VOL 35 # 1 • OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018
MONTANASENIORNEWS.COM
INFORMING • ENTERTAINING • EMPOWERING
The Lady Long Rider
PHOTO BY LYDIA HOPPER
To see the story, turn to page 36
PAGE 2
MONTANA SENIOR NEWS • OCTOBER // NOVEMBER 2018
ABOUT US
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. All copy appearing in this publication is copyright protected and may be reprinted only with written permission of the publisher.
Robert Hunt....................... Publisher Janet Hunt.......................... Chief Financial Officer Kathleen McGregor........... Advertising Sales Diane Brosseau................. Advertising Sales Carol Blodgett.................... Advertising Sales Digital Specialist Francesca Beckerle........... Advertising Sales Jonathan Rimmel............... General Manager Graphic Designer Webmaster Nann Parrett...................... Managing Editor Sherrie Smith..................... Production Assistant Ruth Hunt........................... Social Media Manager Peter Thornburg................ Distribution
Contributing Writers Natalie Bartley Mike Batista Sarah Cummings Holly Endersby C.W. Guthrie Gretchen Rachel Hammond Gail Jokerst Bernice Karnop Elizabeth Larch Dave Lewis
Jack McNeel Jim Miller Kathleen Mulroy Aaron Parrett Kellyanne Terry Rob Tischler Dianna Troyer Suzanne Waring Allysa Winberg
Š 2018
Contents Letters............................................ 3
Holiday Happenings.....................28
Fitness............................................ 59
Brain Games.................................. 4
Spotlights....................................... 30
Travel.............................................. 62
Comics............................................ 7
Cover Story.................................... 36
All About Montana........................66
Home & Lifestyle........................... 8
Money Matters.............................. 40
Answers to Brain Games..............70
Modern Senior.............................. 16
Recreation...................................... 42
Inspiration...................................... 20
Health Care.................................... 46
Fluffy Critters................................. 22
Caregiving...................................... 52
Entertainment............................... 24
Nutrition......................................... 56
OCTOBER // NOVEMBER 2018 • MONTANA SENIOR NEWS
PAGE 3
Letters
QUESTIONS•COMMENTS•PRAISES•SUGGESTIONS A FEW POINTERS ON EXPERIAN’S DARK WEB SCAN In your issue of August/September 2018, page 19 gave some information about the Dark Web and how to look to see if there is information on it about you. Experian is listed as a source to scan and see if the Dark Web does have information on you with the free triple scan. The exercise is valid; the Dark Web is indeed a smarmy place and unknown to many people, mostly used by not-so-nice folks.
I took the plunge and went through the triple scan, which has many opportunities to sign up for this (at only X dollars a month) or that (at a different X dollars per month). So it is a marketing tool as well as the free triple scan. After I had completed the triple scan process—and it told me my report was ready—the screen seemed to be blank. I thought it was frozen. I figured out after awhile they had sent the report to my email address. So, the next thing to be sure of is that you have kept track
HE’S A DEAD DUCK Submitted by Julie Fink/Brantley A woman brought a very limp duck into a veterinary surgeon. As she laid her pet on the table, the vet pulled out his stethoscope and listened to the bird’s chest. After a moment or two, the vet shook his head and sadly said, “I’m sorry, your duck, Cuddles, has passed away.” The distressed woman wailed, “Are you sure?” “Yes, I am sure. Your duck is dead,” replied the vet. “How can you be so sure?” she protested. “I mean, you haven’t done any testing on him or anything. He might just be in a coma or something.” The vet rolled his eyes, turned around, and left the room. He returned a few minutes later with a Labrador Retriever. As the duck’s owner looked on in amazement, the dog stood on his hind legs, put his front paws on the examination table and sniffed the
of the user name and password you created at the beginning of the triple scan interview. You will need that information to open the file sent you from Experian. Again, a good thing to do if you want to know if there is anything going on about your social security number, phone number, or email, etc. Just be alert and only sign up for what you truly want to buy and look for your report on your email and not on the Experian screen. Rusti Leivestad, Thompson Falls
duck from top to bottom. He then looked up at the vet with sad eyes and shook his head. The vet patted the dog on the head and took it out of the room. A few minutes later, he returned with a cat. The cat jumped on the table and also delicately sniffed the bird from head to foot. The cat sat back on its haunches, shook its head, meowed softly, and strolled out of the room. The vet looked at the woman and said, “I’m sorry, but as I said, this is most definitely, 100 percent, certifiably, a dead duck.” The vet turned to his computer terminal, hit a few keys, and produced a bill, which he handed to the woman. The duck’s owner, still in shock, took the bill. “A hundred and fifty dollars,” she cried, “just to tell me my duck is dead!” The vet shrugged, “I’m sorry. If you had just taken my word for it, the bill would have been $20, but with the Lab Report and the Cat Scan, it’s now $150.” MSN
Perfect Choice HD Ultra™ is simple to use, hard to see and easy to afford…
FREE Shipping
Invention of the Year PERSONAL SOUND AMPLIFICATION PRODUCT (PSAP)
limited tim e offer
IT’S NOT A HEARING AID Understand what people are saying... the first time
Now you see it...
If you are one of the 48 million Americans suffering from hearing loss, we have great news for you. An innovative team of doctors and engineers have teamed up to create a truly revolutionary personal sound amplifier. It’s not a hearing aid– those require trips to the audiologist, hearing tests and can cost as much as $5,000. It’s also not a cheap amplifier that just makes everything louder, making it virtually impossible to hear conversations. It’s Perfect Choice HD UltraTM… and it may be the perfect solution for you. Perfect Choice HD UltraTM is the first PSAP that features Dynamic Speech Optimization (DSO). This technology enables the device to prioritize the spoken word over other sounds. These noises are generally in different frequencies than voices, but they can drown out the words and make conversations hard to understand. This invention targets the frequencies of the human voice and amplifies the words. It’s even designed to diminish feedback even at higher volumes, so you can customize your hearing experience to meet your needs. Just imagine how great it will feel to be able to understand what people are saying… the first time they say it.
Perfect Choice HD UltraTM is perfect for... • Watching TV • Restaurants • Dinner parties • Lectures• Outdoor conversations • Sermons …and other times where you need to turn up the volume and comfortably behind your ear. The only way people will know you have it on is if you tell them. Plus, its moisture resistant coating make it durable– you could even leave it in when you take a shower! There’s no fitting or hearing test required, so it’s ready to use right out of the box. Once it’s arrived, a helpful product expert will provide a one-on-one set up over the phone so you’ll get the maximum benefit from this new technology. Call now, and you’ll find out for yourself why so many people love their Perfect Choice Ultra. If you aren’t completely satisfied, you can return your purchase and only pay a small restocking fee depending on the condition of the product. Call Today, and be sure to ask about special discounts for Seniors and Military personnel!
That’s only the beginning. This unit is small and lightweight at less than an ounce, so it hides discreetly
It’s Better COMFORT SOUND QUALITY
Less than 1 ounce Excellent: Optimized for speech
FITTING REQUIRED?
No
ONE-ON-ONE SETUP
Free
SENIOR AND MILITARY DISCOUNTS
Yes
Call now and get FREE Shipping
1-888-875-6606
Please mention promotional code 110131. 1998 Ruffin Mill Road, Colonial Heights, VA 23834 Perfect Choice HD Ultra is not a hearing aid. If you believe you need a hearing aid, please consult a physician.
81213
Now you don’t
MONTANA SENIOR NEWS • OCTOBER // NOVEMBER 2018
PAGE 4
Brain Games
PUZZLES•QUIZZES•GAMES•CONTESTS•BRAIN TEASERS•FUN
ANSWERS TO THESE PUZZLES ARE ON PAGE 70
Sudoku
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.
All items
½ the marked price
Many Items to Choose From
11am – 5pm Tuesday – Saturday 7545 MT Hwy 35 Bigfork
OCTOBER // NOVEMBER 2018 • MONTANA SENIOR NEWS
Brain Games
PAGE 5
61. Road grooves 62. Japanese capital 63. Literary sister of Amy, Meg and Jo 64. Magnitude
DOWN
Crossword Clues ACROSS 1. 24 minutes, in the NBA 5. Giant among wholesale clubs 9. Heat unit 14. Rideshare app 15. __-deucey 16. Great Lakes mnemonic 17. Author Wiesel 18. Improbable tale 19. Candy heart message 20. Position of football lineman J.J. Watt 23. Sound heard by a shepherd 24. Intense, as a competitor 28. Average, in math 33. Unsteady on one's feet 34. Country rocker Steve
1. Tinged 2. Having the skills 3. Actor/singer Garrett 4. They're on the house 5. Prepares to have one's tongue depressed 6. Healthy berry 7. Griffin of game show fame 8. "Auld Lang __" 9. Skating danger 10. Texas __: poker game 11. Big Australian bird 12. Gun, as an engine 13. The Spartans of the NCAA 21. Part of NFL: Abbr. 22. TurboTax option 25. Hardwood tree that drops acorns 26. Fisher who plays Princess Leia 27. Come in 28. "Queen of Soul" Franklin 29. Equip anew, as a machine shop 30. Ben Stiller's mom 31. Really bother 32. Clichd 33. Nike competitor 37. Superman's birth name 38. Sci-fi classic that introduced Princess Leia 40. Regains consciousness 41. Poet Silverstein 43. Frequent John Wayne persona 44. A cannonball makes a big one 48. Shepherd's charge 49. Lamp-to-plug line 50. Improve text 51. Same: Pref. 52. Skating jump 53. Cut with light 54. Fitting 55. Rock's __ Speedwagon 56. Genesis boat
35. "__ & the Women": 2000 Gere film 36. Divisions of tennis matches 37. Actress Holmes 38. Ticked off 39. "How was __ know?" 40. Diamond weight 41. Word before Master or case 42. Fountain treat with Bosco, maybe 45. Biblical dancer 46. For each 47. Echoic remark before "What do we have © 2018 Tribune Content Agency, LLC. here?" whose words can follow the ends of 20-, 28- and 42-Across 54. Many Mideast residents 57. Verdi opera set in Egypt 58. Color similar to turquoise Montana Wounded Warriors 59. '90s candidate Ross 60. Hosp. scans
Freedom Isn’t Free!
Montana Wounded Warriors is raffling off 3 cow elk hunts for two at the largest ranch in the state of Montana, the N-Bar. The winners will be going on a fully guided hunt that includes lodging. All proceeds will be used to take disabled Montana veterans on all expense paid hunting and fishing trips here in Montana.
SUBSCRIBE TODAY!
MSN
Win a Guided Hunting Trip to the largest ranch in Montana Tickets are $5.00 each or 5 for $20.00. Drawing will be held November 1st. Hunt dates will range between November 12th and the 28th. Tickets available at Snappy’s Sports Senter, Sportsman & Ski Haus, Evergreen Army Navy or by contacting Neil Baumann at 406-471-7426 or you can email us at montanawoundedwarriors@gmail.com.
PAGE 6
Brain Games
MONTANA SENIOR NEWS • OCTOBER // NOVEMBER 2018
ILLUSTRATION BY FLORENCE PAXTON Fall has officially arrived! Now that summertime fun is behind us, it’s time to get back to work — well, at least for some of us. Those who have retired from the workforce have time to enjoy this change in season with long walks in the cool, crisp breeze while traipsing through colorful autumn leaf piles — never having a thought to the work they’ve left behind. For this month’s Doodle seek-and-find page, find items associated with JOBS. Congratulations to Ms. Sherryl Murphy of Jefferson City, Mont., for winning last issue’s Doodle puzzle! We award a $25 cash prize for each issue of the Montana Senior News to the person who finds everything on the list and submits the prettiest Doodle coloring page.
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 November 15, 2018 for this edition. 1. Accountant 10. Jewelry Model 2. Baker 11. Nurse 3. Beautician 12. Postmaster 4. Carpenter 13. Publication 5. Cowboy 14. Teacher MSN 6. Dairyman 7. Doctor 8. Farmer 9. Fireman
OCTOBER // NOVEMBER 2018 • MONTANA SENIOR NEWS
PAGE 7
s c i m o C
Comfortable, Affordable, & Gracious Living.
Eagles Manor
Homes on the Range
Soroptimist Village
Voyageur Apartments
• Exercise Room • Beauty Shop • Meal Program • Massage Therapy • Laundry • Housekeeping • One Block from Senior Center & Post Office
• Grab Bars • Air Conditioning • Laundry • Fridge/Freezer • Private Mailboxes • Electric Range • Close to Banking, Medical Facilities, Parks, & Shopping
• Utilities Included • New Heating & Cooling Units • Elevator • Community Room • Outdoor Gazebo • Spacious Rooms • Close to Shopping & Transport
• BBQ/Picnic Area • Fitness Center • Social Hall with Kitchen • Spa/Hot Tub • Library • Business Center • Media Room • Resident Garden • Patio
20 W 3rd St Havre 406-265-5531
902 3rd St E Roundup 406-323-1291
2400 13th Ave S Great Falls 406-453-9379
1630 Division Rd Great Falls 406-208-6968
Welcoming you across Montana
VOTE NOV. 6 TH
MONTANA SENIOR NEWS • OCTOBER // NOVEMBER 2018
PAGE 8
Home&Lifestyle
GARDEN•REAL ESTATE•RECIPIES•DECOR•ANTIQUES
Every Story is Important: Tell Us Something BY AARON PARRETT In January of 2011, Marc Moss found himself telling a story to some perfect strangers, which would not have been unusual except that he was on a stage in Missoula. He was a little nervous starting out, but walked away from the experience a changed man. “It was the first time in my life that I felt listened to—really listened to,” he said. “Your parents listen to you when you’re a kid, but it’s sort of their job. But this was an audience of people who wanted to be there — they were there to listen.” That happened at a storytelling event called MissoulaMoth, and Moss was transformed. Not long afterward, he was invited to take over production of the event and changed the name to the much more fitting and inviting “Tell Us Something,” which is mostly Missoula-based, but is slowly turning into a kind of traveling storytelling showcase that sells out theaters and concert halls around Montana. Moss records each one of the events and produces a Tell Us Something podcast, so all of the performances are archived. (The podcast is available wherever you access your podcasts, and many
Now is the right �me to make your re�rement secure! Your Trusted Mortgage Advisor, from First to Reverse!
Would you like to understand all the costs and benefits of a
Reverse Mortgage Loan With one short phone call? Then call Randy Sayre at:
(406) 206-6598
randy@divisionmortgagegroup.com
1320 Division Street, Billings, MT 59101 Borrower is obligated to pay property taxes and insurance.
NMLS #140614
FREE CONSULTATIONS!
of the stories are also featured at the Tell Us Something website (tellussomething.org) Moss describes his role in all this as something like a manager. Tell Us Something is really about the storytellers and the audiences and the connection that is forged between everyone involved. “Tell Us Something is about cultivating empathy,” Moss said. “Everyone has a story. Every story is important. And I’m trying to encourage people to tell stories, but also to encourage people to listen.” Having been a participant in several Tell Us Something events myself, I can bear witness to that effect: these storytelling events build community in no more complicated a way than bringing together people telling stories with other people listening to them. The results of that simple effort can be remarkable. At a recent Tell Us Something event, I planned to tell a story about a local teacher I had had in Helena Suzi Holt shares her story, “Journey by Greek 30 years ago, a teacher I had always Freighter.” PHOTO BY JASON O’NEIL. felt bad about treating badly by acting out in class. To this teacher’s credit, she was persistently patient and ended up being a person who had a tremendous influence on my life. I confessed I was a bit nervous about mentioning the teacher by name at the event, but Moss illustrated the mission of Tell Us Something by suggesting I ought to reach out to the teacher in question and invite her to the event. “She needs to hear your story,” he said. As a result, the event buzzed with emotional connection as mutual friends listened to the story, and we all discussed it afterward. A handful of people in a neighborhood in Helena went home that evening all feeling like we had learned a lot about each other’s lives. As Moss states on the website, “Tell Us Something awakens imagination, empowers storytellers, and connects the community through the transformative power of personal storytelling. It is a celebration of each other, our stories, and how we move through the world together.”
This ad is not from HUD or FHA and was not approved by HUD or any government agency.
STOCK PHOTO
In-House Made Ice Cream
OPEN EVERYDAY! • CONES
• SUNDAES • FLOATS • SHAKES
One Company, One Solution Heating & AC • Electrical • Plumbing Roofing • Sheet Metal
BigDipperIceCream.com
atklemens.com • 814 12th St N • Great Falls
100 North Broadway • Billings • 406-534-2350
406-452-9541
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:________________
MONTANA GRANITE I N D U S T R I E S DISTINCTIVE MEMORIALS 1010 1st Ave S, Great Falls
406-452-8129
1170 Forestvale Rd, Helena
406-458-5512
A Memorial is purchased because someone lived... Not because someone died.
Fabric, Notions, Patterns, Service, ORECK Vacuums & Supplies 406-252-4188 1327 Main St #9, Billings SpringBlossomQuiltAndSew.com
OCTOBER // NOVEMBER 2018 • MONTANA SENIOR NEWS
Home & Lifestyle
If you’re a senior with a story to tell, Tell Us Something would love to hear from you. You can visit the website for the latest Call for Pitches (the topics range from the purposefully intriguing, with themes such as “I Didn’t See That Coming,” to the openly general, such as “Work.” Be prepared to “pitch” your story over the telephone to an answering machine. When you call, you’ll have three minutes to talk through the basics of your story. But how do you know whether your ‘story’ is a story? What is a story, anyway? “It’s pretty simple,” Moss explained. “A story needs to have some basic things. A beginning, a middle, and an end, for starters,” he said. “A story has to have characters and tension. The characters have to have something to lose or gain in the story, and maybe most important — the story has to have hook. You know, some element that keeps the audience engaged and listening.” Most important, the story has to be true. Each story is limited to ten minutes, and you are expected to tell the story from memory. John Schneeberger shares his story, “Down the Lochsa in a Canoe.” The event features eight storytellers, with a PHOTO BY KMR STUDIOS. short intermission. The panel of storytellers is not announced until the event starts. If you’re like most everyone else, the idea Though Tell Us Something started in and of getting up in front of an audience is based in Missoula, to tell a story can be petrifying. “Oh, I Moss quickly realized get nervous myself,” Moss admitted. e v er y commun i t y “I think if you are not a little nervous in Montana would when you tell a story, then you’re benefit from a live probably just phoning it in, and maybe storytelling event. you should give up.” He’s consequently The nervousness is just a part of produced several the process and actually helps cement events in Helena and the community connection. That little has scheduled the bit of anxiety first ever Butte event Kristi Hager shares her story, “Courtreinforces the for November 8. Ordered Christmas.” PHOTO BY KMR importance In addition to STUDIOS. of sharing the live storytelling stories and being a events, Moss conducts community workshops serious listener. In at Zootown Arts Community in Missoula and any case, particiteaches storytelling in the Missoula County pation in the event public schools as part of the Spark! Program. involves a workshop Moss is especially interested in connecting a few weeks prior with those in the Senior Citizen community, to to the actual event, encourage them to come share a story. “One of which gives everyone my shortcomings as a facilitator has been that an opportunity to I have not done enough outreach among com“practice” in front of munities outside of my own,” Moss explained. the other storytellers “I’ve realized that the key to maintaining the and to get feedback energy and relevance of live storytelling is to and reassurance. engage more diverse groups and get them to share stories.”
PAGE 9
The upcoming schedule features a couple events across Montana in the next couple of months. October 2 is a Missoula event with the theme, “It’s Complicated.” Moss is especially excited for Tell Us Something’s first foray into the Mining City, as the November 8 event in Butte’s theme is “Work.” MSN
GOOSE RIDGE MONUMENTS Local Engraving Pre-Need Arragements CUSTOM GRANITE, MARBLE, BRONZE WORK
580-9765 Scott Walden
2212 Lea Ave • Bozeman, MT 59715 gooseridgemonuments.com
YOU MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR A
FREE ASBESTOS Health Screening
Enjoy senior living
at its finest
If you can provide documentation of having lived, worked or played in the Libby, MT area for at least 6 months at least 10 years ago.
Located in beautiful Great Falls, we pair fine comfort and hospitality with exceptional service and accomodations. See for yourself why our community is such an exceptional place to live. CALL (406) 727-0447 Brookdale Great Falls Independent Living 1104 Sixth Avenue North Great Falls, MT 59401
brookdale.com
BROOKDALE® is a trademark of Brookdale Senior Living, Inc. Nashville, TN, USA 06/15
Please call toll free 1-855-891-2273 or visit us online at libbyasbestos.org Testing available local & long distance
PAGE 10
MONTANA SENIOR NEWS • OCTOBER // NOVEMBER 2018
Home & Lifestyle
Wines for Fall BY HOLLY ENDERSBY In recognition of International Merlot Day on November 19, do yourself a favor and enjoy an Indian Wells 2015 Merlot produced by Chateau Ste. Michelle of Paterson, Wash. This is a merlot that fills your mouth with exceptional flavors of luscious ripe blackberries with just the right amount of tartness. We enjoyed this wine slightly chilled, allowing it to breath for a few minutes with outstanding results. The bold, but velvety textured red wine just begs for grilled elk steak, marinated flat iron steak, or robust spicy shrimp. At $10.99 a bottle at Costco, this is a wine you should stock up on. International Tempranillo Day falls on November 9, and a superb Idaho Tempranillo comes from Sawtooth Winery near Caldwell, Idaho. Their 2015 Classic Fly Tempranillo, aged in new, French-oak barrels, is made from all Idaho grapes and is about as luscious a wine as you will find. My first mouthful was redolent of Mexican chocolate, raspberries, and just a touch of black cherry. Of ten wineries I visited in two days, this was one of three bottles I bought. At $30, it isn’t inexpensive, but in terms of value, it is worth every penny. As a plus, Sawtooth’s tasting room is relaxing and a perfect spot to try their other fine wines, with a nice bar and cozy table seating as well. Ready for some fall menus and Octoberfest? Don’t just think of beer steins when you plan on celebrating the harvest; be sure to add wine as well to your party. In fact, think cheese
fondue accompanied by the German style 2016 Dry Reisling from Williamson Orchards in the Snake River AVA. It has notes of pear, and, while it is a bit sweet, it is not cloying and has a lovely bouquet. For Octoberfest, pair this with a good German sausage and coleslaw, and you have the makings of a yummy meal. The price point of $12 makes this wine a great buy. Petit Verdot is a grape often blended with others, but Fujishin Family Cellars Winery near Caldwell, Idaho has a 2015 that is 100-percent Petit Verdot. This grape demands hot weather to finish well, and this area provides that. We found this unusual wine to be smooth, lush, and fruit-forward. Our pourer shared that she loves this wine with grilled lamb seared and seasoned with rosemary. Sounds good to me! Finally, it’s rare to find a winery that produces bottle after bottle of wine I enjoy, but that was the case this summer when I visited Cinder Winery in Garden City, Idaho. Winemaker Melanie Krause attended Washington State University and worked at Chateau Ste. Michelle, learning the craft and developing her own style. Our group of tasters was taken with Cinder’s Snake River Valley Syrah, and I purchased a bottle to enjoy at home. The intense, dark fruit flavor with a smooth, lingering finish is perfect with the wild game we regularly eat. In it’s 12th year, the tasting room has good vibes, an upstairs art gallery, and knowledgeable servers to help you explore their exceptional wines. This is one urban winery that really hits the mark. MSN
ONLINE ONLY ART AUCTION!
For the Living Estate of Bill and Bobby Spilker of Helena, MT
Auction Preview: Auction Closes:
Sat. Oct 27, 2018 • 12 am–3 pm Sat. Oct. 27, 2018 • 6 pm at the Wingate of Helena • 2007 No. Oakes Removal of art works: Sun. Oct. 28, 10 am–3 pm. We Ship!
Bid now! @ www.dmauctionsonline.com 15% buyer premium applies, please bid accordingly. Items sell “as is, where is” with all faults!
D & M ASSOCIATES, LLC Marilyn Burns CAI, MPPA, Auctioneer, Personal Property Appraiser 703 E Main • Lewistown, MT
It was a pleasure to work with someone with such an upbeat and pleasant disposition... She was excellent. -Lee Eide
Call Chris Dunn: 406-698-3531 2050 Broadwater Ave #B, Billings chris@dunndeal.us | dunndeal.us
Chris Dunn
OCTOBER // NOVEMBER 2018 • MONTANA SENIOR NEWS
Home & Lifestyle
PAGE 11
Choose a Good Estate Sale Company For more information on choosing an estate sale company, see National Estate Sales Association online guide at NESA-USA.com, and click on “Consumer Education” then on “Find the Right Company.” MSN
BY JIM MILLER The estate sale business has become a huge industry over the past decade. Roughly 22,000 estate sale companies currently operate in the U.S., up nearly 60 percent from just 10 years ago. But not all estate sale companies are alike. Unlike appraisal, auction, and real estate companies, estate sale operators are largely unregulated, with no licensing or standard educational requirements. That leaves the door open for inexperienced, unethical, or even illegal operators. Therefore, it’s up to you to decipher a good reputable company from a bad one. Here are some tips to help you choose.
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 book, The Savvy Senior.
MAKE A LIST Start by asking friends, a real estate agent, or attorney for recommend a t i o n s . Y o u c a n © Baloncici, Bigstock.com also search online. Websites like EstateSales.net and EstateSales.org let you find estate sale companies in your area. CHECK THEIR REVIEWS After you find a few companies, check them out on the Better Business Bureau (BBB.org), Angie’s List (AngiesList.com), Yelp (Yelp. com), and other online review sites, to eliminate those with legitimately negative reviews. CALL SOME COMPANIES Once you identify some estate sale companies, select a few to interview over the phone. Ask them how long they’ve been in business and how many estate sales they conduct each month. Also find out about their staff, the services they provide, if they are insured and bonded, and if they charge a flat fee or commission. The national average commission for an estate sale is around 35 percent, but commissions vary by city and region. You may also want to ask them about visiting their next sale, to get a better feel for how they operate. Be sure to get a list of references of their past clients and call them.
Our Best...For Less...In a Day BASIC DENTURES (SET)...$295 BASIC CROWN (UNIT).....$495 Family Dentistry • Check Ups Cleanings • Digital X-Rays • Partials Bridges • CareCredit® Financing Delta Dental, MetLife, Guardian & over 200 Others Accepted
DENTAL CENTERS 2 Locations:
MiD-AMERiCA DENTAL & HEARiNg CENTER-HWY.
1050 W. Hayward Drive • Mt. Vernon, MO 65712
1-800-354-1905
MiD-AMERiCA DENTAL & HEARiNg CENTER-LOOP
558 Mt. Vernon Blvd. • Mt. Vernon, MO 65712
1-800-372-4554
Hablamos español!
www.MidAmericaDental.com
Dr. Hildreth & Associates are Missouri licensed General Dentists. They are not SCHEDULE APPOINTMENTS licensed in Missouri as specialists in the advertised dental specialty of Prosthetics. Set up two or three face-to-face interviews with the companies you felt provided you with satisfactory answers during the phone interviews. During their visit, show the estate liquidator through the property. Point out any items that will not be included in the sale, and if you have any items where price is a concern, You may qualify for FREE assistive telephone equipment through the discuss it with them at that time. Many estate Montana Telecommunications Access Program! companies will give you a quote after a quick walk through the home. Montana Telecommunications Equipment available You also need to ask about their pricing Access Program provides FREE through MTAP includes: (how do they research prices, and is every assistive telephone equipment • Amplified telephones item priced), how they track what items sell to those who qualify, making it • Captioned telephones for, what credit cards do they accept, and easier to use the phone to do • Loud bell ringers TTYs how and where will they promote and market business or keep in touch with • Artificial Larynxes family and friends. your sale. EstateSales.net is a leading site • And much more! used to advertise sales, so check advertising
If you have difficulty understanding words clearly over the phone, just fill out this form!
approaches there. Additionally, ask how many days will it take them to set up for the sale, how long will the sale last, and will they take care of getting any necessary permits to have the sale. You also need to find out how and when you will be paid and what types of services they provide when the sale is over. Will they clean up the house and dispose of the unsold items, and is there an extra charge for that? Also, make sure you get a copy of their contract, and review it carefully before you sign it.
Yes, I want to learn more about MTAP!
Return form to: MTAP P. O. Box 4210, Helena, MT 59604
Name: _____________________________________
Address: ___________________________________
City: _______________________________________
State: _____________ Zip Code: _______________
Phone: _____________________________________
For more information just mail us this form or call toll-free 1-800-833-8503
PAGE 12
Home & Lifestyle
MONTANA SENIOR NEWS • OCTOBER // NOVEMBER 2018
Historic Luxury. You’re Welcome.
Room rate includes our signature full hot breakfast. Amenities include exquisitely clean accomodations, soft luxury linens, custom tiled bathrooms, Keurigs in rooms, Smart TVs, complimentary bottled Big Spring Water and top notch customer service. Relax...you’re at The Calvert.
216 7th Avenue South Lewistown, MT 406-535-5411 w w w. t h e c a l ve r t h ot e l . co m
Round out your stay in Lewistown with an excellent meal accompanied by craft beer or wine. Experience the Central Feed Grilling Co. and Big Spring Brewery.
Great Beer. Great Food. Great Mood. OPEN: Mon-Tues: 4-10 pm Wed-Sun: 11:00 am-10 pm
220 E Main Street Lewistown, MT 406-535-BEER
OCTOBER // NOVEMBER 2018 • MONTANA SENIOR NEWS
Home & Lifestyle
PAGE 13
The Historical Calvert Hotel in Lewistown BY KELLYANNE TERRY
Lobby of the Calvert Hotel in Lewistown, Mont. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CALVERT HOTEL. Tucked off of Main Street and within walking distance of downtown, The Calvert Hotel in Lewistown, Mont., has proved an anchor of hospitality. What was once a dormitory for early 1900’s high school students now hosts a luxury boutique hotel with reflections of the past. Like the rural area that is Fergus County, The Calvert had its beginnings in the Federal Homestead Acts of 1901 and 1912. The unique opportunity of land for settlement, first 160 acres and then 320 acres, brought many people west to try their hand at agriculture and the promise of the American Dream—owning their own property. With the rise of settlement came the construction of the Great Northern Railway east of Lewistown, and Fergus County saw a spike in economic growth as the transportation of goods was timely and feasible from the East Coast shipyards and Midwest factories. Estimates of as many as 80,000 people came to Central Montana between 1908 and 1919. With the influx of families to the region, schools became as important as the goods on the rails between towns. Montana had already passed the Montana County Schools Act in 1899 to establish centralized high schools, and in the large area of Fergus County, it was impossible for students wanting a high school education to travel daily to school. In 1916, the Fergus County High School principal asked the Chamber of Commerce for funds for a dormitory for those outlying students to stay at during the week. Bonding had failed to raise money for the construction of a dormitory, so a private corporation, the Fergus County Improvement Corporation, was established as a funding source through the selling of shares. The dormitory was then built in 1917 and served many students over the years. Students paid $18 for room and board, and those who couldn’t afford that worked in the kitchen, tended the boiler, or cleaned rooms. In the dwindling years of the land rush, the building was used solely as a girls’ dormitory, and by August 1925, Fergus County found itself broke, causing the closure of the facility. The brick structure was ideal for housing, and Mrs. Emma Marsh saw the potential when she purchased it from the Fergus County Development Corporation in 1928. She and her husband, George, converted the dormitory to a hotel, naming it The Calvert. For the next 41 years, Mrs. Marsh made improvements, including installing private bathrooms, refurnishing, redecorating, and
establishing a dining area in the basement. The hotel ran like a boarding house as people stayed on a monthly basis and ate their meals together in the dining room. High school students also lived at The Calvert and worked as janitors, night clerks, maids, and maintenance people in order to attend school—very similar to the dormitory days. Today the Calvert is on the National Register of Historic Places. It is still a hotel today, ever since the Marshes converted it and sold it in 1969. In 2007, Steve Duffy purchased the property and made extensive renovations. Recently, The Calvert saw another transition when Jeff Southworth and Julie Walsh of Allied Steel in Lewistown purchased the property. For the past 101 years, The Calvert has been a place of rest for many a traveler, a key player in the ecoLittle Timber Quilts & Candy nomic framework of Bonnie Ferguson Fergus County, and a reminder of days gone 406.932.6078 | ltquilts.com by. It is a historical Open Monday–Saturday 10–5:30 building with charac108 McLeod St • Big Timber ter—a destination to look forward to. MSN
Stop in & try our Janome Sewing Machines
We buy vintage and estate firearms
TRANE
“WE AIM TO PLEASE”
®
FORCED AIR HEATING A/C SYSTEMS
Call Rob at 406-224-1697 • Libby, MT ATF Licensed Dealer
MITSUBISHI
®
DUCTLESS AIR CONDITIONING
CLIMATE MASTER
®
GEO-THERMAL HEATING & COOLING
HELENA intermountainheating.com
406-449-4567
Bob Den Herder Broker Owner
EXIT REALTY HELENA Multiple Listing Service ®
M LS
406-449-8831
bob@exitrealtyhelena.com
Helena
Putting Life’s Memories In Stone 406-570-1541
Bill Davis 406-489-2311
Your Realtors with Montana Experience! We are your Land Specialists! We KNOW Montana!!!
www.PEDEandAssociates.com
406-542-1344 or 877-542-1344 1035 Ronan St, Missoula gcmonument.com A LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED FAMILY BUSINESS
PAGE 14
MONTANA SENIOR NEWS • OCTOBER // NOVEMBER 2018
Home & Lifestyle
Three Montana Communities Among Winners of AARP Community Challenge
AARP recently announced the recipients of its 2018 AARP Community Challenge grant program, including three recipients right here in Montana.
