montanaseniornews.com
TAKE ONE!
FREE!
Rolling Thunder: Missoula’s Mini-Sturgis Rally
Pablo Espinoza, a retired law enforcement officer from Arlee, gives a ride to Dorothy Wisherd at Missoula’s MiniSturgis Motorcycle Rally last summer. [Photo provided by The Village Senior Residence]
By Gail Jokerst; gailjokerst.com The roar of the Harleys – the smell of the burgers. Ah, yes. If it is a Saturday in July and you happen to be near Old Fort Missoula, it can mean only one thing – the Garden City’s own Mini-Sturgis rally. That translates to about 40 motorcycles, 550 potential bike passengers, plus a whole lotta hamburgers, hot dogs, and Polish sausage. “We call the sound rolling thunder,” says Kathryn Beaty, Executive Director of The Village Senior Residence (TVSR). “As soon as we hear that rumble in the distance, word spreads quickly, ‘The motorcycles are coming.’” For the past seven summers, TVSR and The Village Health Care Center (TVHCC) have hosted one of the nation’s most unusual motorcycle rallies. It draws motorcycling volunteers from organizations such as Missoula’s Harley Owners Group and Christian Motorcycle Association as well as Polson’s Sober Indians. They arrive atop choppers, trikes, and touring bikes, BMWs, Hondas, and Ducatis. Some bikes are quiet as a cat’s purr; others resonate loudly enough to wake a sleeping babe. These generous-hearted men and women converge on Old Fort Road with one mission – to offer those living and working at TVSR and TVHCC, and their families, an opportunity to experience the pleasures of motorcycling. The volunteer drivers provide the vehicles and encouragement so anyone from school kids to centenarians can take a spin. “I appreciate how everyone comes together; the generations are usually so separated. But on this day, they are all out there enjoying the same thing at the same time,” observes Kathryn, who owns and rides a Harley trike with her husband. “This is such a unique gift to our community.” “Some of the people who attend are former riders themselves and reconnect with their youth. Others have never ridden before and want to try it,” says Katie Knudsen, TVSR’s Life Enrichment Director. “Anything we can do to bring joy to people’s lives, we need to be doing. So many people come just for the smiles they see on the faces of the (Continued on page 43)
Gather the Hidden Eggs Just for fun, we have hidden a baker’s dozen of Easter eggs throughout this issue of the Montana Senior News. Search for them and mail us a list of the page numbers on which you find them. We will award a $25 prize to
the person who finds all of the eggs. If there are multiple correct entries, the winner will be determined by a drawing. None of the hidden eggs is located within an advertisement. Have fun! MSN
PAGE 2 MONTANA SENIOR NEWS
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
Stronger together. What does it mean to be a New West Medicare member?
At New West Medicare, we are the only Montana company that is 100% focused on providing the best Medicare experience for our friends, family and neighbors. That’s why we offer no deductibles, low co-pays, the ability to use health care providers you want, prescription drug coverage without deductibles and a healthy aging program with a fitness facility membership in every plan. Plus, we pride ourselves on providing our members with excellent customer service from right here in Montana. Let New West make Medicare simple for you.
888.873.8044 · TTY 711 newwestmedicare.com · Find us on
New West Health Services is a PPO Plan with a Medicare Contract. Enrollment in New West Medicare depends on contract renewal. You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium. Limitations, co-payments and restrictions may apply. The formulary, pharmacy network and/or provider network may change at any time. You will receive notification when necessary. The benefit information provided is a brief summary, not a complete description of benefits. For more information contact New West Medicare. For accommodations of persons with special needs at a sales meeting call 1-888-873-8044, TTY 711, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Benefits may change on January 1 of each year. H2701_NW#_SP_672-12-2015 Accepted
d e t r o f m o C w o Montana Wid y l l u f e c a e P d e s s a P d n a b s u H g n i w o n K
“
I’m grateful Erwin – Ethel Byrnes had this option.
”
On a sunny morning in March 2014, Erwin Byrnes’s long battle with cancer and Parkinson’s Disease had come to an end. He sat down in his favorite chair, took some medication prescribed by his doctor, and passed peacefully at home. He was surrounded by his loving wife and grown children. The Montana Supreme Court’s Baxter ruling ensures Montanans can exercise their freedom through the end of life because it authorizes aid in dying for people who are terminally ill. If you support death with dignity, help in the fight to protect your endof-life options. Please fill out and return the petition below.
Ask Your Doctor To Support Death With Dignity! Yes! I support end-of-life options. Name: Mailing Address: Phone:
Email: Mail completed petitions to PO Box 1348 Helena, MT 59624.
PO Box 1348 Helena, MT 59624 800 247 7421
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
MONTANA SENIOR NEWS PAGE 3
Montana Senior News A Barrett-Whitman Publication
P.O. Box 3363 • Great Falls, MT 59403-3363 406-761-0305 or 800-672-8477 FAX 406-761-8358 montanaseniornews.com email: montsrnews@bresnan.net
It’s All In The Translation On page 40 of the December 2015/January 2016 issue, in Kim Ibes’ otherwise very good article about Joyce Jensen, I came upon a typo. Rochejhone was printed twice for what really should be Roche Jaune as the chapter name of the Lewis and Clark Trails Heritage Foundation. Imagine my horror and dismay. (I’m joking.) It reminded me of the time I caught AARP The Magazine in the same sort of pardonable mistake in an article about Dolly Parton. In that one, the author was presumably recording and writing from her oral history. The printed result for the French term prie-dieu (a prayer desk/kneeler) was published as Pray, Do, which, come to think of it, was not the worst transcription considering Ms. Parton’s regional accent. John Early New York City 212-691-3974 ED: Use of the name Yellowstone originated with the Minnetaree Indians’ (a branch of the Siouan Hidatsas) description for the Yellowstone River. In translation, the French name Roche Jaune was common among fur trappers – French and non-French alike. The Lewis & Clark Expedition anglicized the name, hence Yellowstone. However, the French name died hard with variations in literature and maps of the first quarter of the nineteenth including Rejone, Rejhone, Rochejone, Rochejohn, and
Rhochejhone. Eventually, Yellowstone became the name of choice for the river. However, Rochejhone as it appeared in the article is correct as the chosen spelling of the Rochejhone Chapter of the Lewis & Clark Trails Heritage Foundation. It’s Our Choice… Don’t Limit Our Freedom! Your December/January edition included a fullpage ad listing a series of misleading questions and outright lies intended to scare older people. The target of the ad’s misinformation was the right of Montanans to request and receive physician aid in dying. This right has been upheld by the Montana Supreme Court. This right is available under a very limited set of circumstances. The person requesting aid in dying must be: • Eighteen years of age or older; • Terminally ill, as determined by his or her doctor; • Mentally competent, as determined by his or her doctor; and • Able to self-administer the lethal medication. Despite the ad’s inferences, there is no evidence of elder abuse associated with people’s having the right to choose aid in dying. To the contrary, scores of older Montanans – myself included – are urging our state legislators to resist the cruel efforts by some organizations (e.g., Montanans against Assisted Suicide and Choice is an Illusion) to limit our freedoms, invade our privacy, and prevent us
The Montana Senior News is published six times each year in February, April, June, August, October and December at 415 3rd Avenue North, Great Falls, MT 59401 and is distributed free to readers throughout the state of Montana. The mail subscription rate is $10.00 per year (6 issues). The Montana Senior News is written to serve the reading interests of mature Montanans of all ages. Readers are encouraged to contribute interesting material. Views expressed in opinion stories, contributions, articles and letters are not necessarily the views of the publisher. The appearance of advertisements for products or services does not constitute an endorsement of the particular product or service. The publisher will not be responsible for mistakes in advertisements unless notified within five days of publication. All copy appearing in the Montana Senior News is protected by copyright and may be reprinted only with the written permission of the publisher. Advertising copy should be received or space reserved by the 5th of the month preceding the month of publication.
Jack W. Love, Jr., Publisher/Editor Colleen Paduano Kathleen McGregor Lisa Gebo Jonathan Rimmel Peter Thornburg Sherrie Smith
Production Supervisor Advertising Sales Advertising Sales Advertising Sales Production Assistant Graphic Designer Distribution Admin/Production Assistant
Contributing Writers Bob Campbell Connie Daugherty Kim Thielman-Ibes Gail Jokerst Bernice Karnop Craig Larcom Liz Larcom Jack McNeel Dianna Troyer © 2016
“To you, it’s the perfect lift chair. To me, it’s the best sleep chair I’ve ever had.” — J. Fitzgerald, VA
Easy-to-use remotes for massage/heat and recline/lift
Complete with battery backup in case of power outage
This lift chair puts you safely on your feet!
Our Perfect Sleep Chair® is just the chair to do it all. It’s a chair, true – the finest of lift chairs – but this chair is so much more! It’s designed to provide total comfort and relaxation no not found in other chairs. It can’t be beat for comfortable, long-term
sitting, TV viewing, relaxed reclining and – yes! – peaceful sleep. Our chair’s recline technology allows you to pause the chair in an infinite number of positions, including the Trendelenburg position and the zero gravity position where your body experiences a minimum of internal and external stresses. You’ll love the other benefits, too: It helps with correct spinal alignment, promotes back pressure relief, and encourages better posture to prevent back and muscle pain.
home where you want it, unpack it, inspect it, test it, position it, and even carry the packaging away! Includes one year service warranty and your choice of fabrics and colors. If you’re not 100% satisfied simply return the chair within 30 days for a refund of the product purchase price. – Call now!
And there’s more! The overstuffed, oversized biscuit style back and unique seat design will cradle you in comfort. Generously filled, wide armrests provide enhanced arm support when sitting or reclining. The high and low heat settings along with the dozens of massage settings, can provide a soothing relaxation you might get at a spa – just imagine getting all that in a lift chair! Shipping charge includes white glove delivery. Professionals will deliver the chair to the exact spot in your
1-888-609-4723
The Perfect Sleep Chair
®
Call now toll free for our lowest price. Please mention code 102401 when ordering.
Long Lasting DuraLux Leather Tan
Chocolate Burgundy
DuraLux II Microfiber
Burgundy Cashmere
Fern
Chocolate
Indigo
© 2016 firstSTREET for Boomers and Beyond, Inc.
46383
We’ve e’ve all had nights when we just can’t lie down in bed and sleep, whether it’s from heartburn, cardiac problems, hip or back aches – it could be a variety of reasons. Those are the nights we’d give anything for a comfortable chair to sleep in, one that reclines to exactly the right degree, raises feet and legs to precisely the desired level, supports the head and shoulders properly, operates easily even in the dead of night, and sends a hopeful sleeper right off to dreamland.
Sit up, lie down — and anywhere in between!
PAGE 4 MONTANA SENIOR NEWS
NEW! WESTERN ART EXHIBIT The Jefferson County Museum
Located at 9 Main Street, Clancy in the Old Elementary School Building which was built in 1898.
Dramatic Moments:
Frederic Remington’s Early Engravings, 1882-1893 Feb 5–May 15, 2016
Lee Silliman, exhibit owner, speaks about his exhibit’s 37 vintage engravings which helped launch Remington’s career Saturday, April 22 at 7pm Exhibit’s grand opening Feb 6 with refreshments from 1–6pm
Admission Free, Donations Accepted
Open Fri-Sat 1-5pm
For Info, Speakers & Special Tours 406-933-5528 | 406-933-5861 11 miles S of Helena between Montana City & Jefferson City
sites.google.com/site/jeffersoncountymuseum
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
from being able to die peacefully and painlessly. I am proud to be a member of Compassion & Choices-Montana, a group of Montanans dedicated to ensuring that medical care at the end of our lives is both compassionate and responsive to our individual wishes. I have never met a kinder, more life-affirming group of people. I invite you to tap the information resources and free counseling support available from Compassion & Choices at 1-800-247-7421, or www.compassionandchoices. org. Please do not be sucked in by baseless claims and scare tactics. Doris Fischer Sheridan America – The World’s Shining Beacon Of Freedom My only brother’s death this past spring has caused me to ponder. I miss his smiley face and sage advice, but I know we must accept what we can’t change. As I realized that his time was getting short, I asked questions that only he could answer. “Why do you think that it was so important to Dad that we emigrate to America?” I asked. We came with $150 among the four of us. My brother’s answer was quick, “Well, because of freedom.” “Yes,” I replied, “but what does that really mean? We had freedom in Denmark.”
“Freedom from paying taxes and freedom to drive cars,” he answered. As I was drove home, I thought about his answer, and I couldn’t quite put it together. But today I think I see the picture loud and clear and this is my version. My dad left Denmark in 1925 and emigrated to Flaxville, Montana. He and a young lady had worked on the same farm in Denmark and my dad was ready to tie the knot, but the lady declined, saying she was too young at 22. Seven years later, she matured and contacted my dad’s sister who mailed my dad. He embarked on the first boat to Denmark and they were married April 14, 1932. My dad felt that the time was not right to bring a new wife to Montana because of the Depression. Toward the end of the Depression when things were more stable in America came WWII, and Denmark was then occupied by Germany. Again, Dad’s dream was on the back burner. With the war’s end, he finally realized his dream and returned in 1949. While spending seven years on the prairie in the late 1920s and from his experiences during the war, Dad had absorbed the true meaning of freedom. He realized that people in America are blessed not to feel the hot breath of a violent neighboring country breathing down its neck. Even today, European countries, including Denmark, must be very wary when an obnoxious country or group threatens with the sound of rattling sabers. Today I am grateful for many events and the circumstances that have blessed my life. • I am grateful to God for giving me Christmas and what that means to all who believe. • I am grateful to my dad for pursuing his dream. • I am grateful to live in a country that is still free. • I am grateful for a place to live where people are friendly and caring. • And I am thankful for those whose friendship means more to me than words can express. May God’s peace be with everyone! Margit Jensen Great Falls MSN
Reading is socially accepted disassociation. You flip a switch and you’re not there anymore. It’s better than heroin. - Mary Karr
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
Has the world changed much in the last 70 years? The last 200? The last 700? The last 2,000? Certainly, humans have changed it! Throughout our evolution, one certainty in the world has been our propensity for conflict, war, and emphasis on the differences between “our tribe” and “other tribes” – with varying levels of legitimate Darwinian justification. Recent religious, ethnic, and political conflict is upsetting the world applecart, and the degree to which that will affect our culture is unknown. At some point in what is undeniably incredible technical progress in the world, we should hope that xenophobia will recede and rationality will prevail in the progress of the world community. Prisoners of War on our Ranch relates Francie Berg’s family’s experience with German POWs during WWII on its ranch along the Yellowstone River in eastern Montana and the realization that these soldiers were pretty much like them – regular people with wives and children caught in the horrors of a massive geopolitical conflict. Thank you, Francie for your contribution. Remember When contains our readers’ personal reflections, contributions describing fictional
or non-fictional accounts from the “Good ol’ Days” or reflections on life in general. Contributions may be stories, letters, artwork, poetry, etc. Photos may be included. Each issue of the Montana Senior News features the contribution(s) deemed best by our staff. The contributor of the winning entry receives a $25 cash prize. We look forward to receiving your contributions for our April/May 2016 issue. Mail your correspondence to Montana Senior News, P.O. Box 3363, Great Falls, MT 59403; email to montsrnews@bresnan. net; or call 1-800-6728477 or 406-761-0305. Also visit us online at montanaseniornews. com.
Prisoners of War on our Ranch
Excerpted and edited from Montana Stirrups, Sage & Shenanigans By Francie Brink Berg, Anne Brink Sallgren Krickel, & Jeanie Brink Thiessen When war was declared in December 1941, the farmers and ranchers in our irrigated valley began raising sugar beets. It was “for the war effort” – a way we helped on the home front. As Americans we had a deep sense of our national responsibility to work together to win the war. We saw the urgency of war every day as the long freights rumbled by on both railroads going east with their ominous shipments of khaki-camouflaged tanks, jeeps, and anti-aircraft guns. A community responsibility was guarding the Milwaukee Bridge from sabotage all through the war. On the other side of the Yellowstone, Kinsey farmers and ranchers kept secret guard. For us, even as kids, World War II was no distant drumbeat – it was here and it included us. Now! “Oh no! Here they come! Hurry up, Francie, run!” “I can’t! I can’t run!” Francie shot back. She carried two three-gallon buckets of milk and so did I. Heavy army trucks roared into the ranch, loaded with captured Nazi soldiers standing in the back. They stopped under the cottonwood trees near the shop.
MONTANA SENIOR NEWS PAGE 5
PAGE 6 MONTANA SENIOR NEWS
Comments in a strange language flew at us like barbs. Caught between the house and corrals, after finishing milking, we weren’t expecting the first truckload yet, so it was a shock. We were embarrassed by the German taunts – as we perceived them – and scared, too. War movies taught us something of the atrocities they committed across Europe. We knew about their ruthlessness.
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
These were Rommels’ crack troops, Hitler’s master race. As prisoners of war, they came to harvest our beets. Even while prisoners, these tall, vigorous, young German men intended to win the war. Sugar beets, a main ingredient in explosives, required a lot of handwork. Since the military took all available workers, the government brought us prisoners to top beets. Several American guards jumped out of the trucks, long bayonets fixed on the ends of their rifles. The prisoners stayed in the trucks while the officer in charge conferred with Dad about the day’s work. Our ranch is being invaded! Even the guards with their khaki uniforms, rifles, and bayonets seemed dangerous to us. Then Dad led them down to the beet fields where they were briefed. Soon over a hundred POWs with six or eight armed guards swarmed over our fields. Efficient, hard workers, the German prisoners topped beets, tossed them in piles, loaded trucks and did everything speedily and well. We watched them warily from a distance. In late afternoon, the trucks returned them to their heavily guarded compound at the fairgrounds. From then on, in the morning when they came, Beverley and Mom made sandwiches for the prisoners to eat at noon. Dad insisted we send five-gallon cans of milk along for their lunch. “Germans grow up with dairies. They like to drink milk,” he said. That first year, Hitler’s master race prisoners looked around for ranches to own after the war. That was really scary because it was obvious they liked our ranch and the war was not going well. There was fear POWs might escape and carry information back to Germany and one night a prisoner did escape. The radio warned everyone to lock their doors and take keys from their cars. People reacted in alarm. The town was on lockdown. Few ventured outside. However, the prisoner was soon found – strolling up Main Street – window-shopping.
Do you have Medicare?
You may be missing out on other benefits that could save you money.
