in their lives. share our love and understanding.” These dollars, along with Although asked to join in 1965 financial donations, have been while working as the administradistributed to women as awards, tor at Immanuel Lutheran Home, grants, scholarships, and low-inWagnild still recalls her feelings terest loans. Everyone from upon receiving the invitation— college-bound high school seniors privileged and pleased. to women pursuing their doctor“I knew it would be a way to ates has benefited. become acquainted with many In between are those who may others in the Flathead Valley and be returning to school after an associate with people of integrity absence or women from other that I liked and respected,” said countries wanting an education. Wagnild. “The chapter’s memIn addition, Montana P.E.O.s bers were impressive in different offer the Jane Hammer Holmgren ways. For instance, there was a Scholarship to a Montana woman single mother whose husband died who is nearing graduation in elewhen her child was 6 years old. She mentary education or who has brought up that child herself while gone back to school for additional running a business and actively training as an elementary school Lorraine Wagnild and Sandy Magnan may be mother and daughter, but they are also participating in P.E.O.” teacher. sisters in P.E.O., a philanthropic women’s organization both of them belong to. PHOTO Since the organization is on the P.E.O. chapters also contribBY JACQUELINE BISSONNETTE. secretive side, people typically find ute to the stewardship of Cottey out about it by knowing a P.E.O. College in Nevada, Missouri. sister personally. However, no one can join group. That privilege costs a dollar a brag or This liberal arts and sciences college was simply because it sounds like a noble idea. blessing and, over time, adds a tidy sum to bequeathed to the P.E.O. organization by one P.E.O.s want to be sure potential members the coffers. of its sisters in 1927, so women could achieve share their values and dedication to motivatLike most non-profits, P.E.O. depends on their highest aspirations. ing and educating women. So new members creative fundraising events to raise money. It has flourished ever since, expanding must be invited to join and sponsored by three This could include anything from garage from being a two-year to a four-year college. and patio sales to auctioning off themed The organization’s emblem, a five-pointed gift baskets or sellstar, aptly epitomizes the qualities each sister ing homemade baked is expected to uphold: purity, justice, faith, goods and handtruth, and love. Members receive a pin upon crafted items. their initiation. It is theirs for life but belongs The methods to the organization. Understanding the meanare as varied as the ing behind the star’s symbolism makes the (also known as Senior Commodity Program or Senior Nutrition) members who come P.E.O. motto especially relevant as their sesfrom all walks of life quicentennial anniversary approaches next and hold different year: “Celebrating 150 years of women helpreligious convictions ing women reach for the stars.” and political viewFor more information, visit mtpeo.org or You may now find it at Family Service points. One thing for peointernational.org or call P.E.O. headquar1824 1st Avenue N in Billings sure, though, if the ters in Des Moines at 515-255-3153. MSN fundraiser includes auction items and Gail Jokerst is a longtime contributor to husbands are attendMontana Senior News and Idaho Senior Independent. Visit her website at www. ing, that chapter can gailjokerst.com. count on solid income. Spirited bidding wars P.E.O CONTINUED FROM PAGE 69

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The Big Montana March Snowpack WILL IT BRING BIG FLOODS IN MAY OR JUNE? BY CHUCK PARRETT Dang, this Montana winter seems like the Energizer bunny—just keeps going and going. As I write, it is nearing the middle of March, and my outdoor vista here at home in Helena has no spring pastel greens (or even browns)—nothing but white. Like everyone else (well, perhaps not you avid skiers), I’m tired of snow, and I don’t think we’re done with it yet.

If you think this winter’s snow accumulation is abnormally high, you are absolutely right. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) operates snow data collection sites in mountainous areas throughout the West, and, in February, the only Western state with above-average snowpack was Montana. By March 1, snowpack at most Montana sites was well above average and even reached

near-record (second largest recorded water content) or record levels (largest recorded water content) at 27 sites. Some basin-wide snowpack averages exceeded 150 percent of normal (1981-2010). The Upper Clark Fork basin above Missoula registered at 159 percent. The Missouri River main stem headwaters basin above Great Falls (excluding the Jefferson, Madison, Gallatin, and Smith River basins) measured at 175 percent. The Yellowstone River basin above the mouth of the Bighorn River packed 165 percent. While these abundant basin alevels bode very well for an above-average spring and summer runoff in Montana rivers, the large snowpacks also suggest that some flooding may be on the horizon. The exasperating thing about making flood predictions based on early March snowpacks is that floods are really complicated hydrologic processes heavily dependent on weather conditions between March and the time when most Montana floods occur in May and June. May and June are not only the times when snowmelt runoff peaks in Montana; it is also the time when the heaviest rainfall occurs. If the weather stays really cool (and we get yet more April snow), and if it gets really warm in mid-May, causing snowpack to melt quickly, and if we get a humongous big rain at the same time, then Katy bar the door and get the ark ready! But those are a lot of “ifs.”

Another, perhaps more likely, scenario, is that temperatures stay cool at night and warm during the day over the next month or two, so the snowmelt proceeds slowly while the MayJune rains behave normally. Then we will have generally higher-than-average May-June stream flows but probably only “normal” flooding (an old retired hydrologist like me will tell you that we get flooding somewhere in the state every year— it’s a big state with widely varying weather and topography, after all). My 30 plus years as a flood hydrologist have taught me that predicting anything about flooding months in advance of the normal May-June runoff peaks is really a crapshoot. Yes, perhaps we have a greater chance of flooding because of the large March 1 snowpack, but, really, we need to see what the next two to three months bring in terms of the highly variable Montana weather to find out. Stay tuned—an old Montana adage is that if you don’t like the weather, wait 15 minutes, and it will change! MSN Chuck Parrett is a Montana native and a retired (well, mostly) hydrologist who worked 30-plus years for the U.S. Geological Survey in Montana and California. He currently lives with his wife Bonnie just west of Helena, where he can keep an eye on Tenmile Creek, one of his favorite small streams.

Tell us your story. Idaho Senior Independent and Montana Senior News seek good writing. Story tellers please apply. We are currently seeking quality writers to add to our current stable of outstanding wordsmiths. Please send us an example of your work and we can add you as a possible stringer. We pay for assigned stories when published.

publisher@idahoseniorindependent.com OR nann@montanaseniornews.com

ANACONDA Mike King 118 Cherry Anaconda, MT 59711 406-563-2991

GREAT FALLS Aaron Hamilton 1900 4th St NE Great Falls, MT 59404 406-761-7601

GREAT FALLS Greg Franczyk 17 2nd St S Great Falls, MT 59401 406-770-3040

Pam Hansen-Alfred 2817 10th Ave South Great Falls, MT 59405 406-453-6010

HAVRE Anthony Cammon, FSS, LTCP 115 4th Ave W Havre, MT 59501 406-945-9000 LIVINGSTON Sarah Skofield 125 E Callender St Livingston, MT 59047 406-222-1000

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MONTANA SENIOR NEWS â&#x20AC;¢ APRIL // MAY 2018