A total of $1.3 million will be distributed to fund 129 “quick action” projects across the country, helping communities make immediate improvements and jumpstart long-term progress to support residents of all ages. Nearly 1,600 non-profits and government entities applied for the program, now in its second year. Each of the projects, which must be completed by November 5, is designed to achieve one or more of the following outcomes: << Deliver a range of transportation and mobility options that increase connectivity, walkability, bikeability, and/or access to public and private transit; << Create vibrant public places that improve open spaces, parks, and access to other amenities; << Support the availability of a range of housing that increases accessible and affordable housing options; << Address other issues of importance for communities. MONTANA GRANTEES $10,000 — Browning: Blackfeet Eagle Shield Center This grant will provide for fencing, trees, flowers, and canopy swings in order to create an outdoor space that can facilitate story-telling and socializing on Blackfeet Native American tribal land. $10,000 — Helena: Bike Walk Montana This grant will fund a transportable demonstration kit to educate people about bicycle lanes, parklets, roundabouts, crosswalks, and other transportation safety initiatives. $10,000 — Missoula: Missoula Parks & Recreation
All play & No work Two & Three Bedroom Barrier-Free Townhomes • Well-appointed, Main Level Living • Universal Design Concept Allows You to Age in Place • Built with High Quality and Attention to Detail • Comprehensive HOA Covers Exterior Maintenance, Mowing, Snow Removal, etc.
Call for a personal showing today!
Loren Mostad • 406.546.2827
ValleyViewMissoula.com
Jade Fuhrman
Grant funds will be used to improve public health in the city by supporting the Rx Trails Program with new signage, mile markers, benches and maps. The full list of grantees can be found at www.aarp.org/communitychallenge. “AARP has teams on the ground in communities across the country who hear from mayors, community leaders, and local residents about the value of getting quick wins to create long-term change. We developed the Community Challenge Grant Program to answer that call and help build momentum for more livable communities nationwide,” said Nancy LeaMond, AARP Executive Vice President, Community, State, and National Affairs. “This year, we are proud to fund more projects in more communities in all 50 states, Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico.” The Community Challenge grant program is part of AARP’s nationwide Livable Communities initiative that helps communities become great places to live for residents of all ages. AARP staff and volunteers are working with roughly 300 communities across the country, engaging and mobilizing community residents, delivering technical assistance and expertise to local leaders and organizations, and supporting the work of the 275 communities and two states that have enrolled in the AARP Network of Age Friendly States and Communities. AARP also provides resources and publications to encourage local action, such as the Roadmap to Livability and the AARP book-series Where We Live: Communities for All Ages. To learn more about AARP’s livable communities work in communities across the country and the AARP Community Challenge, please visit www.aarp.org/livable. MSN
The Right REALTOR for you 406-861-3027 • Billings Jade@MontanaProperty.com • MontanaProperty.com
Access Outfitters access-outfitters-mt.com 406-422-1668 (Office) 406-241-6834 (Cell) accoutfitters@gmail.com 3660 North Montana Ave, Helena
ELEVATORS STAIR LIFTS WHEELCHAIR LIFTS Family Owned and Operated in Montana
Licensed and Insured | Montana Registered Contractor
Servicing Western Montana
OCTOBER // NOVEMBER 2018 • MONTANA SENIOR NEWS
Home & Lifestyle
PAGE 15
Six Tips For Helping a Loved One With Dementia Move to a New Home BY LYSSA WINBERG Helping an elderly loved one move to a new home can be hard in itself, but helping your loved one with dementia move can be quite an emotionally straining experience. Nevertheless, we must be strong and do what we can to help make the transition as easy and efficient as possible. Here are six tips for making the transition go smoothly. INVOLVE THEM IN THE PROCESS AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE When deciding where is best for your loved one to move, ask them what they want. Is it best for them to buy a new home and have a caretaker? Would it make more sense to move to a senior living community but still have their own home? Would it be safest for them to live in a senior center and have built-in care? Your elder may not be the one to make the final decision on where to move, but she can certainly decide which belongings to take with her. Let her feel in control and involved. Let her feel independent while also feeling like she’s not alone in the process. Try to create the impression that she is in control, and you are there to assist her. You know her personality, so use your intuition to involve her as much as possible in the decisions. If buying a new home is the right choice for her situation, contact a Seniors Real Estate Specialists® in your area.
BE PREPARED FOR EMOTIONS Try to put yourself in their shoes. Imagine having dementia in the midst of a huge life transition. What a scary thought. It’s important to be patient and understanding during their hard times. If your loved one expresses fear or anger, try to validate their feelings. If it’s a parent, understand it may be hard, and don’t argue or disagree with them. Be the bigger person and acknowledge that this is difficult, but the move is for their well-being and safety. It’s OK if you are emotional as well, but try to be strong for your loved one. Emotions during such a big change are natural and normal.
Give her new home your magic touch, and she will be appreciative.
MOVE DURING MID-MORNING OR MID-AFTERNOON As far as senior communities go, early morning tends to be the busiest time of the day. Choosing mid-morning or mid-afternoon will be less hectic for everyone involved in the move. Planning for a calm entrance is a good idea. Coordinating when exactly to make the move will make things more organized and eliminate some of the stress.
STAY POSITIVE FOR YOUR SENIOR Your loved one may have minor or severe dementia, but chances are she can still read your emotions and feel the vibes you send off. Try to keep a positive energy throughout the experience, even though the whole thing may be very hard on you as well. Try to keep smiling, and stay calm on the outside, regardless of how you feel on the inside. Provide constant reassurance that this is a positive transition and that it will be great for your loved one. Positivity is contagious. Helping a loved one with dementia move to a new home can be a hard and emotional experience. Mentally prepare yourself for the day, involve them in the process, and do what you can to be there for them. MSN
MAKE THE SURROUNDINGS FEEL LIKE HOME Whether they are moving to a new house or into a room at a facility, place familiar and special items around to make it feel more like home. Seeing her items around will help make the adjustment a bit easier. A few pictures and personal items can make a huge difference.
VISIT YOUR ELDER FOR MEALS THE FIRST FEW DAYS Whether she is living in a new home by herself or with a caretaker or she is living in a seniors’ facility, it will mean a lot to her if you stop by the first few days or weeks in her new home. It will also give you peace of mind to see how she is adjusting. Phone calls are great, but nothing can replace human interaction from someone she loves. This will make the new adjustment easier for her. Make the time, and you will never regret it.
Montana Single Level Living
408 Cowboy Court • Florence • Brand New • Great Room w/ 18’ Vaulted Ceilings • Stunning Views • Bright & Open $434,900 2 • 2,156 ft MLS #21804767 • 3 Bed, 2 Bath • Large Full-Featured Master Suite
5115 Pintlar Mountain Court • Missoula • Spacious Updated Kitchen • Downstairs Wet Bar and Gas Fireplace • 4,384 ft2 • 5 Bed, 3.5 Bath $624,900 • Private Balcony MLS #21801794 • Spa-Like Master Bathroom w/heated floors
Seniors Real Estate Specialists (SRES) Move2Missoula.com • 2800 S. Reserve Street, Missoula • 406.360.7654
Diane Beck
MONTANA SENIOR NEWS • OCTOBER // NOVEMBER 2018
PAGE 16
Modern Senior
TECHNOLOGY•SCIENCE•KNOWLEDGE•COMPUTERS•MOBILE
Is *%&@ a password?
(SENIOR WIRE) What’s your password? No, no, don’t tell me. You don’t even remember it, do you? Are you sure? Is the first letter capitalized or is it a dollar sign? Did you use your granddaughter’s birthday or your zip code? Did you use the underscore? What the heck is an underscore? Did you write it down somewhere? You did? Good, go find it. Got it? Okay, now go change it. “About a third of online purchases are abandoned at checkout because consumers cannot remember their passwords,” a study conducted jointly by MasterCard and the University of Oxford said earlier this year. “The average person is registered to 90 online accounts requiring passwords, and the number keeps growing. Few people can remember so many passwords.”
And you can’t just use the same password over and over because once the cyber-crook figures it out she will have access to everything. She could snatch up your Duffy’s points and scarf your free dessert, or steal your Saturday night date on Match.com –and that guy was a keeper; he could still drive at night. According to www.dailymail.co.uk, we as a society have developed a new thing: password rage. This is where people throw a tantrum after forgetting their login details. The frustration has driven some of us to crying, screaming, and banging our heads on the desk. I figured I’d be smarter and write down all of my passwords in a little notebook. But then I lost the notebook. To make things worse we are now in the age group where short-term memory loss is the norm. Sometimes I can’t remember my password even though I used it this morning. I came up with the perfect solution; I’ll use cute little sentences for my password. Things that I’ll most likely remember. Like my Home Depot password could be “hammerme.” Or my bank account could be “neverenuf.” Or my Victoria’s Secret password could be–let me just stop right there. I’m lying. I don’t
even have a Victoria’s Secret account. But if I did it would have some catchy little saying like “Ugottabekidding.” Today I opened a new account for a writer’s group. There’s no credit card or Social Security number involved, so I tried to use the simple password I always use in those cases: banana. Easy word, right? But it seems the site had a different idea. Please enter your new password: “banana” Sorry, the password must contain more than 10 characters. “rottenbanana” Sorry, the password must contain 1 numerical character. “1 rottenbanana” Sorry, the password cannot have blank spaces. “25stupidrottenbananas” Sorry, the password must contain at least 1 upper case character. “25STUPIDrottenbananas” Sorry, the password cannot use more than one upper case character in a row. MSN
© vska, Bigstock.com
Specializing in Steaks & Pizza
Daily Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Specials!
Restaurant, Lounge & Casino 406-458-9816 • 1450 Lincoln Rd E • Helena
IFTS AMING & G CUSTOM FR
406-265-3125
ue #401 220 3rd Aven e Atrium • Havr Upper Level m o insgallery.c hpg@highpla
Gift & Art Gallery 525 Central Ave - Great Falls | 406-788-0878
A BRICK-AND-MORTAR NEEDLEWORK SHOP
Yarn • Hand-Dyed Floss
Get out and
November 6th
Stitching Fabrics Threads • Classes 205 9th Ave S, Suite 102, Great Falls 406-761-4652
VOTE!
Michael K Cooper Sr. Republican For HD 26 Paid for by Michael K Cooper for HD 26, 3430 Upper River Road, Great Falls, MT 59405. Mike Polaske, treasurer.
Accepting New Listings
48905 US 93 Ste C • Polson
4 0 6 - 8 8 3 -0 5 0 5 besmartpm.com
OCTOBER // NOVEMBER 2018 • MONTANA SENIOR NEWS
Modern Senior
PAGE 17
20%
Bob’s Tech Talk BY BOB DELAURENTIS SENIOR WIRE — Q. I have too many passwords to remember. I write most of them down and put them in a card in my wallet. How do you keep track of your passwords? A. Keeping your passwords in a wallet or purse is not safe. If stolen, not only does the thief have your passwords, he or she has your identification and the detailed information needed to steal your identity. If you have to write something down, keep it somewhere obscure. People who work in software have had the “too many passwords” problem for decades. Today, everyone has a long list of passwords to remember. Fortunately, the problem has been solved with password managers. Although these began as tools for professionals, they have evolved into powerful, easy-to-use services for everyone. There are a lot of options, but two stand out: LastPass and 1Password. Both of them have been around for at least a decade. Both of them automate the tasks needed to create and manage passwords. And while both generally have the same features, I prefer 1Password. I have used it daily since it was first released in 2006. Password managers work by encrypting your data behind a single password that only you know. And if you lose that password, the data is lost permanently. In addition to passwords, these services can also store other things like personal notes. And there are also ways to enable family members to access secure information in the event of an emergency. Given how much value we have locked behind passwords, everything from banking to shopping to personal information, a password service is vital. Q. Years ago, our family loved checking out free DVDs from the library. With the switch
Discount
from DVDs to streaming, and with commercials seemingly everywhere on Web videos, I miss those library DVDs. Does media-sharing have a place nowadays? A. I believe that libraries are one of the greatest innovations in history, and technology is helping to make them as relevant as ever. Librarians are the first responders of the information world, and being the smart people they are, they are most certainly not just sitting around waiting for technology to eliminate media-sharing. The best way to get acquainted with this world is to visit your local library or its website. Ask your librarian for the names of the sharing services they offer and the best way to take advantage of them. Various libraries offer a number of popular services, including Overdrive, Hoopla, Enki, and RBDigital, just to name a few. Two of my favorites are Kanopy, a service that streams 30,000 movies, and Libby, an app that makes the Overdrive service easy to use on mobile devices. These services are easier for patrons to use, compared to just a few years ago. And if your city’s library does not have access to one of these services, they may belong to a regional library network that does. It may take a little effort to find these services, but I encourage you to check in with your friendly neighborhood librarian. Q. I do not like that Google is always tracking the location of my smartphone. How do I disable it? A. Disabling location services on your phone does not make your location anonymous. If you turn off location tracking on your phone, there is a good chance that Google is still listening. The settings to manage your location privacy are on Google’s website. Go to your account page at myaccount.google.com. Under the Personal Info & Privacy section, click
w / coupon Salads • Soups • Desserts Pizza by the Slice Beer & Wine
Open M–Sat for Lunch & Dinner Historic Uptown Butte
Rated one of the best pizzas in Montana!
302 E Broadway • Butte
(406) 723-8711
HISTORIC MONTANA AVENUE
Mon-Fri: 7a-3p • Sat: 8a-3p Sun: 8a-2p (Breakfast Only) FREE Parking • FREE WiFi 406-255-9555 2419 Montana Ave, Billings
Thurs-Sat: 4:30-Close FREE Parking • FREE WiFi 406-869-9700 2417 Montana Ave, Billings
Aaniiih Nakoda College seeks Nurse Education Program Director Aaniiih Nakoda College (Fort Belknap Agency, Montana) is an accredited tribal college with an open door policy, located inside the northern border of Fort Belknap Indian Reservation that is situated in the beautiful Milk River Valley. ANC is seeking a motivated, venturesome, and qualified Nurse Education Program Director with a minimum of a master’s degree in Nursing Education and experience with tribal colleges. This is 12 month positon with 100% paid health insurance (limited dental/vision); 401K with option of life insurance; paid holidays. Professional development is supported and encouraged. Working for ANC provides a one of a kind learning experience for personal growth. Scenic north central Montana is close to Canada, Montana Tribal and State parks, ski resorts, the Missouri River, Fort Peck Reservoir, rolling plains, and boundless mountain ranges for the adventurous and outdoor enthusiasts. For more information regarding this unique employment opportunity, visit our website: www.ancollege.edu or call 406-353-2607.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 18
NOW TAKING APPLICATIONS FOR Big Timber Glendive Hardin Malta
Miles City Roundup Winnett
1–2 Bedroom Apartments Neat & Clean SOME RENTS BASED ON INCOME
CONTACT HDA MANAGEMENT 406-245-9998 Toll Free: 888-387-7368
HDA
MANAGEMENT
Premier Affordable Senior Housing Quality, Rent Subsidized Housing for Seniors Ages 62+ Four Montana Locations: Bozeman Summer Wood Apartments Great Falls The Portage Helena Aspen Village Kalispell Van Ee Apartments
Features and Ammenities • One-bedroom apartments • Spacious kitchens & large bathrooms • Controlled access entry & lobbies • Large multipurpose community rooms • Elevator service & on-site laundry • Outdoor patios & gas grills (at select buildings) • Activity rooms & tub rooms (at select buildings) • 30% gross adjusted monthly income based rent Short Waiting List • Call Today!
CALL 800-466-7722
|
TTY/TDD 800-627-3529
www.accessiblespace.org
PAGE 18
MONTANA SENIOR NEWS • OCTOBER // NOVEMBER 2018
Modern Senior
TECH TALK / CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17
on “Manage your Google activity.” Sign in if necessary, then click on “Go to Activity Controls.” The next screen should show two toggle switches: One labeled “Web & App Activity” and one named “Location History.” Turn off both switches. By making these choices on the website, they will apply to all your devices using the same Google account. Google, however, is not the only service tracking your location. Facebook, Instagram, and others do as well. When it comes to location tracking, each service has to be blocked separately. WANDER THE WEB Here are my picks for worthwhile browsing this month: Old Computers This site is a treasure trove of information about computers made between 1970 and 1993. If you have an old computer in your closet and wonder when it was first made, or if you are looking for parts to get it working again, start here: oldcomputers.net Computer History Museum The jewel of this site is the Oral History Collection, a searchable archive of interviews.
© Damien Gesso, Bigstock.com
The standout items in that collection tell the history of the iPhone. Many of the interviews are watchable online: computerhistory.org/ collections/oralhistories Geek Gifts Get a head start on your holiday shopping with this unusual collection of products. I am sure you have at least one person on your gift list who would adore salt and paper shakers
shaped like light sabers: shutupandtakemymoney.com MSN A tech enthusiast his entire life, Bob has found a way to write about his interests for over three decades. He is currently developing an educational software project. When not writing, he is in the kitchen cooking up something unusual, or outside with a camera. Contact him at techtalk@bobdel.com.
• LIKE US ON FACEBOOK @MontanaSeniorNews
• FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @MontanaSeniorNews
GET A SUBSCRIPTION! MONTANASENIORNEWS.COM
WE ANTICIPATE AND PLAN
FOR YOUR FUTURE! SHAPING ESTATE PLANS
IRA CHARITABLE
ROLLOVER
YOUR SAVINGS, YOUR LEGACY.
PROTECTION FROM ELDER ABUSE & NEGLECT CONSERVATORSHIPS & GUARDIANSHIPS
Create Your Legacy With An IRA Charitable Rollover Gift
Put our years of experience to work for you. Contact us today to discuss how we can protect your family and your assets from the unexpected!
If you are 70½ or older, you can use your individual retirement account (IRA) to support our cause. Making an IRA charitable rollover gift to us will lower the income and taxes from your IRA required minimum distributions. Please call to learn about the benefits of making an IRA charitable rollover gift this year.
RIDEGLAW.COM | 406.626.1500 523 S. ORANGE ST. • PO BOX 701, MISSOULA, MT 59806 Please contact your financial advisor or Marilyn Parker Certified Specialist in Planned Giving Benefis Health System Foundation 406-455-5836 or marilynparker@benefis.org Copyright © 2017 Crescendo Interactive, Inc. Used by permission. 17TH51
OCTOBER // NOVEMBER 2018 • MONTANA SENIOR NEWS
Environmental Protection
Modern Senior
PAGE 19
Economic Prosperity
BALANCE: THAT’S THE MONTANA WAY. Despite extreme and misleading rhetoric from out-of-state activists, over 35 new laws have been passed in the last 30 years to make our state’s regulatory standards among the world’s most stringent when it comes to protecting our land and water. Mining in Montana supports 12,304 jobs and delivers $199.4 million in revenue for schools, police and local services. We can’t afford to put our children and grandchildren’s future at risk. Mining and the economic prosperity it supports has been a way of life in Montana for generations, don’t let out-of-state activists take it away from our next generation.
VOTE NO on I-186 www.StopI186.com |
@StopI186
Paid for by the Committee to Stop I-186 to Protect Miners and Jobs. P.O. Box 1585 | Helena, Montana 59624, Bruce Vincent, Treasurer
MONTANA SENIOR NEWS • OCTOBER // NOVEMBER 2018
PAGE 20
Inspiration
THOUGHTS•PEOPLE•STORIES•PLACES
Class of ‘55 Righted Social Wrongs Quietly BY LOIS GREENE STONE SENIOR WIRE — The sight of a burgundy 2-cent stamp set inside my undergraduate scrapbook triggered memories. A smooth, yellowing postal card, printed by my own hand, had once given me quick notification of a course’s final grade. Computer-generated markings were years away.
NON- S ERIES C O NC ERT 2
TANGO!
SUN 4 NOV 2018, 3:00 P.M. (NOTE DAY) SAT 3 NOV 2018, 7:30 P.M. (this second performance may be added)
ST. PAUL’S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
“Daring, versatile, charismatic, and passionate” – Critically acclaimed Violinist Robyn Bollinger makes her HSO debut featuring the sweet and sultry sounds of tango master Astor Piazzolla’s Four Seasons of Buenos Aires. This special chamber orchestra performance includes the colorful Danses Concertantes of Stravinsky and homage to Rossini with Benjamin Britten’s playful dances in Soirées Musicales. Ms. Bollinger’s appearance is made possible through generous support by:
T I C K E T S : helenas y m phony.org
special night, and I giggled at boys who had to carry towels and wear pajamas. With enthusiasm, I repeated my new school’s songs and cheers as I squatted on cool grass behind the armory. Old armed service barracks, not yet removed, housed some of my classes. The soles of my penny loafers caught concrete particles and grass clippings while I ran from barracks to main campus for classes. The Dean of Women gave her annual lecture to incoming coeds: she warned us not to wear the color red as it excites men, not to wear patent leather shoes as it reflects our underwear, and to place newspapers between our buttocks and boys’ thighs if we wished to sit on their laps. Coeds had curfews, sign-in/sign-out books placed before the dorm girl assigned to a rotated job of nightly desk duty, penalties for violating any rules, clothing regulations that prohibited jeans or slacks except on Saturday afternoons, dress codes for teas. I was 17 years old. A single semester college fee and dorm rent was $150. Out-of-state fee was $125. In the early 1980s, first-semester’s 15 weeks of higher education totaled $22,000 when my oldest was in a state medical school, and my younger two were undergrads at the University of Pennsylvania and Syracuse University. We silently paid. Before anabolic steroids were fashionable, or cortisone shots were injected into the playing-injured, before artificial turf and covered domes, I ART walked to the football stadium with a huge fluffy mum pinned to my wool plaid jumper. Decaying colored leaves WE RENT crunched under my • Tables & Chairs white buck shoes; a • Stoneware & Glassware mitt stuffed with fine • Serving Items • Linen baby powder cleaned WE SELL the oxfords, and, in • Disposable Tableware my mind, I can still • Tablecovers see myself beating • Holiday Decorations the nap with a powOpen 7 Days a Week dery mesh bag. 1400 Cedar St • Helena • 406-442-7099 A-1RentalsAndPartyPlus.com
Historians call the class of ‘55 “The Silent Generation” because of its collective attitude of latent resignation; graduates, with no post-Korean-War world message, wanted practical jobs offering financial security. Activists, hippies, radicals came a decade later. Why haven’t historians researched us? Television only looked at the “Happy Days” aspect. The university I selected in 1951 had fewer students in attendance than high school. My father drove our 1948 Oldsmobile with its modern, hydramatic drive; a camp trunk of clothing and necessities covered the back seat. Trunks, we soon found out, had to be taken from the dorm’s basement and unloaded there. I was assigned a room on the 4th floor. There were no elevators. Housing 66 girls plus a housemother, the unit had only two telephones — one campus and one pay. “I’ve never been back,” I whispered to the indifferent post card that had been pressed between felt-like black scrapbook pages. “One day ... ,” I rambled, but one-day is a statement not a promise. Sixteen hundred freshmen, class of ‘55, were initiated into the student body one evening. Wearing a mandatory, large name tag around my long neck and beanie cap atop my blonde hair, I waited for upperclassmen to reach my dorm. I loved the freedom my legs felt wearing the required short skirt for this
406 . 442 .186 0
North American Indian Alliance
55 E Galena St • Butte • 406-482-0461
HELPING YOU STAND TALL Butte Indian Health & Diabetes Chemical WIA-Work & Program Dependency Education & Mental Health Program Program Your tax-deductable gifts allow us to keep our current programs strong & build new ones!
P
Y
HERE
HIGHEST QUALITY SEASONAL DISHES FIRST CLASS SELECTION OF WINE & BEER CASUAL & INTIMATE RESERVE OUR PRIVATE DINING ROOM
119 North Broadway • Billings / 406-294-9119 www.Bin119.net
MON–SAT: 11AM–Close/SUN: 10AM (Brunch 10AM–2PM / Dinner 2PM–Close)
OCTOBER // NOVEMBER 2018 • MONTANA SENIOR NEWS On-campus movies, scheduled around girls’ 10:30 p.m. curfew, were of daring, love, war, peace; I pretended to understand foreign-film messages. A group once rented a 16mm sound movie. Some watched; others necked. When it ended, we cut open a watermelon, scooped it out, wrapped the meaty scooped-out part in an old tee-shirt and squished it; then the juice, with a few fine threads still clinging to it, was put back inside. Everyone got a straw and we all drank from the melon, until curfew. I was adult/child and wrote home about rope-pulls, carnivals set up behind the gym, and dancing in floaty net evening gowns with dates in white dinner jackets. “Silent” isn’t “indifferent:” I was a charter member of the country’s first non-sectarian, inter-racial sorority. The only requirement for membership was appreciation of the rights of an individual and respect for those rights. We had no pledging or hazing or blackballing. From one of my mother’s tablecloths, I hand-sewed its Greek-letter flag and then suspended it from fourth-floor windows. Education might eradicate prejudice. Class of ‘98: grades printed by dot-matrix machines attached to computers. Postcards cost 19 cents. Coke wasn’t just a soft drink, and aids didn’t mean assists. Class of 2009: my oldest grandson’s tuition at a private university, including room and board for two daily meals was $46,000. Computers were mandatory, and an e-mail address assigned even before the first semester began. Class of 2022: How will historians depict this generation, with its electronically generated technology? Does anyone today keep a scrapbook? MSN Lois Greene Stone, writer and poet, has been syndicated worldwide. The Smithsonian selected her photo to represent all teens from the 1940s-50s.
Flying High! Three generations take the dive. Eileen Wright, 74, daughter Brenda, 51, and granddaughter Sydney, 30, complete a bucket list item together. Despite each one facing physical challenges —MRSA, eye disease and asthma—they have never let others tell them what they can‘t do, but instead show the world what they can do. Their triple-jump was a tribute to people of all ages, disabilities, and genders, proving anything is possible. Their motto? Don’t hold back. Live your dreams! MSN
y p p Ha giving
s k n a Th
Subscribe online at MontanaSeniorNews.com
Inspiration
PAGE 21
Stop a cold before it starts
New research: Copper stops colds if used early. New research shows you can stop a cold in its tracks if you take one simple step with a new device when you feel a cold coming on. Colds start when cold viruses get in your nose. Viruses multiply fast. If you don’t stop them early, they spread and cause misery. But scientists have found a quick way to kill a virus. Touch it with copper. Researchers at labs and universities agree, copper is “antimicrobial.” It kills microbes, such as viruses and bacteria, just by touch. That’s why ancient Greeks and Egyptians used copper to purify water and heal wounds. That’s why Hippocrates, the “father of modern medicine”, used copper to heal skin ulcers, and why Civil War doctors used it to prevent infection of battlefield wounds. They didn’t know about viruses and bacteria, but now we do. Researchers say microbe cells have a tiny internal electric charge across the membrane surrounding the cell. The high conductance of copper short-circuits this charge and pops holes in the membrane. This immediately stops the microbe from reproducing and destroys it in seconds. Tests by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) show copper surfaces kill germs that are left on them. That way the next person to touch that surface does not spread the germ. As a result of this new knowledge, some hospitals switched to copper for various “touch surfaces”, like faucets, bedrails, and doorknobs. This cut the spread of MRSA and other illnesses in those hospitals by over half, and saved lives. The strong scientific evidence gave inventor Doug Cornell an idea. When he felt a cold coming on he fashioned a smooth copper probe and rubbed it gently in his nose for 60 seconds. “It worked!” he exclaimed. “The cold went away completely.” It worked again every time he felt a cold coming on and he hasn’t had a cold since. He asked relatives and friends to try it. They said it worked for them, too, so he patented CopperZap™ and put it on the market. Soon hundreds of people had tried it and given feedback. Nearly 100 percent said the copper stops their colds if used within 3 hours after the first sign. Even up to 2 days, if they still get the cold it is milder and they feel better. Users wrote things like, “It stopped my cold right away,” and
“Is it supposed to work that fast?” Pat McAllister, age 70, received one for Christmas and called it “one of the best presents ever. This little jewel really works.” Now thousands of users have simply stopped getting colds. Copper may even stop flu that starts in the nose if used right away and for several days. In a lab test, scientists placed 25 million live flu viruses on a CopperZap. No viruses were found still alive soon after. People often use CopperZap preventively. Frequent flier Karen Gauci used to get colds after crowded flights. Though skeptical, she tried it several times a day on travel days for 2 months. “Sixteen flights and not a sniffle!” Businesswoman Rosaleen says when people are sick around her she uses CopperZap morning and night. “It saved me last holidays,” she said. “The kids had colds going round and round, but not me.” Some users say it also helps with sinuses. Attorney Donna Blight had a 2-day sinus headache. When her CopperZap arrived, she tried it. “I am shocked!” she said. “My head cleared, no more headache, no more congestion.” One man had suffered seasonal sinus problems for years. It was so bad it ruined family vacations and dinners out with friends. His wife Judy bought CopperZaps for both of them. He was so skeptical he said, “Oh Judy, you are such a whack job!” But he tried it and the copper cleared up his sinuses right away. Judy and their daughter said, “It has changed our lives!” Some users say copper stops nighttime stuffiness if used just before bed. One man said, “Best sleep I’ve had in years.” People have used it on cold sores and say it can completely prevent ugly outbreaks. Copper even kills deadly germs that have become resistant to antibiotics. If you are near sick people, a moment of handling it may keep serious infection away. It may even save a life. The EPA says copper still works even when tarnished. It kills hundreds of different disease germs so it can prevent serious or even fatal illness. CopperZap is made in the U.S. of pure copper. 90-day full money back guarantee when used as directed. It is $69.95. Get $10 off each CopperZap with code MSN7. Go to www.CopperZap.com or call toll-free 1-888-411-6114. Buy once, use forever.
(paid advertisement)
MONTANA SENIOR NEWS • OCTOBER // NOVEMBER 2018
PAGE 22
Fluffy Critters PET TIPS•BREEDS•CARE•GROOMING
Fall — Montana’s Batty Time of Year Fall is a time of year when bat observations are common in Montana. This time of year young bats are attempting to take care of themselves, some bats are beginning long migrations to warmer climates ,and some bats are grounded by disease or illness. A common misconception is that bats “carry” rabies. Bats are not asymptomatic carriers of rabies, that is, the rabies virus does not exist indefinitely in a bat host. When a bat contracts rabies, it dies. When a bat begins to
Boarding & Grooming • Spacious Indoor & Exercise Areas • Heated Floor & A/C for Comfort • Dog Grooming • Therapeutic Hydro Surge Bath • Drop-In Visits Welcome
406-454-3100
2005 Vaughn Rd Great Falls
Open 7 days a week Call For Appointment Vaccinations Required
Columbus Plaza Highland View Manor Quality Senior Apartments in Butte yards • Beautifully landscaped g-ins plu th wi • Reserved parking tor era , • Kitchens include refrig stove, & garbage disposal • Community room • Laundry on site • Utilities included hrs • Maintanance on call 24 • Friendly & helpful staff
show clinical signs of the disease, it becomes lethargic, loses its appetite, and often ends up grounded because it can no longer fly or feed. Seven rabies-positive bats have been confirmed across Montana as of August 31, 2018. While this is normal, it is important to remember what to do when a bat is found. Bats should be tested for rabies in all situations where there was potential for human or pet exposure, such as direct contact with the bat or sleeping in a room where the bat was found. Bats should also be tested in situations where direct contact cannot be ruled out, such as when a bat is found in a room with a sleeping child or a mentally incapacitated individual. For questions about exposures to bats within the home and how to submit bats for testing, contact your local health department. Local health department contact numbers and other information can be found on the DPHHS Rabies webpage (dphhs. mt.gov/publichealth/cdepi/diseases/rabies). Bats found indoors when there has been no potential for human contact should be captured or encouraged to move outdoors, using some easy techniques based on the bats’ own desire to get back out. Directions for removing bats from indoor spaces can be found on the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ Living with Wildlife webpage. Some Montana bats may be more visible this time of year because they are starting a long migration to warmer climates. Migration
requires large amounts of energy, and a tired bat may attach to the first shingle, tree, or parking garage it can find to take a muchneeded rest. A bat found in this situation doesn’t typically stay long. Finally, bats succumb to all sorts of diseases, injuries, and poisons. FWP is particularly interested in investigating any group mortalities, which is any situation where more than two dead bats are found in the same area or within a few days of one another. In recent years, a large die-off of bats in the Bitterroot Valley was tied to DDT exposure, and die-offs of bats in other places have been tied to toxic algal blooms. Please contact the nearest FWP office to discuss any die-off you come across and for directions on safe methods of carcass collection for testing or for carcass disposal. While bats do pose some human health risk in rare situations, their important role in the ecosystem cannot be overstated. Bats consume thousands of mosquitoes and agricultural pests each night. Bats in other places pollinate the plants that bring us bananas, chocolate, and even tequila. The scary, aggressive bats depicted in movies simply don’t exist, but the bats that provide millions of dollars in ecosystem services are all around us. MSN Visit the FWP Living with Wildlife page for more information (fwp.mt.gov/fishAndWildlife/livingWithWildlife).
Start your day right, with the
Subscribe today!
406.782.0090 TTY 711
Are pets close to your heart? Do you have a plan
for your pet's future?