Call for a free screening We’ll help you learn about services and complete applications.
Benefits Enrollment Centers
Area Agencies on Aging Aging and Disability Resource Centers
Call 1-800-551-3191
By fall of 1944, how the tide of war had changed! The prisoners were old men and young boys. One man was eighty-four. We girls weren’t supposed to be near the fields or within sight of prisoners. One day we were picking up potatoes in a field near the house when suddenly we were horrified to look up and see a German prisoner coming over a small rise toward us. We were thinking we’d have to run. “Oh, he’s just a boy!” Mom said. He wore clothes far too big – pants and shirtsleeves rolled up. His shirttail hung out. Mom was touched with sympathy and we girls grouped cautiously around her. As he came up, he tried to ask, “Where is the guard?” That much we understood. He looked so worried because it was almost time to go back to town. The guards had learned these prisoners didn’t need them, so sometimes they borrowed our shotguns, our water spaniel, Rex, and hunted pheasants. Mom and Beverley drove the little prisoner down to our lower pasture. He told them he was twelve years old. And he’d already fought a war and been captured. Mom could hardly believe it. The POWs worried the guards would be severely disciplined for their lax ways when the American commander of the prison camp made his daily rounds, as would certainly have happened in Nazi Germany. Because the highway circled over a mile around and through our ranch before reaching the field, our prisoners saw him coming long before he arrived. “Wake up the guard! Hier Kommt der Kommendant!” the prisoners shouted from field to field. The nearest prisoner woke the guard, lying in the shade under a haystack. He quickly stood at attention to report to his superior officer. The routine always tickled Dad. These last prisoners knew Germany would lose the war. They looked around at our green valley, the silver curves of the Yellowstone River, grazing cattle, and broad acres of irrigated fields
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
and knew it was good land and many wanted to stay. Several asked Dad to sponsor them. “No. You’ve got to go back and rebuild your country. Germans are hard working. You’re innovative and responsible. You’ve got to rebuild Germany,” Dad told them. “Do it the right way this
time – cooperate with other countries and don’t try to take over their lands. You can do it and I think you will.” (By Jeanie and Francie) To order Montana Stirrups, Sage & Shenanigans visit montanastirrupsandsage.com or call 701-567-2646. MSN
Yes, it’s February, the Valentine month, and time for romance. It is still cold so you may not be ready to give up your coat and hot cocoa – but spring is just around the corner. Now is a perfect time to plant and nurture a romance or friendship and watch it blossom as the season changes. And sharing the magic of summer – long drives, picnics, ballgames, fireworks, camping, fishing, travel, fairs, rodeos – with a new friend will add a bounce to your stride. So take that first step by sending in your own personal ad and replying to one listed below. Just pick up your pen or dust off your keyboard, and start writing. To respond to any of these personal ads, simply forward your message and address, phone number, or email address to the department number listed in the particular personal ad, c/o Montana Senior News, P.O. Box 3363, Great Falls, MT 59403. We will forward your response, including the address, phone number, and/or email address that you provide to the person placing the ad. When you respond to an ad in this section, there is no guarantee that you will receive a response. That is up to the person who placed the ad. Please submit your correct address plainly printed so you can promptly receive replies. Respond to the ads in this issue, and also sit down now and prepare your own ad to run in our next issue. There is no charge for this service, and your ad may lead you down the path of true love! You may submit your responses to personal ads appearing in the Montana Senior News at any time. However, to place a personal ad in the April/ May 2016 issue, the deadline is March 7, 2016.
thing is to enjoy each other’s company. If you are single, 60–70, who likes NW Montana and would like to meet a man like me, just reply and we will go from there. Reply MSN, Dept. 32302, c/o Montana Senior News, Box 3363, Great Falls, MT 59403.
SWF widow looking for a SWM, slim build between 58-64. Live in the Trego area between Whitefish and Eureka. Enjoy outdoor activities. Would like to start out as friends. Please respond. Reply MSN, Dept. 32301, c/o Montana Senior News, Box 3363, Great Falls, MT 59403. SWM, 61, 5’10” 170lbs, mustache and light stubble. Average looking. Am an outdoor type and have lived off the grid for 24 years – challenging but rewarding. I am simple but not boring with a good sense of humor. I am honest and kind. I like just about what everyone else likes – BBQ, beer, chocolate, and the list goes on. I don’t care for drunks, hoarders, and those who are lazy. We don’t have to believe in or like the same things since differences can be exciting. The most important HELENA AREA TRANSIT SERVICE M–F Except Holidays
Office Hours: 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Curb to Curb Service 6:30 a.m.–5 p.m. EAST VALLEY HELENA CHECK POINT ROUTE
7 a.m.–11 a.m. 1 p.m.–5 p.m.
7 a.m.–6 p.m.
MONTANA SENIOR NEWS PAGE 7
SWM seeking Great Falls area lady 50–80 to be my live-in companion. I am 65 years old and do not smoke or drink. Looks are unimportant. Please send phone number and I will answer all replies. Reply MSN, Dept. 32303, c/o Montana Senior News, Box 3363, Great Falls, MT 59403. SM, late 60s, fit and active, living a rural lifestyle in western Montana in home I built. I have a wide variety of interests and hobbies both inside and outside and am always open to new possibilities and learning. I am retired with no debts. Good health allows me to do a little traveling around the Northwest. There is a lot to see and do right in our backyard and we are fortunate enough to have all four seasons to enjoy. Interested in establishing a friendship with a lady who has some common interests. I have a phone and email address but prefer an exchange of letters. Please write to let me know what you enjoy doing in your free time. Reply MSN, Dept. 32304, c/o Montana Senior News, Box 3363, Great Falls, MT 59403. SW Widower. Senior Christian artist. 5’10” 145lbs. Full head of hair. Active with no spare tire waistline and by no means a couch potato. I enjoy God’s great created outdoors. Like fishing and hunting. Go to yard sales and thrift stores. Realistic in my biblical belief and convictions. In search of a real Christian life-long mate that knows what it means to be one-in-Christ. A mate that is beautiful on the inside (and oh lord it would be nice if she could be easy on the eyes on the outside). I am accountable to my creator for my life-style and health in where
If you have difficulty understanding words clearly over the phone, just fill out this form! You may qualify for free assistive telephone equipment through the
Montana Telecommunications Access Program! The Montana Telecommunications Access Program (MTAP) provides FREE assistive telephone equipment to those who qualify, making it easier to use the phone to do business or keep in touch with family and friends.
Equipment available through MTAP includes: • Amplified telephones • Captioned telephones • Loud bell ringers TTYs • Artificial Larynxes • And much, much more!
1415 NORTH MONTANA AVE | 406.447.1580 WHEEL CHAIR ACCESSIBLE 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 8 MONTANA SENIOR NEWS
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
I go what I say and what I do. My opinions don’t amount to much but God’s word does. Can you be sincere, dedicated, devoted, and committed? P.S. Scripture not worthy of this letter. Col 2:10, Gal 5:22-23, Eph 4:5, 1 Cor 12:13, Eph 5:25, Phil 12:8, 2 Tim 3:16-17. I am in NW Montana. Reply MSN, Dept. 32305, c/o Montana Senior News, Box 3363, Great Falls, MT 59403. I am looking for a female friend. I am not gay but I don’t care if she is. I am 72 and very healthy. You don’t have to be a senior to be my friend. Prefer someone in the Flathead area, but certainly I am willing to consider other close areas. Ronan, Libby, etc. I am a widow of 8 years. I live in Kalispell and would like a friend who likes movies, bowling, garage sales, and day trips. I am not into crafts but appreciate those who are. I enjoy audio books, walks, and who knows, you might be able to expose me to something I have never thought about. Someone who might like to go see historical or beautiful places in surrounding states
FOR MONTANA HISTORY LOVERS
$
18
EACH, ORDER BY MAIL SHIPPING INCLUDED
Books by Kalispell Author, Grace Larson
520 14th St. E., Kalispell | 406-890-2112 | www.montanagracelarson.com
Wit &Wisdom Of Gwen Petersen
How to be Elderly, A User’s Guide, vol 1 $10 + $2 shipping
Older than Dirt, The Musical Songbook $20 + $2.50 shipping
ORDER TODAY! Mail check to: Gwen Petersen, P.O. Box 1255, Big Timber, MT 59011 or call: 406-932-4227 | sagebrsh@ttc-cmc.net
and Canada while we are still healthy. I have the car but you may have to do most of the driving. Reply MSN, Dept. 32306, c/o Montana Senior News, Box 3363, Great Falls, MT 59403. MSN SWF, very petite, brown eyed, youthful-70 grandma. Hoping to find a good-hearted gentleman who would love to share his older years with a best friend. As a former country/golden oldies singer-musician, I still enjoy listening to music, writing songs, poetry, inspirational insights, etc. Also enjoy nature walks, fishing, arts & crafts, cooking, gardening, and friends. With no family close by, it gets hard to go and do fun things alone. So if you’re interested in meeting a light hearted kind gal who loves the Lord and wants to grow together, please send a description of who you are and a photo. I’ll respond. Who knows? Reply MSN, Dept. 32307, c/o Montana Senior News, Box 3363, Great Falls, MT 59403. MSN
Ageless Love: Speed Dating in Missoula By Gail Jokerst; gailjokerst.com Last fall, eight women and eight men ages 64 to 87 gathered at The Silk Road in Missoula to embark on a romantic adventure none of them could have dreamed of four decades ago. Mostly strangers to one another, all were single; all were open-minded; all were willing to give speed dating a try. By now, practically everyone has heard of computer dating. But speed dating may not be as familiar. Surprisingly, a rabbi living in Los Angeles, Yaakov Deyo, along with some associates in the entertainment industry, came up with the idea back in 1998 to help young Jewish singles meet potential marriage partners. Little did he suspect that his experiment would become so popular it would traverse America faster than you can sing, “Matchmaker, matchmaker, make me Sarah Bass (l.) helped organize the recent speed dating event at Missoula’s Silk Road restaurant where people a match, find me a find, made new acquaintences. [Photo provided by The Vilcatch me a catch.” lage Senior Residence] The speed-dating event that occurred in Missoula was similar to Rabbi Deyo’s concept. But undoubtedly the biggest difference between the two – other than the religion angle – was the age of the target audience. Missoula’s event was specifically geared to singles 60+. It was also based on the documentary film, The Age of Love, and the filmmaker’s recommendations for how to morph the speed-dating idea into an opportunity suitable for the divorced, widowed, and widower grandparents of those 20-somethings. “Living your life alone isn’t good for anybody. Many of the participants said they weren’t here to necessarily get married, but to find friendship and companionship,” says Kaley Burke, Director of Missoula’s Harvest Home Care. “This is about meeting people and being social. Elder speed dating isn’t just about falling in love. But if love comes out of it, that would be great, too.” Sponsored by Harvest Home Care and The Village Senior Residence, this was the first-ofits-kind event for older Missoulians. As in L.A., it involved a form of table-hopping for a series of minidates. In this case, each woman sat at a small table and a man joined her at her table for five minutes to ask questions of one another and get acquainted. Only first names and a number indicated an individual’s identity. No contact information was shared. When a bell rang announcing time was up, the men moved to another table. But before the next pairing formed, all the participants took a moment to jot down notes about the person they had just met and record those impressions on a scorecard. If someone seemed appealing enough to make a date with, the Yes box was checked off. After an hour, that portion of the evening ended. Ten people left but six lingered to mingle a while longer enjoying one another’s company and the Silk Road’s tapas. Once everyone departed, the organizers collected the cards and tallied the responses. If a mutual interest was indicated between two people,
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
they were notified in writing and given one another’s first name and phone number. From there, it was up to the individuals, not the organizers, to take the next step if they chose. “Something we all have in common is the desire to find love and companionship, to make connections. We grow closer when we discover we have this in common,” says Sarah Bass, Marketing Director for The Village Senior Residence. “It was wonderful to see how quickly everyone felt at ease. There was a lot of optimism. They sat down; they talked. I didn’t sense any awkwardness, hesitancy, or shyness.” As Kaley added, “They were very much owners of what was going to happen in that moment.” The overall feedback both women received about the pilot event was positive and encouraging with people reporting it was a good entertaining
time. Even if no dates were to ensue, everyone involved considered the event a success because it was so much fun. A sense of excitement filled the room and according to one observer, “a very contagious energy became palpable.” Currently, the goal is to hold one of these events quarterly for as long as the interest level holds. The next one is scheduled for February 11 at The Silk Road. Since there is room only for ten couples, anyone 60+ who wants to register (including even those who have already participated) should do so soon on Harvest Home Care’s web site. The registration fee is minimal to keep things affordable – just $15 thanks to generous community sponsors who cover most of the event’s actual cost. Openings are on a first-come-first-served basis. After registering, participants receive an information packet to help prepare for the evening
MONTANA SENIOR NEWS PAGE 9
and what to expect. A University of Montana professor who took part in the October gathering frankly shared the following advice with potential participants. “Smile all you can. It makes people feel comfortable and puts them at ease. Then probe for something mutual that you can talk about. Like with any other social interaction, if you find a common thread, follow it,” he said. “Not everyone is comfortable doing something like this but don’t get uptight about it. You have nothing to lose. It’s only five minutes.” For more information, contact Kaley at 406214-3053, kburke@harvesthomecare.net, or visit harvesthomecare.net. To watch a two-minute trailer for the film The Age of Love, go to https://vimeo.com/61764746. MSN
From Anaconda to Archbishop A Still and Quiet Conscience: the Archbishop who Challenged a Pope, a President, and a Church by John A. McCoy; Orbis Books, 2015 Reviewed by Connie Daugherty “One would be hard pressed to imagine a place more remote and more removed from the world of Vatican politics and ecclesial power than Anaconda, Montana.” Growing up in the smelter city, Ray (Dutch) Hunthausen, the oldest of seven children, never dreamed of becoming a priest much less an Archbishop. He was more interested in playing football and hanging out with his buddies; he was dating a nice Anaconda girl. But, it seemed as though God had other plans. In his book, A Still and Quiet Conscience, John A. McCoy pays tribute to the life of the controversial man from Anaconda. This very readable and skillfully constructed biography is well researched and supplemented with photos and personal interviews that make the man and his times come alive. In telling this one man’s story, McCoy also documents a monumental turning point for the Catholic Church as well as for all of society. A detailed bibliography and index is included. Dutch Hunthausen, “an introvert, [who] by temperament and good grace was a listener, not a talker,” did not intentionally challenge authority or create public controversy; he just followed his conscience and refused to back down when he was convinced he was doing the right thing. In many ways Ray Hunthausen was a man ahead of his time, in other ways he was, “the quintessential Vatican II bishop…with a vision of church in which all its members – in fact all people of good will – worked together to build the kingdom of God…women, gays, the divorced, the remarried, doubters and unbelievers…the poor and oppressed.” In following that vision, Hunthausen
found himself at the center of a storm of change. Recruited to play football, Dutch left Anaconda for Carroll College in Helena, “thinking he might pursue science or engineering…he majored in chemistry.” He also took pilot training classes and played basketball, baseball, and joined the golf team. It wasn’t until his junior year that he even considered going into the priesthood, though he still wasn’t sure if that was where God was leading him. It wasn’t until three years later as he was finishing seminary that he made the commitment. “Once Dutch made the decision for priesthood, he never looked back,” all doubts had been erased; he finally knew where God wanted him to be. Though he had no idea what lay in store. After earning an MS in chemistry, he returned to Carroll College as a chemistry and math professor as well as “dean of men, dorm supervisor, athletic director and head coach for football, basketball, baseball, track and golf.” Four years later, he was appointed as president of the college. Then in 1962 “the Vatican announced Hunthausen’s appointment as bishop of Helena…within weeks of his consecration in Helena, Bishop Raymond G. Hunthausen was…in Rome to participate in the Second Vatican Council.” He was amazed, overwhelmed, challenged, thrilled, and “transformed.” That experience, that transformation and constant prayer would guide Hunthausen throughout the rest of his ministry, and often get him into trouble with the church he served. “He had a new idea of his role as bishop… a new vision of his Catholic faith.” He began immediately to turn his vision – a vision that suited his friendly, kind, and loving personality – into practice. He created advisory councils and committees that had never existed; he listened to what the people suggested. He was happy and energized in Montana. Then the call came. He was being appointed
archbishop of Seattle. He was truly hesitant; he didn’t want to leave his family and friends in Montana. But, that is where God seemed to want him to be, so he went. He wasn’t at all what the Seattle archdiocese was used to. There was nothing ostentatious about Dutch Hunthausen, no matter where he was or what acclaim he achieved; he remained an ordinary, down-to-earth Anaconda boy. “Hunthausen’s management philosophy wasn’t designed or calculated. It was simply him, the expression of a reflective, soft-spoken introvert who was humble, guileless, and blessed with personal integrity.” His philosophy also included the Vatican II vision that he had begun in Montana and once settled in Seattle, he continued working toward that vision. Although Hunthausen was humble and generally quiet, he was also determined. His vision of an all-inclusive church that welcomed everyone not only into the pews, but also into the life and workings of the church continued to grow in Seattle’s diverse environment. He listened to all the new voices around him, he listened to women who wanted to be a bigger part of the church; he listened to women about birth control and abortion. He even met with Seattle’s Planned Parenthood director and he listened. He did not change his mind about when life begins, but he listened. He listened to former priests who had left for marriage but still wanted to continue helping the church. He listened to the growing openly gay community who felt rejected by their church and therefore, by their God. As in Montana he formed committees and councils made up of priests and laypeople and he listened. He listened to the victims of sexual abuse. Then he prayed, he reflected, he studied, and he prayed. When he was ready, he spoke out, simply, gently, but with the conviction of conscience. (Continued on page 59)
PAGE 10 MONTANA SENIOR NEWS
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
The Trailer By Bruce A. Smith We knew it was the perfect trailer for us the second we saw it. Sharron had been looking at trailers for years. I had been looking for at least ten minutes. The trailer was a used Arctic Fox, about 22 feet long, with a nice interior that had many upgraded features. Even though we both knew that it was the one, we were both afraid to say it. So we coquettishly skirted the issue and agreed to look around at a few other dealers. The first of these dealers had trailers made of aluminum foil by an especially skilled origami craftsman. The second dealer appeared to be run and operated by one man, who, we later determined, was able to keep his business alive by bullying people into buying what he had on the lot. After he showed us a bunch of trailers that cost twice as much as the Arctic Fox, but with half the features, we told him that we just were not interested. “Do you mind if I ask why you’re not interested?” he said. I immediately recognized this for the trap it was. Whenever a telemarketer or a salesperson asks why, there’s only one reason. They want to argue with you. With telemarketers, I usually just hang up. We tried to think of a more adult way to deal with the situation. Sharron settled on sticking out her tongue. I said, “Neiner, neiner, you big doofus. We’re not buying from you!” And then we turned and ran. (Editor’s note: The author has taken certain liberties with this story in order to make it funnier.) Back in the truck, we both admitted that we were in love with the Arctic Fox we had seen earlier, and we went back to purchase it. Buying the trailer went smoothly, except, as can be expected, during the finance part. We were lucky enough to be paying cash for the trailer, but there are always the add-on fees such as extended warranties and, in this case, the towing package. Still, we were having too much fun to notice.
For example, the bank insisted that instead of making one large payment, we had to split it up half-and-half between our two credit cards from the same account – $5,000 on each. The finance person, trying to be funny, said, “Whose card do you want to put what $5,000 on?” We caught on immediately. “I want him to put $5,000 on his card,” Sharron said. “No. no,” I countered. “I want Sharron to put $5,000 on her card.” “No you,” Sharron said to me. “No you,” I answered. The finance person waited until we were through with our little game. (Editor’s note: this part is not fictional. Bruce and Sharron really act like this.) When the time came actually to charge the cards, one of them went through, but the other didn’t. This meant we had to call the bank and sort it all out, which we did, but as I think back on it, it was a missed opportunity. Instead, I should have said, “See Sharron, I should have used your card.” Then she could have answered, “And I should have used yours.” We could have gone for another five minutes, while the finance guy, with a strained look on his face, thought about a possible career change. In the end, we got out of the finance office relatively unscathed, but we were told that there were certain items we needed to have for camping. We were given a list and sent off to the parts department. On a shopping spree that makes one’s head explode with the sheer excitement of it all, we purchased a septic hose, a regular hose, a water pressure controller for the hose, special toilet paper, chemicals for treating wastewater,
MONTANA SENIOR NEWS PAGE 11
PAGE 12 MONTANA SENIOR NEWS
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
blocks for the tires, a rug to keep the dust down, covers for the steps leading into the trailer, extra fuses, grease for the hitch, and a battery charger. The finance guy came over and wrote up a loan so that we could afford it all. Soon we were ready to roll, and we glided away from the dealer with our new trailer in tow. “Where are we going to park this?” Sharron asked. “I have no idea,” I said. We found a storage space the next day. There we learned that every single person we had ever talked to about a trailer had lied to us. They all said that when you park a trailer, all you have to do is to turn the wheel in the opposite direction of where you want the trailer to go.
“If you want it to go left,” they said, “then turn the wheel to the right.” What they did not explain is that for this to work, the trailer and the truck have to be lined up to begin with. If not, then the rule is different. Then the rule is that if you turn the steering wheel to the left, the trailer will jackknife, and if you turn the wheel to the right, the trailer will jackknife. It actually took us more time to park the trailer than it did to buy it. But don’t worry; I’m getting the hang of it. I can now figure out how park the trailer with nothing more than a protractor, a compass, and a sextant. Look for my upcoming book, How to Park Your Trailer Using the Stars as Your Guide. Please buy extra copies because we need the money to pay for gas and campsites. If not, we’re going to have to keep on staying in our favorite spot. “Where’s that?” you ask. Super Storage. We love it there. (Editor’s note: none of the editor’s notes was really from the editor. Go figure.) MSN
Get Fit, Have Fun, And Make New Friends!
By Kay Newman The Montana Senior Olympics Organization is making plans for the 2016 games that help to keep men and women who are 50 years of age and older healthy by staying active. Helena is again the host site for our 31st annual Montana Senior Olympics June 16-18. Sports include archery, basketball, bowling, cycling, golf, horseshoes, pickleball, race walk, road race, racquetball, swimming, tennis, table tennis, and track & field. Gold, silver and bronze medals are awarded to winners in five year age groups so that means that almost everyone gets to go home with a medal representing their participation in an activity that is recognized all over the United States. Our games serve as a fun way to keep our bodies moving. Competition is friendly and all ability levels are encouraged to enter. Social activities include a pasta buffet and a low-key banquet on Friday evening where participating athletes are recognized. Other MSO activities include Nordic Ski Races (Classic and Freestyle) on February 27 in Bozeman and an Ice Hockey Tournament on April 1-3. For information call 406-586-5543 or visit montanaseniorolympics. org. So get ready to join in the fun – you will be glad you did! MSN
Integrity needs no rules. - Albert Camus
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
MONTANA SENIOR NEWS PAGE 13
Putting Mettle To The Pedal: Cyclist Karel Stroethoff By Gail Jokerst; gailjokerst.com Should you ever notice a bicyclist asleep by the roadside, just imagine a Do Not Disturb sign posted and keep driving. Though your initial impulse may be to stop and check on the person, chances are any cyclist sprawled on the grass or stretched out on a picnic table is not ailing but could be a tired randonneur. And while your intentions would be noble, the catnapping cyclist would prefer you not act on them, thank you very much. Though rare in America, this sight is more common in Europe where the sport of randonneuring started. Randonneurs are endurance cyclists more concerned with covering countryside miles within a limited time than with finding a motel mattress to rest on. That explains the 30-to-60-minute byway power naps. These calorie-consuming cyclists require minimum sleep for maximum alertness on each segment of their journey – be it 50 or 150 miles of non-stop pedaling day or night. No one knows this better than Karel Stroethoff, who discovered this arduous sport in 2006 when he took a yearlong sabbatical from teaching mathematics at the University of Montana. “I had a mid-life crisis. I was overweight and knew I needed to get in shape so I started cycling,” says Karel, who came to the States in 1981 for graduate school and joined the UM faculty six years later. “In Holland where I grew up, everyone rides bikes. I rode mine everywhere but did not get into racing then.” The trek that introduced him to long-distance cycling brought him from Missoula to Glacier Park to Yellowstone and back to Missoula covering some 1000 miles in ten days. Karel tackled the ride with the Helena Bike Club loving each minute of each mile. He appreciated everything about the sport from the camaraderie to the conquest over aching muscles. “I like the challenge that appears out of reach. You have to use your time efficiently and do with less sleep,” remarks Karel, who notes that this is not necessarily a sport for the young as much as a passion for those whose life or work situation allows them the flexibility to pursue it. According to bicycling history, randonneuring’s roots trace back to the late 19th century and a grueling round-trip race from Paris to oceanside Brest, France. Known in cycling lingo as the PBP, this picturesque but punishing 750-mile route was the inspiration behind the more famous Tour de France, which began 14 years later. The PBP attracted many endurance cyclers and still attracts some 5,000 of them – along with Karel – today. Surprisingly, what has always set apart the PBP from other cycling events, aside from its 36,000-foot elevation gain, is its noncompetitive nature. Finishing within the allotted time, now set at 90 hours, is what matters, not placing first. Additionally, this continues to be an “unsupported” event. No teams follow riders with food, water, spare bikes, or spare bike parts – a tradition that has remained. Support crews can only assist
Karel Stroethoff at Beartooth Pass during a 200-mile brevet with 14,000+ feet of elevation gain as final preparation before the Paris-Brest-Paris Randonneur 2015. [Photo provided by Karel Stroethoff]
at designated checkpoints, though cyclists can purchase food and water wherever available.
“You should be able to do these rides on your own and be self-motivated and self-sufficient,” says Karel, who has participated in three PBPs and hopes to do many more. If you can imagine pedaling a bicycle from Bozeman to Kalispell and back to Bozeman in four consecutive days, that tells you what the PBP race is like. However, to call this event a race may be a misnomer. “The goal of these rides is to simply finish them. People always ask, ‘What’s your time?’ but that is not what matters. You are only competing with yourself,” clarifies Karel. “The primary goal is just to finish. Time is secondary.” To prepare for such a challenge, Karel, like other randonneurs, has to complete a series of six long-distance rides, known as brevets to qualify for the PBP. Randonneur chapters around the world organize and closely oversee these brevets, which range incrementally from 200 to 1200 km (about 125 to 745 miles). Early (Continued on page 42)
PAGE 14 MONTANA SENIOR NEWS
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
The Best of Bellingham, Washington Article & Photo By Natalie Bartley Bellingham is an easy place to maximize the fun meter. Miles of trails, a sparkling bay, scenic Mount Baker, tasty meals, and award-winning breweries entice visitors. During the last week in April, I sampled the outdoor recreation and food opportunities in the area. Here are my recommendations. Gateway to Alaska’s Inside Passage – Whatcom County, home to Bellingham, is just a short flight from Idaho or Montana to the Bellingham International Airport, or a short 90-mile scenic drive up Interstate 5 from Seattle. Set between Bellingham Bay and Mount Baker, Bellingham serves as the southern port for the Alaska Ferry and is a jumping off point for sailing, sea kayaking, and vacationing in the San Juan Islands. Lopez, Lummi, and Orcas islands are clearly visible from Bellingham. Trails – Bring your bicycles and hiking shoes. This is an active town, with 50 miles of trails. Two easily accessible rail trails provide a variety of views of the islands, bay, and mountains. South Bay Trail – Use this asphalt and gravel two-mile trail along the waterfront to visit gift shops, a bookstore, and eateries in the historic Fairhaven District. Coffee and pastries at Woods Coffee in Boulevard Park at the waterfront are a perfect match for the occasional rain. Along with top-notch coffee, this shop is known for maple and bacon scones, which are surprisingly tasty. Whatcom County and Bellingham Interurban Trail – For a hike or a gentle mountain bike ride, use the seven-mile gravel trail that takes you from Fairhaven to Larrabee State Park. Located high above Chuckanut Drive with outstanding views of Bellingham Bay, the trail feels remote yet is close to the downtown area. Trail information at: www.whatcomcounty.us/parks. Water sports – The San Juan Islands are famous for sea kayaking, sailing, and whale watching. Enjoy sea kayak trips with Elakah Expeditions. Local day trips launch at Larrabee State Park and go along Wildcat Cove and past Chuckanut Island
from Wednesdays to Sundays. Kayakers glide past sculptured sandstone rocks. Alternatively, sign on for a three or five-day overnight sea kayak voyage in the San Juan Is-
lands. Though I did not get out on the water this trip due to rough weather, my prior sea kayak trips in the islands were magical. Viewing the lush green San Juan Islands and the rock-studded coast and experiencing the salty ocean from a kayak provides a unique perspective on the islands’ beauty. Contact Elakah Expeditions at www.elakah.com or 800-434-7270. This trip I visited The Schooner Zodiac, a restored Tall Ship Schooner sailboat offering tours in the Northwest. From March through early November, tourists sailing on the boat assist with sailing duties. Popular overnight trips include winery, brewery, and photography tours to various Northwest locations. Contact The Schooner Zodiac at www. schoonerzodiac.com or 206-719-7622. May, June, and July are prime times for whale watching. The thrill of observing the large creatures breach, spout, and swim elicits “oohs” and “ahs” from the onboard whale watchers. Contact Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism Visitor Center, Interstate 5, exit 253 in Bellingham at www.belling-
ham.org or 800-487-2032. Beverages and Food – A trip to a gorgeous town such as Bellingham is complete only after sampling the local cuisine. Local wineries along Washington Highway 542 offer wine tasting and buying opportunities. In Bellingham, award-wining breweries serve up brews and meals. I must fess-up; I prefer wine to beer. However, after a sampler tray of the handcrafted brews of the Chuckanut Brewery & Kitchen, I am open to the fine European-style beer developed on-site at their brewery. Chuckanut Brewery owners Mari and Will Kemper are so good at crafting brews and starting breweries that they consult worldwide. Beer tasting is an art. We were served six glasses of beer brewed on-site, with descriptions of each and recommended food pairings. Slowly and with pleasure, I sampled light to dark ales, my favorites being the Kolsch German Ale with its fruity taste, the pale-colored Pilsner Lager, and the lightly bitter English IPA (Indian Pale Ale.) The delicious macaroni and cheese with smoked salmon and crusty topping matched pleasingly with the beer. Contact Chuckanut Brewery & Kitchen at www. chuckanutbreweryandkitchen.com, West Holly Street, or at 360-752-3377, or Woods Coffee at www.thewoodscoffee.com, in Boulevard Park, or at 360-738-4771. Not only is Bellingham attractive in the spring and summer, this mountain-to-ocean outdoor town is a base for year-round activities. Mount Baker attracts skiers and snowboarders in the winter. Hike and bike trails are open and maintained yearround, while the ocean lures boaters. Additionally, the food and beverages are often locally produced and primo tasting. Natalie Bartley is the Boise-based author of the Best Rail Trails Pacific Northwest guidebook and the Best Easy Day Hikes Boise guidebook, available online and at outdoor retail shops and bookstores. MSN
You Can Help With the History of the Great Western Cattle Trail Project As the Old West meets today’s GPS Navigation Technology, everyone will be able to follow the Great Western Cattle (GWC) Trail of the late 1800s. The route runs primarily from Texas north to Montana, with slight extensions into Mexico and Canada and the High Plains Western Heritage Center is seeking family history information to include in the project. The mass departure of cattle started after the Civil War, when Texans returned home to find too
many cattle and not enough grass. As a result, they organized trail drives to move cattle from Texas into Kansas and eventually north, to the nutritious short grass of the High Plains, where open range cattle operations were established. This provided a source for the beef demand of eastern U. S. markets, fulfilled federal agreements for American Indian Reservations, as well as, supplying military forts, settlers and miners. Eventually, railroad shipping points were de-
8 Hotels in the heart of the Canadian Rockies
BANFF HOTEL ROOMS SUITES CONDOS
THE TROLLY STOPS HERE
ON-SITE PARKING
1-800-563-8764
ASK ABOUT OUR BUNKHOUSE REWARDS
www.bestofbanff.com
855-366-6405
68 Main St. Deadwood, SD • deadwoodstation.com
veloped in the southern states to send cattle to eastern destinations. In time, barbed wire fencing (used to establish the property of individual operations), homesteaders, and legislation blocked the open thoroughfare to the northern pastures. Around the turn of the 20th century, the large cattle trail drives proved to be a significant chapter in the settlement of the High Plains region. A nine-state effort (TX, OK, KS, NE, SD, ND, CO, WY, & MT) by the Great Western Cattle Trail
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
Assoc. to identify the general route of the Great Western Cattle Trail began on July12, 2003, when the first concrete marker was set and dedicated at Altus, Okla. just north of the Red River of Texas/ Oklahoma. Since then, official markers have been placed steadily from Texas north to Ogallala, NE. More official markers have been placed sporadically in the remaining states of SD, ND, CO, WY, and MT, with a goal to complete the entire GWC Trail northward. Today, by following the official markers you
can travel the general path of the legendary cattle drives, which will provide you with information and enthrall you with beautiful scenery. So saddle up and experience the history of how the center of the United States of America was transformed into a cattle empire that remains to this day a major contributor to our country’s agricultural industry. Floor Displays telling the story of the Great Western Cattle Trail are now on display at the High Plains Western Heritage Center, 825 Heritage
South Dakota Facts and Trivia
By Crucesdale, JRB049, kkostel It doesn’t take long during a visit to South Dakota to discover myriad interesting facts, figures, and phenomena to engage you however long your visit. Sculptor Gutzon Borglum began drilling into the 6,200-foot Mount Rushmore in 1927. Creation of the Shrine to Democracy took 14 years and cost a mere $1 million, though it’s now deemed priceless. The faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln are sculpted into Mount Rushmore the world’s greatest mountain carving. Fossilized remains of life 50 million years ago have been arranged in unusual forms, which is Lemmon’s mark of distinction at the world’s largest petrified wood park. Perhaps the most significant fur trade/military fort on the western American frontier, Fort Pierre Chouteau was the largest (almost 300’ square) and best equipped trading post in the northern Great Plains. Built in 1832 by John Jacob Astor’s (1763-1848) American Fur Company as part of its expansion into the Upper Missouri region, the trading activities at the site exemplified the commercial alliance critical to the success of the fur business. Jack McCall was tried, convicted, and hanged two miles north of Yankton in 1877 for the shooting of Wild Bill Hickok. He is buried in an unmarked grave in the Yankton cemetery. The site of a rich gold strike in 1875, Deadwood retains its mining town atmosphere. While Deadwood is one of the most highly publicized mining towns of the trans-Mississippi West, much of its fame rests on the famous or infamous characters that passed through. Tom Brokaw of NBC graduated from Yankton High School and the University of South Dakota. Belle Fourche is the geographical center of the United States of America, designated in 1959 and noted by an official marker and sheepherder’s monument called a “Stone Johnnie.” Bowdle is known for the tallest water tower in South Dakota. Clark is the Potato Capital of South Dakota. Clark is home to the world famous Mashed Potato Wrestling contest. In 1803, U.S. President Thomas Jefferson purchased the Louisiana Territory from France, a real-estate deal that at the time doubled the size of the United States. South Dakota is the home of the Dakota, Lakota, and Nakota tribes, which make up the Sioux Nation. Custer State Park is home to a herd of 1,500 free-roaming bison. Bison can weigh as much as 2,000 pounds. Historically, the bison played an essential role in the lives of the Lakota (Sioux), who relied on the “tatanka” for food, clothing, and shelter. Jewel Cave is the third-longest cave in the world. More than 120 miles of passages have been surveyed. Calcite crystals that glitter when illuminated give the cave its name.