Our Legacy of Care program serves orphaned pets and can provide loving care for your pet when you cannot. For peace of mind, it’s easy to make a legacy gift. Contact Lori Heatherington at 406-752-7297 or email lori@humanesocietypets.com to request a Legacy of Care brochure.
CAPITAL TRANSIT M–F Except Holidays Office Hours: 8am–12pm & 1pm–5pm Origin to Destination: 6:30am–5:30pm
EAST VALLEY
7am–11am 1pm–5pm
HELENA RED/BLUE ROUTES
7am–6pm
1415 NORTH MONTANA AVE | 406.447.8080 RIDETHECAPITALT.ORG | WHEEL CHAIR ACCESSIBLE
Humane Society of Northwest Montana
100 Adopt A Pet Way, PO Box 221 Kalispell, MT 59903 | humanesocietypets.com
Adopt – Donate – Volunteer
Vacation Resort for Your Pet!
Weona Pet Resort
“We have warm hearts for cold noses!”
Four Live Web Cams Outdoor Play Area Heated Indoor/Outoor Kennels 5% Senior Discount
Many Thanks TO OUR VETERANS & TROOPS
4010 Montana Sapphire Dr, Billings | 406-894-2511
406-761-2000 • 6125 2nd Ave N, Great Falls (only one block from Malmstrom AFB Main Gate)
weonapetresort.com
OCTOBER // NOVEMBER 2018 • MONTANA SENIOR NEWS
PAGE 23
Relax in your New Home! Choteau
Fort Benton
Great Falls
Skyline Lodge Apts 424 7th Ave NW
Sunrise Bluff Estates 711 21st St
406-622-5443
406-761-6333
Great Falls
Kalispell
Kalispell
406-466-2062
Rainbow House 626 13th Ave S
Park Manor 100 Central Ave
Elms Apartments 330 3rd Ave West
Gateway Village 308 Two Mile Dr
Laurel
Miles City
Stanford
406-761-1444 Laurel Gardens 315 8th Ave S
406-628-8129
406-755-2407 Eagles Manor 1000 Palmer St
406-234-5320
406-257-9057
Judith Basin Manor 400 2nd Ave N # 11
406-781-5586
Some Communities have Transportation and Meals All Communities offer Daily/Weekly Activities Properties managed by Real Estate Management Specialists • The Management Company Setting The Standard
TDD 711
MONTANA SENIOR NEWS • OCTOBER // NOVEMBER 2018
PAGE 24
Entertainment
MUSIC•BOOKS•THEATER•DINING•ART•FILM•TELEVISION
Book Review: Dragon Teeth
(MICHAEL CHRITON, HARPER/COLLINS, 2017) BY BERNICE KARNOP The year 1876 was notable for several events, including the celebration of the 100th birthday of the United States at the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, and for the defeat of General Custer after his unfortunate decision to attack an Indian encampment that summer. Readers are probably aware of those events, but who knows about the Bone Wars of the 1870’s? I learned about this historic rivalry between paleontologists Edward Drinker Cope and Othniel Charles Marsh in the fiction book, Dragon Bones by Michael Crichton, published posthumously last year. He tells the story through the eyes of a fictional Yale student, William Johnson, who signs up to go west with Professor Marsh. The rich and spoiled 18-year-old goes because of a bet with a fellow student, not because he has any interest in either fossils or the West. On the train to Cheyenne, he learns the paranoia Professor Marsh feels against Cope.
This was the golden age of fossil hunting, where ground-breaking discoveries were literally being dug up in the West. The men were competing with each other to find and identify the new creatures. Their fierce, bitter, and public rivalry became known as t he B o n e War s . Readers may check Wikipedia for a long article about the Bone Wars and will find that Crichton’s story follows the facts. Marsh suspects Johnson of being a spy for Cope and ditches Johnson in Cheyenne. Johnson then apprentices himself to Cope, who takes him out to the Judith, where they camp for the summer and dig fossils. Along with the dangers and discomforts, they unearth a major discovery, brontosaurus teeth. The story continues the tale of Johnson’s adventures bringing them back to the States with all the surprises and plot twists one would expect from Crichton. Crichton’s wife, Sherri, discovered the manuscript on her husband’s computer. “It has Michael’s voice, his love of history, research, and science, all dynamically woven into an epic tale,” she notes on the website. Michael Crichton (1942-2008) was a New York Times bestselling author of The Andromeda Strain, The Great Train Robbery, Jurassic Park and many others. Jurassic Park readers and movie fans will enjoy Crichton’s return to paleontology in Dragon Teeth. MSN
Book Review: Aldo (BETTY JEAN CRAIGE, BLACK OPAL BOOKS, 2018)
GRANDSTREET
gives you wings! When planning your grand estate, your grand evening or a date with your grandkids, we hope you will remember Grandstreet Theatre! grandstreettheatre.com • 406-442-4270 • Helena
BY AARON PARRETT If you like mysteries and you’re interested in the ethical problems posed by rich billionaires who would like to control research at public universities, Betty Jean Craige’s newest book, Aldo, is just what you’re looking for. After a long and successful career in academia (Craige was a Professor of Literature at the University of Georgia for more than 30 years), she retired and started writing mysteries for Black Opal Books. Her latest is a thought-provoking humdinger, involving domestic terrorists who kidnap a university president to try to halt genetic research. CONTINUED ON PAGE 25
33rd Annual
Saturday Sunday, November 10 11, 2018 Saturday: 10 am4 pm | Sunday: Noon4 pm FREE PUBLIC EVENT
You’re invited to the 2018 Holiday Open House – bring family and friends. The C.M. Russell Museum will host two fun-filled days of holiday creativity. Enjoy watching or helping your children engage in a variety of holiday activities, which include making ornaments, holiday cards, decorating Christmas cookies, and much more! *All children must be accompanied by an adult to participate. Charles M. Russell, A Merry Christmas to You and Yours, 1910, watercolor, C.M. Russell Museum Collection, Gift of Richard Flood II
400 13 th Street North | Great Falls, Montana | 406.727.8787 | cmrussell.org
Nov 29–Dec 1 Festival of Trees – Family Tree Center
Family Fun for Everyone! Benefiting The Family Tree Center Billings Exchange Clubs’ Child Abuse Prevention Center MetraPark Expo Center
OCTOBER // NOVEMBER 2018 • MONTANA SENIOR NEWS BOOK REVIEW / CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24
The kidnapping goes tragically awry, and the pace of the novel ratchets up as the perpetrator scrambles to stay one step ahead of authorities and researchers trying to figure out who the terrorists are. The heroine of the book, Isabel Canto, is the director of Atlantic University’s Institute for Genomic Modification, which is meanwhile under threat from terrorists of another sort: rich donors who would like to control the direction of scientific research. The controversy at the heart of the novel sparks tension among the principal characters and illustrates one of the actual major crises in higher education and the public’s misapprehension of what science is and involves.
Entertainment
PAGE 25
At the center of the controversial research is Dr. Linus Winter, Isabel’s mentor, and a scientist of Galilean resolve who eloquently explains what happens when scientific research is suppressed or impeded in the name of religious concern. As Betty Jean Craige is an emerita professor from one of the country’s premier research institutions, she is able to draw on her impressive network of friends and professional acquaintances to concoct a thrilling mystery based on the actual current state of genetic research and computer forensics. It so happens there’s a love story happening simultaneous to all of this, but Craige keeps that pleasant distraction in the background until the moment is right for revelation — but I must stop here before giving away the plot. MSN
It Ain’t Fiddler on the Roof, But It’s Still Tradition In more recent years, our kids have moved away. They can’t come home for both Thanksgiving and Chrismukkah. My sister-in-law who hosts the holiday every year always graciously invites us. But for the last several years, we’ve opted not to make the three-hour drive each way for the day. It’s a long trip, and to be honest, the crowd has gotten so big with all the extended family members, it just doesn’t feel as intimate
BY LESLIE HANDLER SENIOR WIRE — Early on in our marriage, we celebrated Thanksgiving with just the four of us. My favorite things about the holiday were the traditions we created. Sleeping in, staying in our pajamas, watching the Macy’s parade on TV, setting a nice family table, and smelling that turkey cooking in the oven for hours in anticipation of the moment everyone ogled its golden tenderness as it was placed on the dinner table. These were my favorite things about Thanksgiving. As our kids grew older, we moved closer to my husband’s family and shared the holiday with them. I missed our own holiday traditions, but they were now filled with more loving family members, and we started new favorite traditions. One such tradition was to go around the festive table just before the meal and take turns sharing what we were thankful for. I think I was the only one among us who actually liked this tradition. Over the years, everyone got bored with it because every year, we all had the same pat answer: family. Rarely did any of us waiver from this generic response. It wasn’t that we weren’t grateful for the fortune we had in our lives; we were. But we also all knew that we have a unique family. We all get along. We all love each other, and we are all grateful for it. But after years of suffering through repeating ourselves around the table, we finally stopped the practice altogether. The family grew so much in size with our children now having spouses, in-laws, and children of their own, even I grew weary of what once was my favorite tradition.
anymore. The traditions have become theirs and not ours. Each year, I look back and remember the Thanksgivings of yesteryear with our little girls in PJs, watching the parade, and a turkey roasting in the oven. I miss those little girls, but life moves on. The memories are lovely, but we can’t spend our lives living in them. CONTINUED ON PAGE 26
NOV 10 at 7:30 pm & NOV 11 at 2pm
DEC 8 at 7:30 pm
(406) 256-6052
2801 Third Ave N • Billings
AlbertaBairTheater.org MASTERWORKS CONCERT II
THE DREAM OF AMERICA SAT 20 OCT 2018
7:30 P.M. HELENA CIVIC CENTER
Performed in memory of Symphony President Matthew Dale, French composer Maurice Duruflé’s Requiem illuminates a peaceful passing into paradise. The concert continues with local seven actors, projected images, and the words of immigrants to create a moving account of the hopes and fears of those who arrived in America in search of a utopian world through Peter Boyer’s Ellis Island – Dream of America. The concert is sponsored by generous support from:
400 n park Ave helena, montana 406 - 443 - 4422 www.1stmt.com
proudly supports the helena symphony
Guest Artists’ appearances are made possible through generous support by:
T I C K E T S : h e l e n a s y m p h o ny. o rg
4 0 6 . 4 4 2 .1 8 6 0
DON’T MISS WESTERN HERITAGE
CENTER’S High Noon Lecture Series • Free Noon-Hour Programs • 3rd Thursday of Each Month
For more information visit www.ywhc.org or call 406-256-6809 2822 Montana Avenue, Billings
PAGE 26
MONTANA SENIOR NEWS • OCTOBER // NOVEMBER 2018
Entertainment
STILL TRADITION / CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25
By choice, my husband and I have spent the last few Thanksgivings alone. The traditions are still my favorite part of the holiday. Even though it’s now just the two of us, I can still sleep in—well kind of. I get up now at 7 a.m. instead of 6. My bladder just won’t wait anymore. I still stay in my PJs. I still put a turkey in the oven and smell it roasting as I watch the parade and call my kids to wish them a happy holiday.
SHOP LOCALLY...S HOP HERE!
PRESCRIPTIONS • UNIQUE GIFTS • RELIGIOUS ITEMS WE S PECIALIZE IN SERVICE
CHRIS MAS OPEN HOUSE NOVEMBER 10
406-452-6461 • 2515 6th Ave N • Great Falls
Presents
But with age, so too comes reflection. Thanksgiving reminds me that’s it’s once again time to reflect. This allows me to remember the challenges I’ve faced and overcome and the family I have and remain grateful for. I’ve brought back the tradition that was once my favorite. It continues to be my favorite thing about the holiday. It’s the part when we tell each other what we’re grateful for before we eat. But I’ve tweaked this tradition just a bit. Now that it’s just the two of us, after 35 years of marriage, we already know how grateful we are for our family. I don’t have to verbally tell my husband how grateful I am to have him in my life. I don’t have to call all my in-laws to remind them how much I appreciate them. I don’t have to tell my kids. They all already know. They know in the way we treat each other the other 364 days a year. They know when we call showing concern of each other’s illnesses. They know when we celebrate each other’s successes. Nowadays, the tradition I love on Thanksgiving day is still to say I’m grateful before I eat. But it looks different now. I look different now. I am different now. Now, on Thanksgiving morning, my favorite thing is to look in the mirror. I look at myself—teeth not yet brushed, hair not yet combed, and still in those beloved PJs. And when I look in the mirror and see the age spots, the wrinkles, and the physical scars,
New year’s eve with Collin Raye 90’s Top Country recording Artist
© TWS 1980, Bigstock.com
I tell myself I’m grateful. I’m grateful to see myself there for another year. My favorite thing about Thanksgiving you ask? It’s the same as it’s always been. It’s enjoying the tradition. It just looks a little different from the other side of youth. MSN Leslie Handler’s book Rats, Mice, and Other Things You Can’t Take to the Bank, is available on Amazon and where other fine books are sold. You may follow her blog and read previously published essays at www.lesliegoesboom.com. CONTINUED ON PAGE 26
Kiss Is Still a Kiss, A Book Is Still a Book BY BONNIE MCCUNE
SENIOR WIRE — Fall, the traditional start of school, always puts me in the mood to crack open a new book. The simple feel of cover and pages, the smell of ink, jump-starts my brain into a curious, contemplative state. The fundamental things apply, says the old song “As Time Goes By.” This seems to be true of book reading, too, even electronic books. A book is still a book, regardless of its shape or format. Various studies that track book reading by electronic and hard-copy means say that owners of e-readers and tablets actually increase their book buying. While Amazon sells more ebooks than physical, the percentage of readers who prefer them has slowed significantly. The majority of readers still opt for touchables. Younger people use electronics more, and they tend to discuss their choices more on social media. What does this mean for the book world at large? Predictions of the death of the book are waaay premature. The packaging of books is certainly changing. Marketing may be a bit harder because mass media, like newspapers, are devoting almost no space to books. But word NOVEMBER 1–30 Night Out of mouth, always the most important method to convey your excitement about a book, continues Dinner & Auction Fundraiser very strong, actually enhanced by social media. Who cares? I do. Recent studies support the idea that reading, in particular fiction, and especially literary fiction, increases the reader’s empathy toward others. We’re better able to put ourselves in others’ places, see through their eyes. Surely in a world so packed with rudeDECEMBER 6 • Elks Lodge 6PM • 223 Main St. Anaconda ness, not to mention overt violence, we need to encourage this trait. Copper Village Museum & Arts Center • 401 East Commercial, Anaconda • 406-563-2422
Love Me, One Boy, One girl, My Kind of Girl, That’s My Story and many more!
Dec. 31 | 8 p.m. | Alberta Bair Theater
406-256-6052 albertabairtheater.org
OCTOBER 2–26
OCTOBER // NOVEMBER 2018 • MONTANA SENIOR NEWS STILL TRADITION / CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26
Unfortunately, empathy levels have been declining over the past 30 years, claims research led by Sara H. Konrath of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. College students’ self-reported empathy has declined since 1980, with an especially steep drop more recently. To make matters worse, during this same period, students’ self-reported narcissism has reached new heights, according to research by psychologist Jean M. Twenge, San Diego State University. Maybe this results from a decrease in reading. For every study touting an increase in reading among Americans, you’ll find one that claims the opposite. One from the National Endowment for the Arts earlier this decade states while 54.5 percent of adult Americans say they read a book voluntarily in 2012, the percentage who read a work of literature (different from books in general) went down from 50.2 percent in 2008 to 46.9 percent. As usual, women are far and above bigger readers than men. If we’re reading less literature, it’s reasonable to think we may be becoming a less empathetic country. If we’re less able to see things from other people’s points of view, we may be setting the stage for
Entertainment
PAGE 27
major negative consequences. So it appears reading of fiction should be encouraged to offset these trends. My own theory is that the public has much more access to books and reading material nowadays than any time in history. In early centuries, many people were illiterate or close to it. Even as you approach contemporary times, reading wasn’t necessarily an activity for everyone. My maternal grandfather dropped out of school in the eighth grade to help support his family, and I’ll bet many people have ancestors who were in the same boat. Despite hysterical predictions that reading is going to die out, there are ample indications that people use these skills all the time. Electronics just makes it easier. Plus consider this — maybe too many people are reading. Maybe we should be restricting or discouraging access to books, since people seem to be picking up some harebrained ideas from them. Perhaps we should aim for only 25 percent reading decent literature, if they’re the right 25 percent. Of course, those individuals should be only those who agree with me. MSN Bonnie McCune is a Colorado writer and has published several novels as well as other work. Her newest is Never Retreat, Imajin Books. Reach her at www.BonnieMcCune.com.
The Naked Truth WEBSITE EXCLUSIVE Read the complete story on MontanaSeniorNews.com
BIG DIPPER ICE CREAM 100 N Broadway Billings 406-534-2350
A man wearing a suit and a bad toupee soon entered the room and asked me the question that I never thought I’d have to answer: “Why are you naked in my mall?”
Photo courtesy Wanda Haynes
FIESTA EN JALISCO Great Falls, Hamilton, Polson FiestaEnJalisco.net
PERKINS Billings, Bozeman, Butte, Great Falls, Kalispell, Missoula
Authentic Mexican dishes & drink menus are available at these locations near you. You can visit us, fax, or call in your order to go. We look forward to serving you!
Breakfast is only the beginning. Try our seasonal specials for breakfast, lunch, and dinner—and don't forget dessert! Take home cookies, muffins, pies, and gift certificates for family and friends.
BROADWAY CAFE 302 E Broadway Butte 406-723-8711
GRUB STAKE 1450 Lincoln Rd East Helena 406-458-9816
Located in Historic Uptown Butte. Rated one of the best for pizza in Montana! Gourmet pizza, salads, desserts, espresso, beer, wine & great views from our enclosed deck. Open for lunch & dinner M–Sat.
Besides our juicy steaks & burgers, we now have pizza! Enjoy our restaurant, lounge, casino, & new dance floor. Daily breakfast, lunch & dinner specials.
TOWNSHEND’S BOZEMAN TEAHOUSE 402 E Main St Bozeman 406-577-2740
CAFÉ ITALIA 2417 Montana Ave Billings 406-869-9700 | CafeItaliaBillings.com
MCCORMICK CAFÉ 2419 Montana Ave Billings 406-255-9555 | McCormickCafe.com
Traditional Italian flavors & dishes with a twist. Fabulous appetizers, full bar, delectable entrees, sandwiches, salads, stone-fired pizza, & desserts, all in a relaxing space. Open Thurs–Sat 4:30–Close.
“Where the locals eat.” We serve some of the best food in Billings & we’re open for breakfast & lunch, Monday thru Friday 7am–3pm, Saturday 8am–3pm & breakfast only on Sunday 8am–2pm.
Located in the heart of downtown Billings. In-house made ice cream. Classic, seasonal, and unique fl��or�� ����� ���� ��������rr��� ��r���o��� salted-carmel, and espresso heath. Homemade ������o���.���������r����.����oor��������.
Take a friend out to eat today!
Offering over 100 classic teas, chai lattes from scratch, bubble tea, pastries, and free WiFi. Open daily 8am–10pm.
ANACONDA Copper Village Museum Oct 2–26 Nov 1–30 Dec 6 • 6pm
MONTANA SENIOR NEWS • OCTOBER // NOVEMBER 2018
Entertainment
PAGE 28
Jack Ferriter Exhibit Wood Carvers Exhibit Ladies’ Night Out Dinner & Auction Fundraiser 223 Main St. Anaconda, Elks Lodge
401 E Commercial • Anaconda 406-563-2422 • cvmac.org
BILLINGS 33rd Annual Festival of Trees
Downtown Holiday Celebration
Nov 29–Dec 1 The Family Tree Center Fundraiser Nov 29 • Gala & Tree Auction ($75 admission), Nov 30 • Tea in the Trees ($10 admission), Craft Show,
Nov 15 • 5-8pm Downtown Ladies Night
After Hours 8-10pm for restaurants & bars. Parade of Lights Annual Christmas Stroll
Nov 24 Dec 7
MetraPark Expo Center • 406-252-9799 FamilyTreeCenterBillings.org
Central Ave, Downtown Great Falls • 406-453-6151 ExploreDowntownGF.com
HELENA
Holidays at the Tri-State Museum
Billings Symphony Events
First Saturday Brunch Family Fun Day Pumpkinfest First Saturday Brunch Family Fun Day Light up the Night “The Christmas Goose” Play Family Fun Day For admission see: TheTriStateMuseum.com
Oct Nov Nov Dec Dec Dec Jan
6 • 10am 21 • 2pm 27 • 10-3pm 3 • 10am 18 • 2pm 23 • 5pm 14 & 15 • 7pm 16 • 2pm
Light up the Holiday Season
Tree Viewing, Entertainment, Family Fun Night, Dec 1 • Kids Activities, Brunch with Santa, MSUB Writers Roundup. General admission: $3pp, $10 per family.
BELL FOURCHE, SD Oct Oct Oct Nov Nov Nov Dec Dec
GREAT FALLS
13 17–18 24–25 8 15 31 19 ‘19
Fantasia Timeless Light The Nutcracker Holiday Tour of Homes Holiday Pops New Year’s Eve with Collin Raye Family Concert: Symphony in the Wild
Grandstreet Theatre Oct 19–Nov 4 Nov 30–Dec 16 Jan 25–Feb 23 Feb 1–24 Apr 26–May 12 Jun 6–16
Treasure Island Willy Wonka Silent Sky The Book of Will The Bridges of Madison County Wildwood
2721 2nd Ave N • 406-252-3610 • BillingsSymphony.org
325 N Park • 406-447-1574 GrandstreetTheatre.com
Yellowstone Art Museum
Helena Symphony
Dec 7 Winterfair Friday 4–9pm Dec 8 Saturday 10am–3pm
Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar
401 North 27th Street • 406-256-6804 ArtMuseum.org
May 4 • 5:30pm
BIGFORK The Northwest Ballet Company’s 30th Nutcracker Nov 23 • 2pm & 8pm Nov 24 • 2pm* & 8pm *Sugar Plum Fairy Parade Nov 25 • 4pm
Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts • 406-755-0760 NorthWestBallet.com
BIG SKY
Shop for handmade jewelry, fine art, or enjoy great food at Raven’s Cafe d’Art. Over 30 featured artists will have works for sale. Find that special gift at this unique holiday shopping event.
BOZEMAN
Arts Council of Big Sky
Gallatin Valley Food Bank
Dec 2 Montana Ballet’s The Nutcracker
Nov 3–17
at the Warren Miller Performing Arts Center. Dec 3 The Madrigal Dinner Traditional holiday celebration and feast at Buck’s T-4 Lodge. BigSkyArts.org
BIG TIMBER
Can the Griz
Friendly off-field food-drive competition between MSU & UofM to gather the most food in two weeks
Nov 18–20 Holiday Basket Distribution Nov 22 Huffing for Stuffing
For more info call the Gallatin Valley Food Bank 406-586-7600 • GallatinValleyFoodBank.org
Butte Symphony
Nov 3 ‘18 • 9am–3pm
Oct 13 An Evening of Classical Guitar
Civic Center & American Legion Hall btxmasbazaar@gmail.com
BILLINGS Alberta Bair Theater Oct 9 Oct 30 Nov 6 Nov 10–11 Dec 1 Dec 8 Dec 14
United States Marine Band *Free* Complexions Contemporary Ballet Cirque Mechanics 42FT CHICAGO The Oak Ridge Boys Christmas The Midtown Men Twas a Girls Night Before Christmas
• • • • • •
7:30pm 3:00pm 7:30pm 7:30pm 7:30pm 7:30pm
The Dream of America Tango! Christmas in the Cathedral Brahms’ First Symphony Bach’s Mass in B Minor Beethoven, Mozart, & Cellist Ovidiu Marinescu TOSCA in Concert
Tickets: 406-442-1860 or HelenaSymphony.org
KALISPELL Holiday Food Boxes for Vets November–December
Thanksgiving and Christmas food boxes and a trip to “Santa’s Workshop.” Qualifying veterans and their families will recieve a holiday food box and can make a trip to “Santa’s Workshop” to pick out presents. 1349 Hwy 2 E. Evergreen • 406-756-7304 VeteransFoodPantry.org
BUTTE
Christmas Bazaar Sponsored by the Big Timber Women’s Club. Top quality craft show with over 100 exhibitors. Food court and free admission. Please consider donating a can of food for the food bank.
20 4 3 26 24 23
& Orchestra with Maestro Luis Millan
Dec 15 Holidays with the Symphony Feb 16 Four Centuries of Music
from Northern Europe
Apr 27 Double Bass Concerto &
Schubert’s 6th Symphony
Mother Lode Theater • 406-723-3602 • ButteSymphony.org
GREAT FALLS 32nd Annual Holiday Happenings Nov 17–18 • Saturday 10-5pm, Sunday 10-3pm
Great Christmas shopping featuring 175 booths off���n���n���������n����������n����������� ����������on������������n����on�����on�� Montana Expo Park, 4 Seasons Arena 406-736-5727
2801 3rd Ave N • 406-256-6052 • albertabairtheater.org
Majestic Valley Arena’s 17th Annual Holiday Extravaganza Nov 9 • 1pm-7pm • Friday Nov 10 • 10am-6pm • Saturday Nov 11 • 10am-4pm • Sunday Stroll among hundreds of artisans & merchants. A bonanza of bargins, collectibles & unique items.
Hwy 93 N • 406-755-5366 • MajesticValleyArena.com
RED LODGE Carbon County Arts Guild Stillwater Society & Beartooth Plein Air Society Exhibitions Nov 1-28 Beneath These Western Skies Art by Trish Stevenson & Afton Ray-Rossol Nov 30 '18–Jan 12 '19 Small Works Group Show Nov 30–Dec 1 Christmas Stroll & CCAG Open House Oct 2-29
11 W 8th St, Red Lodge • 406-446-1370 carboncountydepotgallery.org
WESTERN MONTANA Billings Studio Theatre Oct Dec Feb Mar
Nana’s Naughty Knickers Elf the Musical Be My Baby Mamma Mia!
1500 Rimrock Rd • 406-248-1141 BillingStudioTheatre.com
CM Russell Museum Nov 10 • 10–4pm & Nov 11 • 12–4pm
17th Annual Montana Early Music Festival
Annual Holiday Open House Celebrate Charlie Russell’s love of holiday traditions. The museum will host 2 days of children’s craft activities & shopping. The Holiday Open House is free & open to the public. All children must be accompanied by an adult. No registration needed.
J.S. Bach’s “Christmas Oratorio” (Part Two)
400 13th St N • 406-727-8787 • CMRussell.org
Info & Tickets • 406-442-6825 • musikantenmt.org
Historically Informed Performances on period instruments Jan 17 ‘19 • 7:30pm Holy Rosary Church • Bozeman Jan 18 ‘19 • 7:30pm Immaculate Conception • Butte Jan 19 ‘19 • 7:30pm St Francis Xavier • Missoula Jan 20 ‘19 • 4pm Cathedral of St Helena • Helena
OCTOBER // NOVEMBER 2018 â&#x20AC;¢ MONTANA SENIOR NEWS
PAGE 29
It mattered then, it matters now.
Just for the day!
Enjoy a day or weekend of our Adult Day or Short Term Stay Services!
Belgrade
Billings
1011 Cardinal Dr 406.388.9439
1225 Wicks Ln 406.256.5398
Helena
Kalispell
3207 Colonial Dr 141 Interstate Lane 406.502.1001 406.203.1129
Missoula 2815 Palmer St 406.549.9660
Assisted Living, Memory Care, Adult Day Services & Short Term Stay
edgewoodseniorliving.com
MONTANA SENIOR NEWS • OCTOBER // NOVEMBER 2018
PAGE 30
Spotlights
HISTORY • FEATURED AREA • NARRATIVES • HUMAN INTEREST • TRENDS
A Fitting Tribute to Those Who’ve Served BY AARON PARRETT The Montana Veterans Memorial overlooking the Missouri River at the north end of Great Falls stands as a stately shrine of
honor for all who have served our country in the Armed Services. It’s a beautifully landscaped presence in a city with a long connection to military service, and it’s Montana’s largest veterans’ memorial. Military historian Ken Robison of Great Falls, who himself had a long career in Naval Intelligence, speaks very highly of the memorial and of the efforts of locals like former Great Falls Mayor Mike Winters. “I’ve been impressed with the way it has been run and managed,” Robison remarked. “They’ve been very wise about promotion and making sure they have been inclusive of everyone.” The idea for the memorial came at the suggestion of Winters’ wife, Barbara. The two had gone to Helena for a medical visit at Fort Harrison, and they both were impressed by the various memorials to service members in Helena, including Memorial Park. “My wife said to me, ‘We don’t have a memorial like that in Great Falls. Why don’t you get some of your pals together and build one?’” Winters recalled. “So I did. We went from a group of five or six of us all kicking in a hundred bucks apiece at the beginning to now having raised over $1.8 million. We have no debt, and we’re not dependent on government money. The Red Horse Squad at Malmstrom and a Montana Seabees
FOR
PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION #1
"Rep. Pinocci worked with me on legislation to protect consumers from unfair utility charges. Randy is willing to stand up for the little guy even when under pressure from corporate interests to stand down." -Current PSC1 Commissioner Travis Kavulla
Randy Pinocci is committed to getting the lowest electric and gas rates possible for Montana Seniors. Randy Pinocci worked constantly for the benefit of our veterans, while serving as U.S. Senator Conrad Burns’ statewide director. Randy Pinocci also served in the 2015 legislative session representing seniors.
Please Friend Randy Pinocci on Facebook Please Like Pinocci for PSC on Facebook Randy Pinocci is looking forward to receiving your call or email. 406-264-5391 pinocci@3rivers.net Vote Pinocci November 6th
Paid for by Randy Pinocci for PSC, PO Box 1538 Helena MT 59624
Unit together contributed about $450,000 in volunteer labor.” Winters served in the Air Force (stationed in Great Falls) and also has four years in the Marine Corps Reserve. The memorial itself occupies some prime real estate along the river, overlooking the Black Eagle Dam and the old Smelter works on the north bank. “It’s a natural location,” Robison noted, “and there’s great parking with the ball field (Centene Stadium).” Designed by Great Falls architect Gene Davidson, the site happens to have a military history. “When John Jay Pershing was stationed at Ft. Assiniboine up near Havre, he bivouacked on that very spot,” said Winters. The memorial was dedicated on May 29, 2006, though more recently it became granted official memorial status when the state legislature passed HB 460 in 2015, and Governor Steve Bullock signed the provision into law. That official designation ensures that the site appears marked on official state maps. Beginning in 2009, veterans who are in some way associated with Montana have had their names etched in special tiles, which have been affixed to the memorial walls. Over a thousand veterans have thus been honored, and more names are added every year. One of the more remarkable ceremonies the memorial has hosted recently was the addition of around 200 tiles honoring Blackfeet warriors in 2016. The special effort
WE
OUR VETS!
lutse! a S Weur Vet O
Veteran’s Day SUN • NOV 11 • 3PM
Gourmet Hot Dog Bar • Live Music Vets Eat Free • Others w/ Free-Will Donation
VFW Calendar Raffle
Tickets $10 (purchase at Black Eagle Community Center) Drawings Oct 15 thru Nov 11 • $500 prize Nov 11
Black Eagle Community Center
2332 Smelter Ave NE, Black Eagle • 406-453-4736
406-443-5910 Buy Trusted American Brands with Warranties 125 N Wallace • Bozeman 1101 Argyle • Helena eagletireonline.com
OCTOBER // NOVEMBER 2018 • MONTANA SENIOR NEWS
Based on Celtic legend, the statue of the warrior with sword sheath is meant to represent that we are a peaceful nation, but we are also ready to defend. “Warrior Angel” bronze statue by Marvin Brewster. PHOTO BY JONATHAN RIMMEL
to honor the Blackfeet was initiated by thenGreat Falls Mayor Mike Winters along with the Montana Veterans Memorial Committee, who presented a formal invitation to the Blackfeet Tribal Business Council (BTBC). The BTBC contributed $26,000 to the effort, to commemorate Blackfeet servicemen and servicewomen. “We went to Browning to talk to the Tribal Council because it was our feeling that the Blackfeet warriors are overlooked,” said Winters. “We wanted to change that, and many of those tiles honoring Blackfeet have their names listed in the Blackfeet language.” The memorial itself is a fitting design to inspire reflection on the selfless contribution of Montana’s veterans: a wall 5 feet high and 50 feet in diameter, encircling a
Spotlights
cast bronze Warrior Angel statue that stands over 12 feet high. Montana artist Marvin Brewster, a Navy veteran who passed away in 2006, designed the memorial. Outside of the central circle is another curved wall that runs nearly 100 feet. The tiles honoring veterans are of black marble and attach to the walls. The pedestal supporting Brewster’s statue is 8 feet high and holds a bronze plaque honoring all eight Montanans who have received the Congressional Medal of Honor. That decoration, according to its official U.S. government website, “is the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force, which can be bestowed upon an individual serving in the Armed Services of the United States.” The Montana Veterans Memorial Association contains a wealth of information about Montana veterans. The site also makes clear that a veteran does not have to be from Montana to be honored, nor does the honoree have to reside in Montana, as the MVMA “honors and recognizes all veterans of all branches of military service to the United States of America, in peace and in war.” That distinction is important, as the memorial does not specifically honor veterans of any specific war, and it honors both veterans who may have died in service as well as those who are living. Winters is especially proud of the inclusive nature of the memorial, reminding visitors that it is a living memorial. “It’s a representation of all the men and women, and even canines, who have served to ensure our freedoms,” he said. “It’s a monument to the idea that our freedom and honor is never fully paid for, and it belongs to everyone.” Similarly, Winters is adamant on the point that “no one person can take credit for this memorial — it truly is a team effort.” MSN
PAGE 31
The Montana Veterans Memorial Association is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Tiles honoring veterans require a tax-deductible donation of $225.00. If you know a veteran whom you’d like to honor with a tile at Montana Veterans Memorial, please contact the MVMA: Montana Veterans Memorial Association, PO Box 3524; Great Falls, Montana 59403. Phone: 406 454-9070. e-mail: info@montanaveteransmemorial.org
Lee S. Hudson, DC, DABCO Chiropractic Orthopedist Certified Sports Physician
Thank you veterans for your courageous service!
1301 12th Ave. S. Great Falls • (406) 315-3037 • leehudsondc.com
Featuring Great Gun Shows In Montana Promoted By Sports Connection, Inc. EVENT SCHEDULE 2018 Kalispell Butte Helena Billings Hamilton
Flathead County Fairgrounds Butte Civic Center L&C County Fairgrounds Metra Park Ravalli County Fairgrounds
Oct 5–7 Oct 26-28 Nov 16-18 Nov 23-25 Nov 30-Dec 1-2
www.scishows.com
NEW & USED TIRES Brakes, Shocks & all Automotive Repairs
Thanking all our Vets! 406-443-3956 987 Mill Road Helena Family owned & operated since 1967
PUNNY Submitted by Julie Hollar-Brantly I changed my iPod name to Titanic. It’s syncing now. I tried to catch some Fog. I mist. When Chemists die, they barium. Jokes about German sausages are the wurst. A soldier who survived mustard gas and pepper spray is now a seasoned veteran. I know a guy who’s addicted to brake fluid. He says he can stop any time. How does Moses make his tea? Hebrews it. I stayed up all night to see where the sun went. Then it dawned on me. This girl said she recognized me from the vegetarian club, but I’d never met herbivore. I’m reading a book about anti-gravity. I can’t put it down. ISI
NAPA Auto Parts Great Falls 601 6th ST SW Unit 1 • Great Falls
406-453-6517
FLAGS—PENNANTS—FLAG POLES M ORDAEIL RS WEL COM
E!
PO BOX 31151 • BILLINGS, MT 59107 800-352-4748
We Accept Major Credit Cards
SALUTING OUR
VETERANS!
Nationally Known, Locally Owned www.napaonline.com M–F • 7am–7pm | Sat • 8am–7pm | Sun • 10am–5pm Anaconda • Deer Lodge • Shelby • Stanford
PAGE 32
MONTANA SENIOR NEWS • OCTOBER // NOVEMBER 2018
Spotlights
History of Montana’s Vehicle License Plates BY SUZANNE WARING Montanans enjoy looking at vehicle license plates, often determining the owner’s home county. Frequently a license plate tells a story that the owner wants the public to know. It might be a specialty plate depicting an owner’s interest, such as the Elk Foundation, or a personalized plate conveying a message, such as “Mmmbeef,” promoting a product. Over the years the appearance of the Montana license plate has evolved, depending on regulations, available materials, preferences of the Montana Highway Patrol, or vehicle owners’ requests.
mice—found the plates delectably tasty, leaving owners with chewed plates or no plates at all. Aluminum replaced steel in 1960, with reflectorized materials added in 1967. Not until 1957 did license plates become a standard size. Montana, along with the other states and the Canadian provinces, agreed with the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, the Automobile Manufacturers Association, and the National Safety Council that the size of the license plates would be 6 inches high by 12 inches wide, with standardized mounting holes. Plates were manufactured out of state until 1928 when the Montana prisoners started making them. In fact, the words, “Prison Made,”
LICENSE PLATE BEGINNINGS In 1891, the second legislature established a tax on property, but it was not until 1913 that motor vehicles were considered taxable property. The purpose of the tax was to construct, maintain, and improve Montana’s roads. Vehicle horsepower determined the fee of between $5 and $20. The Registrar of Motor Vehicles, a new position that year, designated a sequential number for each vehicle but did not issue a plate. Owners decided how to display the number. Often, they inscribed it on a piece of leather. Surprisingly, 14,500 license plates were issued in 1914. In comparison, the Department of Motor Vehicles issued 840,000 plates this last year in a wide array of standard, personal, and specialty designs. On any given day, 700 to 8,000 individuals order license plates. Montana law requires the issuance of a new design every four years. MATERIAL, SIZE, PROCESS, NUMBERING, AND FONT In 1914, the state began issuing steel plates. With the shortage of steel during World War II, plates where made of soybean fiberboard. It soon became obvious that animals — such as goats, cows, and
were stamped onto the plates between 1939 and 1957. The first printed, rather than stamped plates came out in 2006. Recently, a new printer was acquired, replacing a 14-year-old printer that had manufactured just short of 10 million plates. The county numbers we have learned over the years were added in 1926, but they designated the population of the counties in 1914
CLARK FORK RIVERSIDE RETIREMENT CENTER
INC
GOLD • SILVER • JEWELRY
Convenient Downtown Location Within Walk ing Distance to Shopping, Doctor/Hospital Facilities, Theatres, Restaurants, and Churches
PLATINUM • PALLADIUM Established 1993 - Life Member ANA#LM1162101
Protect Your Portfolio w/ Precious Metals
We Pay Top Dollar
25 YEARS 2018 Silver Eagles • Christmas Silvers in Stock
25% off all Jewelry
• Buying & Selling • Appraisals • Precious Metals
Senior Living At Its Best!
Sign up for
FREE silver! • Collectable Coins • Jewelry • Collector Supplies
406-656-8777
1944 Grand Ave, Billings
HOURS: MON–FRI 10AM–5PM, SAT 10AM–3PM
Visit us online at: ArdiesCoinsAndJewelry.com
One or Two-bedroom apartments overlooking the beautiful Clark Fork River Over the years you've cared for your family and others, doing what needed to be done. Now is the time to make good on the promises you made to yourself years ago – to enjoy an uncomplicated, yet full lifestyle. Our apar tment homes are a welcome alternative to the headaches of heating and cooling unused rooms, yard work, and the endless chores of home maintenance and upkeep. • All Utilities Paid • Fully-equipped Kitchens • Game Room, Community Room, Librar y, and Many Activities • Individually controlled heat and A/C included in rent • Coin Operated Laundr y • Heated Front Sidewalks • Walk-in Showers
• Beauty Salon On-Site • Safety Grab Bars in Bathrooms • Private Balconies • City Bus Ser vice • Optional Lunches and Mandator y Evening Meals
Affordable housing for persons 62 years of age or older. We are a non-smoking facility. Please stop by for a tour.
406-721-2439 • TTY Relay 1-800-253-409 301 West Front Street ~ Missoula, MT 59802
OCTOBER // NOVEMBER 2018 • MONTANA SENIOR NEWS from the largest populated county (Silver Bow County), having the prefix of 1, to the smallest populated county (Lincoln County), having 56. Over the years, the county population density has changed, but the numbers representing the counties has remained the same. Businesses have used the county code numbers along with the county name on promotional pieces because readers would save the advertisements to keep the county number information. Today, the designated county number is still used on standard plates, but in a smaller font size. The outline of the state on the license plate was first used in 1933 and has continued,
Spotlights
Sky Country.” That highly popular slogan was used until 2010 when “Treasure State” was reintroduced. The full word “Montana” was not present on the state’s plate from 1915 through 1927. Instead, the state designation was represented by the letters “MONT.” The bison skull was added to the lower left-hand corner between 1973 and 1991. At times the skull has been used to separate the county number from the vehicular identification number. For years, the vehicle identification number for each county started with the number 1. Some individuals sought to attain low numbers. To celebrate the state’s centennial starting in 1987, the word “Montana” was screened on the bottom-right corner with a brown Montana Centennial logo representing the “O.” This plate also had an outline of jagged mountains in the top-left corner.
PAGE 33
The Lewis and Clark Bicentennial and Glacier National Park plates were the first generic specialty plates offered to the public. Today, 261 vanity plate options are available in 13 categories: Agriculture and Forestry, Antique, Arts and Culture, Collegiate, Education, Government and Communities, Military, Museum and History, Other, Parks and Environment, Service Organization and Associations, Sports and Recreation, Wildlife and Other Animals, and Youth Groups. The extra charge for a Specialty Plate goes to the group or organization on the plate. Choosing the plate for your vehicle today is almost like choosing candy in a candy store. Before you purchase your next plate, visit dojmtogov/driving/plate-designs-and-fees to check out the many choices. MSN
Cloyd
Funeral CremationHome Service
Serving Central Montana For Over 55 Years
Count Blessings. Give Thanks. Share Love. Wishing you joy in abundance through out the Holiday Season.
406-538-8711 • 1-800-219-8711 209 3rd Ave N • Lewistown • cloydfuneralhome.com
except for a few solitary years. Just recently, a more legible font appeared on Montana license plates, due to driver complaints that confused some of the old numbers and letters. The new numbers and letters are larger, bolder, and slightly rounded with a little more spacing between them. SLOGAN AND DESIGN A slogan was not introduced until 1950 when the phrase, “Treasure State” was chosen. During 1957-1962, the slogan was dropped only to reappear from 1963-1966. In 1966, A.B. Guthrie, author of The Big Sky, gave the state permission to use “Big
COLORS Over the years, the plates have been many colors with light numbering on a dark background or vice versa. Red worked its way into the design, often as a third color, after 1976. The standard plate sold today has a navy-blue background with a white state outline and white numbers, but several alternate standard designs are available. SPECIALTY LICENSE PLATES The State’s first specialty plates — or vanity plates — were created in 1958 for Amateur Radio Operators, but in 1991, they became more available for other groups. The demand was great for colleges and universities, Purple Heart Recipients, Pearl Harbor Survivors, and veterans from all military divisions.
Montana Funeral Directors Association
OUR GOAL is to facilitate a basic understanding of the funeral and grief process so that families are better equipped to deal with the loss and ultimate closure of significant relationships in their lives. 30 S Ewing Ste 100 Helena, MT 406-449-7244 montanafuneraldirectors.org
The NeighborWorks Endowment: You Can Open the Door to a Family’s Future 406-761-5861 | www.nwgf.org | info@nwgf.org
MONTANA SENIOR NEWS • OCTOBER // NOVEMBER 2018
Spotlights
PAGE 34
Clifford Warren Masters the Art and Science of Growing Giant Pumpkins BY DIANNA TROYER For entertainment, Cliff Warren eavesdropped on fairgoers as they admired, gaped, and grinned at his 692-pound, blue ribbon pumpkin during the Eastern Idaho State Fair in Blackfoot in September. “Some people were sure they were fertilized with milk,” said Warren, who has been raising mammoth pumpkins west of Pocatello since 2000. “Others wondered how many pies would be baked from it.” His wife, Sondra, said the giant pumpkins lack flavor. “I make pies from my small jack-o-lantern pumpkins,” she said. Warren enters his pumpkins at the Idaho fair and at the Utah Giant Pumpkin Growers’ weigh-in. “Everyone has a hobby, and this is mine,” said the 53-year-old electrical engineer at ON Semiconductor. “I’ve always been a gardener and am competitive, plus giant pumpkins just make people smile. Every summer, friends at work know it’s time for my crazy hobby and ask me how big they’re growing.” He credits his sister with planting the idea. “She gave me a book about growing giant pumpkins in 2000, and it took off from there,” he said. “Two years later, I started entering them in the fair.”
24hr Skilled Nursing Speech Therapy Occupational Therapy Physical Therapy Behavioral Health
Warren shared his secrets for growing orange and white behemoths from Atlantic Giant Pumpkin seeds. While he attributed his prize winners to merely “good gardening practices,” he has developed a detailed protocol with many nuances and variables. “Basically, you need suitable soil and the right amounts of moisture and warmth,” he said. “Probably most important, though, is that you develop a gut instinct because something unpredictable usually happens every summer with weather.” In early April, he plants seeds indoors from his previous year’s winner. In late April, he transplants about four or five with the most potential to his patch and covers them with a hoop house to protect them from the cold. By late June, healthy plants are growing, and in early July, the flowers open. “You generally select a blossom growing about 10 feet from the main vine, so the pumpkin will have room to spread as it grows.” Each plant produces male and female blossoms. “The females are only viable during the morning of one day. I’ll cross-pollinate by hand, then tie the blossom shut with a tendril, so bees won’t get in.” In July, the pumpkins begin gaining weight rapidly, about 25 pounds a day. “You can actually see them grow in a day,” Sondra said.
Warren is careful to not allow his pumpkins to grow too quickly. He fertilizes weekly with fish emulsion, seaweed, and humic and fulvic acid. “If it grows too fast, the skin will crack,” he said. To keep the pumpkins in the ideal temperature range of 50 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, he covers them at night with blankets and sprinkles them with water during hot weather. “We joke he tucks them in every night,” Sondra said. To estimate their weight, he uses a formula. “You take three measurements at various points on the pumpkin and use that to calculate the weight,” he said. “I don’t do it all the time because it tends to ruin my day if one isn’t as big as I think it should be.” He waits until the night before a weigh-in to cut the vine. “You leave it on the vine until the last possible moment,” he said. To lift it, he rolls it and slips a sling underneath. Webbed straps resembling seat belts are attached to a chain hoist supported by a 16-foot-tall wooden tripod of 4-inch square posts. “I raise it, then slowly lower it on a carpeted pallet in the bed of my truck,” he said. “Before I got that equipment, I had to find six or seven friends to help me lift it.”
Long-Term Care Wound Care Restorative Therapy Assisted Living
BILLINGS ASPEN MEADOWS 3155 Ave C 406.656.8816
CENTRAL MT 410 Wendell Ave 406.535.6225
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
POLSON Nine 14th Ave W 406.883.4378
SHELBY 630 Park Dr. 406.434.3260
OCTOBER // NOVEMBER 2018 • MONTANA SENIOR NEWS
Spotlights
PAGE 35
EVERYDAY FAVORITES
$5.99 WEEKDAY LUNCH BUFFET AVAILABLE MONDAY–FRIDAY
11:30 AM TO 1 PM
or PICK TWO
AVAILABLE ALL DAY EVERYDAY AT PARTICIPATING LOCATIONS
EXPIRES 11/30/2018
Clifford Warren of Pocatello tends to his Atlantic Giant Pumpkin, which he estimates exceeds 700 pounds. Last year, his 992-pound pumpkin placed second at the Utah Giant Pumpkin Growers’ weigh-in. PHOTO BY DIANNA TROYER
With a blue ribbon from the Idaho fair in hand, Warren hoped to place well at the Utah Giant Pumpkin Growers’ weigh-in in late September. “A pumpkin can only be entered in one contest. Some years, I save my biggest one for the Utah weigh-in. When you cut the vine, it is what it is. Whatever the weight, it’s worthwhile growing them.” In Utah, the weigh-in at Thanksgiving Point is merely the beginning of festivities. Growers also compete in a regatta and later watch pumpkins being dropped from a crane to smash old cars and other objects. Last fall for the first time, Warren rowed in the regatta after hollowing out his 992-pound pumpkin, the largest he has ever grown and the second-place pumpkin. A Yankees fan, he wore a baseball cap for his costume and named his pumpkin the Yankee Clipper. “It’s best to have a pumpkin with a fairly flat bottom because it’s easier to row than a round one. Our daughter Elise had more of a knack for it and took over.”
A broker for the Utah growers often helps members sell their pumpkins, usually for $1 per pound. “Managers at car dealerships, banks, and hospitals buy them as a talking point for customers and patients,” he said. “I’ve sold some in the past.” Many growers donate their pumpkins to the elephants at the Hogle Zoo in Salt Lake City. Every summer, while Clifford is tending to his giants, Sondra grows about 100 jacko-lanterns. In October, they put them in the backyard and invite their children, grandchildren, and friends and neighbors to pick out a pumpkin for Halloween. The Warrens display the giant pumpkins in their front yard until Thanksgiving when they harvest about 500 seeds per pumpkin. “We spread the pumpkin on the garden or use it for compost, so they feed next year’s giant pumpkins,” Sondra said. MSN
Serving You for a Brighter Future
PICKLEBALL CRAZE The latest in competitive sports is pickleball...I’ve heard it’s no big dill. Submitted by Lindie Gibson, Livingston, MT
House District 20 • Republican
My Priorities • Promote Great Falls as a business friendly community • Protect and expand Malmstrom Air Force Base and Montana Air National Guard • Strengthen public education with innovation and local direction
Upper 2/3rds Choice Steaks & Prime Rib • 80% Sourced From Montana
168 Rooms
• Preserve access to public lands and waters
Lounge
• Enhance public safety operations
Grains of Montana Products
Casino
406 Premium Well • Montana Grown or Distilled Products
406
Restaurant
Pool Hot Tubs RV Park Convention Center
54250 US HWY 2 East, Glasgow 406-228-8213 • cottonwoodinn.net
There is too much unnecessary bickering in politics today. I have dedicated my career to mediating disputes and solving problems. With a little more effort, we can find inclusive, win-win solutions to the challenges we face today.
Experience Counts!
Re Elect Fred Anderson Paid for by Anderson for Legislature • Becky Anderson, Treasurer • PO Box 6921 • Great Falls, MT 59406
PAGE 36
MONTANA SENIOR NEWS • OCTOBER // NOVEMBER 2018
Lady Lon
Cover Story
Alone Acros
BY C.W. GUTHRIE “I admire what you’re doing. It’s one of those things I wished I had done in my younger days, just get on a horse and ride across the country.” Bernice Ende hears these words countless times as she rides across the United States. Surprisingly, she hears it not only from equestrians, ranchers, and farmers but almost as frequently from construction and road workers and passing motorists in a variety of professions. A few are young adults, many in mid-life, and most often they are from people whose faces are lined with the memories of a lifetime of experiences, still wishing they just once freely roamed the country. Thirteen years ago, at age 50, Trego, Mont., ballet teacher and horse trainer Bernice Ende began her life as a long rider. That year she rode 2,000 miles on horseback from Montana to New Mexico. In the following 12 years, she rode another 27,000 miles on horseback. Bernice and her horses and dog, Claire, have crisscrossed the United States and Canada, seeing the country as few others see it —up close in all its wonders and perils. They have trod the roads and trails of the high mountains and wildernesses of the Rocky Mountains, wound their way through the snow-clad peaks and low valley passes of the Cascades, and over the vast treeless grasslands of the Great Plains and through the canyons and the seemingly endless arid and silent landscapes of the Southwest Deserts. On her longest single ride of 8,000 miles, from 2014 to 2016, Bernice rode from the Pacific coast to the Atlantic coast and back again — her horses’ hooves splashing in both oceans. In 2018 she has ridden a 600-mile ride in France with plans for a 400-mile ride through the southwest United States and a seven-month book tour beginning in October. Bernice has earned acclaim from the International Long Riders’ Guild and is known world-wide as The Lady Long Rider.
Equestrian travel is unique. It is not at all like walking or riding on wheels in an automobile or on a bicycle. There is less human control. “Riding a horse, I not only have this mass of energy between my legs, my eye-level is 12 feet high, and I’m riding an animal that can think and react on its own,” said Ende. On a long ride, and especially along busy roads and fast-moving highway traffic, Ende has to always be in the moment. No daydreaming — look up, look ahead, look around, look behind — anticipate what may happen and how her horse will react, and be ready. And nightfall brings a whole other set of concerns — a safe place to camp and having food and water for her horses, her dog, and herself. Although Bernice often hears from people that they, too, wish they had ridden or could ride across the country as she has done, ironically, one of the most often asked questions she gets is “Why on earth do you do this?” Ende has a somewhat philosophical answer.
>>MAP AND TENTATIVE SCHEDULE<< Lady Long Rider 2018/2019 Book Tour Western United States schedule. Mid-west and eastern states will be provided later MONTANA Whitefish Public Library, Whitefish................................. Sept 24, 7:00 p.m. Northlake County Public Library, Polson........................ Sept 26, 7:00 p.m. Grizzly Claw Trading Company, Seeley Lake.................. Sept 27, 7:00 p.m. Montana Book Festival, Missoula, MT............................. Sept 27-30, day & time TBD The Hidden Chapel (book club dinner), Libby................ Oct 15, 6:00 p.m. IDAHO Boundary County Library, Bonners Ferry....................... Oct 16, 7:00 p.m. Sandpoint Library, Sandpoint.......................................... Oct 17, 7:00 p.m. WASHINGTON Newport Public Library, Newport.................................... TBD Chewelah Public Library, Chewelah................................ Oct 19, 7:00 p.m. Coleville Public Library, (children’s talk) Coleville.......... Oct 22, 3:30 p.m. Republic Public Library, Republic.................................... Oct 24, 6:30 p.m. Tonasket Public Library, Tonasket.................................. Oct 25-29 TBD Omak Public Library.......................................................... Oct 25-29. TBD Winthrop Public Library.................................................... Oct 25-29 TBD Moses Lake Public Library................................................ Oct 25-29 TBD Walla Walla Public Library................................................ Oct 25-29 TBD
OREGON Pendleton Public Library, Pendleton.............................. Nov 01, 7:00 p.m. Gillian Public Library, Condon......................................... Nov. TBD Jefferson Public Library, Madras..................................... TBD Bend Public Library, Bend................................................ TBD Back Country Horsemen of Oregon, East Cascades Chapter, Bend.......................................... TBD Klamath Falls Main Library, Klamath Falls...................... Nov 9, 6:30 p.m. CALIFORNIA/NEVADA Lassen Public Library, Susanville, CA.............................. TBD Carson City Public Library, Carson City, Nevada............ TBD Mammoth Lakes Library, Mammoth Lakes, CA............. TBD Bishop Library, Bishop, CA............................................... Nov 14, Time TBD Lone Pine Library& Lone Pine Museum, Lone Pine...... TBD Barstow Public Library, Barstow, CA............................... TBD Needles Public Library, Needles, CA............................... TBD
OCTOBER // NOVEMBER 2018 • MONTANA SENIOR NEWS
ng Rider:
Cover Story
PAGE 37
ss the Globe
“Everybody does long rides —there are the long rides of youth, education, motherhood, military service, jobs, retirement.” But for Ende, the answer to that question came as what some might consider a calling. After 49 years of life experiences, Ende had a deep-felt void that she needed to fill and could no longer ignore. The answer came to her as a vision on a summer day in 2004, when she sat on her horse looking out over the Whitefish Range. She saw herself riding a strange horse across an unknown desert. More powerful than the image was the idea of it — a notion she could not shake off. When she set out on her maiden journey, she wondered how she could set out on such a journey without being afraid. “I felt my smallness and reached for my bigness — hoping all the while there was bigness to be found.” She likened it to how a mountain climber must feel — fearful, anxious, determined, and exhilarated by the challenge and hopefully — and finally — the joy of succeeding. PHOTO BY LYDIA HOPPER Since that day, Ende has been long-riding. As she travels the country, she often gives talks at schools, libraries, senior centers, hospitals, and museums. She has discovered the advantage of being a senior woman.
“I think I receive a measure of respect I would not receive as a younger person,” she said, “and I try to be worthy of it in my dress and manner.” Ende also admitted her more mature self as a lady long-rider has found it easier to deal with not having something you think you can’t get along without, accepting what won’t work and finding a way that will. Generally, people seeing this lone woman riding a horse and leading a pack horse across miles of landscape tend to think Ende is carefree, independent, and adventurous. She is quick to respond, “Not True!” Ende leads a very singular life, which allows her the freedom to do what others cannot do — mount up and travel the Continent. She does miss not having a family and has a lot of alone time. But she is not lonely. In the past, Ende may have been considered to be independent, even free-spirited, but crisscrossing the nation on horseback profoundly changed her. “Even though my image is one of loneness and independence, I somehow feel intimately connected to the river of humanity that inhabits our nation. The people I meet on my travels, no matter how distant from Trego, Mont., they live, are my neighbors. It’s this view of humanity that carries me,” she said. “I rely on people more than most. So often, when I have been in need, strangers (trail angels) have offered shelter, food, help with the horses or my dog, medical attention, good advice, tips on where to find water, whatever was needed. I could not do what I do without them.” It is also true that during her travels Bernice has experienced many adventures, some delightful and some freighting but she does not consider herself an adventure seeker. “I just really like living without walls.” MSN Bernice chronicled her extraordinary life and adventures in her book recently released by Farcountry Press, Helena, Mont., titled Lady Long Rider, Alone Across America on Horseback. She has scheduled a fall book tour throughout the west and southwest U.S., then north through the Mid-west and Great Lakes and stopping over at Fort Edward, New York.
PAGE 38
Spotlights
MONTANA SENIOR NEWS • OCTOBER // NOVEMBER 2018
Taxpayers Will Be On the Hook to Pay: Vote “No” on I-185 BY DAVE LEWIS The corporations bankrolling I-185 want you to believe that only tobacco corporations will pay if their initiative passes. That’s simply not true. I-185 will create a huge, new permanent appropriation in the state budget without providing enough revenue to pay for it. That means that all Montana taxpayers will be on the hook to pay for it. The Affordable Care Act gave states the option of expanding Medicaid coverage to a broader population, including childless adults who are not disabled. In 2015, the Montana Legislature opted to expand Medicaid on a trial basis. Today, approximately one in 10 Montanans receives state-subsidized Medicaid coverage at a substantial (and increasing) cost to Montana taxpayers. The program has proven to be nearly twice as expensive as the legislature originally estimated, and certain programs intended to help manage costs — like a work training program designed to help enrollees get off government assistance — have completely failed.
The Legislature wisely included in the original bill a “sunset” provision so that they could evaluate overall effectiveness, control costs, and discontinue the program if a better option becomes available. But I-185 would completely bypass this planned oversight. Without evaluation, the Medicaid expansion program will be set up to spend whatever bureaucrats deem necessary. I spent more than a decade as the former state budget director, responsible for balancing the state budget. From my experience, I can tell you this will be a nightmare scenario for future legislatures. As health care costs continue to increase, and funding from tobacco taxes dries up, Medicaid expansion will turn into a runaway train that supersedes all other spending priorities for the state. I-185 would permanently expand Medicaid in Montana and create more than $60 million worth of spending per year. These costs will fall directly on Montana taxpayers. And though I-185 hikes taxes on tobacco products, the initiative caps the amount of this revenue allocated to Medicaid expansion at only $26 million per year. That means that all other taxpayers will be responsible for funding the $34 million shortfall. That puts existing budget priorities, like education and infrastructure, in jeopardy. I-185 is presented by its proponents to be an anti-smoking initiative. That, too, is deceptive, as evidenced by the fact that only
4 percent of the new revenue goes to smoking prevention and cessation programs. If this initiative were truly meant to curb smoking in the name of public health, and not just a cash grab, the drafters would have dedicated more money to these programs. Over time, fewer people will purchase tobacco products in Montana due to this increase in price. I-185 would create a declining revenue source. Because Medicaid expansion would be a permanent program, and health care costs are notorious for increasing rapidly, the share of the tax burden for this program will shift even more to non-tobacco users in the form of higher taxes and reduced services. This ballot initiative is not only deceptive and terrible public policy, it will be extremely harmf u l to f ami li es, small businesses, and the overall economic growth of the state. I’ve gone through the numbers, and I can tell you the math doesn’t add up. Medicaid expansion doesn’t pay for itself, and I-185 doesn’t pay for it. Montana taxpayers will need to pay for it. Under I-185, we’re all going to be on the hook to pay for the massive unfunded mandate created by this entitlement program. MSN Dave Lewis spent nearly 30 years preparing budgets for four governors — two Republicans and two Democrats. He also served in the Legislature for 14 years, serving terms as chair and vice chair of both the House and Senate budget committees.
23-MONTH BONUS CD 2.60% APY
ONE-TIME RATE CHANGE OPTION!
EXPLORE HIGHER SAVINGS Montana’s Brand of Banking stockmanbank.com
Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender
23-month Bonus CD - Annual percentage yield (APY) accurate as of 9/6/2018. Non-institutional funds only. Opening balance minimum of $500.00. You must maintain a positive balance in the account each day to obtain the disclosed APY. A penalty will be imposed for early withdrawal before maturity. Automatically renews to a 24-month Term CD. You will have 10 calendar days after the maturity date to change terms or withdraw funds without penalty. Interest rate and APY will remain in effect until you exercise the one-time rate change option or until maturity. You may exercise your option one time to exchange the interest rate on your account for the rate the bank is offering on a 24-month Term CD during the original term of the account. Stockman Bank, proudly serving our neighbors for 65 years.
OCTOBER // NOVEMBER 2018 • MONTANA SENIOR NEWS
Spotlights
PAGE 39
Help Ensure Our Seniors, Veterans Continue to Have Health Care: Vote “YES” on I-18 BY MIKE BATISTA, DIRECTOR OF ADVOCACY AND OUTREACH, AARP MONTANA This fall, we have the opportunity to ensure that nearly 100,000 Montanans, including our seniors, veterans, and their families, continue t o h av e h e al t h care. If we do not pass the Healthy Montana Initiative, or I-185, hardworking Montanans could be harmed. Kudos to all the health care associations that were proactive in designing I-185, with funding provided through an increase in the tobacco tax. It prevents cuts to Medicaid, including services to veterans, children, seniors, and people with disabilities. I-185 would also: << Help seniors and people with disabilities live independently and remain in their homes and communities avoiding the high cost of nursing homes; << Provide funding for prescription drug coverage for seniors; << Help keep rural hospitals open, ensuring access to care for families in small towns and rural communities; << Help Montana and our public safety agencies cope with the increased demand for mental health and substance abuse treatment as the result of the ongoing opioid crisis. (Medicaid is the single largest payer for mental health services in the U.S. and increasingly plays a larger role in the reimbursement of substance use disorder treatment). << Provide vital funding for veteran suicide prevention programs. I’ve spent most of my career in public safety, working to ensure the safety and security of Montanans. I now have the pleasure of advocating for the health and financial security of our seniors and veterans. The safety and security challenges seniors face are very real. They generally see the health
care system as broken, confusing, and always in transition. Most of us do, too. I worry that the system is ill equipped to handle the aging population in Montana. I’ve heard seniors say that they fear they are one financial crisis away from poverty or food insecurity. One unexpected health crisis without healthcare coverage could make that situation a reality for many seniors throughout the state of Montana. Ask around. Someone you know has quietly faced this scenario and probably turned to Medicaid. Chances are, you, a family member, or a friend will someday, too.
For many Montana seniors, Medicaid means access to basic health care. Older Montanans should never have to forgo care and choose between paying prescriptions and life necessities like food. This Fall, let’s make sure elected officials understand the role of Medicaid in safeguarding health security in Montana. Please vote yes on I-185. MSN
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
Part
A
Hospital Coverage
Part
MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT
B
Medical Coverage
(Part C) Combines parts A, B, and sometimes D
Part
D
Prescription Drug Coverage
Not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or Federal Medicare Program. SUBSCRIBE TODAY! Send $15 to: 1985 McMannamy Draw, Kalispell, MT 59901 OR Subscribe Online at: MontanaSeniorNews.com/subscribe
Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan Notice: Medicare Supplement insurance plans are offered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana, a Division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
354606.1017
MONTANA SENIOR NEWS • OCTOBER // NOVEMBER 2018
PAGE 40
Money Matters
BUDGET•MEDICARE•TAXES•ESTATE•INVESTMENT•RETIREMENT
Can a Debt Collector Take Your Social Security Benefits? BY JIM MILLER SAVVY SENIOR — Whether your Social Security benefits are garnishable or not depends on whom you owe. Banks and other financial creditors, for example, can’t touch your Social Security checks. But if Uncle Sam is collecting on a debt, some of your benefits are fair game. Here’s what you should know. CREDITOR PROTECTIONS If you have credit card debts, medical bills, unpaid personal loans, or pay day loans, you’ll be happy to know that your Social Security benefits are safe from your creditors. Section 207 of the Social Security Act prohibits debt
collectors or a bankruptcy court from dipping into your bank account to take Social Security money for purposes of paying off what you owe. Supplemental Security Income (SSI), veterans benefits, federal employee and civil service retirement benefits, and benefits administered by the Railroad Retirement Board Administration can’t be touched either. Creditors can still take legal action against you to recover what you owe them, and depending on your state’s law, they may be able to garnish your wages and tap into other assets.
GOVERNMENT GARNISHMENT If, however, you owe money to Uncle Sam, it’s a very different story. The federal government can garnish a portion of your Social Security benefits for repayment of several types of debts, including federal income taxes, federal student loans, state-ordered Premier Health Open enrollment is child support and alimony, nontax debt owed Insurance here, have you reviewed to other federal agencies, defaulted federal of Montana your coverage yet? home loans, and certain civil penalties. (If you receive SSI, those benefits cannot be garnished under any circumstance.) How much can be taken depends on the Amanda Ahlquist type of debt you owe. In most situations, the Agent/President 122 W Main / PO Box 279 government can pull 15 percent of your benefits Manhattan, MT 59741 to cover your debt, but under the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996, it must leave you Call today for your free insurance review. at least $750 month. That is, unless the levy is for federal income taxes. In that case, the government isn’t required to leave $750. The other exception is for child support or alimony payments. Depending on your Dental, Vision • Medicare Products state laws, the court may be able to take half Group Health Insurance • Individual Health Insurance of your benefits or more to pay your obligations to your children or ex-spouse. Star t If you think your Social Security benefits might be raided to pay overdue bills, Over 20 Years with Medicare Supplements you need to address Medicare Advantage & Part D Prescription Drugs the problem—don’t
406-284-4004
866-605-4004
Offering You The Best Priced:
Still Helping You
Thru the Medicare Maze!