With more than 82 miles of mapped passages, Wind Cave contains the world’s largest display of a rare formation called boxwork. The Crazy Horse Memorial mountain carving now in progress will be the world’s largest sculpture (563’ high, 641’ long, carved in the round). It is the focal point of an educational and cultural memorial to and for the North American Indian. Badlands National Park consists of nearly 244,000 acres of sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles, and spires blended with the largest, protected mixed grass prairie in the United States. Badlands National Park contains the world’s richest Oligocene epoch fossil beds, dating 23 to 35 million years old. Sage Creek Wilderness is the site of the reintroduction of the black-footed ferret, the most endangered land mammal in North America. The name “Black Hills” comes from the Lakota words Paha Sapa, which mean “hills that are black.” Seen from a distance, these pine-covered hills, rising several thousand feet above the surrounding prairie, appear black. In 1898, the first commercial timber sale on federal forested land in the United States was authorized in the area of Jim and Estes Creeks (near the town of Nemo). Woonsocket is known as The Town with the Beautiful Lake. Lake Prior sits in the middle of town. Harney Peak, at 7242 above sea level, is the highest point in the United States east of the Rockies. The 9824-acre Black Elk Wilderness in the center of the Norbeck Wildlife Preserve was named for Black Elk, an Oglala Lakota holy man. Sturgis is home of the annual Black Hills Classic Motorcycle Rally. The Mammoth Site of Hot Springs contains the largest concentration of Columbian and woolly mammoth bones discovered in their primary context in the world! This National Natural Landmark is the only in-situ (bones left as found) display of fossil mammoths in America. The Pioneer Auto Museum in Murdo details more than 250 rare automobiles including the infamous Tucker and Edsel. Near the shore of Lake Herman, Prairie Village includes the original townsite of Herman, Dakota Territory. It is also home of the Art B. Thomas Hershell-Spillman Carousel that is complete with its operating coal fired boiler and steam engine. The abundant water flow of Spearfish Creek favored the establishment of a Federal Fish Hatchery in 1898. It is known today as the D.C. Booth Historic Fish Hatchery. (Provided by 50States.com) MSN
MONTANA SENIOR NEWS PAGE 15
Drive, Spearfish, South Dakota. To help with this project, any knowledge gleaned from your family history is most welcome. Please contact us at 605-642-9378 or visit westernheritagecenter.com. MSN
PAGE 16 MONTANA SENIOR NEWS
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
Finally, Help Is On The Way! By Bob Campbell Public confidence in Congress has never been lower. It seems the endless gridlock is due to the two parties’ not agreeing on how to approach our most pressing problems. However, one issue has the attention and the understanding that we must provide the funding for mental health facilities for the entire country. One out of five families is struggling to find a medical center that can provide treatment for their family member that needs psychiatric help. Montana’s size and small population means our fifty-six counties have suffered for years without access to an adequate mental health facility or treatment. When there is a problem with a mentally ill person, the choice for law enforcement has been difficult – either taking the person to jail or on a long ride in a straight jacket to Warm Springs for six months. Today our needs are more visible with the significant number of mentally ill homeless. This includes veterans who have been promised but have not received mental health treatment. Every person in law enforcement knows that
each call for assistance has the potential of violence, but the call may not involve a person with a mental illness. We now have programs for law enforcement and school administrators that train them to recognize a problem caused by a mental illness. Each person that can be directed toward treatment reduces the number of inmates that require far more money to house in a jail cell. In the men’s prison in Deer Lodge, we have approximately four hundred mentally ill inmates locked in solitary confinement with no access to any mental health treatment. The funding is just not there. Congress recently passed and the President has signed into law a program that will create new and improve existing mental health facilities. The earlier the treatment can be identified the more likely the necessary medication and counseling that can reduce the trauma experienced by those living with a person needing this specialized medical assistance. We now have hope that help is on the way and we should all remind those running for office to continue this commitment in the future. MSN
Call The Police – When You’re Old And You Don’t Move Fast Anymore George Phillips, an elderly man from Walled Lake, Michigan, was going up to bed when his wife told him that he’d left the light on in the garden shed, which she could see from the bedroom window. George opened the back door to turn off the light, but saw that there were people in the shed stealing things. He phoned the police, who asked, “Is someone in your house?” George replied, “No. But some people are breaking into my garden shed and stealing from me.” The police dispatcher said, “All patrols are busy, you should lock your doors and an officer will be along as soon as one is available.”
“Okay,” George replied. He hung up the phone and counted to 30. Then he phoned the police again. “Hello, I just called you a few seconds ago because there were people stealing things from my shed. Well, you don’t have to worry about them because I just shot and killed them both; the dogs are eating them right now.” And he hung up. Within five minutes, six police cars, a SWAT team, a helicopter, two fire trucks, a paramedic, and an ambulance showed up at the Phillips residence and caught the burglars red-handed. One of the officers said to George, “I thought you said that you’d shot them!” George replied, “I thought you said there was nobody available!” MSN
MontanaSeniorNews.com REVERSE MORTGAGE
Take a look at Montana’s Reverse Annuity Mortgage. Our Reverse Annuity Morgage is a low-interest loan that can turn your home equity into monthly cash. The loan doesn’t have to be paid back until you sell your home, until you die, or until you permanently move out of your home. • You live in your home. • You retain ownership. • You receive payments for up to 10 years. High heating bills? Rising medical costs? Let a RAM help you live life, NOW! Go to housing.mt.gov for more details.
Live Life. NOW. To be eligible, you must be at least 68 years old. Income limits also apply: 1 person - $23,540 2 person - $31,860 3 person - $40,180
For more information, call:
1-800-761-6264
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
ANACONDA Mike King 118 Cherry Anaconda, MT 59711 406-563-2991 BILLINGS George Andrikopoulos 2500 Grand Ave, Suite M Billings, MT 59102 406-651-0610 Tim Friez Friez Insurance Agency, Inc. 513 Hilltop Rd Ste1 Billings, MT 59105 406-248-2507 Brian Nearpass 751 S 24th St W Billings, MT 59102 406-248-2193
BOZEMAN Dan Rust 1805 W Dickerson Bldg 2, Suite 1 Bozeman, MT 59715 406-587-8287 DILLON Ted Ori 24 South Idaho Dillon, MT 59725 406-683-2472 GREAT FALLS Pam Hansen Alfred 2817 10th Ave South Great Falls, MT 59405 406-453-6010 Gary T. Fosse 222 15th Street S Great Falls, MT 59405 406-452-6446
MONTANA SENIOR NEWS PAGE 17
GREAT FALLS Greg Franczyk 17 2nd St S Great Falls, MT 59401 406-770-3040
MISSOULA Riley McGiboney 3420 S. Reserve St. Ste C Missoula MT 59801 406-541-3621
Aaron Hamilton 1900 4th St NE Great Falls, MT 59404 406-761-7601
SHELBY Mark Olson 111 1st St S Shelby, MT 59474 406-434-5342
KALISPELL Sandra Goode - Long 491 N Main Kalispell, MT 59901 406-257-7714 LIVINGSTON Sarah Skofield 125 E Callender St Livingston, MT 59047 406-222-1000
30 S Central Cut Bank, MT 59425 406-873-5021
PAGE 18 MONTANA SENIOR NEWS
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
Linda Valentine Volunteers With Heart
CELEBRATING
By Bernice Karnop Linda Valentine from Great Falls puts her heart into her volunteer work. “It really helps children,” she says. Linda volunteers at the desk of the Scottish Rite Childhood Language Disorders Clinic, where five speech pathologists treat pre-school children who have a variety of speech problems. Here children who struggle to communicate find help in
10TH Anniversary Breakfast DATE & TIME: MARCH 3 | 8AM–9:15AM LOCATION: The Emerson Center Downtown Bozeman
SPEAKER: Karen Olson, Founder of the National Family Promise Program
Help us thank our volunteers, donors and founders for their dedicated service to homeless parents and children in our community. For information or to register for the event, visit familypromisegv.org/10years
If your unable to attend, please consider making a gift and supporting Family Promise. For more information, contact Kevin Sylvester, Executive Director, at: (406) 582-7388. P.O. Box 475, Bozeman, MT 59771 www.familypromisegv.org
overcoming their various challenges before they out of state. She volunteers for herself as well as start kindergarten. for the children. Speech pathologist and clinic director, Martha “I need to get out,” she says. “I need to be Reeves loves her work. “It changes lives,” she with people.” says. She also says they would not be able to In choosing a place to volunteer, her interest run the clinic without volunteers. turned naturally to the Scottish Rite Childhood One reason is there Language Disorders is no charge to the famiClinic because she’s lies for this service. The a long-time member of Scottish Rite, which is Daughter of the Nile, a part of the Masons orScottish Rite/Freemaganization, applies for sonry sister organizagrants, raises funds, tion. With Daughters and accepts donations. of the Nile, she helped They use these funds with fund raising for the to provide services. Volclinic, and she was well unteers free the speech acquainted with their therapists to focus on the work long before she children. started volunteering Linda comes in for there. half a day each week Martha Reeves to open the office and says they love their 13 answer the phone. She regular volunteers and welcomes families and their 14 substitutes. watches siblings so the Her ideal volunteer is speech pathologist and a pleasant, personparent can give all their able man or woman attention to the child in who likes children. The need of help. Linda has volunteer also needs to been volunteering at have adequate hearing the Scottish Rite Child- Martha Reeves, left, director of Scottish Rite Childhood to answer the phone. hood Language Disor- Language Disorders in Great Falls, says they could not Vo l u n t e e r i n g i s ders Clinic for more than provide the free services to children wihout volunteers a strong tradition for a decade. While three like Linda Valentine, right. Linda has volunteered at the among older Amercenter for more than 10 years [Photo by Bernice Karnop] hours a week may seem icans as they serve like a small contribution, thousands of organiit adds up. She’s one of several volunteers who zations and make it possible for their beneficial have given more than a thousand hours to the contributions to our communities. Clinic. Think about it. How can you help the world be Linda, 71, grew up on a farm out of Moccasin. a better place by giving a few hours a week to a She taught kindergarten for 25 years in Great cause you care about? MSN Falls. Today both her children are grown and live
They Speak For Themselves Submitted by Jim Meade Mark Twain: “I have never killed a man, but I’ve read many an obituary with a great deal of satisfaction.” Abraham Lincoln after being called two-faced replied, “If I had two faces, do you think I’d be wearing this one?” Replying to the question “How many people work at the Vatican,” Pope John XXIII replied, “About half.” When asked at the opera, “What do you think of the singer’s execution?” Calvin Coolidge replied, “I’m all for it.” Bessie Braddock said to Winston Churchill. “Winston, you are a drunk, and what’s more you are disgustingly drunk.” To which Churchill replied, “Bessie, my dear, you are ugly, and what’s more you are disgustingly ugly. But tomorrow I shall be sober and you will still be disgustingly ugly.” After rubbing Speaker of the House Nicholas Longworth’s bald head, a house member said, “Nice and smooth, feels just like my wife’s bottom.” To which Longworth replied running his hand over his own head, “Indeed it does.” Dorothy Parker to Calvin Coolidge said, “I’ve made a bet against a fellow who said it was impossible to get more than two words out of you.” To which Coolidge replied, “You lose.” MSN
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
MONTANA SENIOR NEWS PAGE 19
“
THANKFULLY, PHYSICIAN ASSISTED SUICIDE REMAINS A HOMICIDE IN MONTANA
”
Our 2015 Montana Legislature rejected for the third time an Oregon model bill, Senate Bill (SB) 202, which would have legalized non-voluntary euthanasia and trample individual’s rights. Montana Disability Rights advocates describe (SB) 202 as a blunt instrument. Once people learn how poorly the bills are written to allow abuse, they are not in favor of such a dangerous public policy. By Oregon and Washington law, all family members are not required to be contacted. A single heir is allowed to initiate and execute the lethal process without a witness, thus eviscerating intended safeguards. Everyone involved in the lethal process gets immediate immunity. A witness is not required to confirm the dose was self-administered, so if someone struggled and changed his or her mind who would ever know? In addition, these laws prohibit investigations or public inquiries leaving no recourse for surviving family members who were not contacted. Does that sound like good public policy to you? This is a very dangerous public policy that allows the exploitation of elders and people with disabilities of all ages. However, it serves the health insurance corporations very well. Thankfully our legislators read the bills. Thank them for their careful and responsible legislative action that keeps us safe. To learn how these bills are written and deceptively promoted, book a speaker for your small group. Contact Bradley@MTAAS.org. Thank you all for your generous support.
SAY NO TO ASSISTED SUICIDE IN MONTANA! Send in this form to recieve more information or to volunteer and help fight against assisted suicide. Name: Address: Phone: Email: Montanans Against Assisted Suicide 610 North 1st St., Suite 5-285 Hamilton, MT 59840 406-531-0937
Donations Appreciated!
Bradley D. Williams - President bradley@MTAAS.org www.MTAAS.org
PAGE 20 MONTANA SENIOR NEWS
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
Breaking Glass; Playing in Mud; Beating up Metal – Turn Loose Your Artisan Self By Patrick M. Kennedy The methods and processes to create pieces of hard art are as varied and ingenious as the people exploring them are. Breaking glass, playing with mud, and beating up metal objects represent some of the fun activities to enjoy and scratch a creative itch. We’re talking BIG here and not needlepoint or jewelry making, though they are highly regarded crafts. We’re talking about the ability to alter and reshape the earth’s natural elements! The choices of styles and final products are as varied as the elements themselves. Each element possesses picky-finicky properties that require specific treatment to bend, carve, mold, or position it. Take glass for instance. Artisan wannabes produce their imaginative pieces using several techniques. Glass tubing can be heated, bent, and filled with a gas such as neon. Glass can be heated until molten and then twisted, shaped, and blown into various shapes, such as vases or chandeliers. Sand and glass can be arranged in designs and melted together in a kiln. Pieces of cut or broken colored glass can be assembled with solder to create designs and illustrations for windows and walls (stained glass) or placed in mortar to form mosaic designs for tables and other decorative items. Everyone can learn the required techniques by attending classes at your local craft store, or adult education program at a local high school or community college. And then there is wood – wood to be whittled, carved, chiseled, sawed, planed, turned on a lathe, routed, sand blasted, drilled, ground, and even chainsawed. What fun! Then it can be sanded, burned, stained, painted, sealed, puttied, polished, waxed, and accessorized with metal, glass, clay, and finished to the artisan’s whim. And finally, it can be glued, nailed, screwed, clamped, assembled, mounted, framed, or positioned to create the masterpiece. What about clay – wet dirt or special mud? This earth material is plastic when moist, fun to
run your fingers through, but hard when fired. It is used to create bricks, tiles, and pottery in a wide selection of colors. And you the artisan will throw clay on a wheel, spin and mold it by hand, trim it, and then form it into your inspired vision. You can cast it into a bowl, pot, wall hanging, or dish, or form it into tiles to produce ceramics for that new shower wall or coffee table top. Then add color, stains, chemicals, glaze, patterns, handles, metals, etc., and finally fire it in the maw of a scorching kiln – yes a masterpiece. Don’t forget metal – steel, tin, copper, bronze, aluminum, lead, and pewter – to be pounded, ground, bent, twisted, trimmed, filed, hacksawed, welded, molded, cast, glued, buffed, polished, painted, rusted, flushed in acid, or oxidized. Gosh, more fun! You the artisan can use these techniques (some delicate some blacksmithian) to create the art in your head, including, jewelry, framed art, wall sculptures, gates, furniture (indoor and lawn), figurines, door knobs, mosaics, wind chimes, mobiles, and the list goes on. Other pliable elements the aspiring artisan can play with include fiber for baskets, tapestry and wall hangings, embroidery, quilts, clothing, and accessories created by weaving, looming, spinning, knitting, crocheting, dying, hand painting, and tie dying. And everything out of cotton, silk, wool, linen, rayon, yarn, and maybe grass or reeds. So many materials and methods... and so many results. Yes, earth, wind, and fire are part of the mix! We’ve used fire in our glass, metal, and pottery, but the other two? Sand can be blasted to clean and shape metal, glass, or wood. Air mixed with any color of paint or dye can be shot from a gun in your steady, visionary hands and aimed at a canvass, wall, T-shirt, vehicle, window, or any flat or round surface to create more art. And these are just for starters. So turn on your creative juices, take a class, buy some materials, and move into the great unknown of your artistic frontier. MSN
Retirement Living Montana Style.
To schedule a personal tour, please call:
406-837-2698 TTY 711
406-257-8162
Exceptional Lifestyle Choices Rising Mountains offers attractive apartment homes and just the right amount of assistance. We are close to the cultural activities and healthcare facilities of Bigfork and within 15 miles of a top-rated hospital in Kalispell. Independent, Assisted Living, or Respite Care—Your Choice!
$1000 off Move-in Special
225 Coverdell Road • Bigfork, MT 59911 • 406 837-2698 • www.risingmountains.com
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
Laura Heine: Painter in Fabric
By Gail Jokerst; gailjokerst.com Is the age-old craft of quilting dwindling or attracting a new generation of enthusiasts? As part of our state’s cultural heritage, Montanans might assume it is almost as widespread now as when people had to sew their own blankets to keep warm. In one sense, that assumption would be correct. Quilting is still popular, though not necessarily as familiar as stitched Flying Geese or Flower Basket designs. Instead, many of today’s quilters, especially those under the age of 40, are enjoying a form of fabric art known as fused appliqué. And they have Laura Heine, a Yellowstone County quilter with some 80 awards to her credit, to thank for that. “Making a quilt makes people feel good,” explains Laura, owner of Fiberworks in Billings. “You can touch fabric; it’s tactile. And people like the idea of accomplishing something creative.” Appliqué is not a new technique in the fabric world. But it has received an inspired new twist through Laura, who designs fused appliqué kits that rely on an iron rather than a sewing machine as a primary tool. The kits are mainly wall hangings based on her own patterns and global fabric choices. However, unlike traditional quilting that requires precision-sewing skills honed through patience and practice, her kits do not require anyone to stitch a straight seam. “These are collage quilts, which look like a paper collage but are made with fabric. You fuse the fabric by ironing it onto fusible material and cut out the motif, which you then fuse to your foundation. You don’t have to be a seamstress to make one. This is the furthest thing from traditional quilting,” says Laura. “Modern is the new wave in quilting. In the modern quilt movement, the simpler the design the more modern it is.” Laura opened Fiberworks 24 years ago and has watched the quilting landscape transform. Initially, she drew customers from Canada to Wyoming making traditional-type Log Cabin and Texas Star quilts. But by Laura’s estimate, 75 percent of her business vanished after 9/11 and with the advent of the worldwide web. People held onto their disposable income more tightly after 9/11 while the Internet offered fabric-lovers a cornucopia of buying options. “The only way I could survive was to specialize. So I had to go back to the creative part of me to design patterns and make something people love so much they feel they have to buy it. I came up with the idea of limited edition kits with hundreds of different fabrics in each one. I think of it as painting with fabric,” says Laura, whose easy-to-master kits appeal to young adults cautious with their pennies as well as to pre-teens. Gradually, Fiberworks morphed from a regional quilt shop selling fabric off the bolt to being mostly
MONTANA SENIOR NEWS PAGE 21
PAGE 22 MONTANA SENIOR NEWS
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
a quilt-kit business with a nationwide clientele. It was a natural transition given this former nurse’s affinity for drawing and color coordination. “I work with and love all colors of the rainbow,” says Laura, who has studied the canvases of artists such as Renoir and Monet. “You need to work with all the colors because they play well together. Every color is represented in every Fiberworks quilt.” Consequently, Laura’s textile compositions resemble paintings more than geometrically appealing designs. When assembled together, her variously hued fabrics mimic how the impressionists portrayed scenes depending on the dance of light for color to merge into form. “I’ve never been a real traditional quilter. I always did my own thing. If there was a rule, I broke it,” admits Laura with a smile. She has written six books on quilting and designed fabric and thread lines for major corporations. “My fabric choices have always been different from most. My quilts tend to be soft and free-flowing, not bright or the expected blues and browns.” One of the advantages of using a kit is time. As
Laura says, “After all the pieces are cut out, they can be arranged in two or three hours. You could finish in a day. You only need an iron, some sharp scissors, the ability to cut accurately, and your imagination if you want your quilt to look different from mine.” Unsurprisingly, Fiberworks has not only survived but also thrived in the competitive quilting marketplace. Laura travels around the country several months of the year attending quilt shows, teaching classes, and selling her collage kits. Sales are so strong she hires a team of eight to ten people to hand-cut fabric to meet the demand for her kits. “In this business, you have to keep changing like a chameleon or your audience gets bored with you. They always want to see what you’re doing next,” says Laura. “I do the things that I love and what I think will sell. Though sometimes I don’t care if anyone will buy it. I have to do it because I want to. Just for the fun of it.” For more information, visit fiberworks-heine. com or call 406-656.6663. MSN
Are You Your Dog?