Medicare
ph
© Flynt, BIGSTOCK.COM
ignore it. Most government agencies are happy to work with you so long as you’re willing to work with them. The government typically sends several letters about a debt before it takes action. The final letter will inform you of the intent to levy Social Security payments, and after that, you have 30 days to contact the agency and work out a payment plan. GET HELP To get a handle on your debt problems, consider contacting a nonprofit financial counseling agency, which offers free and lowcost services on managing financial problems. To locate a credible agency in your area, use the National Foundation for Credit Counseling website at NFCC.org or call 800-388-2227. You also need to make sure you’re not missing out on any financial assistance programs. The National Council on Aging’s website (BenefitsCheckup.org) contains a database of more than 2,500 federal, state and local programs that can help seniors with prescription drug costs, health care, food, utilities, and other basic needs. The site will help you locate programs that you may be eligible for and will show you how to apply. 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.
KUSZMAUL INSURANCE INC. CALL: SHAUNE KUSZMAUL
406-403-0776
| cell
406-788-3776
Nice save.
1601 2nd Ave N. Ste 112, Columbus Center, Great Falls
ASK
insurance
Call for Details
Senior Services
• Medicare Supplements • Prescription Drug Plans • Advantage Plans • Final Expense Plans • Life Insurance • Annuities • Dental & Vision Plans 3429 Central Ave, Ste A • Billings Of�ice: (406) 969-3000 Email: askwendy101@gmail.com
Get a 36 - month FDIC-insured CD 2.60% APY*
We have seminars!
Wendy Schermerhorn
Senior Health Plan Specialist
Pam Hansen Alfred, Agent State Farm Agent 2817 10th Avenue South Great Falls, MT 59405 Bus: 406-453-6010
I’m here to help you build your savings with a fixed rate of return. Let’s talk about the rates and terms that can help you best reach your goals. CALL ME TODAY.
*Annual Percentage Yield as of 09/05/18. Advertised rates are subject to change at the Bank’s discretion. The minimum balance required to earn the stated APY is $500 (rates apply to deposits less than $100,000). A penalty may be imposed for withdrawals prior to maturity. Special Term CDs renew automatically into the next highest Standard Term CD. Some products and services not available in all areas. FDIC basic coverage amount is $250,000 per depositor, per insured bank, for each ownership category. Callers who are hearing or speech impaired should dial 711 or use a preferred Telecommunications Relay Service.
1706484
State Farm Bank, F.S.B., Bloomington, IL
OCTOBER // NOVEMBER 2018 • MONTANA SENIOR NEWS
Money Matters
‘Tis the Season to be…Prudent
BY RANDALL HILL Ah, autumn. A time for colorful falling leaves, a blazing fireplace, a return to sweaters and boots. And shopping. Not for gifts — that time arrives soon enough—but for securing the best possible deals during the Medicare Open Enrollment period. This is your opportunity to use Medicare’s Plan Finder (at Medicare.gov/find-a-plan) to find a program that best meets your needs. BE FOREWARNED The Medicare Open Enrollment Period is one of the most confusing and misunderstood annual events in this vital program. Premiums, benefits, formularies, copays, providers, and pharmacy networks can all change — and often do from year to year. Give yourself plenty of time to review and understand your options, and don’t be afraid to seek help. Both Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans have licensed agents to guide you, and your state health insurance agency also has counselors who can help you sift through the often-confusing information. ORIGINAL MEDICARE This includes Part A (which covers certain hospital expenses) and Part B (which applies to doctor bills and other medical costs). That’s it. Period. No dental care. No vision care. No hearing aids. PARTS C AND D Though Medicare offers a valuable health-care safety net, most of us want or need to create a custom plan that fits our particular circumstances. This is where Medicare Advantage plans (called Part C) come in. These are private insurance options run by government-regulated insurance companies for seniors and the disabled currently enrolled in Original Medicare (Plan A and Plan B). Out-of-pocket costs in Part C plans can sometimes be lower than with Original Medicare and often include benefits not found in Parts A and B. Prices vary by plan provider, so it’s to your advantage to compare all the plans available in your area before choosing the one best for you. Most Medicare Advantage plans also include prescription drug coverage, which is an optional add-on called Part D, for beneficiaries who retain Original Medicare. Luckily, premiums are not influenced by age or pre-existing conditions.
PAGE 41
You can usually enroll if you live in the service area of the plan you want to join (although not all plans are available everywhere in the state), you have Original Medicare, and you don’t have end-stage renal disease. PHONE A FRIEND To help you navigate your way through the often-daunting mountains of information, Medicare has licensed insurance agents at 1-844-847-2659 (TTY users 711) Monday through Friday 8AM to 8PM ET. Have a list of prepared questions at hand when you call. CONTINUED ON PAGE 55
• Medicare Planning • Health Insurance • Annuities • Home-Auto-Insurance “Protecting Your Way of Life” 20+ Years Experience Billings • 406-534-0133 Ennis • 406-682-4002 www.ThurstonFamilyInsurance.com
Montana’s Future is in Your Hands.
Montana Health Insurance Agency Inc. Now offering affordable: Dental, Vision & Hearing, Cancer, Heart Attack & Stroke, Hospital Indemnity, Home Care & Recovery Care plans for Montanans. Lisa Strauch • 406.388.1678 72 Jasper Lane, Belgrade lstrauch@mthealthinsurance.net :: www.mthealthinsurance.net
Morrison Law Firm, PLLC Thomas C. Morrison
Former I.R.S. Attorney | JD and LLM in Taxation of Council Brand G. Boyar
• Estate Planning & Trusts • Probate & Wills
• Business Transactions • Estate & Income Taxes
406-443-1040 | tom@mbtaxlaw.com
111 N Last Chance Gulch (3B) | Helena
Planned giving helps you, your loved ones and the charities you care about. Learn how you can save up to $10,000 on your taxes with the Montana Endowment Tax Credit.
TINSETH & ASSOCIATES
INSURANCE & FINANCIAL SERVICES Certified Medicare Parts C&D Specialist Medicare Advantage & Rx Drug Plans Leslie Tinseth L.U.T.C.F OFFICE: 406-752-8576 CELL: 406-885-6012
750 N Meridian Kalispell lestinseth@gmail.com
Contact Amy Sullivan or Nick Dietzen www.mtcf.org • 406.541.7407
MONTANA SENIOR NEWS • OCTOBER // NOVEMBER 2018
PAGE 42
Recreation
SPORTS•ACTIVITIES•FISHING•HUNTING•CAMPING
Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge BY HOLLY ENDERSBY At 1.1 million acres, the Charles M Russell National Wildlife Refuge represents one of the largest refuges open to the public for hunting, hiking, camping, wildlife observation, and fishing in the U.S. This unique chunk of Montana public land is an astounding example of the northern Great Plains ecosystem and was set aside to protect fish and wildlife as well as for the enjoyment of people who love wildlife and public land. “The refuge is 125 miles east to west,” explained Paul Santavy, the Project Manager for the refuge. “There are a lot of diverse
GO SOMEWHERE SUPER
habitats and landscape transitions across that distance as well as from north to south.” As an example, the refuge is primarily surrounded by a sage-steppe grassland, but higher elevations are timbered, and down on the Missouri River breaks cottonwood galleries predominate. This variety of landscapes provides quality habitat for an array of native wildlife. “We have all of the iconic big game animals, such as elk, mule deer, pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep, moose, white-tail deer, and mountain lions,” Santavy said. “This variety and abundance of wildlife makes the refuge a great place to hunt each fall.” In fact, according to Santavy, most of the 300,000 visitors each year come to hunt and fish. There are a few designated campgrounds, but most visitors who stay for several days use dispersed camp sites scattered along the 700 miles of unimproved roads through the refuge.
and still have gas money sitting in your pants
With 180,000 acres of designated and proposed wilderness, it’s easy to get away from it all. Off-road travel is by foot or horseback only, with the exception of winter use of snowmobiles on Fort Peck Lake, a huge reservoir of 245,000 acres at full pool. The lake offers excellent fishing with non-native fish, such as walleye, northern pike, and lake trout, all prized by anglers. Native fish include the endangered pallid sturgeon as well as shovel nose sturgeon, channel catfish, and paddle fish. “Anglers really like to key in on walleye,” Santavy explained. “People come from all over to fish for them.” As one who grew up in the Midwest, I can attest to the deliciousness of a fried walleye sandwich! All you need is a current Montana fishing license to try your luck at landing one of these yummy fish.
Brian Kjensmo Specializing in Estate Liquidation & Firearm Appraisals • Firearm Collections • Coin Collections • Decoys • Sporting Art
Belgrade • Bozeman Airport
6450 Jackrabbit Lane • 406-388-1493
Heated Indoor Pool • Hot Tub • Suites are Available with Fridges, Microwaves, Jacuzzis®, SuperStart® Breakfast • Guest Laundry • Free Lobby-Computer w/WIFI • Free Local & Long Distance Calls • Fax Machine • Cable TV/STARZ Outside Outlets Closest motel to the Airport • Pets with Permission
HIGH PRICEEST PAID S
(406) 633-2206 PO Box 633, Park City, MT 59063 • b@scishows.com
Billings
5400 Southgate Drive • 406-248-8842
SuperStart® Breakfast • Elevator • Amenities in Every Room Includes: Microwave, Fridge, Coffeemakers, Hair Dryers, Ironing Board, & Iron Free WIFI • Exercise Room • Guest Laundry • 24-hour Desk • Excellent Parking • Easy Access to Interstate • Convenient to Billings Medical Facilities, Downtown & West-End Shopping • Pets Welcome with fee
Great Falls
1214 13th St S • 406-727-7600
Senior Friendly Rates • Off 10th Avenue South Next Door to Holiday Village Mall • Close to Great Falls Medical Facilities • SuperStart® Breakfast • Free WIFI • Elevator • Traveler’s Work Station • Guest Laundry • Pets Welcome with Fee • Walking Distance to Restaurants
Montana Independent Living Project Advocating for people living with disabilities to live as independently as they choose. Contact the office closest to your town
Livingston
105 Centennial Drive • 406-222-7711
Shopping Across the Street • Yellowstone 51 Miles • Ask About Our Jacuzzi® Suite • Cable/STARZ • Free WIFI & Lobby Computer Guest Laundry • Rooms Available with Fridges & Microwaves • SuperStart® Breakfast • Outside Outlets • Free Local & Long Distance Calls • Queen Size singles w/ Recliner
www.mILp.us
We serve the following (14) counties:
Beaverhead, Broadwater, Deer Lodge, Gallatin, Granite, Jefferson, L & C, Madison, Meagher, Park, Powell, Silver Bow, Sweet Grass, & Wheatland
CREATE A WILDLIFE LEGACY
M
ake your assets more productive. Consider using low-yielding, highly appreciated assets to make a life-income gift to the Wildlife Biology Program at the University of Montana.You can use an asset, such as land, to provide you with an income stream without incurring capital gains tax on the appreciation. Such a gift can reap benefits for wildlife and you. Let us help you explore the possibilities!
800.735.6457 Bozeman: 406.522.7300 Butte: 406.782.4834 Helena: 406.442.5755
Attain income for life Reduce estate & income taxes Avoid capital gains tax Take an immediate charitable tax deduction Help support a world-class center of wildlife research & education Support scholarships & research in the Wildlife Biology Program
For information or to contribute contact:
Chad Bishop, Director Wildlife Biology Program, University of Montana Missoula, MT 59812 | (406) 243-4374
GAMBLING Problem?
We want to help!
Recently, your Montana Gaming Businesses have expanded the counceling services available for problem gamblers and their families by providing a toll free hot-line with trained counselors.
To speak with a counselor, call 1-888-900-9979
All services are free and confidential
We’re aware of the problem and we’re taking it seriously.
OCTOBER // NOVEMBER 2018 • MONTANA SENIOR NEWS
Fort Peck Lake © Photoguy66, Bigstock.com
Fall brings the amazing spectacle of bull elk in the rut, vying for cows to add to their harems. From mid-September to mid-October, the Slippery Ann Elk Viewing Area on the refuge draws hundreds of visitors on weekend evenings, so plan to go mid-week if you can. People park along the road or in a small parking area. “People sit on chairs along the road or in the back of pickups to watch 200 to 500 elk gathered in the 1500-acre area, to hear bull elk bugle, fight one another, and try to take cows away from other bulls to add to their harems,” said Santavy. “The elk are very tolerant because they know this is an area strictly off-limits to hunting, so they stay in the open, especially the last two hours of daylight.” Once the rut winds down, bulls disperse, and cows gather together, putting an end to the seasonal show. In spring, the refuge is alive with neotropical birds as some come back here to nest while others take a rest stop on their way farther north. The refuge has noted 250 species of migrant and resident birds. Viewing blinds are available for birders and other wildlife watchers, but priority is given to visitors with disabilities to use. “It sounds like some kind of jungle in the cottonwood galleries down by the river in the spring,” Santavy explained. “There are so many birds vocalizing; it’s amazing.”
Recreation
PAGE 43
The refuge doesn’t lead any hikes or offer formal observations, but birders are welcome all year long, with spring being especially rewarding. The grasslands are also important nesting areas for birds like burrowing owls who inhabit prairie dog towns, sage grouse who demonstrate their courting behavior on leks in the spring, as well as sharptail grouse. In fact, the refuge was created to protect sharptail grouse and pronghorn antelope. For visitors who don’t have a lot of time to spend at the refuge, Paul recommends taking the 20-mile auto tour route, which is explained in detail on the refuge website. Visitors should download the east and west guide maps showing all roads and whether or not they are graveled and/or all season. “The auto tour lets you see a little bit of everything the refuge has to offer,” explained Paul. “And if you have time, it’s a great idea to visit the Fort Peck Interpretive Center.” The Center has wildlife displays, a full-size model of a T-Rex skeleton found in the area, history of the Fort Peck dam, and the second largest aquarium in Montana. Motels and restaurants are available in Lewistown and Malta, both about an hour away. “There’s really something for everyone at the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge,” said Paul Santavy. “Visitors can hike, ride horses, camp, bird, photograph wildlife, hunt, and fish all in one amazing place.” MSN
Tortilla
Soup Wednesdays!
d o o F n a li a It ic t n e h Aut
SEAFOOD Lasagna FRIDAYS!
1191 King Ave, Billings | 406-652-4416 | Tue–Sat 11–9pm
An endless amount
Have we met?
of possibilities with
See Me in: Joe Scheuerle and His Remarkable Indian Gallery
almost 200 local
September 6 –December 2019
one card! Suppor t
busineses when you
purchae a
Downtown Gift
Card!
Become a member and see this & other exhibits unlimited times! Open Monday-Saturday, 9-5 Closed Sundays and State Holidays
Make it Memorable. Make it Downtown.
missouladowntown.com | 406.543.4238 Purchase online, at the Downtown Missoula Par tnership office (218 E. Main), or at the MSO Hub (140 N. Higgins).
225 North Roberts, Helena Montanahistoricalsociety.org (406) 444-2694
PAGE 44
MONTANA SENIOR NEWS • OCTOBER // NOVEMBER 2018
Recreation
Wheeling on the White Rim Trail BY NATALIE BARTLEY Deep in the Canyonlands National Park the White Rim Trail snakes along an extensive mesa. It’s located near Moab in southeast Utah, with views of distant canyons and two major rivers await adventurers at every turn. Dotted with orange-tinted cliffs, arches, and spires, this backcountry trail ranks high on mountain bikers’ and four-wheeler enthusiasts’ bucket-lists, testing one’s stamina on the 100-mile loop route. It’s best to take three to five days to enjoy the expansive scenery. More time allows for camping and hiking. Mountain bikers in top
physical condition and four-wheelers in a hurry complete the route in a day. Fortunately for our group of five Idaho mountain bikers, three Boise friends with four-wheeler trucks joined us on our do-it-yourself camping trip. “I always wanted to four-wheel drive the White Rim Trail, so this was a great opportunity to help friends by supporting the bike trip,” said Ken Taghon. Two Toyota trucks transported our food, camping gear, and 80 gallons of water. Though known as a 100-mile trail, several roads comprise the White Rim Trail. A 76-mile section of dirt road within the Island in the Sky District of the park starts on the east
Flathead Transit Missoula • Pablo • Kalispell • Whitefish GREYHOUND
CONNECT Go further and discover more with Greyhound’s expanded connector service. Whether it’s a weekend getaway, a trip to see family, or just time to experience the big city, Greyhound Connect is your ticket to where you want to go!
CONNECT greyhound.com
For Information Call Flathead Transit
406-275-2877 ext 1352
READ DOWN 7 Days/Week
READ UP 7 Days/Week Pablo
10:00 AM
52001 US Hwy 93, Pablo • 406-275-2877
11:30 AM
1660 W. Broadway St., Missoula • 406-549-2339
11:50 AM
20750 US Hwy 93, Evaro • 406-726-3778
Missoula
7:30 PM
Evaro
7:05 PM
Arlee
6:50 PM
12:00 PM
92345 US Hwy 93, Arlee • 406-726-7777
Flag Stop
27330 US Hwy 93, Ravalli • 406-396-6522
Ravalli
Flag Stop
Ignatius 6:30 PM 12:15 PM 240 MountainSaint View Dr, St. Ignatius • 406-745-3634 Pablo
1:00 PM
52001 US Hwy 93, Pablo • 406-275-2877
1:25 PM
49708 US Hwy 93, Polson • 406-883-3636
2:10 PM
7170 US Hwy 93, Lakeside • 406-844-3372
2:30 PM
2076 US Hwy 2 W, Evergreen • 406-755-7447
3:10 PM
1 Central Ave., Whitefish • 1-800-872-7245
Polson
6:00 PM 5:30 PM
Lakeside
4:55 PM
Kalispell/Evergreen
4:30 PM
Whitefish*
4:00 PM
*No ticket agent in Whitefish, buy ticket in Kalispell or Pablo
Airport Tower Campground is one of the several designated camping areas along the White Rim Trail. This camper arrived via a four-wheel drive jeep. Photo by Natalie Bartley
side near the Visitor Center, traverses down the Shafer Trail Road, and then continues on the White Rim Road with the Colorado River to the east. On the west side of the trail, the dirt road drops to the Green River. Some groups leave a shuttle and end the trip where the gravel Mineral Road switchbacks lead to the paved Utah State Route 313. The paved road leads back to the turnoff for the trip’s starting point near the Visitor Center. Travelers go in either direction along the route. Helen Stroebel, of Moscow, Idaho, did the trail in April. “It was a fantastic experience because of pedaling that many miles and seeing that vast scenery up close and personal,” she said. Distant mountain ranges in view include the La Sals, Abajos, and Henrys. There is no shortage of sensory stimulus. Rugged terrain jolts bodies, bikes, and vehicles. Along the dirt route atop and below the mesa, expect ledges, clay, and sand. Riders and drivers gaze at a parade of colors. Black manganese and reddish brown iron oxides —called desert varnish—streak the red-andwhite banded sandstone. Rock towers glow orange at sunrise. Murphy Hogback and Hardscrabble Hill are particularly suspenseful and demanding. Rocky inclines with blind corners are common. “A couple of places I had to stop the truck, get out, and look at what was over the ledge before dropping over it,” said Taghon. Plants and animals manage to survive in this Great Basin Desert environment. At the east side of the park, Utah Juniper grow in the arid environment. Deer and bighorn sheep dine on blackbrush, a shrub common along the dirt road. At one point along the trail, we saw several desert bighorn grazing. Spring and fall are the optimal seasons because the weather is more accommodating. Self-supported camping trips require a $30 backcountry permit and signing up for campsites as early as four months in advance. Campsites go quickly. Arrive a day before your permit date for the mandatory check-in at the Visitor Center. The ranger issues the backcountry permit, provides current road conditions, and reviews important desert camping etiquette. If you don’t have a permit, they also issue last-minute permits available due to cancellations. Take some time to explore the paved road within the park that
OCTOBER // NOVEMBER 2018 • MONTANA SENIOR NEWS leads to overlooks with views of the rivers, distant mountain ranges, and trail. Commercial companies offer an alternative to planning your own trip. They provide ease and adventure during one-day and multi-day trips.
Recreation
Grab an opportunity this upcoming year to experience the endless remoteness of Canyonlands National Park via a scenic overlook or wheeling on the White Rim Trail. MSN
PAGE 45
Learn about the White Rim Trail at nps.gov/cany/planyourvisit/whiterimroad.htm or call the Backcountry Reservation Office at (435) 259-4351. Find permit information at nps.gov/cany/planyourvisit/backcountrypermits.htm.
RV Travel Provides Complete Flexibility for Today’s Boomers BY ROB TISCHLER, CEO ALLSTAR COACHES Baby boomers have redefined each stage of their lives, so it’s no surprise that today they are redefining retirement. No longer seen as a time to simply play shuffleboard, bridge, or bingo, today’s boomers are viewing retirement as a new phase to pursue passions like starting a business, moving near grandchildren, or seeing the world. On average, baby boomers are healthier, wealthier, and more educated as they head into their golden years than their parents were. That means there will be enough variety in their choices to turn even the less taken roads into major retirement trends over the next 10 to 20 years. Many baby boomers plan to travel more as they enter retirement. In fact, 38 percent of them have created a travel bucket list they hope to embark upon within the next several years, according to an AARP survey of 889 baby boomers. After decades of cramming travel into long weekends and limited vacation time, new retirees often have a pent-up desire to visit new places.
Meg S. and Dierk M. knew exactly what they wanted to do when they retired in 2017. “Go wherever whim and chance might take us in our recreational vehicle. We’re able to see parts of the country that you can’t possibly experience by air or by train. We’ve had the opportunity to visit so many quaint small towns that are really Americana,” said Meg. Her travel mate, Dierk, added “RV travel is relatively inexpensive from the standpoint that you are not paying $100-$200 per night for a hotel room. Yes, there is gas expense, but that is completely offset by the cost of a campsite for the night. Average campsites in state parks run from $20-$45 per night, which also includes electricity and sewer connections. You are able to camp lakeside, mountainside, and oceanside for a lot less than getting hotel rooms in any of those locations. There is just complete flexibility with this type of travel, not to mention what a great time for family bonding.” In addition, many baby boomers are looking for flexible vacation options. They like being able to stop wherever and whenever they like with the luxury to extend or shorten their stay in any location. This particular age group is searching for a more
fulfilling life—and quite a few are finding that RVing is the answer. Many are looking for outlets to unwind and unplug. It makes sense that people who spend time outdoors, cook at home, and spend quality time with the important people in their lives would be drawn to RV travel. Need some road trip inspiration? Here are some stunning places to visit: << Grandfather Mountain (North Carolina) << Great Smokey Mountains (Tennessee) << San Pedro Resort (Florida Keys) << Appalachian Mountains (West Virginia) << Camp Gulf Holiday Park (Florida) << Libby’s Oceanside Park (Maine) “I would have never considered myself a “camping” girl, but now, I’m not sure I would want to travel any other way,” said Meg. “We’ve experienced the Rockies and the Tetons, along with Glacier National Park, as well as the Gulf of Mexico from Alabama to the Everglades, and the Atlantic Coast from Florida to South Carolina as well as many, many small towns and cities in between. We’ve also visited many American historical sites that I would never have experienced if traveling by air, with all the ease of traveling in my own home.” MSN
FALL forforFLAVOR NOW NOWTHROUGH THROUGH NOVEMBER NOVEMBER4, 4,2018 2018
• • • • • •
Pumpkin Spice Pancake Pla�er Corned Beef Benedict Country Fried Steak Skillet S�cky Bun Waffle Pla�er Spiced Pear Breakfast Pla�er Cranberry Breakfast Pla�ers
FOR GOODNESS NOVEMBER NOVEMBER55THROUGH THROUGH STEAK! JANUARY JANUARY27, 27,2019 2019 • • • • • • •
HEARTY MAN’S COMBO STEAK & CHEESE SKILLET A.1.® STEAKHOUSE BENEDICT STEAKHOUSE OMELET STEAK MEDALLIONS & EGGS STEAK & PEPPERS SKILLET USDA STEAK MEDALLIONS & SHRIMP
Billings 765 S 20 West 406-656-6640
Bozeman 2505 West Main 406-587-9323
Missoula 2275 N Reserve 406-543-3330
Billings 825 N 27th 406-248-8320
Butte 2900 Harrison 406-494-2490
Kalispell 1390 Hwy 2 E 406-257-7375
Take-out Bakery • Buses & Tours Welcome
Great Falls 526 2nd Ave N 406-453-2411
MONTANA SENIOR NEWS • OCTOBER // NOVEMBER 2018
PAGE 46
Health Care
MEDICINE•PREVENTION•DIAGNOSIS•TREATMENT
Senior Health: 5 Ways to Get Better Sleep or may not work for you, so give them a go and see what works best for you, as each strategy is individual.
BY SARAH CUMMINGS Like many things in life, the manner in which we sleep alters considerably as we age. The deep, enjoyable sleep that leads you to be totally unaware of the outside world and its sounds, is known as “slow wave sleep.” When you get older, slow wave sleep lessens and starts to get harder to come by. It’s a natural occurrence to experience a lowering of total sleep time too. Experts have revealed that by the time we arrive at 70-years-of-age, the average nighttime sleep we have is around 6.6 hours. You should remember that just because you’re aging, and you’re sleeping less, it doesn’t always translate into the fact that you’re not sleeping well or having sleep issues. If you know that you’re not sleeping too well, you’re getting up a lot during the night, or generally not feeling like you’ve charged your batteries, then you consider paying a visit to the doctor to check that everything is okay. Before you do make an appointment to see your doctor, take a look at these five ways that you can help get better sleep. Each point has been proven to work and they may
GET MOVING! First things first, you should be aiming to get yourself regularly active. Arguably one of the most important things (hence being the first point) is getting yourself moving. Staying active has a multitude of benefits that you can enjoy, with better quality of sleep being one of the major factors. Don’t worry, you don’t have to be completing triathlons seven days a week to qualify as being a regular mover, although sports such as skiing have been known to improve balance and health. You can indulge in simple activities, such as: << Taking a brisk walk every day << Doing some gardening << Going to an exercise class for older adults Taking part in physical activity can really make a significant difference, but don’t think you have to do too much too close to your bedtime, though, or you’ll be full of too much energy to wind down and fall asleep. Get the exercise done in the morning, or during the daytime, and then take part in some light stretching before bedtime for optimum results when it comes to improved sleep.
GET YOUR MATTRESS RIGHT Mattresses are with us throughout our lives; from the moment we’re old enough, we lay on mattresses when it comes to going to sleep, and they play an integral part in our sleep too! Essentially, it’s thought that just as long as your mattress has a soft and thick casing, it should do the trick. However, this isn’t always the case, and mattresses are a very individual thing. If you are having sleepless nights, it may well be worth considering changing your mattress. You can find out more about new mattresses by visiting useful websites that will be able to help you find the right one for you. THINK ABOUT YOUR ROUTINE If you’re a senior, then you can adapt and adopt a number of things in your life that can assist in giving you a better night’s sleep. Take your daily routine for example; if you enjoy a nap during the day, restrict your sessions to half an hour and only during the early afternoon. Choosing smaller, lighter evening meals are also useful to aid better sleep. Think about eating fish, salads and vegetables over pasta or pies and you could enjoy improved and more consistent sleep.
We’re here to help you turn wear and tear, Into Recovery and Rejuvenation.
Because you’re still booming...
We get the recognition. Our patients get so much more. ...and so are we.
What does being recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the ”Best Hospital” in Montana for 2018-19 really mean? It means more days making cookies with your grandchildren. It means more afternoons playing golf with your closest friends. It means more time doing what you want to do. At Billings Clinic, we keep striving to be the best and look forward to sharing so many “mores” with our patients.
New walk-in clinic OrthoNOW now open for same day appointments. 406.496.3400 | MontanaOrthopedics.com | Butte, Montana B L AVAT S K Y
BUEHLER
DIGIOVINE
GALL AG H E R
RUSSO
To learn more, call (406) 255-8400 or 1-800-252-1246 or visit billingsclinic.com/usnews
OCTOBER // NOVEMBER 2018 • MONTANA SENIOR NEWS
Health Care
What’s good about having your own evening routine is that it doesn’t really take much effort to do, so why not include some reading (don’t read in bed if you have an eBook). The bed should strictly be reserved for sleeping and sex.
© EuStock, Bigstock.com
You can also reduce how much you drink during and after dinner as a way of helping to cut down those pesky middle-of-the-night trips to the bathroom.
TAKE A WARM BATH This is a good idea to add to your repertoire of daily routine activities, perhaps. Draw yourself a nice warm bath, and when you get out of the water, the drop in your body’s temperature may help you feel tired.
PAGE 47
Baths are great for helping you to feel more relaxed and support the feeling of slowing down, so you’re more to feel ready for bed, making restful sleep increasingly probable. LEAVE THE PAPERWORK ALONE Last but not least, if you find yourself filling in insurance forms, changing bank details, enrolling and signing up for services online, then make sure all of this is kept away from your bedtime routine. There’s always time in the day to get clerical work and general housekeeping done; after all, what’s more important than our sleep? MSN
Is Your Health Data Secure-Don’t Be So Sure Americans may have a false sense of security about the privacy and safety of their personal medical information, suggests a new survey from SCOUT, a healthcare marketing agency specializing in rare diseases. The survey, conducted with The Harris Poll as part of a new research series called SCOUT Rare Insights, found that less than half of American adults (49 percent) are extremely or very concerned about the security of their personal health information (e.g., diagnoses, health history, test results), despite a mounting number of medical data breaches and a booming market in medical identity theft. By contrast, 69 percent of U.S. adults said they are extremely or very concerned about the security of their personal financial information (e.g., credit card details, bank account numbers, financial passwords). “We need to be much more aware and concerned about the safety of our health data,” said Raffi Siyahian, principal at SCOUT. “First, the risk of having your medical data exposed is pretty significant. And second, the consequences of someone gaining unauthorized access to your personal health information can be far more damaging than having someone illegally access your personal financial information.”
Protect Your Precious Eyes! Diabetes can lead to diabetic retinopathy, which occurs when high blood sugar causes damage to blood vessels in the tissue at the back of the eye. These blood vessels can swell and leak or even close, stopping blood flow. These changes can steal your vision. Early symptoms include: floaters, blurriness, dark areas of vision and difficulty seeing colors. Controlling your blood sugar with nutrition and medication can stop vision loss and may even bring some of your vision back. Our doctors will check for this condition with dilation or you can opt for the Optomap Retinal Scan. This revolutionary diagnostic tool captures a 200 degree high-resolution image of the retina in a single shot, without dilation. We have the only Optomap in a 100 mile radius. If there is reason for concern, the doctor may order an OCT. This specialized instrument scans the retina and provides detailed images of its thickness. This helps your doctor find and measure swelling of your macula.
Take care of your vision. Schedule your appointment today!
406-265-1231 Dr. Safley, F.A.A.O Board Certified, Dr. Obie, and Dr. Stremcha
416 3rd Avenue, Havre havreeyes.com
According to the Health and Human Services Office of Civil Rights, healthcare data breaches are on the rise, with millions of medical records being lost, stolen or inappropriately disclosed each year. Some breaches © Spaxial, Bigstock.com result in the exposure of extremely sensitive data -- last year more than 7,000 patients of a Manhattan hospital center had their private health information revealed online, linking their names and home addresses to such details as their medical and mental health diagnoses, HIV status, addiction histories, and exposure to domestic violence. CONTINUED ON PAGE 48
MONTANA SENIOR NEWS • OCTOBER // NOVEMBER 2018
Health Care
PAGE 48
HEALTH DATA SECURE / CONTINUED FROM PAGE 47
The thriving business of medical identity theft is another threat to the safety of personal health information. Stolen medical files command top dollar because criminals can use them in a multitude of ways, from obtaining prescription drugs and expensive medical services to perpetuating insurance and tax fraud. “If your financial information is stolen, your bank will usually tip you off pretty quickly and there are laws in place to help limit your liability,” said Siyahian. “By contrast, it can take months to spot something unusual in your medical record, and there aren’t the same protections to reduce your damages. We need to guard and monitor our health insurance cards and medical service statements as rigorously as we guard and monitor our credit cards and bank statements.” In other findings, the Scout Rare Insights survey revealed that only 36 percent of American adults currently use an online portal to access their personal health information, with those aged 35 and up more likely to use a portal than those aged 18 to 34 (39 percent vs. 28 percent). Among the 64 percent of U.S. adults who choose not to use an online health portal, the top reasons cited were a preference for discussing their health in person (47 percent) and concerns about the security of accessing their health information online (39 percent). Lastly, the survey also found that the type of personal health information Americans are most concerned about being mishandled or shared without their permission is information related to diagnosed medical conditions and diseases (31 percent). MSN
Breast Cancer Screening
Do It For You, Do It For Them
Breast cancer is the 2nd leading cause of death for Montana women. Talk to your doctor about getting screened. If you can’t afford a mammogram, call
457-8923 to see if you qualify for assistance.