We’ve all heard the old cliché that people look like their dogs, but would you be surprised to find out that people and their dogs tend to socialize, eat, and learn new skills in very similar ways, too? According to the “Natural Balance Canine Personality Study” survey of 1,015 U.S. dog parents, Americans love dogs who are often just like them. • People choose dogs who act just like them. Sixty-six percent of extroverted people have extroverted dogs – and there’s a 65% chance that an introverted dog will have an introverted human parent. If you’re a choosy eater, your dog is 3 times more likely to be one as well. If you identify as a lifelong learner, then there’s a 72% chance your dog will be good at learning new tricks.
• Dogs display complex emotions, just as we do. Dogs’ personalities are highly nuanced and they experience many emotions that are all too familiar to us humans. If you’re hurt or late coming home, 90% of dog parents believe your dog is worried about you. Seventy-nine percent say dogs can feel embarrassment, while 93% are certain they’ve seen their dog smile. • Dogs strongly influence the emotions of their human parents. According to 79% of dog parents, their dogs consciously and actively attempt to comfort them. Fifty-five percent report that their dog looks at them with loving eyes that communicate deep emotion, and 52% say their dog is able to sense accurately when they are sad. Visit bit.ly/NaturalBalance-NaturalCharactersInfographic to see a fun infographic that presents these “doggone fascinating” findings. MSN
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
MONTANA SENIOR NEWS PAGE 23
Homegrown Flavor from an Indoor Garden By Melinda Myers Add some homegrown flavor to your winter meals. From microgreens to tomatoes, it is possible to grow produce indoors. Microgreens are a quick and easy way to add some flavor and crunch to your plate. Just plant seeds labeled for sprouting or microgreens in a shallow container filled with a sterile potting or seed starting mix. Within two weeks, you will be harvesting nutritious mini vegetable and herb leaves for salads, sandwiches, or snacking. Take it one step further and grow a few of your favorite herbs on a warm sunny windowsill. Select a container with drainage holes and set on the appropriate size saucer to protect your woodwork. Fill the container with well-drained potting mix and plant seeds or transplants. Purchase basil, chives, parsley, oregano, and rosemary plants from your local garden center or the produce department. Greens, like lettuce and spinach, will also grow in a sunny window or better yet under artificial lights. Grow them in a container filled with a welldrained potting mix similar to your windowsill herb garden. Plant seeds according to the seed packet. Continually harvest the outer leaves when they are four to six inches tall. Those that like a bit of a challenge may want to try growing a compact tomato, pepper, or eggplant. You’ll get the best production with a combination of natural and artificial light or full spectrum lights. Natural sunlight and full spectrum lights contain the variety of light plants need to grow, flower, and fruit. Blue light promotes leaf and stem growth,
while red combined with blue promotes flowering. Consider investing in energy efficient and long lasting high intensity grow lights for the greatest yields when growing tomatoes, peppers, eggplants and other fruiting plants indoors. Leave lights on for 14, but no more than 16 hours each day. Plants need a dark period as well as bright light each day to grow and thrive. Use a timer to ensure the plants receive the right duration of light. Most flowering and fruiting plants need a high intensity of light, so keep the lights six to twelve inches above your plants. Use reflective surfaces under and around the plants to bounce light back into larger plants. And once your tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants start flowering, you will need to shake things up a bit. Gently shake the plants several times a week, better yet daily, to move the pollen from the female to the male parts of the flower so fruit will develop. A gentle breeze from a fan or vibrations from a battery-operated toothbrush work well. Indoor gardening won’t yield the same results as a sunny outdoor garden, but the flavor can’t be beat when gardening outdoors is not an option. Gardening expert, TV/radio host, author & columnist Melinda Myers has more than 30 years of horticulture experience and has written over 20 gardening books, including Small Space Gardening and the Midwest Gardener’s Handbook. Myers’ web site, www.melindamyers.com, offers gardening videos and tips. MSN
Is It Moving Time? Relocation For Many Reasons
By Lisa M. Petsche As people age, and especially if they have one or more chronic health conditions, there’s a good chance their home will no longer suit their lifestyle or their needs. As you can see, there are many reasons to relocate and living options when you do. Reasons for Moving • Freedom – To reduce responsibilities associated with home ownership – particularly property maintenance – to allow more time for recreation and leisure activities, such as a hobby, spending time with family, volunteering, or traveling. • Independence – To offload as many responsibilities of daily living as possible in order to live independently despite decreased physical functioning. People in this situation may wish to eliminate not only property maintenance tasks but also housecleaning, laundering, and meal preparation. • Climate – Desire for a moderate climate (not too hot and not too cold), for health and safety reasons or for comfort and convenience – for example, to be able to engage in favorite outdoor activities year-round. • Home design – To increase the accessibility of one’s home by making it easier and safer to
enter, exit, and access all areas and use rooms for their intended purpose. A one-floor, open concept plan is typically desired. People who use a wheelchair, for example, may need a setting designed for the physically disabled. • Finances – To reduce expenses associated with shelter, including mortgage or rent, property taxes, utilities, and maintenance. Another reason some people move is that the cost of home adaptations to improve safety and accessibility is beyond their means or is not a wise investment from a real estate perspective. • Socialization – To increase opportunities for social contact. Specifically, the goal might be moving closer to family members, especially children and grandchildren, or relocating to a community of peers.
406-388-7955
310 Gallatin Farmers Ave • Belgrade
Accessible Space, Inc. Premier Affordable Senior Housing
Quality, Rent Subsidized Housing for Seniors Ages 62 and Better - Four Montana Locations
Van Ee Apartments
Summer Wood Apartments - Bozeman The Portage - Great Falls Aspen Village - Helena Van Ee Apartments - Kalispell (Openings immediately in Kalispell, Helena, & Bozeman)
CALL TODAY!
Features and Ammenities
Summer Wood
- All one-bedroom Apartments - Rent based 30 % of gross adjusted monthly income - Spacious kitchens and large bathrooms - Controlled access entry and lobby’s - Large, multipurpose community rooms - Elevator service & on-site laundry facilities - Outdoor patios and gas grills (at select buildings) - Activity rooms and tub rooms (at select buildings) - And much more!
Call 800-466-7722 TTY/TDD 800-627-3529 www.accessiblespace.org
PAGE 24 MONTANA SENIOR NEWS
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
• Security – To reduce the risk of victimization. Those who are anxious about answering the door, leaving their home unattended, or returning home to an empty house may experience increased peace of mind living in a gated community with security patrol or an apartment building with a security desk and locked mailboxes. • Community Access – To improve access to shopping and other businesses, medical resources, places of worship, and amenities such as parks and recreation centers. Those with a driver’s license who live in the suburbs or a rural area may seek a more central location to reduce travel time. • Transportation – Non-drivers or those who anticipate being unable to drive in the foreseeable future may desire a home with easy access to public transit or within walking distance of various amenities. • Health – To ensure that health care needs are met. Needs may include: medication management, medical monitoring, a special diet, skilled nursing care, personal care (assistance with washing, dressing and grooming), and supervision or assistance with mobilizing. Residence Options There are many possibilities for alternate living arrangements depending on a person’s needs and preferences. Options include: moving in with a relative or friend for companionship and perhaps practical assistance and to share
expenses; moving to a similar-sized home with a more suitable design; downsizing to a smaller house, condominium, or apartment (some seniors apartments may be geared to income and have disabled units); moving to an adult lifestyle community; and moving to a long-term care setting such as an assisted living facility or nursing home (also known as a skilled nursing facility). If you are considering a long-term care residence, it’s important to go beyond location, curb appeal, and advertisements and take personal tours. Plan to visit several places, and take a relative or friend along for a second opinion. Planning Ahead Because a move in mid to late life usually involves downsizing, it is wise, if you anticipate changing residences in the next few years, to begin sorting through your possessions and selling or giving away unneeded items. Typically, it takes much longer than expected to go through this tedious and emotion-laden process. If you intend to relocate in the near future, consider hiring a professional organizer to assist with the paring-down process or a senior move specialist who can help with everything from planning to setting up in your new residence. Lisa M. Petsche is a social worker and a freelance writer specializing in senior lifestyles. MSN
Finally Buying a Home – At Our Age? By Karen Telleen Lawton Dear Karen: Just when our friends are considering downsizing or moving into retirement complexes, we may buy our first house, or maybe a condo. With both of us on teacher salaries all these years, we weren’t able to afford buying in our high-priced city previously. Recently, my wife’s mother passed away. She left us a small inheritance that makes home ownership possible. We both have mixed emotions about this decision. We’ve lived in the same rental house for years and have few problems with it. Of course we’ve sometimes resented not being able to do what we want or get things
1001287.3
fixed when we want. Thinking of our own little home puts smiles on our faces. And yet we’re fine where we are. — Home Sweet Rental Dear Sweet: It does seem ironic to be considering this biggest of moves when your friends are moving the opposite way. Perhaps you’ve held up this dream for so long that you’re unsure what to do with it now that it’s attainable. You’re right that there’s no obvious answer. What I can offer you are the advantages and disadvantages of home ownership, information about a special deal for first-time homebuyers, and perhaps some insight into how to evaluate these factors. The main advantages touted for home
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
ownership are privacy, investment potential, stability, more control in housing costs, community pride, and tax incentives. Privacy: Owning a home allows you more privacy because there’s no landlord. If you end up buying a condominium, however, you could have less privacy from neighbors than your current rental house. Investment: Over the long haul, a house is often a good investment, but only if you’re there long enough to weather economic cycles and average out major repairs. For better and worse, you would be in charge of all maintenance. Some people enjoy tinkering and fixing things, as well as the money they can save doing repairs themselves. If you haven’t been doing fix-it jobs all along, there is always time to learn and benefit from being able to do it yourself. If you own a home long enough, appreciation may provide a larger estate for your inheritors, or more money towards your next housing if you move again. The cost is the flexibility that you’ve had up until now to leave at will. Community pride: Neighborhoods with homes that are owner-occupied are generally thought of as more stable and higher in community pride. As a long-time resident, though, you likely have developed pride in your community. It would be your call whether you could improve on what you have. Tax advantages: The tax advantages are real. Believing owned homes to be better for society, the federal government is fond of rewarding homeowners. Here are the main tax breaks: • FHA low-interest mortgages. • Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, repurchases and guarantees mortgages, helping hold down interest rates. • Mortgage-interest deduction. • Property-tax write-off. A recent addition to this suite of goodies by the federal government is to allow first-time homebuyers to put down just 3% instead of the normal 10% or 20%. But the Center for Economic and Policy Research says the default rate for mortgagees who pay 3-10% down is almost 50% higher than for downs above 10%. All of which points to the need to buy a house consistent with your available resources. I would also encourage you to consider your last living situation. Where would you like to be living when you hit your 90th birthdays? If it’s a retirement home, then you might be well served by renting until you’re ready for that. Check out your local ones to see how they’ve changed from what you might imagine. On the other hand, if you see yourselves in rocking chairs on the front porch of a little cottage together, with maybe kids or a visiting nurse stopping in to check on you, then it’s probably time to make that dream a reality. Bottom line: go with your heart, but bring your brain along too! Karen Telleen-Lawton is principal of Decisive Path Fee-Only Financial Advisory in Santa Barbara, California (DecisivePath.com). Reach her with your financial planning questions at ktl@DecisivePath.com. MSN
MONTANA SENIOR NEWS PAGE 25
I’m a senior too,
so I speak your language. Allow me to help you with your real estate needs. TONY CROTEAU, Broker
Office 406.758.4747 or Cell 406.261.6234 www.tonycroteau.com • tcroteau@tonycroteau.com 685 Sunset Blvd. Kalispell
They Speak For Themselves Submitted by Jim Meade In a telegram, George Bernard Shaw wrote to Winston Churchill, “Have reserved two tickets for opening night. Come and bring a friend – if you have one.” Churchill’s reply, “Impossible to come to first night. Will come to second night – if you have one.” A man who was drunk said to Dorothy Parker, “I can’t bear fools.” To which she replied, “Apparently your mother could.” Groucho Marx: “I never forget a face, but in your case, I’ll be glad to make an exception.” Lady Nancy Astor to Winston Churchill, “Winston, if you were my husband, I’d put poison in your coffee.” To which Churchill replied, “Nancy, if you were my wife, I’d drink it.” Reporter to Mahatma Gandhi, “What do you think of western civilization?” Gandhi replied, “I think it would be a good idea.” MSN
THE HANEL TEAM TOM HANEL
Tom@TomHanel.com 406-690-4448
ROBIN HANEL
Robin@RobinHanel.com 406-860-6181
COMMITTED TO OUR COMMUNITY Committed to You
©2016 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC.Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc.® Equal Housing Opportunity.
PAGE 26 MONTANA SENIOR NEWS
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
Which Housing Option Is Best For You – Renting or Buying? When you are renting, you are paying the landlord a profit, and you may not be able to have a pet. But you won’t have to deal with maintenance and you won’t tie your money up in an asset that can be hard to sell. There are good arguments for both sides, and the decision can be complex. By Teresa Ambord The traditional wisdom is that everyone should own a home. But when you are in or near retirement, is that the best choice for you? Often retirees face a dilemma. The house they raised the kids in is now too big. The cleaning, the maintenance, the insurance, the utility costs for a big home… who needs that? On the other hand, you generally get more for your money as a homeowner, and have more say over what you do with your property. When you are renting, you are paying the landlord a profit, and you may not be able to have a pet. But you won’t have to deal with maintenance and you won’t tie your money up in an asset that you can’t turn to cash instantly. There are good arguments for both sides, and the decision can be complex. Before you settle on a plan, take a careful look at some of the pros and cons of buying and renting. Homeownership: The Upside • If you still file tax returns and you itemize, your mortgage interest and property tax payments provide a tax break. Ask your tax preparer for a breakdown of what you are actually saving. • You have an investment and a significant asset that you may wish to pass down to your children, even if it is not rising in value right now. • You can have pets if you wish and consistent with homeowner association fees and local ordinances. • You are more likely to have garden space, storage space, ample parking, and a garage. • If you need special equipment installed, like ramps at entrances or safety bars in the bathroom, you won’t need permission. And the Downside • You are subject to inflation that can affect your homeowner insurance, property taxes, and possibly your mortgage if it is variable rate. • There has been talk in recent years of eliminating the mortgage interest deduction as a tax break. If the tax savings is a major factor in your decision to purchase, those tax savings could disappear. • Your home – which may be your major asset – is not a liquid investment, so if you needed to sell it quickly, you may have to sell for less. • Unexpected repairs are up to you. Can you financially manage major repairs, like the cost of a new roof or a water heater? If Mother Nature pulls a fast one, like a flood or fire, even if the damage is covered by your homeowner insurance, you’ll still need to cover the deductible and negotiate with repair personnel. • Maintenance is your responsibility. Are you able and willing to mow the lawns and rake the leaves? If you live in an area that gets snow, are you up to handling snow removal or paying someone to do it? Renting: The Upside • Some say renting is like buying an insurance policy. If the roof leaks, it’s the landlord that has to pay for it, not you. So even if you pay more in rent than you would for a mortgage, there are no repair and maintenance costs. When disaster strikes, such as a tree falling on your home, you will be inconvenienced, but you will not have to pay repairs. • If the housing market sinks farther, that is not your problem. • If you need special equipment, like ramps or safety bars, rentals may be available that are already outfitted for your needs, without your having to lay out the extra cost. • Renting allows flexibility. If you find a different neighborhood that is more desirable, you can
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
move. Not that moving is easy at any age, but it can be better than waiting to sell your home, possibly losing money in the process. One retiree who had some funds to spare wanted to move to a new town, but he was hesitant to purchase in an unfamiliar area, so he combined the options of renting and buying. While he put his home on the market, he rented a small affordable duplex in the new town, and lived in it for a year to be sure this was a place he wanted to settle. And the Downside • Rents can be raised and in the current economy, there is a shortage of rental units, so rents are high and climbing. If you own your home with an affordable fixed rate mortgage, (although as noted earlier, taxes and insurance can rise). • Landlords can lose properties to foreclosure, making it necessary for tenants to relocate too. • Even if you have good neighbors, renters come and go faster than homeowners so today’s good neighbors may be replaced by tomorrow’s bad ones. • Neighborhoods comprised mostly of renters
Now What Was I Doing? Submitted by Julie Brantley Three sisters ages 92, 94, and 96 lived in a house together. One night the 96-year-old drew her bath, put her foot in, and paused. She yelled down the stairs, “Was I getting in or out of the bath?” Her 94-year-old sister yelled back, “I don’t know, I’ll come up and see.” And then she started up the stairs but paused, and then yelled, “Was I going up the stairs or coming down?” The 92-year-old who was sitting at the kitchen table having tea listening to her sisters, shook her head, and said, “I sure hope I never get that forgetful.” She knocked on the table for good measure, paused, and then yelled, “I’ll come up and help both of you as soon as I see who’s at the door.” MSN
tend to be less stable and predictable. If you’ve evaluated your needs and have decided that purchasing a home is right for you, here is one more consideration. Where do you see housing prices headed? In many areas of the United States, the housing market has definitely turned around, while other areas are slower to rebound. If you believe in the improving economy and that prices will continue to climb, it may be smarter to buy now rather than waiting.