Macular Degeneration Tips BY JIM MILLER SAVVY SENIOR — Around 15 million Americans are living with macular degeneration today. Over time, this progressive disease can rob people of their central vision, making everyday tasks like driving a car, reading the newspaper, or watching television extremely challenging. Here are some resources that can help. LOW VISION HELP The best place to get help living and coping with macular degeneration is at a vision rehabilitation agency or clinic. Typically run by state or nonprofit organizations, or private eye care clinics, more than 1,500 of these services scattered across the country help people who are living with all types of uncorrectable vision impairments. Most state and nonprofit vision rehabilitation services are free or low-cost, while private clinics typically charge a fee or may accept Medicare. While vision rehabilitation does not restore lost sight, it does help people maximize their existing sight, or, if they have no vision, it can equip them with techniques and tools to help them maintain an independent lifestyle. Services include counseling, along with training on how to perform daily living tasks with low vision and how to use visual and adaptive devices and assistive technologies that can help improve quality of life. They also offer guidance for adapting your home that will make it safer and easier to maneuver, and can help locate low-vision support groups. Some agencies will even send their specialist out to work in the comfort of your own home. To find a vision rehabilitation service in your area, call the American Foundation for the Blind referral line at 800-232-5463, or visit VisionAware.org/directory. If you use a smartphone or tablet, download their VisionConnect app (see AFB.org/VisionConnect), which connects you to all types of low-vision resources in your area. If, however, you don’t live near a vision rehabilitation service, you can also get help from an occupational therapist (OT), who can provide low-vision training in your home. Medicare, if prescribed by your eye doctor or healthcare provider, covers this. ONLINE HELP Another convenient place to find help is online at VisionAware.org. This free website, created by the American Foundation for the Blind and the Reader’s Digest Partners for Sight Foundation, is designed to help older adults who are losing their sight. It provides information on eye conditions, along with dozens of practical tips and instructional videos on living with vision loss,
MECHANICAL CONTRACTORS
406-728-1515 4GPlumbing.com
5641 W Harrier, Missoula
LE DAB R O F AF TRY
IS DEN
E E R F C
N
ATIO
ULT ONS
Dental Implant Special Includes Implant, Abutment & Crown. Not valid with any other offers
$1999
(406) 656-9911 2049 Broadwater Avenue, Billings • moritzdentalcare.com
“Better Health through Better Sleep.” Sleep Apnea: an easily treatable common condition, can lead to hypertension, heart disease, strokes and premature death. If you think you have Sleep Apnea, contact your health care provider to see if a sleep evaluation may be right for you.
The Sleep Medicine Center 406-752-1729 1297 Burns Way • Kalispell 406-862-2229 NVH • Whitefish TheSleepMedicineCenter.com
OCTOBER // NOVEMBER 2018 • MONTANA SENIOR NEWS
Health Care
© Creative Family, Bigstock.com
for traveling safely outside the home, and various tips on how to manage things like finances, medications, and other tasks like cooking, cleaning, grooming, reading, writing and more. It also offers a comprehensive list of low-vision products and technologies that can help people stay active and independent, including product reviews that are published in their online magazine called AccessWorld, accessed at AFB.org/aw.
including concepts for adapting a home to make it easier to navigate, techniques
OTHER RESOURCES Some other good resources that can help include the Hadley Institute (Hadley.edu,
PAGE 49
800-323-4238), which offers dozens of free online instructional videos to help the blind or visually impaired live independently. Ears for Eyes (EarsForEyes.info, 800-843-6816) provides free audio lessons that teach low-vision adaptive daily living skills. Living Well with Low Vision (LowVision.PreventBlindness.org, 800-331-2020) offers up-to-date information and free materials for people living with sever vision impairment. 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.
Passing Myself on the Stairs: Adult ADD BY SHARON LOVE COOK SENIOR WIRE — It was a trendy new café: chrome counters, hanging lamps, and jazz playing in the background. The sandwich menu was an old-school blackboard, scribbled in chalk. After perusing the list, I told the bandana-wearing server I’d have prosciutto and cheese. “What do you want it on?” he asked. “Bread.” His smile was patient. “We have ciabatta, croissant, brioche, whole-grain artisanal . . . ” He waited, tapping his pencil on the counter. “Whole grain.” “How about toppings?” He pointed to another list on the busy blackboard. “You can choose three.” I slipped on my glasses and leaned forward to read. “I’ll have lettuce, tomato, sprouts.” He nodded. “What kind of sprout — mung bean, lentil, alfalfa . . . ?”
Save Up To Off Your Prescription Medication Costs!
80%
• Maximize Your Medicare Coverage! • Ships Directly To Your Door • Fully Licensed College of Pharmacists of Manitoba [License #32386]
“Alfalfa.” I blotted my forehead. I’d made it this far. There was no turning back. “What about cheese?” He rattled off names. When he got to Gorgonzola, I interrupted. “Do you have American?” I craved the familiarity of the bland, processed squares. My response must have been loud. The server looked startled. “Sure.” He wrote on his pad and without looking up, said, “Take a seat. We’ll call when your order’s ready. What’s your phone number?” I told him. Then I added, “It’s a landline. I’ll be at home when you call.” With that I turned and raced for the door. As a senior adult with ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), I’m constantly confronted with an overwhelming barrage of choices. Even the pet food manufacturers have gotten into the act. Our dog’s brand CONTINUED ON PAGE 50
We Dispense Only Health Canada Approved Prescription Medications (Health Canada is Canada’s FDA)
REFER A SAVE $10 OFF FRIEND: YOUR FIRST BOTH OF YOU ORDER SAVE $10 Start Saving Now
Call 1-866-888-3784 Toll Free 24/7
906 Main St, Winnepeg, Manitoba R2W3P3, Canada
DENTAL COSTS GOT YOU RUNNING SCARED? Save up to 50%** with Montana Dental Membership Plan, LLC
Call us now at
406-590-1774
or
406-466-3515
*Plan applies to the Great Falls Area. This is not dental insurance.
Aaron M. Alme, MD Roger A. Barth, MD Mark C. Remington, MD Gus L. Stein, MD Chelsea L. Crandell, OD Jonathan F. Olsen, OD
OFFERING HOPE • SHARING SOLUTIONS Comprehensive adult outpatient mental health & addiction services, promoting all areas of wellness. • Stress • Grief • Anxiety • Depression • Chemical Dependency Contact us for help & to support our dedication to high quality mental health care.
406-252-5658 • BILLINGS Serving 11 counties in South Central MT
+ + + + + + + +
COMPREHENSIVE EYE EXAMINATIONS GLASSES CONSULTATIONS SMALL INCISION CATARACT SURGERY LASER SURGERY GLAUCOMA TREATMENT AND SURGERY DIABETIC EYE CARE COSMETIC EYE SURGERY
406-257-2020
OR
1-800-772-8825
175 TIMBERWOLF PARKWAY • KALISPELL SATELLITE CLINICS IN POLSON & LIBBY MEDICARE ASSIGNMENT ACCEPTED
PAGE 50
MONTANA SENIOR NEWS • OCTOBER // NOVEMBER 2018
Health Care
ADULT ADD / CONTINUED FROM PAGE 49
now contains gluten-free beet pulp, flax seed, and added probiotics. Not to be outdone, our cat’s food is geared to feline ailments such as urinary tract infection, dental plaque, and hair balls. When I was a kid, pet food was made by one company: Calo. The product smelled as unappetizing as it looked, but at least purchasing it was easy. It came in two varieties —one for cats, and one for dogs. Likewise, the greeting card industry is exploding. Where cards once occupied a rack or two, they now take up three aisles at the supermarket. And, like the pet food manufacturers, they’ve gotten into sub-categories. I recently hoped to find a simple condolence card. No easy task, I discovered, searching
HARRINGTON Providing Home Health Care Equipment And Supplies For Over 71 Years!
among cards that specified the recipient’s relationship to the deceased, i.e. “Sorry for the loss of your mother-in-law.” I saw cards intended for great-aunts, step-grandmothers, second cousins. When the industry has run the gamut of family relations, will they expand to the professionals in our lives: “Sorry for the loss of your plumber/lawyer/hairdresser?” When and if that happens, three aisles won’t be enough. For those with ADD—which runs in families; my mother kept her go-to-church girdle inside a seldom-used electric skillet—shopping can be perilous. Try going into Starbucks without a plan, or a movie theater with its dozen screens. They don’t call it a “complex” for nothing. Surrounded by so much stimuli, I lose track of where I’m heading or where I’ve been. I call it “passing myself on the stairs.” For instance, the last time I went to the mall, I got so overwhelmed I rushed for the exit. In my haste, I bounced off a free-standing plexiglass panel. The clerks, ignoring me earlier, now helped me off the floor.
53 E. Broadway • Butte & 1208 W.Kent • Missoula
Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s isn’t easy. Reaching us is.
Sharon Love Cook of Beverly Farms, MA, is the author of the Granite Cove Mysteries and the novel, Phantom Baby, a “triple-A tale” of addiction, abduction and adultery. Contact her at sharonlovecook@comcast.net
Dementia versus Alzheimer’s
Call us toll free 1-800-345-9517 406-723-6541 or 406-721-8468
Needless to say, I avoid malls. My idea of a perfect store contains two racks: “Reduced for Clearance” and “Everything Must Go.” In my opinion, online shopping was designed for ADDers. We can relax and mull over our choices. Nobody is pressuring us, or as my mother used to say of pushy salespeople, “breathing down your neck.” To a kid, her words conjured up a world of strange adult behavior. Maybe someday we’ll have service dogs for ADD. Wearing sensors, they’ll be alerted when their subjects reach stimulation overload. I could have used such a dog at the trendy café. Sensing a meltdown, the specially trained canine would lead me to the exit. There, at the door, he’d pause and lift his leg. MSN
BY JIM MILLER SAVVY SENIOR — Many people use the words “Alzheimer’s disease” and “dementia” interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. In fact, you can have a form of dementia that is completely unrelated to Alzheimer’s disease. Here’s what you should know. Dementia is a general term for a set of symptoms that includes memory loss, impaired communication skills, a decline in reasoning, and changes in behavior. It most commonly strikes elderly people and used to be referred to as senility. Alzheimer’s disease is a specific illness that is the most common cause of dementia. Though many diseases can cause dementia, Alzheimer’s—which
affects 5.7 million Americans today—accounts for 60 percent to 80 percent of dementia cases, which is why you often hear the terms used interchangeably. But many other conditions can cause symptoms of dementia, like vascular dementia, which is the second most common cause, accounting for about 10 percent of dementia cases. Vascular dementia is caused by a stroke or poor blood flow to the brain. Other degenerative disorders that can cause dementia include Lewy body dementia, Parkinson’s disease, Frontotemporal dementia, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), Huntington’s disease, and Korsakoff Syndrome. Some patients may also have more than one form of dementia. Dementia is caused by damage to brain cells, but the symptoms can vary depending on the cause. In the case of Alzheimer’s disease, protein fragments CONTINUED ON PAGE 51
CBD HEMP PRODUCTS CBD products available: CBD Oil CBD Salves CBD Gummies CBD Lozenges CBD Syrups
CBD Creams CBD Gel Capsules CBD Gum CBD Serum CBD Vape Additive
Shipped from our Montana Warehouse
• Organic & lab tested • Legal in all 50 states • Oils • Gel Caps • Salves • Gummies
• Creams • Gum • Serum • Vape Additive • Lozenges • Syrups
Established Montana Business since 1996
Contact us today! MontanaDirectBuy.com info@montanadirectbuy.com
Southwest Chemical Dependency Program “Where Freedom Takes Flight”
If you care for someone with Alzheimer’s disease, memory loss or dementia, you are not alone. We’re here day or night — whenever you need us — offering reliable information and support. Free 24/7 Helpline: 800.272.3900 Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregiver Center: alz.org/care
SWCDP is a state-approved treatment center offering Intensive Inpatient and Outpatient treatment for chemical dependency. 430 E. Park St PO Box 1587 Livingston
Phone (406) 222-2812 Email info@swcdp.org www.swcdp.org
OCTOBER // NOVEMBER 2018 • MONTANA SENIOR NEWS
DEMENTIA / CONTINUED FROM PAGE 50
or plaques that accumulate in the space between nerve cells and twisted tangles of another protein that build up inside cells cause the damage. In Alzheimer’s disease, dementia gets progressively worse to the point where patients cannot carry out daily activities and cannot speak, respond to their environment, swallow, or walk. Although some treatments may temporarily ease symptoms, the downward progression of disease continues, and it is not curable. But some forms of dementia are reversible, which is why it’s important to be evaluated by a physician early on. Vitamin deficiencies,
Health Care
thyroid problems, brain tumors, depression, excessive alcohol use, medication side effects, and certain infectious diseases can cause reversible forms of dementia. Another treatable form of dementia is a condition known as normal pressure hydrocephalus, which is caused by a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain that can be relieved by surgically implanting a shunt to drain off excess fluid. This type of dementia is often preceded or accompanied by difficulty walking and incontinence. To learn more about the different types of dementia, including the symptoms, risks, causes and treatments visit the Alzheimer’s Association at ALZ.org/dementia. MSN
PAGE 51
ESTATE LIQUIDATIONS • DOWNSIZING
CALL TODAY
406.216.2288 BARNAUCTIONS.COM GREAT FALLS
CATARACT SURGERY Dropless INTRAOCULAR INJECTIONS Macular Degeneration • Diabetic Eye Disease COMPREHENSIVE EYE CARE Routine Eye Exams • Emergency Eye Care Glaucoma Testing & Treatment LASIK & PRK • Botox Injections OPTICAL Eyeglasses • Contact Lenses
Mark F. Ozog, M.D.
Board Certified Ophthalmologist
406-453-1613 • 1-800-541-2417 1417 9th Street South, Suite 100, Great Falls
It is important to understand the difference between normal age-related changes and those more worrisome ones that occur when the brain no longer functions properly. Common early symptoms of Alzheimer’s may include difficulty remembering recent conversations, names or dates, apathy and depression. Later symptoms may include impaired communication, poor judgment, disorientation, confusion, behavior changes and difficulty speaking, swallowing and walking.
Mother with Alzheimer’s Bathing can be one of the most challenging personal care activities. Because it is such an intimate experience, it may be perceived by the person as threatening. Loss of independence and privacy can be difficult. They may not even remember what bathing is and why it matters. Here are some tips to help with bathing: << Prepare the bathroom: Gather everything you need in one place beforehand. Check to make sure the room temperature is comfortable. << Help the person feel in control: Coach the person through each step. Keep the person as warm and covered as possible. Be sure the person has a role. Have the person hold the shampoo bottle or washcloth. << Take preferences into consideration: When did the person typically bathe? In the morning or at night? Do they prefer showers or baths? << Consider the frequency: Perhaps it is not necessary to bathe every day. Sponge baths
To schedule clinic appointments
call 406-266-4670
• Critical Access Hospital
with a washcloth can be effective in between showers or baths.
Putting yourself in her position can go a long way toward creating more successfully and positive encounters — whether it’s bathing, meal times or community outings. MSN The Alzheimer’s Association is here to help with any concerns you or your family may have.
• Long Term Care • Diagnostic Imaging Including CT, MRI, Mammography, & Ultrasound • Diagnostic Laboratory • Rehab Services Including Physical & Occupational Therapy • Emergency Room Open 24-hrs
Broadwater Health Center Townsend, Montana
Have an anonymous question you’d like answered? Send it to Montana@alz.org. Our 24/7 Helpline is staffed night and day by information specialists and care consultants. There is never a cost and all services are provided free of charge for families. You can also stay current on the latest advances in Alzheimer’s treatments, care and research by calling 800-272-3900 or at www.alz.org.
110 North Oak Street
broadwaterhealthcenter.com
406-266-3186
Experience History at the
Open Thurs.-Sat., 10AM-5PM
the BO UTIQUE
A CANCER CARE STORE
Helping cancer survivors live life through cancer and beyond • MASTECTOMY FITTING • COMPRESSION STOCKINGS & SLEEVES • WIGS, HATS & HEADCOVERS 1054 HELENA AVE, HELENA • 406-422-0898
new exhibits: The First World War and Pull Up a Chair: Tales from the Seats of History
vote on your favorite chair!
~~~
Open every day in summer 118 W. Chinook St., Livingston ~ 222-4184 www.yellowstonegatewaymuseum.org
MONTANA SENIOR NEWS â&#x20AC;˘ OCTOBER // NOVEMBER 2018
PAGE 52
Caregiving
SUPPORTâ&#x20AC;˘INSIGHTâ&#x20AC;˘COMFORTâ&#x20AC;˘SERVICEâ&#x20AC;˘ENCOURAGEMENT
Guardians from Hell Undermine Rights of Elderlies PART 2 OF A 3 PART SERIES
BY GRETCHEN RACHEL HAMMOND The nightmare story of state ward Virginia Wahabâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s guardianship battle is not drawn from a dystopian fantasy. It is happening today all over America, where Probate Courts employ an exponentially growing network of professional, for-profit guardians. I talked at length to six other familiesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;in Michigan, Arizona, New York, and Illinois respectively about their experiences with predatory guardians; some are court appointed professionals, others are family members granted leave by Probate Courts to cut their siblings out of a wardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life. The tapestry of each story was as complicated as it was heartbreaking. Each narrator pulled on the memory of each thread of that tapestry and found tears, despair, rage, and frustration behind it. Dr. Sam J. Sugar, MD is the founder of Americans Against Abusive Probate Guardianship (AAAPG) and the author of the May 2018 book Guardianships and The Elderly: The Perfect Crime.
Not Fast Food... Just Good Food Fast! 406-727-5820 1225 Central Avenue Great Falls
M-F 11am - 3:30pm Lunch 3:30pm - 6:30pm Dinner
â&#x20AC;&#x153;In 2003 in Florida, there were 23 professional guardians,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Today, there are 670.â&#x20AC;? According to Sugar, these guardians are sometimes no more than highschool graduates with little or no experience and are often untrained, uncertified, and unlicensed. Yet they can make $85 per, hour, per ward, Š Digitalista, BIGSTOCK.COM per day. An income potential of $100,000 per year can be earned simply by opening the daily mail belonging to half-a-dozen wards. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The stated occupation of one of the most prominent guardians in the State of Florida is â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;dog walkerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;,â&#x20AC;? Sugar said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But she has control over the lives of elderly people and multi-million or billion-dollar estates.â&#x20AC;? Speaking generally, and without addressing Munger or any other guardian, Sugar described what he said was a common pattern. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The first thing the guardian does, within the first 30 days, is to collect every nickel the ward owns. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s called â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;marshaling the assetsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;,â&#x20AC;? he explained. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Then they seize recurring revenue streams. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve ever worked, been in the armed services or had a pension, you represent a tremendous amount of income because the guardian now controls your Medicare or Medicaid. They seize and divert social security payments or veteranâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s benefits and change beneficiaries on life insurance policies.â&#x20AC;? In a Strawman Sale, a guardian will appraise a home for a low amount for which he will
Two-Bedroom Apartments Available in our Assisted Living Community
Residential Satisfaction & Quality Lifestyle
HONORING OUR VETERANS
3758 Ave B â&#x20AC;˘ Billings â&#x20AC;˘ 406-656-0422 autumnspringsassistedliving.com
Helping create enriched, safe, independent lives is what we do every day at Interim HealthCare.
Home is where our story begins Personal Care Services Include: â&#x20AC;˘ Light Housework and Laundry â&#x20AC;˘ Transportation â&#x20AC;˘ Shopping and Meal Preparation â&#x20AC;˘ Medication Reminders â&#x20AC;˘ Companionship â&#x20AC;˘ Personal Care (bathing and grooming) â&#x20AC;˘ CNA and RN Care Available Interim HealthCare of Western Montana (406) 884-2006 113 W. Broadway â&#x20AC;˘ Missoula, MT 59802 interimhealthcare.com/missoulaMT Service area includes Missoula, Ravalli, Granite, Mineral, Lake, Flathead, Lincoln, Powell and Sanders Counties
Oldest FLATHEAD VALLEYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S & Most family owned funeral home Trusted with the most reasonable prices
406-752-0336
SUPPORTING OUR VETERANS ~ SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITY Two Stoplights North of Kalispell Regional Hospital on Hwy 93
OCTOBER // NOVEMBER 2018 • MONTANA SENIOR NEWS secure court approval to sell. After ransacking it and taking whatever is of value, the guardian will then use a colleague, friend, or associate to purchase the home at the court-approved rate. The home will then be sold at its full value, allowing the guardian to keep profits never reported to the court. “There are an endless number of ways for a guardian who is a lawyer to profit particularly from one ward,” he said. Meanwhile, the family members who fight in Probate Courts to have their loved ones restored to them are systematically drained both emotionally and financially; punished for daring to oppose a system that is completely out of control and has all but been left unchecked, except by those few who have run afoul of it and fought back through ceaseless activism. THE STORY OF SUGAR For eight years, Sugar has made it a life mission to raise awareness about guardianship abuse. The son of two survivors of Auschwitz and Bergen-Belsen, who met in a Swedish refugee
Caregiving
camp after liberation, Sugar arrived in the United States with his parents in 1949 and settled in Chicago. After a successful practice in internal medicine and a directorship of medical services at a North Chicago hospital, Sugar retired with his wife to Florida, proud to leave the work of continuing the family legacy to their four children and 11 grandchildren. Prior to eight years ago, Sugar was like many Americans. He was, he said, unaware of a nationwide industry that, in his opinion, was created around hijacking seniors and plundering every last item of value from them. Sugar’s own family became involved in a legal matter involving guardianship—one he still cannot discuss today because, like the family courts who dispense judgment on the future of minors, those charged with rendering decisions on the elderly routinely issue the same non-disclosure gag orders, which also serves to shield court employees from accountability from the media or from legislators. “It seemed to me that this was a system unbelievable for it to be occurring in the United States,” he said. “It was so off
PAGE 53
the charts, so unexpected and cruel that I decided to get educated. I had thought we were the only ones but, very quickly, I ran into people who had the exact same thing happen to them.” “I wish I had never heard the term ‘guardianship’,” Sugar wrote in his book. “Our entire American legal system hinges on the faith and trust of the American citizen. Our country’s three foundational documents take great pains to enumerate and guarantee the unique ideals that countless Americans have been willing to die for. Our tacit understanding of government is that, if we abide by the laws of our land, our sacred rights will be guaranteed. In guardianship, however, everything is different. Innocent individuals can be stripped of their rights by probate courts. In fact, most wards have even fewer rights than do convicted serial murderers.” MSN Find Part III of this series in the next edition of Montana Senior News (Dec./Jan.). To read an extended version of Part II, visit montanaseniornews.com/ guardians-from-hell-part2
Clinging to Dignity as the Years Pass BY SHARON M. KENNEDY
JOIN OUR
SENIOR WIRE — As we age, it gets harder to cling to our dignity. For some folks, losing a sense of dignity is due to major health problems that require constant medical attention, including poking and probing into our physical body. For others, it’s dealing with non-life-threatening ailments like arthritis, knee problems, and poor vision. Regardless of the cause, having to admit we need help can be difficult for those of us who have always been independent.
Something as simple as opening a jar of pickles can cause frustration when our hands no longer have the strength to twist off the lid. Even if we’re alone in the kitchen, we might feel ourselves slipping into that gray zone called old age. I remember my grandmother asking me to thread a needle for her. I was just a little girl and couldn’t believe Gram couldn’t see the hole and slide the thread through it. Now I understand. What bothers me most about losing my youth is realizing it’s never CONTINUED ON PAGE 54
HERITAGE CLUB
A very popular “extra bonus” for banking with Three Rivers is the Heritage Club.
If you are 50 or better, you are eligible to join in the fun! You’ll enjoy... • Free Heritage Club Check and Personalized Checks • Free Money Orders / Cashier’s Checks • Visa or MasterCard Credit Card with no annual fee (O.A.C.) • Social and Travel Benefits Qualify for membership by either: • Maintaining a checking or savings account with an average collected balance of $1,500 • Maintaining a Certificate of Deposit with a Balance of $15,000 A bi-monthly newsletter is sent to each member inviting you to join us for our many luncheons, parties, day trips, and escorted travels.
IDAHO STREET BANK 233 E Idaho St. Kalispell, MT 59901 406-755-4271
MERIDIAN ROAD BANK 522 N Meridian Rd. Kalispell, MT 59901 406-755-5432
A Locally Owned, Independent Community Bank Since 1974
www.ThreeRiversBankMontana.com
PAGE 54
MONTANA SENIOR NEWS • OCTOBER // NOVEMBER 2018
Caregiving
DIGNITY / CONTINUED FROM PAGE 53
coming back. For the past few years, I’ve avoided driving at night because my vision is poor. The result is I’ve missed lots of events I would have enjoyed. I’m too proud to ask a friend to take me. Just because we’re friends doesn’t mean we like the same things. Living on a side road doesn’t help either. Our road is always icy in winter. I wouldn’t want someone to slide into the ditch or hit a deer on their way to my place. Despite all our advances in technology, psychology, and peer relationships, it seems many youth and adults of today have slid down the dignity ladder. Is it just old fogies who hold on to our dignity like a clinging burr? Perhaps we want to be called Sir or Ma’am. Perhaps we want doors opened for us, and when we dine out we certainly appreciate cloth napkins, white tablecloths, crystal water glasses, and a waiter in a pristine uniform. That’s not to say we want to be coddled as if we were an organic egg, but we do want to be treated with respect and some semblance of dignity. We are well aware the niceties of our younger days are slipping away, but that’s no reason for us to fall in line and accept modern behavior. I suppose young people don’t understand us any more than we understand them. It’s more than just a generation gap. It’s an entirely different cultural gulf that some of us may never cross. If there’s one thing that offends my dignity almost more than anything else it’s when someone calls and then puts me on “hold” because another call is coming in. I don’t know anyone so important they need to answer the new call immediately. I find it demeaning, insulting, and downright rude to be asked, “Can you hold a minute while I take this other call?”
For years I agreed and kept my mouth shut. I responded politely when what I really wanted to say was something like, “If you’re so important why did you call me?” Another response I never gave but always wanted to was, “No, I won’t hold. I’m hanging up. Don’t call me back.” Now when someone calls and asks me to wait, I just say I’m all talked out. One lady friend said she solved the call waiting problem by explaining if someone calls and her line is busy they wait until it’s free and then call again. That’s my idea of an excellent call waiting system. Growing old means facing a lot of challenges. Some are easier to accept than others. We might be willing to walk with a cane, but no one wants to wear Depends. We might drop things due to arthritis in our hands, but we don’t want our house to smell like Watkins Liniment. We don’t mind losing a back molar, but dread the thought of a complete set of new choppers. We agree to visit the doctor twice a year for a checkup, but cringe at the thought of a serious illness. We cling to whatever dignity we have left, knowing full well it will disappear if we end up in a nursing home, so take my advice. Hold your head high as you walk with a cane while wearing Depends. Dine at a fancy restaurant, and hope your teeth don’t fall out with your first bite. And if sickness comes your way, fight it with all the strength of a sumo wrestler. MSN
Choosing a Continuing-Care Retirement Community BY JIM MILLER
Open 8:30am–2:30pm 9:00am Sunday Closed Monday
BREAKFAST & LUNCH FiresideLanesMT.com • Senior Bowling Leagues • Cold Drinks & Hot Machines! • Snack Bar
1431 Industrial Ave • Billings • 406-245-3678
AMERICAN FAVORITES SUNDAY SPECIALS 500 Central Ave Great Falls 406-727-1962 fifthstreetdiner.com
SAVVY SENIOR — Individuals wanting their next move to be their final one, an all-inclusive retirement community — also known as a continuing-care retirement community (or CCRC) — is a great option to consider, but they aren’t cheap. CCRCs are different from other types of senior housing because they provide all levels of housing, services and care in one convenient location. While they vary greatly in appearance and services, most CCRCs offer apartments or sometimes single-family homes for active independent seniors. In addition, they also offer onsite assisted living for seniors who require help with basic living tasks like bathing, dressing, or going to the bathroom, and nursing home care for residents when their health declines. CCRCs also provide a bevy of resort-style amenities and services that include community dining halls, exercise facilities, housekeeping, and transportation, as well as many social and recreational activities. But be aware that all these services come at a hefty price. Most communities have entry fees that range from the low- to mid-six
IMPROVE YOUR QUALITY OF
life
WITH HOLISTIC HEALTHCARE
BOZEMAN, MISSOULA, HELENA, & BUTTE Ask about the next confidential doctor clinic in your area, pay nothing unless approved. CALL (800) 451-8365 FOR MORE INFORMATION www.LionHeartCaregiving.com
• All staff are specially trained in memory care • Licensed nurses are on-site 24 hours a day • Our residents enjoy scheduled events throughout the day and early evening
OCTOBER // NOVEMBER 2018 • MONTANA SENIOR NEWS figures, plus ongoing monthly fees that can range from around $2,000 to over $4,000, depending on the facility, services, and the chosen contract option. With more than 2,000 CCRCs in operation throughout the U.S, finding a facility that fits your lifestyle, needs, and budget will require some legwork. Here are some steps that can help you proceed. MAKE A LIST Start by calling the Area Agency on Aging (call 800-677-1116 for contact information) in the area you want to live for a list of CCRCs, or search websites like Caring.com. CALL THE FACILITIES Once you’ve located a few, call them to find out if they have any vacancies, what they charge, and if they provide the types of services you want or need. TAKE A TOUR Many CCRCs encourage potential residents to stay overnight and have a few meals in their dining hall. During your visit, notice the upkeep of the facility, and talk to the current residents to see how they like living there. Also, check out the assisted living and nursing facilities, and find out how decisions are made to move residents from one level of care to another. To check-up on a facility, call the state long-term care ombudsman (see LTCombudsman.org), who can tell you if the assisted living and
‘TIS THE SEASON / CONTINUED FROM PAGE 41
DATES TO REMEMBER Like anniversaries or birthdays, you can be in big trouble if you forget them. Mark the following dates on your calendars: < < October 15th. This is when Open Enrollment begins. You can now switch Medicare plans, join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan or drop your Medicare Prescription Drug Plan completely. << December 7th. In most cases, this is the last day to change your Medicare coverage for the next year. < < January 1st. Your old or new coverage starts today. If you are satisfied with your current coverage, you don’t need to do anything.
Caregiving
PAGE 55
nursing care services within the CCRC have had any complaints or other problems. You can also use Medicare’s nursing home compare tool at Medicare.gov/nursinghomecompare. REVIEW CONTRACTS AND FEES Most CCRCs offer three types of contracts: Life-care, or Type A contracts, which have the highest entry fee but cover all levels of long-term care as needed; Type B, or modified contracts that have lower entry fees but limit long-term care services in the initial fee; and Type C, or fee-for-service contracts, which offer the lowest entrance fees but require you to pay extra for long-term care if you need it. You also need to find out what yearly price increases you can expect. How much of your entry fee is refundable to you if you move or die? And what happens if you outlive your financial resources? RESEARCH THE CCRC Find out who owns the facility, get a copy of their most recently audited financial statement, and review it, along with the copy of the contract with your lawyer or financial advisor. Also get their occupancy rate. Unless it’s a newer community filling up, occupancy below 85 percent can be a red flag that the facility is having financial or management problems. 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.
SPECIAL ENROLLMENT PERIODS (SEPS) These offer a lifeline for certain unexpected life changes and are opportunities for change in addition to the regular annual enrollment periods. Go online or call Medicare for more information on this program. THREE HELPFUL HINTS 1. Review your most recent Medicare and You handbook to see a listing of the plans in your area. 1. Make sure to carefully read your “Annual Notice of Change” letter. 1. Get free personalized health-insurance counseling by calling your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). Visit shiptacenterw.org, or call Medicare to get the phone number.
GO FOR IT! Visit medicare.gov online or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) (TTY 1-877-486-2048). Medicare customer service representatives are almost always knowledgeable, patient, and friendly. It’s worth the occasionally long wait (and enduring the “on hold” music) to get the important information for your 2019 medical needs. MSN
SHEPHERDS WAY ASSISTED LIVING ountry living alternative to long term care
We appreciate our veterans!
Experience our beautiful indoor aviary!
Private Rooms and 1 Bedroom Suites • RN On-Call Personalized Care • Home-Style Meals Laundry • Housekeeping • Medication Assistance
80007 US HWY 87
72 & 77 Lily Valley Circle, Billings • 406-245-0334 • 406-252-0747
406.538.3610
LEWISTOWN
Home Care Services, LLC
...there is no place like home
who we are
Home Care Services is a Montana, non-profit corporation which has a charitable purpose, “To Advance the Quality of Home Care in the State of Montana.”
why choose us
SUBSCRIBE TODAY! Send $15 to: 1985 McMannamy Draw, Kalispell, MT 59901 OR Subscribe Online at: MontanaSeniorNews.com/subscribe
• Local offices across Montana; caregivers close to you. • Part of your community: we’re your neighbors! • Over 30 years experience providing in-home health care. • Over 100 hours of advanced caregiver training available. • In-home personal care, waiver services, & community first choice service. • Self-directed services (for qualifying consumers) as HomeCare Montana.
We’re Here For You!
toll free: 800-555-3111
hcsmontana.info
MONTANA SENIOR NEWS • OCTOBER // NOVEMBER 2018
PAGE 56
Nutrition
FOOD•HOLISTIC•WELLNESS•LONGEVITY•PREVENTION
Potent Pumpkin Power & Thanksgiving Tradition BY WENDELL FOWLER SENOR WIRE — I’m a pushover for nostalgia. When I see a fat pumpkin, my thoughts drift to childhood memories of gray, rainy autumnal days, the familiar smoke from burning leaves hazing the air, hot cider, outdoor football games, smooching on hayrides under harvest moons, and, of course, glowing jack-o’-lanterns. Then there’s Thanksgiving reminiscences of the aroma of a mouthwatering, creamy, spicy pumpkin pie fresh from the oven, escorted to the table by the heady perfume of a turkey roasting in the oven. Speaking of pie: Is the ratio of a pumpkin’s circumference to its diameter called “pumpkin pi”? The confusion comes from learning about “pi squared” in math class and Mom telling me that “pie are round”—a really bad, old southern Indiana joke. Do you consider pumpkin as a food that could create glowing health? Probably not. References to the versatile pumpkin date back four centuries. According to the University of Illinois Extension, the name pumpkin originated from “pepon,” the Greek word for “large melon.” That word was nasalized by the French into “pompon,” which
Magic City Terrace Apartments Comfortable & Affordable Apartments
Now Accepting Applications for Seniors! 62+
• Income Based Rent, HUD 202 PRAC • On-Site Community Administrator • Service Coordinator to connect you with resources • Free On-Site Laundry
• On-Site Parking • Mailboxes on Premises • Utilities included • Community Room Available
Call (406) 248-9117 or (800) 253-4091 TTY 1439 Main Street • Billings
was changed by the English to “pumpion.” (Shakespeare referred to the “pumpion” in his Merry Wives of Windsor.) The American colonists changed “pumpion” into “pumpkin,” and there we have it. Pumpkins were a revered part of the Native American diet, and the pumpkin seeds, pepitas, were valued more for their oil and medicinal properties than the pumpkin flesh. Native Americans and early colonists preserved pumpkins by drying them. They peeled the skin and scooped out the insides. The pulp was sliced and placed on drying racks or hung up to dry in the sun. Native Americans fed pieces of pumpkin to their horses. The Mayans used the crushed seeds to treat kidney infections and intestinal parasites, and the juice was used to treat burns. The orange globes quickly became a standby of the early New England settlements. In early colonial times, settlers hollowed out large pumpkins, filled them with milk, eggs, honey or maple syrup, and cinnamon, and baked them in the hot ashes of their fireplaces. A Pilgrim verse from around 1633 said, “For pottage, and pudding, and custards and pies, Our pumpkins and parsnips are common supplies. We have pumpkins at morning and pumpkins at noon. If it were not for pumpkins, we should soon be undoon.” There are conflicting reports as to whether pumpkin was a part of the first Thanksgiving meals of the Pilgrims and the Indians. Regardless, since then, pumpkins have been, and continue to be, a sacred tradition at the Thanksgiving Day table. But, please, do not diminish and insult pumpkins’ lofty vitamin content by smothering a slice-o-pie in god-awful Cool Whip. Not a processed food for which we should express humble gratitude. But we’ll discuss that later. Now, pumpkin, really a squash and a member of the cucurbita family, which includes squash and cucumbers, has become a rising star on the nutritional block due to its high fiber, potassium, and vitamin content. No matter how you prepare pumpkin, its potent power — the wonderful beta carotene, fiber, and vitamins — will add fresh ammo to your nutritional arsenal. According to research provided by Tufts University, pumpkin is a super cancer-fighting food. A mere one-half cup of pumpkin contains more than five times the standard RDA for beta carotene (vitamin A) per day. Furthermore, beta carotene also provides protection against heart disease and many of the degenerative aspects of aging. Pumpkin Nutrition: (1 cup cooked, no salt) Calories 49, magnesium 22 mg, potassium 564 mg, zinc 1 mg, selenium 5 mg, vitamin C 12 mg, protein 2 grams, carbohydrates 12 grams, dietary fiber 3 grams, calcium 37 mg, iron 1.4 mg, niacin 1 mg, folate 21 mcg, vitamin A 2650 IU, and vitamin E 3 mg. So, there you are, intimidated while looking a whole pumpkin in the eye, feeling unsure,
O'Fallon Historical Museum
THE HOME OF STEER MONTANA 723 S. Main, Baker, MT (406) 778-3265 • FallonCounty.net
em V O be TE r6 ,2 0
18
Vote Ed Buttrey for HD21
N ov
Winter: 8AM-5PM, M–F, September-May Summer: 8AM-5PM, June-August Closed Weekends Starting August 18th
• Real Solutions • Real Leadership • Real Values
Our commitment to you... • Provide you with a friendly, helpful staff • Support local food providers • Supply alternative food items • Offer a wide range of supplements 105 Smelter Ave NE, Great Falls | 406-761-0134
Passion. Not Politics.
State House District 21
www.buttrey4montana.com Paid for by Buttrey for HD21 Campaign, 708 Central Ave, Great Falls Jessica Buttrey Treasurer, Republican
OCTOBER // NOVEMBER 2018 • MONTANA SENIOR NEWS and mumbling to yourself, “Now what do I do?” Relax. It’s not that big a deal. It’s just a pumpkin. You can bake it, roast it, stir-fry, steam it, or throw it at Ichabod Crane. You can serve it cubed or mashed, and even make
soup, bread, cake, quick breads, and cookies. With a good, strong hand, steady the gift of nature on the counter top, cut it into pieces with a good chef’s knife, and roast it in the oven. When done, the skin will easily pull off, and voila: pumpkin puree. We don’t need no stinkin’ cans! Caveat Emptor: Americans have a love affair, excuse me, blind obsession with, what I’ve christened, “Cruel” Whip. Nothing to be grateful for here. Here’s why I encourage everybody to consider avoiding Cool Whip and make real whipped cream for goodness sake. First of all, the fluffy white stuff contains hydrogenated oils that cause heart disease by increasing bad cholesterol and lowering good cholesterol. This trans fat has absolutely no nutritional value whatsoever. According to the National Academy of Sciences, no level of trans fat is safe. Trans fat is implicated in heart disease and diabetes and is commonly found in baked goods, fried foods, margarines, and fast foods. Then there’s the vilified high fructose corn (porn) syrup: In 2015, Princeton University recently found that corn syrup causes more
Nutrition
weight gain than regular table sugar and also contributes more to obesity and diabetes. And recent studies show it may also contain trace amounts of mercury, which may cause cancer, reproductive disorders, and a myriad of degenerative diseases. Skim milk and light cream are full of antibiotics and steroids. Researchers found a strong association between skim or fatfree milk and cancer, especially prostate cancer. Sorbitan monostearate listed on many labels is a chemically-derived substance referred to as “synthetic wax.” In numerous studies it has been linked to skin, eye, and respiratory irritants to stomach issues. Sodium caseinate has been linked to autism, brain malfunctions, and allergies. Then there are artificial flavors known to cause many problems, including nervous system depression, dizziness, chest pain, headaches, fatigue, allergies, brain damage, seizures, nausea, and much more. Some of the popular flavorings can also cause genetic defects, tumors, bladder cancer, and many other types of cancer. I sincerely hope you’re seeing that fresh or frozen, not canned, pumpkin is very good for your health. That is, until we begin adding ingredients that make up most pumpkin recipes: cream, butter, eggs, sugar, and shortening — especially shortening. (Do you know why they call it shortening? Because it shortens your life.) MSN
ON THE RIGHT TRACKS submitted by Julie Fink/Brantley A tourist was so excited to go hunting, he followed the tracks most of the day—until the train hit him.
Aspen Grove
PAGE 57
A FEW POTENT PUMPKIN FACTS Offered by the University of Illinois Extension Office << Pumpkin seeds can be roasted as a nutritious zinc- and protein-loaded snack. << Pumpkins contain potassium, vitamin A, C, and B. << Pumpkins have more beta-carotene than any other produce. << Pumpkins are used as feed for animals. << Pumpkin flowers are edible. << Pumpkins originated in Central America. << The Connecticut field variety is the traditional American pumpkin. << Pumpkins are 90 percent water. << Pumpkins were once recommended for removing freckles and curing snake bites.
Butte’s Only Mesquite Grill Lunch & Dinner Steaks, Burgers, Seafood, & Cocktails Open Tuesday–Saturday
205 S. Arizona, Butte (406) 723-4440
NEED HEATING HELP? (LIEAP) LOW INCOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
assists you and your family with utility bills, helping you save for necessities. Call, click, or come by today:
406-247-4778 7 N. 31st Street, Billings www.hrdc7.org
This project is funded in whole or in part under a Contract with the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services. The statements herein do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Department.
LOCALLY OWNED SINCE 1975.
Apartments
Comfortable & Affordable Apartments
Now Accepting Applications for Seniors! 62+
• Income Based Rent, HUD 202 PRAC • On-Site Community Administrator • Service Coordinator to connect you with resources • Free On-Site Laundry
• On-Site Parking • Mailboxes on Premises • Utilities included • Community Room Available
Call (406) 281-8329 or (800) 253-4091 TTY 262 Wicks Lane • Billings
Organic, Local Fruits & Vegetables Organic & Natural Groceries & Dairy Bulk Foods, Herbs, Teas & Spices Montana-Grown Beef, Chicken & Pork Supplements, Vitamins & Natural Remedies
Award Winning Deli DINE HERE OR TAKE OUT
1096 Helena Ave • Helena, MT 59601 Monday-Saturday 8-8; Sunday 9-7 (406) 443-5150 Menu on line at: www.realfoodstore.com
STORE HOURS:
MONTANA SENIOR NEWS • OCTOBER // NOVEMBER 2018
Nutrition
PAGE 58
Mangoes for Health BY ANN HATTES SENIOR WIRE—Most Americans and Canadians would probably say the most popular fruit in the world is either bananas or apples. Worldwide however, more mangoes are consumed by a factor of three to one over bananas, and 10 to one over apples. Mangoes, an exotic fruit in America, are staples in India, South Asia, China, and Latin America. Grown in India for thousands of years, it is known there as “the king of the fruits.” A symbol of love in India, a basket of mangoes is considered a gesture of friendship. The Portuguese were fascinated by the fruit on their arrival in Kerala and helped introduce it to the world.
A one-cup serving of mangoes has 100 calories, providing 100 percent of your daily vitamin C, 35 percent of your daily vitamin A, and 12 percent of your daily fiber. PHOTO COURTESY ANN HATTES.
Today mangoes are grown throughout the tropics with India the largest producer and consumer. Most of the mangoes sold in the U.S. come from Mexico, Peru, Ecuador, Brazil, and Guatemala, and are available all year long. A one-cup serving of mangoes is just 100 calories, providing 100 percent of your daily vitamin C, 35 percent of your daily vitamin A, and 12 percent of your daily fiber. Don’t judge a mango by its color, as red does not mean ripe. Mangoes come in a variety of colors, such as many shades of green, yellow, and red, and lots of mangoes show more than one color. A ripe mango will “give” slightly, and a firm mango will ripen at room temperature over a few days. Once ripe, mangoes can be moved to the refrigerator and stored for up to five days. Never refrigerate mangoes before they are ripe. In many Latin American countries, street vendors sell mango on a stick with the skin peeled back. Mangoes can be enjoyed with salt, lime juice, or chili powder for a unique flavor experience. Mangoes have unique tenderizing properties, making them a perfect ingredient for marinades. Try mango in smoothies, salads, salsas, chutneys, on fish, chicken or pork, as a dessert, or as a snack. A mango has one long, flat seed in the center of the fruit. Always wash the fruit before cutting, and use a clean knife and cutting board. Stand the mango on your cutting board—stem end down —and hold. Place your knife about 1/4-inch from the widest center line, and cut down through the mango. Flip the mango around, and repeat this cut on the other side. The resulting ovals of mango flesh are known as the “cheeks.” What’s left in the middle is mostly the mango seed. Cut parallel slices into the mango flesh, being careful not to cut through the skin. Scoop the mango slices out of the mango skin using a spoon. MSN
1 & 2 bedroom units
Available $725-$835
• Walking Paths • Apple Trees • Pets Welcome
• Exercise Area and Pools • Laundry Facilities On Site
CALL US TODAY! • 406-656-9554 3290 GRANGER AVE E • BILLINGS Mango salsa. PHOTO COURTESY ANN HATTES.
If you have access or mobility barriers, call today and let us assist you.
WONDERFUL COMMON AREAS
Club/Billiard Room w/Fireplace, Beauty/Barber Shop, Fitness Room, Coffee Bar, Movie Theater, Den/Library, and Beautiful Courtyard
LARGE UNITS
4 Floor Plans, Living Area, Kitchen, Private Bathrooms w/Walk-in Showers, Bedrooms w/Walk-in Closets, and Private Patio 24-Hour Caring & Professional Staff, Affordable Rates, & Utilities Included
Columbia Falls 406-892-3400 | Havre 406-265-3111 timbercreekvillagecommunity.com
• Elevators • Stair Lifts • Scooter Lifts • Wheelchair Lifts • Power Seats • Hand Controls • Pride Scooters • Porch Lifts • Vehicle Modifications • Wheelchair Conversion Vans
G & J Enterprises
3353 Old Hardin Rd • Billings 406-248-5767 • gandjenterprises.com
OCTOBER // NOVEMBER 2018 • MONTANA SENIOR NEWS
PAGE 59
Fitness
STRENGTH•EXERCISE•MOVEMENT•FLEXIBILITY•MOBILITY
Beth Munsterteiger Trains Seniors In Exercise Techniques BY SUZANNE WARING Beth Munsterteiger, 55, began her career as a trainer at HealthWorks in 1993 and has been facilitating exercise classes for seniors at the Peak Wellness and Health Center in Great Falls, Mont., for the last 16 years. Developing routines for these exercise classes has become her forte. In addition to leading members in exercise, she explains the merits in small doses. “Physical activity and the right type of exercise will make all the difference to your life now and in the years to come,” she tells those who work out with her. “What we don’t realize is that exercise doesn’t — in fact, shouldn’t — be painful, but you do need to commit time to it. Exercise can be enjoyable.” Munsterteiger teaches class members that physical activity isn’t the same as exercise. When you make the bed, walk repeatedly up and down stairs, mow the lawn, and work in the garden, you’re engaging in physical activities. We should relish the physical activity of our daily lives. Exercise, instead, includes repetitive, structured activity that tones different parts of the body and improves cardiovascular fitness. It can include swimming, bicycling, and classes you might participate in at a health club. Engage in both physical activity and exercise. “Seniors can exercise at home, but caution should be undertaken that the right exercises be done for their age, body build, and injuries that they might already have,” she said. “Exercise routines through home-use instruction may include exercises that are not appropriate for those fifty years of age and older, or those with permanent injuries. That is why a trainer-led class created for seniors is an excellent setting to undertake an exercise routine.”
She also tells those who are thinking about an exercise class to check whether their insurance pays for wellness activities, such as membership to a health club. Also, if there’s any question whether they should join an exercise class to consult with their physician.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 60
E Exercise trainer, Beth Munsterteiger, demonstrates a chest-strengthening exercise. PHOTO BY SUZANNE WARING
Even if individuals are the right weight for their height and body structure, Munsterteiger stresses that it is important to look at the body’s composition. There may not be enough muscle in that weight. During an exercise routine created for seniors, individuals are building strength for mobility, agility, and balance that may prevent falls. Munsterteiger is on top of the research sponsored by AARP, indicating that among people 65 years and older, falls are the leading cause of injury deaths and the most common cause of nonfatal injuries. Every 29 minutes, an older adult dies and every 15 seconds one is treated in an
About one third of People 65+ fall each year? Regain stability and improve your balance with physical therapy. | | | | | | |
8111 MT-35, Inside Fit24 | 1850 9th St W | 200 E Idaho St | 105 Village Loop | 306 Stoner Loop | 103 Whitewater Ste D | 1250 Baker Ave |
420-2195 892-7999 257-5610 756-7878 844-0744 883-8101 862-5033
t
lec
Did you Know?
Bigfork Columbia Falls Kalispell DT Kalispell W Lakeside Polson Whitefish
emergency room as a result of a fall. Each year in the U.S., nearly one-third of older adults experience a fall. A fall can lead to a hip fracture, other fractures, or even brain injuries—which are difficult for seniors to overcome. Maintaining balance involves highly complex, precise coordination of responses, both mentally and
GET A FREE CONSULTATION!
RODNEY A GARCILEGISLATURE
Rodney Garcia has been helping Billings for more than 40 years. Let’s help him by returning him to the Montana Legislature.
• Riverside Little League President • Billings Park, Rec & Cemetary Chairman • Habitat for Humanity Chairman & Board Member • Billings Police Commissioner • Helped save South Side swimming pool • Helped save Newman Elementary • Brought neighborhood policing to South Side Paid for by Rodney Garcia for Legislature, Republican. 4333 Ryan Avenue, Billings, MT 59101
MONTANA SENIOR NEWS • OCTOBER // NOVEMBER 2018
Fitness
PAGE 60
EXERCISE TECHNIQUES / CONTINUED FROM PAGE 59
physically. It is better to prevent falls through good balance. “All of the exercises that we do with the Synrgy System that we use at the Peak lead to improved balance,” said Beth Munsterteiger. “The goal is functional fitness to meet the demand of ADL’s—Active Daily Living
Find ease of motion and supple strength. Improve balance. Help alleviate pain.
1720 10th Ave S #2 Great Falls | 406-770-9244 THEMOTIONSPACE.COM Wendy Masterson Certified Practitioner
RSME, IDME, MFA, Reiki, GYROTONIC®
Skills—now and into the future. Including exercise in your weekly life is a change in lifestyle. It needs to become part of your schedule,” she said. As a class member who participates in the Synrgy exercises, you should be able to carry your grocery bags, walk up and down stairs without getting out of breath, maneuver uneven ground, and easily slide into and out of your vehicle, among other daily activities. Every health club has senior classes with its own system, but the outcomes are the same. Munsterteiger is often asked whether walking each day replaces the need for an exercise class. “Walking is awesome,” she said, “but there is no resistance to challenge the muscles throughout the body. Include walking along with a core-strengthening exercise routine.” “No pain is all gain,” she said. “Our goal is to be stronger by developing and working toward wellness because wellness doesn’t simply happen. Wellness is a life philosophy toward maintaining mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual stability.” “Over the years, class members have become friends, which is an aspect of wellness. I have so much fun getting to know them and
If You’re 50-plus, You Still Need to Exercise
Annual Election Period.
October 15th–December 7th It’s time to review your options! For a complete list of upcoming seminar dates, times and Western MT locations, go to MontanaMedicareExperts.com. • Medicare Advantage Plans • Medicare Supplement Plans • Medicare Prescription Drug Plans • Critical Illness & Recovery Plans • Dental Plans & Vision Plans Give us a call at
Serving Western Montana
406.829.2731 2409 Dearborn, Ste J Missoula, MT 59801
andersonhellmaninsurance.com Serving Western Montana
HOUSING LTD PTR
406-837-0341
Elderly or Disabled Needing Applications For Waiting List. 1 and 2 Bedroom Units Bigfork TTY 711
hearing their remarks,” said Munsterteiger. “One time I offered to raise the exercise bench for a woman when she said it was too low. Wondering how she adjusted pillows at home, I asked, ‘What do you do in bed?’ With a sober look, she came right back with, ‘Well, that’s private’.” “We do have fun, and we encourage new members to join us. We begin by learning one another’s names. Over the years, the group has gotten together for luncheons or to sample certain kinds of foods. Everyone wore black on my birthday when I turned forty,” she said. “I have met people from all walks of life. One of the members had seen Hitler; another had a connection to the Titanic.” If we fulfill the duties of caring for a home, we participate in physical activity, but once individuals add an exercise class, they find they have more energy, the body firms up, mental well-being improves, sleep is enhanced, and the body core is strengthened. When you leave a class, you should not be tired but should feel invigorated. Doing nothing about exercise is deadly. Munsterteiger recommends participating in both physical activity and exercise as a part of each week. The rewards are great. MSN
BY MIKE CANDELARIA, ORLANDO SENTINEL TNS—Scaling down exercise is OK as you age, but don’t stop. And if you haven’t begun, heed the words of Elsie Sierra, 71: “You need to exercise.” Mike Napoli has been running marathons and competing in Ironman triathlons since his 30s. Typically, he would race in one event monthly from March through November. Not so much anymore. Because of work travel and family — along with age — Napoli has a bit slower pace. He’s still a fitness enthusiast, for sure, including biking, running, and cross-fit training multiple times a week; however, two of his weekly workouts at the Crossfit Milk District gym are with his 6-year-old granddaughter, and some moves he simply can no longer do, like pull-ups, because of shoulder surgeries. “I scale (my workouts) back to make it as hard as possible on myself, but also not to the point where I’m going to hurt myself,” said Napoli, 53, a software developer in Orlando, Fla. “I feel young, but some things don’t work like they used to. I just try to keep fit and stay challenged as best I can.” Jamie Lynch is perhaps even more of a workout warrior. The 54-year-old is a nurse practitioner for cardiology practice (Orlando Health Heart Institute), which likely helped when in January he ran the Celebration Marathon’s 26-plus miles in 3 hours and 32 minutes and qualified for the 2019 Boston Marathon. Self-described as a fitness “addict,” Lynch, 54, can be found swimming and biking across Central Florida’s lake and roads, starting at 5 a.m. But he knows the clock is ticking toward inevitably slowing down and transitioning his routine while still trying to remain fit.
Studio & One Bedroom Apartments Affordable Services & Rent (30% of Income) For persons 62 or older • Central Dining Room • Housekeeping • Grocery Store • Storage Lockers • Laundry Facilities • Nondenominational Chapel • Activiites, & Service Coordinator • Beauty Salon 909 W. Central, Missoula • 406-728-3210 TTY Relay 711 • missoulamanor.com
Acupuncture Clinic of Missoula
Located in the Health Options Clinic
Safe, Gentle, & Effective Health Care 406-728-1600 • 3031 S. Russell St. acupunctureclinicofmissoula.com
OCTOBER // NOVEMBER 2018 • MONTANA SENIOR NEWS
Fitness
PAGE 61
know what I would have done if I didn’t In another 2017 study, exercise. I feel great.” researchers at University Sierra offers one succinct bit of advice to of California, San Diego others: “You need to exercise.” School of Medicine Need a place to exercise? reported that elderly Any of the large gyms in your area, such as women who sat for more 24 Hour Fitness, Planet Fitness, or the YMCA than 10 hours a day (with accommodate the 50-and-older crowd. For low physical activity) had example, 24-Hour Fitness offers Silver & Fit biologically older cells classes, designed to increase flexibility, joint compared to women who stability, balance, coordination, agility, muswere less sedentary. cular strength, and cardiovascular endurance. That wouldn’t be news According to Daun Yearwood-Davis, memto Elsie Sierra, 71. After her Elsie Sierra, 71, exercises at the YMCA. After her husband died in 2002, she sat around and ber experience director at the South Orlando husband died in 2002, she “did nothing for five years.” She now works out there Monday through Thursday for two YMCA, the 50-plus crowd gets catered to and sat around and “did nothhours, plus some Friday mornings. © RED HUBER/ORLANDO SENTINEL, TNS. represents an increasing sector of Y meming for five years.” They bership. The reason is that life reality: aging. used to run a half mile or “It’s going to happen to us all, God willing,” so together as he battled with diabetes, but Because of eye-muscle weakness in his youth, Yearwood-Davis says. MSN when he passed, she stopped. he didn’t play sports growing up. As a young Then about 10 years ago, after never havadult, he discovered weightlifting, until his lower ing been to a gym, she joined one. back and knees weakened. Then he discovered “Somebody told me I needed to change running until he progressed to triathlons (runentral Independ ent Li and asked ‘why don’t you go to a gym?’ “ ning, biking, and swimming), which enabled him C h vin Sierra recounted. to better manage the stress loads on his body. ort g N That gym was the South Orlando YMCA Now, he awaits his next transition. near her home. Today, Sierra works out there “I feel older every year,” Lynch said. om sborn Monday through Thursday for two hours, plus “Pushing myself at the highest level I know Executive Director some Friday mornings. ... that’s not likely to continue forever.” “When I first went there, I looked around He will eventually change his routine, 800-823-6245 • 406-452-9834 and didn’t know what to do. Then I started but he won’t ever stop, Lynch quickly added. 1120 25th Ave NE • Black Eagle cycling and got moti“Bodies in motion stay in motion ... There’s vated,” she said. nothing I like to do more than exercise. My Sierra moved wife says I’m a better husband when I do some from cycling to training, conditioning,” Lynch said. • GET FIT! stair-stepping, then “If can’t run, then walk. If can’t walk, then • MAKE FRIENDS! to weight machines. swim. Find what you can do.” Always thin, she now Getting older, of course, is a life reality. • HAVE FUN! can lift a 30-pound Yet, so too is the need to continue to seek Visit us today and discover barbell over her head some level of fitness in your advancing years how a membership can help you with each arm. — adjusting as you go. People like Napoli and get more out of life. “I’m 71, and I Lynch will certainly tell you as much, as does can say that I feel the International Council on Activity Aging. SPECIAL RATES & PROGRAMS INSURANCE PLANS ACCEPTED & PROCESSED like a 30-year-old. The ICAA has a section on its website called 406-727-8888 • 715 13th Ave S, Great Falls Nothing hurts,” Welcome Back to Fitness, starting with the Sierra said, noting very basics of getting a checkup, knowing your the lone exception workout options, and determining your particof tendonitis in her ipation style — all before actually exercising. right thumb. According to the American Heart Association, Also, her moods you should exercise 150 minutes, or 30 minutes are better. “If I a day at least five days a week. That includes don’t go to the people over age 50 — in fact, especially those gym, my (adult) people. The AHA points to a study released in daughters tell me 2017 that showed people with stable coronary I get cranky. ... My heart disease who increased their habitual stress, I leave it physical activity reduced their mortality rate here (at the gym),” — with the greatest benefits seen in sedentary she said. “I don’t people who began to move regularly.
Services, Inc.
T
O
Feel Better...
EVERY LIFE IS PRECIOUS AND CANNOT BE REPLACED! VOTE PRO-LIFE NOVEMBER 6 WWW.RIGHTTOLIFEOFMONTANA.COM PAID FOR BY RIGHT TO LIFE OF MONTANA
MONTANA SENIOR NEWS • OCTOBER // NOVEMBER 2018
PAGE 62
Travel
CRUISES•GETAWAYS•CULTURE•VACATIONS
Five Tips for First-time Snowbirds WORK WITH A PROPERTY BY GAIL JOKERST MANAGEMENT COMPANY As a fledgling snowIf you’d rather bird last year, I was omit the middle clueless how to begin man, you can always arranging for winter check online posts or quarters in unfamilnewspaper ads, and iar territory. Knowing deal directly with the I didn’t care to spend owner. However, our another winter at the friends recommended mercy of blizzards or contacting a property berms, I began asking management company friends who traveled to to identify rental poswar mer climes w h ere sibilities, and we took they went and how that advice. they located turn-key They showcase housing. available properties on That resulted in a list their websites, where of places to consider you can read details south of Monida Pass, plus see interior and which my husband and Using a property management company for your snowbird rental can save you from the headaches of having to deal with exterior photos of each I both found appealing. problems yourself. Photo by Gail Jokerst. rental. These compaWe eventually targeted nies also handle any the Sonoran Desert as maintenance issues that might arise, and, useful lessons along the way that other our destination and loved that region; in our case, arise they did. Instead of trying however, our lodging admittedly came potential snowbirds might benefit from. to reach an absentee owner to fix things, we with its share of challenges. For anyone pondering a southern migrasimply contacted the agency. tion for the first time, these five tips may In retrospect, we did plenty of things When a joint under the kitchen sink colprove helpful. right for first-timers. But we also did lapsed with a sink full of soapy water, we plenty wrong. No matter, we acquired
• 24 hour Pool • Pet Friendly • Fresh Baked Cookies • Extended Continental Breakfast • Cloud Nine Bedding
Remember those in
Need
Clothing Furniture Housewares
Amazing Selection Affordable Prices 407 Main • Miles City • 406-234-3011 StVincentsMilesCity.com • Mon-Sat 9:30-5:00
Donations Welcome! Family Dining Take-Out Orders Cocktails 801 Smelter Ave Great Falls
Next to Longhorn Lounge & Walmart
Start your day right, with the
Menu Online PekingGardensWest.com
1-406-549-1800 4805 N Reserve, Missoula missoula.hamptoninn.com
We Deliver! 406-727-3913
Subscribe today!
MOTORCOACH TOURS
L E T H B R I D G E
"The Best Value Under the Sun" 87 Well Appointed Guest Rooms Complimentary Continental Breakfast
8 Hotels in the heart of the Canadian Rockies
BANFF HOTEL ROOMS SUITES CONDOS
"Home on the Range Courtyard" Canada's Largest Indoor Mural Display Indoor Pool, Hot Tub, & Waterslide AAA/Senior & AARP Specials
1-800-563-8764
Call for reservations 1-800-661-8085 403-327-6000 • sales@ladaysinn.ca
www.bestofbanff.com
100 3rd Avenue S• Lethbridge, Alberta
Branson Christmas Tours
Oct 30–Nov 5 or Nov 12–18 More tours & details available online or by following us on Facebook
800-440-2690
abtoursonline.com
2018
OCTOBER // NOVEMBER 2018 • MONTANA SENIOR NEWS called, and they dispatched a plumber pronto. When the microwave and garage door opener quit working, we again called, and they sent someone to take charge. Ditto for the army of uninvited tiny ants that invaded our kitchen. START A HOUSE SEARCH AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE To our surprise, we discovered that leases for many properties are often signed a year in advance. Since I didn’t begin our search until May, I quickly realized that rental agencies have few options left by springtime. That could mean you end up staying a different length of time or in a different type of accommodation than anticipated. For us, this translated to renting for three months instead of our original plan of one month. This turned out to be a good decision (more about that later). We also signed on the dotted line for what was still available that also included a washer and dryer—a 565-square-foot casita. This turned out to be a bad decision. MAKE SURE THE RENTAL IS LARGE ENOUGH TO BE COMFORTABLE I confess I am one of those people who has trouble envisioning spatial configurations. So when I chose a 565-square-foot rental, I had no idea I would be living in a home the size of a walk-in closet for three months. Okay, not quite that small but you get the picture. In addition, two of the casita’s four windows faced the cement wall of the communal laundry while the remaining two faced the interstate. To top it off, there wasn’t even a skillet in the kitchen in which to fry an egg or a plate smaller than a carving board for salad or dessert. The good news was that we could break our lease agreement. The bad news was that the agency had only one home left, which hadn’t been rented because it was being remodeled and was a work in progress. Nonetheless, we took it as we needed housing, needed it immediately, and were in no position to be fussy. This ended up being a much larger and nicer home in a lovely neighborhood, which unsurprisingly cost more to rent. But by this point, we were grateful to have a roof over our heads, lots of room, and several skylights. Hence, the ants, plumbing, microwave, and garage-door snafus
Travel
seemed more like minor inconveniences than disasters. FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH THE CLIMATE BEFOREHAND For the past three decades, my husband and I have flown to Florida to visit family when the frigid winds of December and January blew into town. I thought I knew what to expect in terms of winter weather in other southern climes. It would be like Palm Beach County, I assumed for some unfathomable reason. Consequently, I packed mostly clothing that was suitable for hot summer weather. Alas, high desert in winter bears no resemblance to coastal Florida during that season. Yes, we managed to avoid ice and snow, but we weren’t exactly basking in the Bahamas either. Occasionally in January, I was as cold in the desert as I’ve ever been in the Flathead and not nearly as well prepared for it. Fortunately, a nearby thrift shop came to the rescue along with my predilection for layering. STAY LONG ENOUGH TO ENJOY YOURSELF Since this was a new experience, initially my husband and I didn’t want to commit too many weeks or dollars to the venture. That’s why we had thought a month would suffice. But due to the lack of available choices when we began our research (primarily three-month properties and not many at that remained), we decided to extend our stay another two months. Considering we were going to the effort of closing up the house, emptying the fridge, and blowing out water pipes anyway, we figured we may as well stay longer. And that was definitely a right decision for us. After all, packing for three months is no harder than packing for one. But beyond that, we soon realized we needed ample time to familiarize ourselves with this new territory. GPS apps and maps help but there’s nothing quite like developing a mental map in your head to visualize how to drive to your destination — be it a supermarket or cinema. We also did something new every day to better acquaint ourselves with the area. This included exploring various birding and picnic spots, sampling chiles rellenos at every Mexican restaurant we heard about, and browsing through an array of regional farmers’ markets.
PAGE 63
While we could have done some of these things in one month, we were able to do so much more thanks to the extra time — of which contributed to making this our preferred winter home for what we hope will be many years to come. MSN
SHIPP’S
Assisted Living
“Care You Can Trust”
Family Friendly Environment Full Licensed • RN in House or On Call Home Cooked Meals • Emergency Call System
Check us out on Facebook Located in the heart of Stillwater Valley
Glenn or Tess Shipp • Absarokee • 406-328-7361
JOHNSON GLOSCHAT Funeral Home & Crematory
Erik Fisher Family Services • Advanced Planning
406-261-3607 P.O. Box 457 2659 U.S. Hwy 93 North Kalispell, Montana 59903 Kalispell • Columbia Falls • Whitefish • Glacier Memorial Gardens
SLIPPERY What’s a foot long and slippery?......... A slipper. Submitted by Julie Fink Brantley
DISCOVERING, CAPTURING & SHARING
Once you’re here, you’re home. Come discover the many comforts of our caring community.