MONTANA SENIOR NEWS PAGE 27
Whatever you do, do not make the decision without talking to a trusted advisor who is impartial. It might be nice to contemplate new digs at this stage of your life. And if moving and then staying put is the goal, take your time to find the place you want to call home for a long, long time. Teresa Ambord is a former accountant and Enrolled Agent with the IRS. Now she writes full time from her home, mostly for business, and about family when the inspiration strikes. MSN
PAGE 28 MONTANA SENIOR NEWS
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
You Need to Know This About Home Appraisals By Bryce Witherspoon A home appraisal is a critical component of any real estate transaction that involves a mortgage loan. If you are refinancing you will need an appraisal, if you are selling your home to someone that needs to get a mortgage, he or she will need to have an appraisal done. What Is a Home Appraisal?
4800 Spaulding Bridge Rd Belgrade
A home appraisal is an opinion on value by a qualified, unbiased third party. Mortgage lenders require an appraisal to be completed when you are refinancing your mortgage. Mortgage Lenders require appraisals to ensure that homeowners are not over paying for a property because if the borrower stops paying for the mortgage the lender will take action to remove the
Let Us represent You...Buying or Selling! We Know All Types of Real Estate!
borrower from the home and sell it to recoup their money, which is why it is important for the home to be worth more than the money loaned. In essence, a home appraisal is a layer of protection for the mortgage lender. The Appraisal Process and How Appraisal Values Are Determined These are the main factors that influence your home’s appraisal value: current market trends which are reflected in the comparable properties the appraiser selects; the house’s features (square footage, number rooms/bedrooms & bathrooms, condition, is the property considered up to date, landscaping and exterior condition, and parking – garage). The appraiser will do an interior and exterior inspection and will make note of any deferred maintenance that will be included in the report for the lender. The appraiser will complete his report on a standard report form that is required by the appraisal jurisdiction. The information that has to be included in an appraisal report will not vary much from Canada to the United States. A standard report includes the following: comparable sales; a street map; building sketch; square footage; photos of the front, back, and street scene of the home; photographs of each comparable property used; a map showing the location of the comparables in relation to the subject property; plot map; description of intended users of the appraisal report; and photos and descriptions of every room in the house. The cost of a residential appraisal report ranges from $250-$500 and the homeowner is typically responsible for paying the appraiser. What Homebuyers Need to Know When you’re buying a home, an appraisal could potentially sink your deal. If you make an offer to purchase a house, then your mortgage lender will require that the home being purchased be appraised. If the home appraises for less than your offer to purchase, the lender will not provide the loan according to the offer. This could be good for a buyer, because you may be able to negotiate a lower purchase price. If a bad appraisal is standing between you and your home purchase, look into getting a second opinion via a second appraisal. Appraisers are not perfect and it is possible for them to make mistakes. Depending on your resources, you may be able to increase your down payment to satisfy the lender. What Home Sellers Need to Know As a seller, a low appraisal means that you may
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
have to lower your home’s price to get it sold. Lenders won’t approve loans for more than a home is worth, and holding out for an all-cash buyer who doesn’t require an appraisal as a condition of completing the transaction is unlikely to net you a higher sales price. No one wants to overpay for a home but more importantly a mortgage lender will not over lend on the value of a property. Therefore, if the appraisal comes in lower than what your buyer is offering this can sink your deal unless you lower the price or the buyer puts more money down. What Refinancing Homeowners Need to Know If you’re refinancing your mortgage and looking to access some of the equity in the home, the appraised value is very important. Mortgage lenders
MONTANA SENIOR NEWS PAGE 29
will have a maximum loan to value ratio that they require, so the larger the difference between what you owe on your current mortgage and what the home is appraised, the more you can borrow. Having a better loan to value ratio will also make obtaining the lowest possible mortgage rates possible. Lenders put a lot of emphasis on this ratio so a high appraisal value is very important. The Bottom Line The home appraisal is a very standard element in any real estate transaction involving a mortgage loan and it should be taken seriously. It is important to know how the appraisal works and what the details are so that you are in the best financial position, whether you are a seller or buyer. MSN
Love, Everybody Needs It By Neil Wyrick I’ve always been fascinated by having something as warm as love being celebrated in a month as cold as February. That this magic emotion can make the beautiful even more so is one of life’s greatest gifts. “Have a heart” and “Give a heart” are two special ideas that can and have changed the world. What is love? When loves speaks there is no deafness in the heart. Once you fall really in love, you never want to lose it. Love does not have to be understood. It must only be accepted with great joy. We all remember the first time we fell in love. We were teenagers and it hit us like a ton of bricks. We had no way of knowing whether we would find a love that would last a lifetime. Some have. Some haven’t. Here are some observations I’ve made that make this magic continue. • Be more concerned with the happiness of the person you love than you are with your own. • Give simple praise on a regular basis. • Respect that person you love with excessive kindness. Yes, it is an old-fashioned emotion and worth its weight in gold. • Each time we practice love, at least a dozen stars or more double their brightness. I cannot prove this is a scientific statement but I like to think that it is true. • Love is a garden with flowers that grow nowhere else. When you give love, you still keep it only now it is better than it ever was before. • Love is not blind, rather it has 20/20 vision. True love whether it is for an individual or group of people is a reality that shines its light on what is good and shouts with joy when something bad expires. • Do you want to learn how to live? Then learn how to love. • How much heavier is a heart that is filled with love? Or is it lighter? Who knows, but once the heart is filled with true love, it is never the same. • Those who wish to love always find people and things to love. Those who do not, live blind and twisted lives. • I cannot remember the first time I loved. Fortunately, I have not found a first time to hate. That is a place I do not want to live. It is a place of perpetual frown. • If you have lived briefly or longer in the season of hate you are so very blessed when the spring of love comes to call. • Deposit love in your bank of life and you will be rich beyond compare. • Judge less. Love more. I signed up for a lifetime of loving rather than harboring hate. I have never been sorry for where I put my signature on that very special day. Love gives balance like nothing else in life. Don’t forget it. MSN
Learn what is to be taken seriously and laugh at the rest. - Hermann Hesse
MontanaSeniorNews.com
PAGE 30 MONTANA SENIOR NEWS
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
JOHNSON GLOSCHAT Funeral Home & Crematory
Erik Fisher
Family Services • Advanced Planning
406-261-3607 2659 U.S. Hwy 93 North P.O. Box 457 Kalispell, Montana 59903
Kalispell • Columbia Falls • Whitefish • Glacier Memorial Gardens
Why Rituals Help Us Mourn… And Heal By Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D. I often say that when words are inadequate, we should turn to ritual. Nowhere is this more true or important than after someone we love has died. In this two-part article series I will explain why rituals are essential and how you can continue to use the power of ritual to help yourself and your family heal, even long after the death and funeral. What is a ritual? Rituals are symbolic activities that help us, together with our families and friends, express our deepest thoughts and feelings about life’s most important events. Baptism celebrates the birth of a child and that child’s acceptance into the church community. Birthday parties honor the passing of another year in the life of someone we love. Weddings publicly affirm the private love shared by two people. What do such rituals have in common? First, they are typically public events. Families, friends, church members, villages, even nations – any group with strong emotional or philosophical ties – may create and enact a ritual, providing a support system for common beliefs and values. Rituals unite us. Second, most rituals follow an established, cultural-specific procedure. American high school graduations, for example, begin with a procession of students in cap and gown, include one or more speeches, and culminate when the
Lifes L ifesmemories in stone
406-542-1344 • 877-542-1344 www.gcmonument.com 1035 Ronan St, Missoula L O CAL LY OW N ED & OPERATED FAMILY B USINESS
graduates march across a platform to accept their diplomas. As with all rituals, the details will change somewhat from graduation to graduation, but the general pattern always remains recognizable. The predictability of ritual helps participants feel at ease. It also lends a sense of continuity, of the distillation of generations past, to those events we find most meaningful. Finally, and perhaps most important, rituals are symbolic. Wedding rings, christening gowns, mortarboards, and gold watches all symbolize important life transitions and commitments. Not just the objects but also the very acts of ritual are symbolic, as well. We blow out candles at birthday parties, for example, to symbolize the completion of another year. At a graduation ceremony’s end, the graduates toss their caps into the air to symbolize their newfound freedom. What words could we possibly utter that would capture so well our feelings at these moments? The symbol of ritual provides us a means to express our beliefs and feelings when words alone will not do those beliefs and feelings justice. Funerals and other rituals after a death. Like the other types of ritual I have mentioned, the funeral is a public, traditional, and symbolic means of expressing our beliefs, thoughts and feelings about the death of someone loved. Rich in history and full of symbolism, the funeral ceremony helps us begin to meet a number of our fundamental needs as mourners. Funerals help us: • acknowledge the reality of the death • give testimony to the unique life of the person who died • encourage the expression of grief • provide support to mourners • embrace our faith, beliefs, and questions about life and death • find hope for our continued living I hope you were privileged to experience personalized, meaningful funeral ceremonies for the people in your life who have died. But whether you did or did not, here is the wonderful news: You can still marshal the healing power of ritual as you continue to mourn and heal. In Part Two of this article I will offer ritual ideas that you can use anytime in your ongoing
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
journey through grief. About the Author: Dr. Alan Wolfelt is a respected author and educator on the topic of healing in grief. He serves as Director of the Center for Loss and Life Transition and is on the faculty
at the University of Colorado Medical School’s Department of Family Medicine. Dr. Wolfelt has written many compassionate, bestselling books designed to help people mourn well so they can continue to love and live well, including Under-
Well, Well, Well… My Mother Knew By Judith Duryea Recently, my mother Alice Duryea Kinney passed from this earthly plane at 103. Considering her age, to say her passing wasn’t expected eventually would be unrealistic, but in fact, it was a big surprise. My mother hadn’t been truly sick nor in a hospital since she had a kidney removed 15 years ago. Even that was a surprise; Mom had complained of pain for two years, and when a doctor in Boston finally recommended she get an ultrasound, a tumor the size of a grapefruit was discovered. Many thought that at the age of 88, what were her chances of recovery? Well, she sure showed us! And continued to do so the rest of her life. Not only was she a stranger to the hospital, Mom only visited doctors for routine checkups. She managed to avoid the flu, colds, shingles, breathing issues, diabetes, and heart problems. She took no drugs for cholesterol, stress, sleeping, pain, or dementia. She did take thyroid medication because her thyroid had been removed in 1966, and she was on a pill for blood pressure. That was it except for eye drops for glaucoma. Over the years, I became Mom’s chauffeur to her eye doctor for routine check ups, her ear doctor to remove excess skin buildup in one ear, and rarely to her primary physician, who would simply marvel at her even being there – upright and talking intelligently. She didn’t have an ailment; Mom just checked in. When people would inquire about her wellbeing, I would usually say, she’s old, frail, slowing down, but she’s still bossing me around! Mom never lost her smarts; her favorite show was Jeopardy, and even though she would be very proud if she got one answer, she always enjoyed the challenge. She had been a very sharp bridge player, but her macular degeneration made it hard to see to play cards or read –
things she truly missed. Even without her close-up vision, Mom navigated her small apartment on her own every day, getting up, getting dressed, making her bed, and getting her morning coffee. Although her world got smaller as her mobility declined, Mom never complained about her life. Even with nothing worthwhile on TV or on a day spent mostly alone, she never whined about her situation. Mom never did not want to be alive – although even she marveled that she had lived so long! Like most long-lived parents, Mom did not want to be a burden. At times I felt overwhelmed by the stress of making sure she was okay, but in my heart I know that caring for her was a gift to me. Every day I would be at her place – yes, she still lived alone in her small apartment – preparing food, visiting, taking care of bills, or sending birthday cards. Whatever Mom needed or wanted, I was responsible for getting it done. Mom was hospitalized with a stomach ailment on a Monday, and she was gone the following Sunday. She never wanted to go to a nursing home, and she made sure that never happened. During that week, I wondered about Mom’s long life. What kept her looking forward to each day? Even as a child, she chose life, fighting to stay alive as an orphan on the streets of Istanbul. What motivated that tenacity? I believe Mom stayed alive for love, for the chance to feel and give affection, caring, compassion, tenderness, and kindness. She loved my sister, my daughter, and me with
MONTANA SENIOR NEWS PAGE 31
standing Your Grief, The Mourner’s Book of Hope, and Healing Your Grieving Soul. Visit centerforloss.com to learn more about the natural and necessary process of grief and mourning and to order Dr. Wolfelt’s books. MSN
If you think you are so enlightened, go and spend a week with your parents. - Ram Dass
Croxford Funeral Home & Crematory
Holland & Bonine Funeral Home
&
North Plains Crematory
Serving the Hi-Line since 1906
210 Third St • Havre | 406-265-4371 www.hollandbonine.com
“Parents don’t want to think about their death...and nobody wants to talk about it. But...parents need to be parents one last time.”
- Time Magazine, “Who Gets The Stuff”
Pre-Planning is important. Call today to learn more. 1307 Central Ave, Great Falls ~ 406.453.0315 ~ www.croxfordfuneralhome.com
PAGE 32 MONTANA SENIOR NEWS
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
an undying devotion. Yes, she got old in her body, but she never really got old in her living! To what did she owe her longevity? How do people live so long? I think it’s quite simple. Don’t smoke. Don’t drink. Don’t take a lot of prescription drugs. Take your vitamins. Avoid doctors for small ailments if you can. Stay physically active as long as you can; Mom and I walked together around her neighborhood until she was well into her 90s. Don’t eat junk food; don’t overeat; and drink lots of water.
Equally important is attitude! Be happy to see people; don’t be mean; appreciate the small treasures of life; be grateful; love deeply; and be kind. Why do we humans want to stay on a planet filled with daily stories of unthinkable cruelty and pain, except for the chance to give and receive love? It’s a corny cliché, but I think it’s the truth. Without love, our lives are sick, we falter, and fade. I was one lucky daughter to have my Mom teach me such great lessons of a healthy, long, and well-lived life. MSN
By Laverne Bardy Friends are keeling over like dominoes. Every time one dies, I run to my mirror, hoping to find something that will confirm I’m still too vibrant to go into the fertilizer business. The first time a friend died was a rude awakening. I was inconsolable. She had been a lifetime friend. My sorrow intensified as I pondered the fact that she was my peer, and I was way too young to be the same age as someone who died of old age. Wasn’t I? Every time I’m faced with another funeral, I get the same argument from my husband. “I don’t want to go,” he says. “I didn’t even know the guy who died. He was your friend.” “We don’t go to funerals for the deceased,” I say. “We go for the living.” “Well, I don’t like funerals.” “Really? Most people love them.” I usually end up going alone. I was in the funeral TRUSTEES ~ PERSONAL REPRESENTIVES ~ RETIREES and ATTORNEYS parlor seated along“What are we going to do with all of this stuff?” side my newly widowed A question asked by those who find themselves suddenly friend, Sheila. She and responsible for a family’s PERSONAL and REAL Property. Stewart had what she
described as a fairy-tale marriage. They never spent a night apart. That wheezing you hear is I, suffocating. Their 54-year marriage yielded eight children – which are bound to happen if you never spend a night apart. We were about six feet from the open casket. Guests walked up and offered condolences. People are often uncomfortable doing this, as one woman proved. “I was so sorry to learn about Stewart’s passing,” she said. “I just looked at him and I have to say I’ve never seen him look so bad.” Seriously? The man was room temperature and she was surprised he did not look good? After funeral services we were invited back to Sheila’s home to sit Shiva. During this time, people drop by to pay respect, share warm stories about the deceased, and eat. Show me a Jewish event of any kind, and I’ll show you the perfect venue and excuse to eat. One young woman suffered from foot-in-mouth disease as she babbled on about the previous night’s episode of The Simpsons. At the end of a lengthy spiel that had her laughing hysterically as she related details of the show, she turned to my grieving friend and asked, “Did you see The Simpsons last night?” Loud silence. I was relieved to learn that laughing at a funeral is not something only the mentally ill do. I was at my brother’s gravesite. Wayne and I had been close. As part of the traditional Jewish service, I was handed a shovel, dug into the fresh mound of earth along side his resting place, and spilled the soil over his lowered casket. This represents the final act one can do for a loved one to see him off safely. It was the saddest moment of my life,
Fun, as in Funeral
Call Marilyn Burns, CAI, MPPA of D & M Associates, LLC for a consultation in solving the problem of dispersing items to family members, selling at the highest possible price, and feeling good about doing a fair, equitable job for the Estate! Marilyn has 29 years of experience as a Master Personal Property Appraiser and Diversified Auctioneer, specializing in the On-Line Only Auction Method of Marketing. She brings the buyer and seller together through an efficient and detailed marketing process. Each Personal Property appraisal is professional, detailed and eithical. Call Marilyn Burns today for a free consultation. ~Compassionate Attention ~ Experienced ~ Fair~ Check us out at...