A Treasury of Life Stories (And we would like to hear yours, too!)
When you join our family, you can feel secure knowing that we’re here for you every step of the way. Whatever the future holds, our communities are designed to care for your needs through all the stages of life.
For more information, call (406) 587-4570. Brookdale Springmeadows Assisted Living 3175 Graf Street, Bozeman Bringing New Life to Senior Living™
©2016 Brookdale Senior Living, Inc. All rights reserved. BROOKDALE SENIOR LIVING and BRINGING NEW LIFE TO SENIOR LIVING are the registered trademarks of Brookdale Senior Living, Inc. 24101-P4-0716-ROP CB
brookdale.com
The Sego Lily, like a Woman is more than just a pretty face
Valley Building 207 N Broadway, Billings (406) 861-4602
Travel
PAGE 64
MONTANA SENIOR NEWS • OCTOBER // NOVEMBER 2018
Plane, Train, Taxi, and a Man From Holland BY ERNIE WITHAM SENIOR WIRE — The taxi driver kept tapping his GPS as we drove through crowded narrow Japanese streets. He turned left, then right, then left again, while glancing up occasionally to avoid running over pedestrians or under buses. I looked out the window at all the bright signs — none of which I could read. I thought about the title of my travel book: Where Are Pat and Ernie Now? The owner of the house we would be staying in had emailed the address for us to give to the taxi driver. It had two Japanese characters, followed by four numbers separated by dashes, then two more characters, three numbers, a dot, then four more numbers. The taxi driver stared at it for several minutes before inputting it into the GPS. It had been a 10-hour flight. Our seats on the airplane were over the wing, which the flight attendant pointed out in case we needed to exit during a water landing. I thought of the movie “Sully,” where he had skillfully landed in the Hudson River. I wondered how long it would take the ferry boats to get to us in the middle of the Pacific. Delta was kind enough to outfit the 3000 or so seats crammed into the economy section with free movie monitors. I started up “Murder on the Orient Express.” Hercule Poirot was just about to reveal the murderer when a message from the flight attendant interrupted it. “Some of the monitors are not working,” she said. “So, Atlanta suggested we reboot the system.” The monitors went blank. They were still blank hours later when we arrived at Haneda Airport. We had gone through 16 time zones. It was now Tuesday afternoon. We had lunch. Something with noodles. Then we found the train to Kamakura. It was an express. In the Orient. I looked around for Johnny Depp, to no avail. There are no “maximum number of passengers” signs on trains in Japan. Pat and I had to squeeze into a standing-room-only car with four suitcases, a camera bag, and a purse. I was the only one within
sight with a mustache. It didn’t earn me the respect of a seat however. A little over an hour later, we pulled into Kamakura and hailed the cab we were now in. Our driver turned into a narrow lane. He slowed, looked around, then took several more turns. Finally, he stopped in the middle of the road. Another car approached. He took our piece of paper and went to talk to the driver. There was a lot of head shaking. I thought of a new title for my book: Where Are Pat and Ernie and the Taxi Driver Now? He came back, tapped his GPS one last time, then opened the trunk and took out our luggage, leaving it on the road. He said something apologetic, bowed a few times, then drove away. It was dusk. Some neighbors came out of a house. They spoke some English. They did not recognize the address. As it turns out, none of the streets in the neighborhood had names. More neighbors appeared. The paper with the two Japanese characters, followed by 4 numbers separated by dashes, then two more characters, three numbers, a dot, then four more numbers got passed around. One neighbor would point one way, while another pointed the other way. Then they would switch. I tried not to panic. All we’d have to do was call another taxi with our phones that didn’t work here and try to explain where we were, so they could take us to a hotel somewhere. One of the neighbors said something to her young daughter who dashed away. A few minutes later, she returned with a man who spoke English. He said he thought he might know where the house was. It was dark now. We followed him down a steep hill then up another steep hill. He told us he came from Holland. I wondered if he had a different taxi driver. He stopped in front of a house. It had the owner’s name on it. We found the lockbox with the key. I thanked the man profusely and told him Holland was my favorite country, and I loved tulips. We carried our bags into the house. “That went well,” I said. Pat collapsed on the couch. MSN
GOOD ENOUGH
FOR A SENATOR!
Boise, ID 208.322.8000 • 888.322.8001 oxfordsuitesboise.com
Spokane Valley, WA 509.847.1000 • 866.668.7848 oxfordsuitesspokanevalley.com
Downtown Spokane, WA 509.353.9000 • 800.774.1877 oxfordsuitesspokane.com
Rest easy at one of our 100% non-smoking locations in California, Washington, Oregon and Idaho! We offer AAA and Senior Discounts. Our complimentary amenities include: Full Hot Breakfast Buffet • Evening Reception • Parking • Premium Bedding Amenities vary by location.
CALL TODAY FOR YOUR
SPECIAL RATE MENTION CODE: [MTNEWS]
LOCATED IN THE HEART OF HELENA
Come to the Tri-State at the Center of the Nation! The Tri-State Museum & Visitor Center is located in Belle Fourche, smack dab in the middle of the U.S. Visit us soon! Temporary Exhibit: Our Downtown: Belle Fourche Through the Years Mini Exhibit: Gold Rush Cowboy, Pioneer, & Rodeo exhibits Gift Shop Johnny Spaulding Cabin
• 62 Freshly Renovated Rooms • 4B’s Restaurant On-Site • Bar / Lounge / Casino • Indoor Pool & Hot Tub • 24-Hour Business Center • Pets Allowed (up to 2)
406-442-1770 • 1714 11th Ave, Helena MT
415 Fifth Ave, Belle Fourche, SD
605-723-1200 or 605-723-2010 Tues–Sat 10am–5pm
Check out our new website at:
TheTriStateMuseum.com or visit us on Facebook!
OCTOBER // NOVEMBER 2018 • MONTANA SENIOR NEWS
Travel
PAGE 65
Visit Teton County, Idaho for Year-Round Fun BY KATHLEEN MULROY Looking for year-round activities in one of the most beautiful mountain regions in the world? Then head for Teton County, Idaho, an area blessed with breath-taking scenery and lots to do and see. In the heart of the county is Teton Valley, with a high elevation of 6,500 feet. The Valley sits in the shadow of the magnificent Grand Teton peak and is ringed by three mountain ranges. Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks are nearby. During the warmer months, enjoy fishing, hiking, kayaking or canoing, rafting, horseback riding, hunting, and mountain biking. In the winter, experience outstanding downhill and Nordic skiing, snowboarding, and snow-shoeing. Animal lovers will want to watch for a wide variety of wildlife, including bears, moose, elk, wolves, eagles, hawks, mountain blue birds, and even the occasional condor. For indoor fun at any time of the year, stroll through museums, tackle an indoor rock climbing gym, or sip a cold one at an award-winning brewery or distillery. One destination you might want to check out is Teton Springs Resort, located in the heart of Teton Valley. The Resort offers cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, fat-tire biking, and even heli-skiing. In the summer, anglers can dangle a line in well-stocked lakes and golfers can challenge the worldclass golf course. For more information, go to tetonsprings.com. How about lacing up a pair of ice skates and hitting the ice rink? If that sounds like fun, you’ll want to try out Teton Valley Foundation’s Kotler Ice Arena, an outdoor, covered ice rink in Victor, Idaho. For a special experience, go skating there as the sun sets
over the mountains. The website is tetonvalleyfoundation.org/kotlericearena . If you’re searching for a thrilling paddle on Teton County’s rivers and lakes, there are innumerable kayaking and canoeing opportunities, from guided group tours to solo adventures. For comprehensive information, go to greater-yellowstone.com/ teton-valley/kayaking. You can get an in-depth look at what makes Yellowstone National Park and the Tetons unique by visiting the Geotourism Center in Driggs, Idaho. Driggs is the entrance to the Teton Scenic Byway, a part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Email tetongeotourismcenter@gmail.com. History buffs will enjoy the Teton Valley Historical Museum in Driggs. Travel back in time via historic photos and exhibits to learn about the area’s settlement, mining days, and growth. Call (208)354-6000 for more information about the museum’s location and hours. The Teton Rock Gym, a non-profit facility in Driggs, offers a unique indoor climbing experience for both novices and experts. The gym has more than 3,000 feet of climbing, with 1,000 holds across walls up to 30 feet
tall. Experienced Teton Valley climbers are there to assist you. Email the Gym at climb@ tetonrockgym.com or call (208)354-1046. If you like hand-crafted micro-beers, head to Grand Teton Brewing, in Victor, Idaho. There’s a pub (no food is served but you can bring your own) and free tours are offered weekdays at 5 p.m. and weekends at 3:30 p.m., depending on staff availability. Contact them at beermail@grandtetonbrewing.com or at (888)899-1656. You could also visit the Grand Teton Distillery, known for its award-winning vodka. The Distillery, located in Driggs, has a tasting room that’s open to the public. Go to tetondistillery.com/ faq for more information. For information about Teton County events throughout the year, go to discovertetonvalley.com/events . Kathleen Mulroy is a freelance writer who specializes in grant proposals for nonprofits. A former educator and childhood literacy program director, she has lived in California, north Idaho and South Carolina. Contact information: kmsandpoint@ gmail.com; home address, 234 Lipman Street, Summerville, SC 29483; cell phone, 208-290-8264 MSN
BITTERROOT VALLEY, MT
SENIOR AND DISABLED HOUSING FROM STEVENSVILLE TO DARBY
PLAN AHEAD AND SIGN UP FOR FUTURE AVAILABILITIES CARDINAL PROPERTIES INC 320 South 2nd St, Hamilton 406-363-4430 TDD 800-253-4093 www.cardinalproperties.net
collector paying $$$$$ FOR OLD FISHING TACKLE & OTHER SPORTING ITEMS Lures - Reels - Rods - Creels - Tackle Boxes - Knives - Guns
CALL RANDY Cell: 620-704-2737 Office: 406-295-8910
Cold weather is the best time to soak in hot water. Make your reservations to stay in Thermopolis, Wyoming.
MONTANA SENIOR NEWS • OCTOBER // NOVEMBER 2018
PAGE 66
All About Montana
LOCAL PEOPLE•LOCAL STORIES•LOCAL FUN•LOCAL BUSINESSES
Kathryn Braund: Actor, Dog Trainer, Author BY SUZANNE WARING People living for 97 years have time for several careers. Kathryn Braund, who has reached that milestone, has had three solid careers and several minor ones, and she is still Kathryn Braund at age 97. PHOTO focused and busy COURTESY OF KATHRYN BRAUND. as a writer. Braund grew up in San Francisco where she learned through the YMCA to write and act in plays. From that experience, she decided she wanted to become an actress. When she was 16, she got into radio and started writing radio scripts. In 1938 at the age of 18, she went to New York to pursue her first career as an actress. She was a beautiful, willowy 5-foot-10 woman with a background in radio. She soon found work.
In one play, she had the supporting role to actress Zasu Pitts and went on tour. Their first performance was in Great Falls, Mont., in the middle of the winter. “Having grown up in San Francisco,” said Braund, “I was mesmerized with the snow so much that several of us walked up and down Central Avenue.” At the end of the tour, Pitts asked Braund to return to Hollywood with her, but Braund was unable to grab this opportunity to further her career because she had already signed with the USO. Instead Pitts took Nancy Davis, who had a minor role in the play. Years later Davis became the First Lady, Nancy Reagan. Landing in Italy, Braund was with a troupe that entertained soldiers in Italy, Germany, and France from 1944 to 45. “Interestingly, the play was available only for military officers and not to the enlisted men,” said Braund. Returning to New York after about a year, she landed contracts as the ‘straight girl’ for comedians in vaudeville and traveled the country with shows. For years after that, she lived in the San Francisco area, worked in offices, and
NW MONTANA
VETERANS’ STAND DOWN & FOOD PANTRY Check out our new mobile-friendly website Featuring an updated calendar of events, and more information to serve our great veterans
VeteransFoodPantry.org | 1349 Hwy 2 E • Kalispell | 406-756-7304
raised two sons with her first husband. After they were divorced, she met and married Buzz Braund. The family lived in Great Falls, three different times through his job with Autonetics, a division of North American Aviation. Whether in Minot or Grand Forks, N.D.; Warrensburg, Mo.; Cheyenne, Wyo.; or Great Falls, his job was to represent the company by writing about the Minuteman Missiles. The couple lived in Great Falls when he retired. They decided this north central Montana city would be their permanent home. During the ensuing years, they bred Portuguese Water Dogs, Dalmatians, and Havenese dogs. They also ran a kennel. Since their dogs were consistently prize winners, dog owners wanted to know what Kathryn Braund had to say about the three breeds. She was asked to be the editor of the Portuguese Water Dogs magazine when it was in its infancy of only 12 pages per issue. She did everything from writing articles, to layout, to distribution. By the time she retired from this responsibility in 1998, most issues of the magazine that published six times a year were 186 pages. Because of her involvement with raising Portuguese Water Dogs, she was called when the Obamas were thinking about that breed of dog as a pet for their daughters. During these years, she wrote The Complete Portuguese Water Dog in 1986, Devoted to Dogs in 2002, and The Joyous Havenese in 2005. All three books are still being sold through Amazon. When her husband died, she closed the kennel, sold the home, and moved to Eagles Manor back in Great Falls, where she now has an apartment.
Western and Native Americana, Music, Mining & Geology, Children’s Books & More Something for everyone! MONTANA’S BEST USED BOOKSTORE
to a world where friends share life in exciting new ways, everyday! Retirement is a time to look forward to, and at Whitefish Manor you have the freedom to choose. Enjoy the outdoor activities Whitefish is famous for: a challenging 36-hole golf course; fine fishing, boating and water skiing; a winter wonderland including, Big Mountain and cross-country skiing; and of course, spectacular Glacier National Park, only 32 miles from your doorstep. Grocery and other shopping options lie only a short distance away and you’re only one mile from downtown and Whitefish Mall. So much of what life is about lies waiting for you. Maybe it’s finally time you make a change for the better. Welcome to retirement living at its absolute best.
112 S. Montana | Butte, MT 406-723-5108 | 800-298-5108 Mon - Sat 9:30-5:30
Family Owned Since 1985 in Historic Uptown Butte
www.secondeditionbooksbutte.com
Erik & Jolene Stenberg
215 Anderson Street, Big Timber
406-932-4687
Welcome to Whitefish Manor Eligibility Requirements Head of household. 62 years of age or older or persons with disabilities who require the features of an accessible unit.
stenbergfuneralhome.com
Whitefish Manor 1345 E. 7th St Whitefish
We are a non-smoking facility Non-Discrimination
406-862-6719
You must meet eligibiliy and income guidelines. Rent is based on 30% of annual income.
1-800-253-4091
TTY 711 or
Just like family we're there when you need us. 500 Indiana St., Chinook
406-357-2529 or 1-888-325-9324 Serving Blaine County & Montana's High-Line Since 1932
OCTOBER // NOVEMBER 2018 • MONTANA SENIOR NEWS After the move, she had time to write about topics other than dogs and decided to branch out and write an historical book titled Rosa and the Prince. It’s about her grandmother. Rosa was a beautiful Hungarian peasant girl who became involved with Crown Prince Rudolph of Habsburg and had a child by him. He later committed suicide—or was murdered. Rosa and Prince Rudolph’s daughter (Braund’s mother) came to the U.S. in 1912. After completing the story about her grandmother, Braund wrote several mystery books. Her latest novel, Melinda Mahoney Powers, is an unforgettable story. Leroy Mahoney, horribly abused as a small child, relies on his sister, Melinda, to give him guidance. Their life journey will make you angry,
All About Montana
PAGE 67
make you smile, make your heart beat with passion, and bring a tear to your eye. The story leads them from a farmhouse to a mansion, from an orphanage to Hollywood glitter, and finally to a senior retirement home in Montana. This tale of rags to riches, including years in early-day Hollywood, is fast-paced and builds on the main characters from childhood and depicts how their past influenced their personalities as they became adults. This book is available at Amazon.com and in a Kindle format. The print version is in easy-to-read large print. MSN
Al Wiseman–Keeping the Memory of the Old North Trail Alive BY JACK MCNEEL Some historians learn by studying, and others learn by doing. Al Wiseman is one of the latter. Spending time with Wiseman along the Old North Trail is a history lesson unlike any other. It’s been my very good fortune to have done this a couple of times, and those days created memories I will always treasure. Wiseman has a long history with the trail, a history that in some respects goes back hundreds of years. The history of the Old North Trail itself goes back much farther, about 12,000 years. It is most likely the oldest trail in the Americas. Wiseman has made it his mission to keep the memory of the trail alive and to protect portions of the trail in the vicinity of Choteau and Dupuyer. Wiseman is a Metis (pronounced maytee), a French word meaning to have a
mixed racial heritage. Many of the area’s early trappers were from France, and, in their quest for fur-bearing animals, they would meet and marry Native American women, many of which were ChippewaCree. Wiseman’s mother was Chippewa-Cree and his father German. An old cemetery alongside the trail west of Choteau is where Wiseman’s great grandparents lie. His great grandfather died in 1909, and his great grandmother passed in 1890. Wiseman, now in his 80s, has maintained that cemetery for many years in honor of his grandparents. The trail has been in use in more recent times as well. Wiseman remembers stories his parents told, which date as recently as the late 1920s. They are stories of Metis traveling the trail between Canada and the Blackfeet Reservation to attend fiddle dances. It was soon after that homesteaders moved in and
Enjoy life
without joint pain.
Al Wiseman near the Old North Trail. PHOTO BY JACK MCNEEL.
built fences crossing the trail, making traveling the trail ever more difficult. CONTINUED ON PAGE 68
MONTANA'S NEWEST, LUXURY INDEPENDENT LIVING... IN THE HEART OF THE BEAUTIFUL MISSION VALLEY.
Pain shouldn’t stop you from enjoying life’s best moments.
Introducing Dr. Adrian Davis, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Davis specializes in Total Joint Replacement Surgery, including total hip, knee and shoulder procedures. Let us work with you to reduce pain and get you back to some of those activities you have been missing. Call (406) 528-5580 to schedule an appointment Dr. Davis is located at St. Luke Community Clinic 107 6th Ave SW, Ronan, MT Exceptional Orthopedic Care – Right here in the Mission Valley! “The most satisfying part of my job is when a patient has a good outcome and is happy with their result.”
Dr. Adrian Davis
406-676-PEAK (7325) SIMPLIFY BILLS • ELIMINATE CHORES • PRIORITIZE LIFE 575 Eisenhower St SE | PO Box 435 | Ronan, MT thepeaksronan.com | sage@thepeaksronan.com
PAGE 68
MONTANA SENIOR NEWS • OCTOBER // NOVEMBER 2018
All About Montana
AL WISEMAN / CONTINUED FROM PAGE 67
The Metis came primarily from the Great Lakes region but moved slowly westward, arriving and settling around 1870 in the canyons of the Rocky Mountain front in what is now Montana. Wiseman’s grandparents were part of that migration and made a home in these canyons, where they found the Old North Trail. This family connection caused Wiseman to devote enormous amounts of time to protecting the trail, promoting information about it and its lengthy history. Montana folks should be aware of the Old North Trail as it crosses the state in a north-south direction, dropping from the Canadian border through the Blackfeet Reservation and southward along the eastern face of the Rockies. Some people theorize that an ice bridge from Siberia to Alaska funneled populations into North America and conclude the trail dates to that time. Whether you accept that theory or not, no doubt the Old North Trail had been used for many centuries and provided a northsouth route as seasons changed. Early dwellers followed the seasons and wildlife, and the trail was their highway. The trail has mostly faded and disappeared as modern travel has eliminated need for it. Left alone over decades, wind, dust, and rain have combined to largely erase evidence of the trail. Wiseman refuses to let memory of the trail disappear and protects those areas where it’s possible to maintain the trail itself. Wiseman has helped organize a group in the Choteau area where he lives and where portions of the trail remain visible. This group has worked with local landowners to protect their land while also keeping portions of the trail open for visitors to enjoy. It’s possible in some areas to get on the trail if you can enter from a road or perhaps on B.L.M. land, until it’s closed by winter snows. This group has devised a map showing the trail all the way from the Bering Strait to Mexico. This map is located at various access points along the trail. The Old North Trail is visible in places west of such towns as Choteau, Dupuyer, and Bynum. The group has placed 23 boulders, etched with the words “Old North Trail, along the route. Some rock cairns built by travelers thousands of years ago also mark the trail.
Old North Trail sign. PHOTO BY JACK MCNEEL.
In most places, the trail is overgrown with vegetation, and the ruts caused by ancient people, and later by travois (Native American cargo sleds pulled by dogs or horses) have been covered by blowing dirt. Individuals who have a deep interest in early history should definitely try to schedule a tour with Wiseman. He is a soft-spoken man intensely concerned that others understand the influence the trail has provided for thousands of years and the importance of protecting the trail and its history. Wiseman is willing to lead tours, time allowing, and can be contacted at 406-466-2718. Other visible history added another whole dimension when I spent time with Wiseman on the trail. He pointed out the great number of teepee rings indicating the large populations of native people who camped there throughout the centuries. These rings of stones held the liners of the teepees in place and were left behind while the tepees were rolled up and moved to the next location as natives followed buffalo migrations or sought winter camps located close to wood and water. Wiseman also indicated numerous buffalo jumps, or ulm-pishkins, as we traveled along our route. He took me to a site where natives would capture eagles by hand. He also noted that grizzly bears, once primarily prairie animals as Lewis and Clark were to discover, are again returning from forested areas back to the more open prairies. A day with Al Wiseman will be long remembered. MSN
Accepting applications all locations! Pets Welcome (at some buildings) • Laundry Facilities Paid Utilities (at most buildings) • Weekday Office Hours Rental Assistance Most Units • Eligibility & Income Requirements BIG SKY MANOR 110 2nd Ave W Kalispell (406)-257-0371
COTTAGE PARK APTS 1111 McDonald Ave Missoula (406) 542-2901
GLACIER MANOR 506 1st Ave W Kalispell (406) 257-5417
SUNRIDGE POINTE 400 Liberty Street Kalispell (406) 752-1545
CENTRE COURT MANOR (62+) 121 2nd Ave W Kalispell (406) 257-4052
DARLINTON MANOR 606 N 5th St Bozeman (406) 587-2981
GREEN MEADOW MANOR 403 Idaho Ave Libby (406) 293-5651
THOMPSON FALLS LIONS MANOR 1600 Maiden Ln Thompson Falls (406) 827-3115
EL DORITA VILLAGE 420 Liberty St Kalispell (406) 752-7884
PEBBLESTONE SQUARE 714 Milwaukee Ave Deer Lodge (406) 846-2803
COLUMBIA VILLA 700 7th St. W. Columbia Falls (406) 892-4552
TTY/TDD 711*
GLACIER STATE APTS 600 Liberty St Kalispell (406) 752-7978
OCTOBER // NOVEMBER 2018 • MONTANA SENIOR NEWS
All About Montana
PAGE 69
Smith Logging: A Step Ahead of the Woods BY ELIZABETH LARCH It’s not easy to stay one step ahead of the woods. When my family first moved into our little corner of the forest, the primary concern was pine beetles. Later on, the threat became the bagworms, feeding on the new needle growth of evergreen and spinning their silk on the tops of trees, so it appeared the valley was experiencing an alien spider invasion. And then last year it was fire. Even a few acres, when forested, need management to prevent infestations and fires. But an acre is a lot of land when you’re trying to maintain it, let alone 10, 20, 40 acres. Further complications arise when streams are present, or when safety becomes an issue. Although on the surface, backcountry Montana’s version of yard work looks easy, it’s not. It is a game best left to the experts: loggers. Smith Logging has operated in the Flathead for decades, and I have driven past their office often, but I never was aware of the company until they revealed a view of the Flathead Valley on my hillside that I had no idea was there. It had been blocked by trees. The company has been operating, however, much longer than I have been living in the Flathead. Rick Smith, the current owner, has been logging since he was in his teens. At the time, his father, Clyde, owned the logging company. Smith Logging doesn’t advertise much and isn’t out much in the public eye, but it has
the logging industry in Montana”, said Smith, played a role in making the Flathead safer in who is affiliated with the organization. The more than one sense. MLA provides insurance, safety measures, Fire and smoke have haunted Montana for and training programs, as well as connections the past few summers, and logging is key to with government entities such as OSHA. reducing dangerous flammable materials. In an The Association also runs an accreditainterview, Rick Smith discussed logging praction program: ALP, or Accredited Logging tices as fire prevention. The best time to log? Professionals. The train“Do it before the fire,” ing opportunities available Smith quipped, before recthrough the MLA range ommending, as a first step for from Accounting to Insect any rural homeowner, looking Control to First Aid courses, into fuel reduction grants to effectively increasing logger space out tree crowns, which competence and safety. prevents hot, uncontrollable Safety concerns for logcrown fires. gers as well as the rest of the As for general forest manDeb and Rick Smith, owners of Smith valley have also been alleviagement, he recommends a Logging in the Flathead. PHOTO COURTESY ated by better and quicker balanced approach. “We can SMITH LOGGING. access to medical treatment, reduce the fire danger with such as the ALERT helicopter now recognizgood logging practices. Fire can be a useful able in the Flathead. tool ... you need all tools to really accomplish Loggers were instrumental in the helithe goals.” copter funding of this, including Clyde The logging category of tools has expanded Smith. Clyde was highly invested in getting and become more focused on healthier forests an emergency helicopter. Rick, working for (and safer people) since Smith began his career. his father, had been in a logging accident Streamside Management Zones have in which heavy machinery had rolled on top come into effect, so that timber harvests of him. The crew was working miles from don’t affect the creeks and rivers nearby. paved roads, and an ambulance had to be Best Management Practices, guidelines that pulled up via logging equipment. keep woodlands healthy, also help to protect But Rick survived, to continue working as streams as well as the soil. Meanwhile, on a logger, to take over his father’s business, the personnel side of things, the Montana and to continue to make the logging industry Logging Association (MLA) has become a force —and, by extension, the Flathead Valley—a for safety and advocacy for loggers. safer place. MSN “[I] can’t emphasize enough the impact the Montana Logging Association has had on
Creating affordable housing opportunities for all Montanans
Mention This Ad
for 1 Month FREE RENT
A different kind of community... A new kind of lifestyle for 55+ people who are ambitious about the years ahead and aren’t willing to compromise their freedom.
Some of our unique amenities include: Pub & Lounge • Movie Theater • Internet Café • Pool & Spa Workshop • Arts & Crafts Room • Community Room • Library Guest Suite • Game Room • Yoga Studio • Fitness Center Outdoor Kitchen & BBQs • Community Garden • WiFi
Reverse annuity mortgages give senior homeowners the financial flexibility to continue independent living in a community they love.
4215 Montana Sapphire Dr | Billings | 406-245-4295 affinityatbillings.com | Like us on Facebook
406.841.2840 housing.mt.gov/RAM
MONTANA SENIOR NEWS • OCTOBER // NOVEMBER 2018
PAGE 70
Answers to Brain Games PUZZLES•QUIZZES•GAMES•CONTESTS•BRAIN TEASERS•FUN
Boggle TUNA PIKE SOLE BASS SHARK SMELT PERCH
© 2018 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.
Jumble Jumbles: THUMB WOUND OBLONG FIRMLY Answer: The dentist was happy to get the new patient as a result of — WORD OF MOUTH
© 2018 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.
to BeeHive Homes of Great Falls Assisted Living
6 Homes to choose from! Our services are dedicated to providing a happy and healthy environment for our residents. Our unique approach to care focuses on creating a family environment in which long lasting relationships can grow and develop. We would love to introduce you to BeeHive Homes of Great Falls. Please contact us for more information or a home tour.
3 Memory Care Homes!
Trained Staff in Dementia Care | Private Rooms with Showers Courtyard with Fountain, Gazebo & Pergola Our services include: • Private Rooms • 24-Hour Staffing • Dietician Approved Home Cooked Meals
• Individual and Group Activities • House Keeping Services • And Much More!
CALL FOR A TOUR TODAY! 406-761-3080 or Visit us at BeehiveHomes.com
Sudoku
OCTOBER // NOVEMBER 2018 • MONTANA SENIOR NEWS
Brain Games Answers
PAGE 71
The Wrecking Crew BY CARRIE LUGER SLAYBACK SENIOR WIRE—WHEW! As grandchildren drove off last month, I sank into the sofa and fell asleep. Deep, exhausted sleep. Yes, we’d enjoyed 2-year-old grandson’s intense focus, shooting baskets into his miniature net—4-year-old granddaughter’s emerging ability to swim. Laughed at their attempts to love our old chihuahua, their heads poked under chairs, beds, tables where she wisely retreated. We marveled over their artwork. However, “the wrecking crew,” as we call them, tossed the pebbles out of our walkway, threw pillows off the sofa, scattered toys about the house and yard—used for a moment, then discarded for a new interest. Sometimes their voices were earsplitting! The impact of a weekend “grandchild visit” spans joy/laughter, downright grumpiness, and final collapse. What else do grandparents receive for their awesome efforts? A 2016 European study noted “a positive impact of grandparental childcare on health … particularly among grandparents providing lower intensity levels of grandparental care.” Grandmothers benefited most with a “better physical health, [showing] … significantly higher scores than grandmothers who did not provide childcare.” Grandfathers, on the otherhand, didn’t benefit much. “Those children need discipline!” fumed my husband, regarding our grandchildren’s casual manner of responding to, “NO!” I find my grandchildren’s warm squirmy bodies irresistible and love contact with them. My husband finds them tiring as they crawl on his lap, hear half a story, run off, returning with a new book. They wore me out, but I can’t wait to see them, when they fill my heart with love. “No
however, time flies! Planning for our grandchildren’s holiday visit and setting boundaries for what could be a long association, I believe my husband and I should implement some strategies: << Discuss the “our house” rules together, so we’re clear; << Share our needs with our daughter and sonin-law in a positive, non-judgmental way; << When our preschoolers come, have eye contact with them, set down a few simple rules, and be sure to follow up.
© Cheryl Casey, Bigstock.com
visits from now until the holidays” my husband commanded, preferring our adult’s-only existence. Our different reactions demonstrate why females receive benefit. The rewarding mothering reflex, ensuring survival of a new generation, lasts a lifetime. With lifetimes stretching out into 80s and 90s, children have grandparents longer than any previous generation. According to a study in the June, 2016 Gerontologist, our long lives bring “added socialization, support, and stress.” Our young grandkids find us a part of their group of loving adults, but lose interest as they become teens, returning to us in adulthood as resources for wisdom and financial support. This long association is rewarding, but fraught. Grandparents want to help strapped grandchildren but may have their own financial worries. Grandparents may need physical help, but resent the loss of independence and role reversal accompanying grandchildren as caregivers. Grandchildren, busy with their own lives, may find the type of aid an elderly person needs to be trying, even embarrassing. All this seems so far away for us, as we meet the challenges of active preschoolers;
WHAT ARE THE RULES? << When we say “no,” stop. << Use quiet voices. << Work with us to put away what you use. << We will mimic their parents’ consequence of “time out chair” when kids misbehave, setting the timer for 2 minutes. With all our careful preparation, we know we’ll need to repeat rules, redirect many times. Even though our grandkids will not instantly cooperate with our standards, showing strong, consistent leadership will give us a mooring and set the stage for what we hope to be a long association of respect, clear communication, and opportunity to decrease stress and enjoy each other. Postscript: Children arrived for a fall holiday visit. A holiday art project awaited them. As they sat, we sat, looked each in the eye and told our rules. They seemed to understand the seriousness of the moment —coming so early in their visit. And it worked! “No” meant no, shrill screams almost eliminated the holiday mess … well, we all worked together. As we waved goodbye, my husband said, “This was a lot of fun—come back soon,” and meant it. MSN
About Our Contributing Staff Writers Natalie Bartley is a Boise-based author of trail guidebooks Best Easy Day Hikes Boise and Best Rail Trails Pacific Northwest. She is a member of the Northwest Outdoor Writers Association and the Outdoor Writers Association of America. nataliebartleyoutdoor.com
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.
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.
Dianna Troyer is a freelance writer based in Pocatello, Idaho. She enjoys family and friends, skiing, riding horses, and hiking.
Gail Jokerst is an award-winning writer and member of the Outdoor Writers Association of America and longtime contributor to this newspaper. Contact her at gailjokerst@gmail.com.
Bernice Karnop writes from her home in Great Falls under the supervision of a tortoise shell cat she calls Millie. Her great grandfather was a Montana pioneer who arrived at the gold fields in 1863.
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 free lance writer and photographer for many publications, primarily about Native American subjects, hunting, fishing, and travel. He now lives in Hayden, Idaho.
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. During the busy times of her first career, Suzanne Waring wrote, “I raise a garden no matter what.” That statement is still true during her second career as a writer.
Request for Submittals Readers are encouraged to submit interesting material such as: articles, letters to the editor, jokes, poems, and photos. Please send your submissions to: nann@montanaseniornews.com or to 1985 McMannamy Draw, Kalispell, MT 59901.
MONTANA SENIOR NEWS â&#x20AC;¢ OCTOBER // NOVEMBER 2018
PAGE 72
Fall Camping SALES
EVENT
$2 5,9 1,9 12 95
20 18
RPo w SA a d 17 LE s: $ 9 2 :
MAKE E V E R Y SEASON CAMPING SEASON
$199 $199 down
/mo
$199 down $199 /mo for 144 mos. 4.5% oac. Does not unclued tax and fees