www.dmauctionsonline.com
D & M ASSOCIATES, LLC
Online and Live Auctions | Personal Property Appraisals | Estate Inventory PO Box 3605, Lewistown, Montana 59457 Marilyn Burns CAI, MPPA, Auctioneer, Personal Property Appraiser 406-570-3922 • 406-535-4995 • www.dmauctionsonline.com
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
but instead of crying, I heard myself laugh. I was horrified. I was thinking about something that occurred at our mother’s funeral four years earlier. I’d worn a colorful, handcrafted silk shawl. Wayne sported an expensive designer tie. The rabbi approached us, recited a prayer, and with the speed and skill of Edward Scissorhands, he cut a small gash into my shawl and Wayne’s tie. To assure that they couldn’t possibly be repaired, he then tugged at each cut, which produced ragged, frayed edges. This act is called Kriah, and represents grief and anger over the loss of a loved
one. Some rabbis choose to give mourners a torn black ribbon to pin over their hearts, but our rabbi favored destroying our garments beyond repair. In the presence of countless puzzled mourners, Wayne and I looked blankly at each other and giggled. We later decided it was a kind of coping mechanism – the result of a buildup of our grief. My husband is 80 years old, looks 60, and feels 50. He’s physically and mentally active. While he makes long-term plans as though he’s going to live forever, I keep checking my watch to see how many minutes I have left. And, while he plays
MONTANA SENIOR NEWS PAGE 33
golf, chops down trees, and adds a porch onto our house, I’m in doctor’s offices, operating rooms, and physical therapy, which leaves little time or energy for the jitterbugging and skydiving I’d planned to do at this age. The next time someone glibly says, “You’re only as old as you feel,” I can’t promise I won’t smack him over the head with my cane. But, first I’ll ask if he’s talking about mentally or physically; because mentally, I’m in my 30s, but physically, I’m circling the drain. MSN
Begin the New Year with a Fresh, Financial Start ing with your unexpected illness, injury, or death. Depending on your estate planning needs, you may want to discuss trust options with an estate-planning attorney. Don’t forget to review your designated beneficiary forms or transfer on death forms (TODs) as these will override your will or trust. IRAs, life insurance policies, and certain joint bank and brokerage accounts require you to name the beneficiaries who will receive account proceeds after your death. • Ensure you have the right insurance With disability, long-term care, health, property, casualty, and life, there are many insurance options to consider. We all know that healthcare expenses will likely increase as you get older. According to a 2015 study by Fidelity Investments, a couple aged 65 and retiring this year can now expect to spend an estimated $245,000 on health care throughout their retirement – above what Medicare will cover and not including nursing home expenses. Obviously, healthcare costs can have a dramatic impact on your financial situation even with careful planning. • Save, Save, Save If you have not retired, put money into a retirement plan each month. Although you will have other expenses, follow the adage pay yourself first! And, automate your savings! Wheth-
By Jennifer Landon The beginning of a new year is the time to start fresh and to start right. Whether you are still working towards your retirement goal or already retired, it is extremely important to look at your current financial situation to find areas for improvement. This can be a daunting task for many, but rather than ignoring this necessary process, embrace the fact that you are trying to prepare yourself to enjoy your golden years. Don’t know where to begin? Below are a few tips that can help you get started. • Make a budget Establishing a financial budget is extremely important to setting you on the right path. Look closely at the money coming in and analyze the money being spent. This becomes even more important as you transition to retirement and go from receiving a steady paycheck to living on a fixed income. To determine your current spending, review your costs over a twelve-month period and include annual taxes, unexpected repairs, and holiday expenses. This can help you identify where expenses can be cut without any real sacrifice in your quality of life. • Scrutinize what you have Now is a great time to review your investments – 401(k), IRA, or brokerage accounts – to keep your portfolio on track to meet your goals. Are you taking a comfortable amount of risk? Are fees taking a big bite out of your account? Any of these factors can have a significant impact on your bottom line. If you are unsure where to start, consider a professional review or second opinion from a financial advisor. • Start or review your estate plan Estate plans are not just for the rich and famous. In fact, a few fundamental legal documents could be all you need. Don’t wait any longer to create a will and power of attorney, as these documents are essential to easing your family’s challenge in deal-
www.thecu4u.org
SERIOUSLYSMART
Generous tiered interest / No minimum balance or monthly service charge / Free e-services / 30,000 no surcharge ATMs nationwide FREE ATM/Debit card / Get 2,500 Federally insured by NCUA. Equal Housing Lender. Some restrictions apply. Contact us for details.
4 0 6.4 43.5 4 00
Discover The Advantages Of The New Reverse Mortgage! Debbi Royer Reverse Mortgage Specialist NMLS #583044 (406) 223-8941 droyer@oppbank.com
Reverse Mortgage Specialist, Debbi Royer, is available to meet with you to discuss your options.
Opportunity Bank TM
O F M O N TA N A
opportunitybank.com
* For homeowners 62 years old and older.
915 Kessler // 1930 Prospect // 4405 N Montana // 3150 N Sanders
PAGE 34 MONTANA SENIOR NEWS
GROWING RELATIONSHIPS
SINCE 1936 COMPETITIVE RATES PERSONALIZED SERVICE LOCAL DECISION MAKING 406.277.3314 | 888.665.9246 | beltvalleybank.com
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
er it’s a payroll deduction at work into a 401(k) or an automatic deposit to a savings, brokerage, or IRA account, you’re more likely to meet your savings goals by automating the process. • Create an emergency fund Without a savings cushion, you may be forced to use your credit cards or retirement savings to cover ordinary living expenses – thus paying expensive interest, penalties, and fees in the process. Your emergency fund should be in a low risk, easily accessible account and cover at least 6-12 months of living expenses – so if something does go wrong, you can be confident in your ability to manage the situation. Now is the time to take advantage of a fresh start in the New Year. Make a commitment to yourself, your family, and your future to secure your financial success. Jennifer Landon is an Investment Advisor Representative with Allegis Investment Advisors LLC, a SEC Registered Investment Advisor. MSN
Need answers at tax time?
The Montana Department of Revenue can help you.
Need help deciding which tax form to use?
Need information on how to electronically file your tax return? Wonder if you qualify for the Elderly Homeowner/Renter Credit worth up to $1,000?
Call us toll-free at (866) 859-2254 (in Helena, 444-6900) or visit us at revenue.mt.gov
local experts delivering g e n u i n e ly b e t t e r s e r v i c e Visit your local AAA Insurance agent today
2014 Insurance Brand of the Year. AAA’s expert insurance agents have you covered by providing the best products at the right prices with exceptional claims service for all your auto, home, life and commercial insurance needs.
SHELLEY FLEGEL Deffinbaugh Financial services inc
1219 13th Street South, Great Falls, MT 59405 406.454.8888
AAA.com
Warren Buffet’s Lesson in Giving
By Denton Harris Last year I wrote an article that listed Sam Walton as one of my heroes. Here was a man who came out of obscurity, gambled all he had and built from scratch the world’s largest retail operation, Wal-Mart, and rode around in a pickup truck with his two dogs. Now I’m adding Warren Buffet to that list of heroes, another mid-westerner who became a billionaire and the world’s second richest person, yet still exemplifies humility and has lived a simple life in the same average home for the past 40+ years. His annual salary has been $l00,000 for 25 years. I wonder how many highly publicized CEOs would settle for that salary, or even $1 million per year, with bonuses based on profits. Perhaps many Fortune 500 firms could learn a lesson from Buffet! But that’s not why Buffet is my hero. He’s on my list of most admired for giving most of his billions to help the less fortunate. And by his doing so, my hope is he has aroused the same feeling among all of us – and this is the perfect season! Can we do the same? I know you’re saying, “Hey, how do you think I’m able to give away so much money?” Sure, I know most of us can’t give away millions. You may put some change in the Salvation Army kettle at Christmas or buy fruit from the high school choir, or put money in the offering plate at church, etc. But that’s not enough. I want you to dig a little deeper, use your imagination and ingenuity in discovering people in your area who REALLY are in need and organizations that can provide meaningful help to important causes. On a personal level, maybe it’s a poor relative, an old time friend who is down on his or her luck, or somebody you know through mutual friends. I’m talking about folks who are in need but most of them too proud to admit it. I know more than one person who gives anonymously. They have an unusual way of finding people in need. They have become friends with their mailman and learned from him or her about families and individuals on their routes who are in trouble financially. Maybe a child needs a bit more money for education, or medical expenses, new clothes, and in the worst case, family groceries. The list is endless if we keep our ears and eyes open. Here’s a true example: A father abandoned his wife and family of three children. Her mailman listened carefully as the wife told of his disappearance and the bleak future she faced. Two people I like to call “angels” delivered $2,000 anonymously to the mother. She used that money to support her family for two months. She was able to get a job and some temporary welfare that helped her develop a normal life. Today the three children are two years older and the mother is a solid citizen in her community and her church, and is respected by dozens who admire her for how she handled her problems. Her two “angels” are unknown but they have the great satisfaction of knowing their $2,000 helped solve her problems. On an organizational level, making a planned gift to a non-profit charity that is working on a cause in which you believe can produce benefits for years to come. With government coffers stretched thin from the recession, it is up to us as individuals to donate in ways that can make up for some of that lost revenue. Whether it is a social, environmental, healthcare, or educational charity, your gift will support important work. I know many readers will disagree. Some will say they need any excess money for their own special needs. Others may even say I am crazy. My answer to these objections is simple. It works; believe me! And we are all better off for it! MSN
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
Paying Income Tax on Social Security Benefits By Jim Miller Dear Savvy Senior, Will I have to pay federal income taxes on my Social Security benefits when I retire? Approaching Retirement Dear Approaching, Whether or not you’ll be required to pay federal income tax on your Social Security benefits will depend on your income and filing status. About 35 percent of Social Security recipients have total incomes high enough to trigger federal income tax on their benefits. To figure out if your benefits will be taxable, you’ll need to add up all of your “provisional income,” which includes wages, taxable and nontaxable interest, dividends, pensions and taxable retirement-plan distributions, self-employment, and other taxable income, plus half your annual Social Security benefits, minus certain deductions used in figuring your adjusted gross income. How To Calculate – To help you with the calculations, get a copy of IRS Publication 915 Social Security and Equivalent Railroad Retirement Benefits, which provides detailed instructions and worksheets. You can download it at irs.gov/pub/ irs-pdf/p915.pdf or call the IRS at 800-829-3676 and ask them to mail you a free copy. After you do the calculations, the IRS says that if you’re single and your total income from all of the listed sources is: • Less than $25,000: your Social Security will not be subject to federal income tax. • Between $25,000 and $34,000: up to 50 percent of your Social Security benefits will be taxed at your regular income-tax rate. • More than $34,000: up to 85 percent of your benefits will be taxed. If you’re married and filing jointly and the total from all sources is: • Less than $32,000: your Social Security won’t be taxed.
• Between $32,000 and $44,000: up to 50 percent of your Social Security benefits will be taxed. • More than $44,000: up to 85 percent of your benefits will be taxed. If you’re married and file a separate return, you probably will pay taxes on your benefits. To limit potential taxes on your benefits, you’ll need to be cautious when taking distributions from retirement accounts or other sources. In addition to triggering ordinary income tax, a distribution that significantly raises your gross income can bump the proportion of your Social Security benefits subject to taxes. How to File – If you find that part of your Social Security benefits will be taxable, you’ll need to file using Form 1040 or Form 1040A. You cannot use Form 1040EZ. You also need to know that if you do owe taxes, you’ll need to
Ph: 453-5972 www.GreatFallsHabitat.org
Contact the experts at the Roger L. Daniel Insurance Agency
Roger L. Daniel
You Have Questions... We Have Answers Roger L. Daniel Insurance Agency Inc. 2047 Broadwater Ave • Billings 406-252-3411 • rdaniel@famersagent.com
4 YEARS
Did you know 51% of our homeless Veteran population have disabilities? Or that 32% of these individuals reside in rural areas? The Montana Veterans Foundation is dedicated to serving these individuals by providing a variety of services, including: A Veterans Service Center, The Willis Cruse House, a transitional house for homeless Veteran Men, Two Veterans Recovery Workshops and much more!
Please join the Montana Veterans Foundation in making a difference in the lives of these men and women.
Contact us at: 1112 Leslie Avenue Helena, MT 59601 406-449-7666
Build a lasting legacy of hope through your estate planning.
Building Homes. Building Hope.
Do You Have Questions About Medicare?
We represent multiple carriers and products.
MONTANA SENIOR NEWS PAGE 35
PAGE 36 MONTANA SENIOR NEWS
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
EDGEWOOD MEMORY CARE Belgrade
Missoula
406.388.9439 1011 Cardinal Drive
406.549.9660 2815 Palmer
Billings
Kalispell
406.256.5398 1225 Wicks Lane
406.755.3240 141 Interstate Lane
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
make quarterly estimated tax payments to the IRS or you can choose to have it automatically withheld from your benefits. To have it withheld, you’ll need to complete IRS Form W-4V, Voluntary Withholding Request (irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw4v.pdf), and file it with your local Social Security office. You can choose to have 7 percent, 10 percent, 15 percent, or 25 percent of your total benefit payment withheld. If you subsequently decide you don’t want the taxes withheld, you can file another W-4V to stop the withholding. State Taxation – In addition to the federal government, 13 states – Colorado, Connecticut, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska,
MONTANA SENIOR NEWS PAGE 37
New Mexico, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, and West Virginia – tax Social Security benefits to some extent too. If you live in one of these states, check with your state tax agency for details. For questions on taxable Social Security benefits, call the IRS help line at 800-829-1040, or visit an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center (see irs.gov/localcontacts) where you can get face-to-face help. Send your senior questions to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of The Savvy Senior book. MSN
Wise Advice from a Farmer’s Wife Author Unknown – Submitted by Julie Brantley Whenever you return a borrowed pie pan, make sure it’s got a warm pie in it. Invite lots of folks to supper. You can always add more water to the soup. There’s no such thing as woman’s work on a farm. There’s just work. Make home a happy place for the children.
Everybody returns to his happy place. Always keep a small light on in the kitchen window at night. If your man gets his truck stuck in the field, don’t go in after him. Throw him a rope and pull him out with the tractor. Keep the kerosene lamp away from the milk cow’s leg.
It’s a whole lot easier to get breakfast from a chicken than a pig. Always pat the chickens when you take their eggs. It’s easy to clean an empty house, but hard to live in one. All children spill milk. Learn to smile and wipe it up. MSN
Visit montanaseniornews.com
for quality products and services from these online advertisers. Accountants/CPAs Caregiving Dining Employment Funeral Health Hearing Home Insurance Jewelry Lodging Monuments Real Estate
Anderson-Zurmuehlen Highgate Senior Living Finley Point Grille Custer State Park Resort Smith Funeral Chapels Barrett Hospital & Healthcare Ozog Eye Clinic Royal Beauty Treatment Montana Telecommunications Access 4G Plumbing & Heating Intermountain Heating & A/C Paramount Log Homes New West Harmon’s Agate & Silver Spruce Grove Inn - Banff Goose Ridge Monuments Advanced Real Estate Management Avatar Realty Berkshire Hathaway – Floberg Realty Billings Association of Realtors Coldwell Banker – The Falls Real Estate Crown Realty ERA Lambros – Cua & Kyle Grogan
Recreation Recreation Retirement Living Travel
Exit Realty – Helena Havre Hi-Line Realty - Kim Kripps Homeward Bound Real Estate Ink Realty Group Kaufman Real Estate Kootenai Creek Village Landmark Realtors - Patti Dundas McPartlin Realty Montana Brokers PEDE & Associates Real Estate Pintlar Territories Real Estate Realty Executives – Jeff Getman Trails West Subdivision High Plains Western Heritage Center – Spearfish, SD Tri-State Museum – Belle Fourche, SD Peking Gardens West Perkins Timber Creek Village A & B Tours CapeAir Escape Tours Laird Leisure Travel Missoula Senior Center Satrom Travel & Tour
azworld.com highgateseniorliving.com finleypointgrille.com custerresorts.com smithfuneralchapels.com barretthospital.org ozogeye.com royalbeautytreatments.com montanarelay.mt.gov 4gplumbing.com intermountainheating.com paramountloghomes.com newwestmedicare.com harmons.net banffsprucegroveinn.com gooseridgemonuments.com location-realty.com avatarrealtymt.com berkshirehathawayhs.com/thomas-hanel-real-estateagent.com billlings.org thefallsmt.com billingshomes4sale.com erarealestate.com/ERA-Lambros-Real-Estate-992c/ Cua- Grogan-196961a exitrealty.com havrehilinerealty.net vickystricker.com inkmt.com 406-370-4277 kootenaicreekvillage.com montanaproperty.com facebook.com/pages/mcpartlin-realty tonycroteau.com pedeandassociates.com pintlarterritories.com reexecs.com trailswestbillings.com westernheritagecenter.com thetristatemuseum.com pekinggardenswest.com perkinsrestaurants.com timbercreekvillagecommunity.com abtoursonline.com capeair.com escapetoursmt.com lairdleisuretravel.com missoulaseniorcenter.org satromtravel.comMSN
PAGE 38 MONTANA SENIOR NEWS
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
MONTANA SENIOR NEWS PAGE 39
Do You Remember Those Old Valentines?
There is a chance to rekindle memories of your first valentines – received and sent – at the Miracle of America Museum in Polson and its display of over 400 valentines – from the elaborate elegance of the early 1900s through the simple, homemade ones of the Depression and 40s & 50s. A 1938 Western Union valentine telegram sent from Bozeman to Helena is included among the cards that depict verses from the sentimentally romantic to the hilariously silly. There are fold out cards, pop-ups, and action/multiple fold cards. Some of the cards might be called five-dimensional because they have objects on five separate layers. Over the decades, valentines have come in many variations with clever messages, often with puns. • Postcard valentines flourished from 1908-14. • Honey, My Heart’s Aflame, 1908 shows a cupid dipping hearts in a vat of hot oil! • There are several of the well-known Tuck cards. • Do-it yourself kits were sold during the 1920s where a person could hand pick the decorations. One example features a lace doily, hearts, flowers, a bird, and a note saying, “Trust in me.” All are attached with ingenuous paper “springs” to give it a 3D effect. • One card displays a girl with a new hairdo stating, “The wave of affection is permanent my Valentine.” • A moveable card of a mouse on ice skates says, “I may not cut a figure when I’m out on skates, but just watch me do my stuff if you’ll give me a couple dates.” • Perfect for aviators during the war years is one saying, “I’m up in the air over you.” • A valentine with a girl having a soda says, “Just soda let you know I’m waiting for my Valentine.” Whatever the theme, motorcycles, cars, boats, cowboys, scouts, schools, fishing, swimming, knitters, all have their own special valentines, and the list goes on. Valentines will be on display throughout the month of February, Monday thru Saturday 8 to 5 and Sunday 1:30 to 5 at the Miracle of America Museum in Polson. For additional information, call 406-883-6804. MSN
PAGE 40 MONTANA SENIOR NEWS
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
Jim Sheldon Brings To Life An Ice-Age Story By Gail Jokerst; www.gailjokerst.com If you think “The Erratics” sounds like the name for a rock group, you would be right – but probably for the wrong reason. The members of this nonmusical band happen to feel more passionately about geology than The Rolling Stones. They are a chapter of the Ice-Age Flood Institute (IAFI), a non-profit volunteer organization with a mission to advance science education. IAFI’s members do this through telling the story of the giant floods that scoured the Northwest 12,000 years ago. Erratics, incidentally, is the name geologists have given to boulders carried by glaciers and deposited far from their place of origin. The next time you spot a mega-ton rock lodged in prairie grassland, you can safely assume it qualifies as an erratic. When it comes to speaking to the public about erratics and the causes and consequences of earth-shaping floods, no one is more dedicated to the topic than Jim Shelden. A retired U.S. Forest Service geologist, Jim is president of the Glacial Lake Missoula chapter of the IAFI – aka “The Lakers.” As such, he spends many of his waking moments speaking everywhere from grade schools to retirement centers about these landscapesculpting floods and how science affects our lives. Whatever the age of his listeners, he tells them, “To be a geologist you need to be observant and enjoy finding the answers to mysteries.” One such mystery is the history of how Eastern Washington’s scarred and canyoned landscape was formed. “At the end of the last Ice Age, we went from harsh glacial conditions to as hot as it is now. It
took millions of years to build the ice caps, which melted in about 2,000 years. Each time a glacier funneled down from Canada into the Purcell Trench near Sandpoint, it dammed up the Clarke Fork River System,” explains Jim. “The body of water it created was called Glacial Lake Missoula (GLM). The first GLM had a flow rate equal to ten times all the rivers in the world and a volume of water equal to two Great Lakes stacked on top of each other. When that first ice dam collapsed, it sent a 2,000-foot-high wall of water to the West Coast traveling around 60 mph. It put a gigantic stamp on the face of the Northwest in an instant. The mud bank it created goes clear to the shores of San Francisco. And this cycle of glacial damming and collapse kept repeating itself till the end of the Ice Age.” According to Jim, the starfish-shaped lake’s “body” covered the area of present-day Missoula while its “arms” stretched into valleys in five directions. “Missoula is where the water starts,” he notes, “and Plains is the first place where all the arms of the lake were united. GLM was the biggest and first of the giant outburst floods recognized. There never has been a flood on earth in the order of magnitude of GLM.” As part of The Lakers’ fundraising efforts, its members auction off trips to see visible evidence of a colossal lake that no longer exists. Not your usual eco-tour, these are 90-to-100-minute airplane flights from Arlee to St.Regis cruising at the same elevation, about 4200 feet, as GLM’s surface. Jim acts as tour guide, pointing out sites where the lake’s imprint and Ice-Age floods left their mark. “The giant current ripples are our smoking gun
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
proving the flood theory. We also see striations on hillsides, which are beaches or horizontal strand lines that never cross. The beaches have not changed in 10,000 years,” states Jim. “Some are even wide enough for fire trucks to drive on.” In addition, The Lakers occasionally offer bus tours, which cost substantially less than the air flights. These field trips vary in length but all provide opportunities to see big-flood features. On September 23 and 24, The Lakers will host IAFI’s annual meeting in Missoula and offer a bus tour on the 24th. “All the flood experts will be there along with members of IAFI’s 13 chapters,” says Jim. “The public is encouraged to attend.” And lastly, free maps are available at the Montana Natural History Center detailing day-trip drives for your own geological tour of discovery. “People come to Montana for lots of reasons aside from our national parks. Montana has super cool geology that is little known and under appreciated,” says Jim. “When visitors hear about GLM, they often want to do ‘the other thing.’” The organization’s eco-tourism has found an especially eager audience among foreign visitors interested in seeing the results of the biggest flood ever recorded on the planet. “GLM is better known internationally than in Montana. The Germans and Japanese are particularly fascinated by it,” says Jim. “They love science and anything Western.” As a speaker for GLM, Jim focuses on answering the question: What good is science to the world? “GLM provides a geological model to understand some aspects of climate change. It tells
us the magnitude of things that can happen as a result of these huge climate swings. And we are going through one now,” warns Jim. “It’s warming very rapidly. There is no doubt the current climate change is heavily man-influenced.” Remarkably, GLM has even taught us lessons about Mars. “When we got the first pictures of Mars from the Viking Mapper, geologists knew Mars had GLMtype outbursts because of the flood features visible. We saw coulees, giant flood bars, and boulder fans,” recalls Jim. “It provided a big shortcut to figuring out the history of Mars and how the surface was formed. We know Mars had a lot of water at one time in its past because we knew what the signature of a giant outburst flood looked like.” The GLM saga also comes with an intriguing human-drama angle. About a century ago J. Harlen Bretz, a little-known geologist at the time, proposed a different theory than was accepted about how Eastern Washington’s topography was created. The leading geologists of Bretz’s day scoffed at his hypothesis that a cataclysmic water flow – rather than erosion over eons of time – had carved out the distinctive “Channeled Scablands.” “Bretz spent 40 years trying to convince the IvyLeague science establishment that he was right. But it was not until the 1950s, thanks to advances in aerial photography and a better understanding of Ice-Age impacts, that his research and conclusions were vindicated,” says Jim. “At the age of 91, Bretz’s professional colleagues gave him their highest honor, the Penrose Medal. He finally received the recognition he deserved.” For more information, visit www.IAFI.org. MSN
MISSOULA | (406) 721-3333
WWW.MOUNTAINLINE.COM
MONTANA SENIOR NEWS PAGE 41
PAGE 42 MONTANA SENIOR NEWS
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
Putting Mettle To The Pedal - continued from page 13 on, Karel learned some valuable lessons about pacing himself to complete each brevet. “If you try to go too fast you will be very sore the next day. But if you are too slow,” he cautions, “there is no time to sleep and recover. The first time I did a brevet, I was very discouraged. I could not keep up with any of the riders and saw no one. But I don’t give up easily; I just kept pushing.” When not qualifying for a brevet, Karel usually covers 200 miles on weekends throughout the academic year, even on snow and ice. One of his favorite outings goes from Missoula to Glacier Park and back to Missoula. For most cyclists, that is an achievement worth celebrating – however long it takes. For Karel, the three-day trip is just a practice run for staying fit. In fact, to make it a tad tougher the next time he plans to ride his fixed-gear bike that he pedals around Missoula in wintertime. “I like highways that are scenic and have a good shoulder. Though deer can be an issue here in Montana. They’ll jump into the road because they’re afraid of cyclists, not of cars,” says Karel. “And cars can’t easily avoid hitting them.” Aside from appealing viewscapes, these excursions offer Karel something else he values – quietude. Because he has to be able to hear oncoming cars, he cannot listen to books or music while riding. And he considers that a bonus not a detriment. “Riding gives me a whole bunch of nice thinking time. I work while I ride, think about math problems. There are many similarities between my job and biking,” he explains. “In math and in bicycling you have to be persistent to solve problems. You need to be satisfied with breaking up big problems into small pieces. On my bike, I can’t work on computations but I can think about other ways to solve problems. I’ve learned from bike rides that there are always times when things don’t go as smoothly as you’d like. But you just have to push
We provide a higher level of service for the elderly, which can include: HOME-COOKED MEALS | HOUSKEEPING MEDICATION ASSISTANCE | LAUNDRY REGULAR CHECK-INS ON RESIDENTS
We are here to bridge the gap between independent living and nursing home facilities.
Call Pleasant View Personal Care at (406) 728-8675
and find out if assisted living is a viable option for your loved one. PleasantViewPersonalCare.com
Karel Stroethoff during the Paris-Brest-Paris Randonneur 2015, August 16-20. [Photo by Maindru Photo]
through it.” One of Karel’s more unusual cycling moments occurred during a night ride when a trucker pulled alongside him as he pedaled through the Swan Valley on Highway 83. “He rolled down his window to visit and drove side by side with me at 15 mph for awhile,” recollects Karel. “He was interested in what I was doing and why I was doing it and then he drove off.” Riding by moonlight, when possible, is more the rule than the exception for Karel, who considers himself a night person anyway. “Normal people find this crazy, but roads are most quiet at night. The night sky is a big part of the enjoyment for me, seeing things like the lunar eclipse. And by morning,” adds Karel, “you can have 150 miles done already.” Come daylight, he will likely stop for a brief roadside nap – preferably without interruption. For more information visit: http://RUSA. org or sites.google.com/ site/montanarando/ randonneuring-detailsinformation. MSN
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
Mini-Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
- (Cont’d from front cover)
residents and the joy on the faces of the children.” In 2008, the inaugural year for Mini-Sturgis, about 400 people turned up for the neighborhood rides, outdoor barbecue, and live music provided by Blue Collar. Ever since, the event has been held annually despite smoke and horrible heat – and grown by 50 percent. Only rain can mess with the rides, and that has occurred just once. “I’m surprised that it’s still so popular after these many years. We don’t need to give it a break or change it significantly,” says Katie, who coordinates a team of 75 volunteers to help with logistics. “As far as I know, no one has ever gotten off a bike and said, ‘I’m not doing that again.’ Mostly we hear, ‘This was so much fun. We had a great time. We’ll be back.’” These days, the motorcyclists organize everything about the 20-minute jaunt. They select the route and offer passengers over the age of 16 the option to don a helmet. And they have each person sign a release form before hopping aboard. Passengers can choose the motorcycle they want to straddle or whether they prefer to sit in a sidecar and forego encircling their arms around someone’s waist. Should a sidecar or three-wheeler look intimidating, a BMW convertible provides a comfortable alternative. Aside from the excursions and lunch, people of all ages spontaneously dance to rock n’ roll tunes. And scores of excited kids queue up to have their faces painted and their arms and legs tattooed with washable ink. “It’s kind of noisy between the bikes and the band,” remarks Katie. “But that doesn’t bother anyone. As loud as we are, we’ve received no complaints.” Barbara Hauf, who lives at TVSR, describes herself as someone who “loves to get out and do something different.” She feels fortunate to have participated three years’ running in Mini-Sturgis and urges others to join her, especially anyone who may be frightened to sit astride a motorbike. “There’s nothing to be scared of. It’s real fun, not just a smooth little ride. There are bumps. You have to make sure you hang on,” advises Barbara who adores feeling the wind blowing through her hair at 25 mph. “It’s reminiscent of riding horses, which I used to do growing up on the family ranch in
MONTANA SENIOR NEWS PAGE 43
Colstrip. It’s a different kind of movement, though. I just hang on tight and go. But with the horse, you hang on and bounce. In the beginning, I wondered what to expect from the day,” she recalls. “Now I look forward to it happening again. Even my children ask, ‘Can I come to the next one?’” For Kathryn, one of the more poignant moments of recent years occurred when a reluctant paraplegic in his 30s decided to board a bike. It took a lot of convincing to get him to yes, which was followed by four energetic men who lifted him onto the rear seat of Kathryn’s trike behind her husband. “All he could do was balance himself. Then he held on tight around my husband’s waist and off they went,” remembers Kathryn. “When he returned, he had the biggest grin on his face. He’d never been on a motorcycle before and told me, ‘I’m going to ride next year.’” While donations are accepted to help defray food, band, and rental costs, collecting an admission fee has never been an option and likely never will be. “This is something we choose to do because the rewards of seeing everyone so happy are worth it. The rewards far outweigh the costs,” says Katie. “They are something you can’t put a price on.” For more information, call Kathryn Beaty at TVSR (406-5491300). MSN
PAGE 44 MONTANA SENIOR NEWS
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
MONTANA SENIOR NEWS PAGE 45
Where Whales Dance Article By Holly Endersby Photo by Don Gile The early morning mist cleared the calm waters when the first one showed itself. Rising from the depths in a lazy, fluid motion the giant body seemed suspended then slowly sank with one flipper raised as if in farewell. Soon, graceful bodies were emerging from the water in every direction we turned, circling our boat like so many synchronized swimmers. At times, it seemed we were watching a water ballet, with first one, then another, prima ballerina or her male cohort, exhibiting complicated choreography. After an hour, the humpback whales called for an intermission and began to move slowly out of the cove into deeper water just south of Admiralty Island, Alaska. This was the start of day one of our trip to Whaler’s Cove Lodge on Killisnoo Island and we were to be treated to similar whale dances every day we were near Danger Point to jig for bait herring. In addition to lots of herring to lure whales in, great swaths of krill could be seen in the water as well. One day we were treated to the sight of whales “bubble-netting” herring. To accomplish that, a small group of whales will swim quickly and tightly in a circle, rounding up the herring in the bubbles they release from their blowholes, and then the group erupts straight out of the water with their mouths open, gobbling hundreds of fish at a time. It’s an awesome sight. But the same thing that draws whales consistently to these waters drew us as well: a bonanza of fish moving silently below those deep green waters. On this, our second trip to Whaler’s Cove Lodge, we had high expectations for bringing home
plenty of salmon, halibut, cod, and rockfish fillets after our three day fishing frenzy. While many anglers come to Alaska for king (Chinook) salmon in June and early July, we head to those misty lands in mid to late August when plentiful silver salmon are running for home waters. A salmon’s life begins in a freshwater stream, migrates to salt water as a juvenile, then returns to its natal stream to spawn and die, ensuing the next generation and providing abundant food, for bears in particular. While not the prime halibut season, we’ve filled our limit each day and have added yummy cod and snapper to the catch as well. During the season, only one king salmon can be taken a day as long as it meets the size criteria set by state fish regulations. An angler can keep six silver salmon a day and while they typically don’t fight like a Chinook, they are plenty heavy and prone to spitting out hooks just when you think you have them where you want them. Halibut are strictly regulated as well, with a minimum and maximum slot length until you get to the really jumbo size. Pulling in a hundred or two hundred pound halibut is like hauling a Volkswagen aboard the boat, but even “small” ones take a lot of strength to land. Our journey to Whaler’s Cove Lodge began with a 2.5-hour catamaran ride, leaving Juneau around 6:00 a.m. to ensure a full day’s fishing once at the lodge. The boat ride itself is worth
Missoula
2016—TRIPS & TRAVEL
Senior Center
Hamilton Playhouse & Victor Steakhouse February 21 • Hamilton
Gold Creek Dinnerbell March 24
Beauty & The Beast
April 6–7 • INB Performing Arts Center, Spokane
Discover Alaska,
June 26–July 8 • 12 Day Denali/Alyeska Explorer, Air, Cruise, Land Tour 705 South Higgins | Missoula | 406-543-7154
the price of admission as it wends its way out of busy Juneau and enters the island-filled waters of southeast Alaska. A temperate rainforest, this area of the state grows big trees, big bears, and lots of room to roam, either by boat, floatplane, or on foot. Separated by a tiny channel of water, Killisnoo Island is just south of Admiralty Island, of which 90% is protected as a national monument surrounding federally designated wilderness. Admiralty Island was called Kootznoowoo or Fortress of the Bear by the Tinglet, the indigenous people of southeast Alaska. The name is apt: the island has the densest population of brown bears of anywhere in the world. Approximately 1,600 bears roam the island’s wild landscape. In addition, Admiralty also boasts the highest concentration of nesting bald eagles with around 5,000 returning yearly. The rich runs of salmon, a primary food source for both species draw both bears and eagles. In fact, the main reasons these brown bears grow so large is the protein-rich bonanza of salmon. The waters
PAGE 46 MONTANA SENIOR NEWS
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
surrounding Admiralty also host harbor seals, porpoises, sea lions, and the humpback whales we so enjoyed watching. Whaler’s Cove is separated from the only hamlet on Admiralty Island by just a finger of water. Angoon, with a population of around 500 on Admiralty, is predominantly a Tlingit village with a long history – over 800 years – of residency. Some of the boat captains come from Angoon, are lifelong residents, and have fishing in their blood. But any of the captains employed by Whaler’s Cove are dyed-in-the-wool anglers who know their way around these waters blindfolded. Whaler’s Cove was originally a fish oil and guano trading port of call owned by the Alaska Northwest Trading Company. Whalers from the Bering Sea put in here during the hay-day of whaling. The site was a fish rendering plant, using herring and salmon, until the 1930s. Carl and Peg Jacobson bought the site in 1952 and began slowly clearing land to build the lodge and three cabins. Partners Dick and Stella Powers joined them in 1977. Dick Powers knew the area well from his time with the US Forest Service and felt the island should be protected from intensive development. Upon Dick’s retirement from the USFS in 1975, the Powers moved to Angoon and bought the Angoon
Trading Company, a general store, from the Jacobsons. Once on-site, the work on Whaler’s Cove moved along quickly and the first guests arrived in 1983. The Powers became sole owners of the lodge and today, the second generation proudly continues the tradition of welcoming guests and providing outstanding fishing opportunities. Cabins and rooms are comfortable but not luxurious and meals are hearty and delicious. Today, the lodge offers fully guided fishing trips with 10 USCG rated captains on boats capable of handling between four and six anglers at a time in salt water. There are also five boats available for self-guided fishing as well and kayaks are available for guest use. Killisnoo, which means, shelter from the wind in Tinglit, boasts calm waters and, for southeast Alaska, exceptionally good weather. That doesn’t mean sunny days all summer long but it does mean that the majority of your days will not be spent in high winds and pouring rain. However, just in case the rain arrives, the lodge provides rain gear in the form of bib overalls, rain jackets, and high rubber boots. For those who want to try their hand at freshwater fishing, the lodge is within an hour by boat of 30 plus streams and rivers holding Chinook salmon, Coho (silver) salmon, sockeye salmon,
chum (dog) salmon, and humpy(pink) salmon as well as steelhead (sea run rainbows), rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and Dolly Varden. The lodge provides both spinning and fly-fishing gear, but anglers can certainly bring their own. Anglers who want to fish fresh waters would be well advised to bring their own waders, as the rubberized gear the lodge provides will prove to be cumbersome to most fly anglers used to wading in particular. After years of fishing in this area, your guide provides all the flies or lures that work best. But whether you fish salt or fresh water, this part of Alaska is special. Last summer we brought friends with us who have traveled the world, but had never visited Alaska. Despite years of deepsea fishing in tropical waters, the fast-paced fishing required of anglers when all four lines have feisty salmon on them, or halibut plunging hundreds of feet down, was a totally new and exciting experience for them. In fact, despite their global wanderings, they pronounced Alaska a trip of a lifetime. The immensity of the land and water, the heartstopping scenery, and the abundance of wildlife highlighted by dancing whales cast a spell that will pull them back, like my husband and me, again and again to this magical place. MSN
Plan a Vacation to Remember... Call your Travel Agent Today! MISSOULA SENIOR CENTER 705 S. Higgins Missoula, MT 59801 406-543-7154
LAIRD LEISURE TRAVEL 1601 2nd Ave N #100A Great Falls, MT 59405 406-761-9700 866-967-9700
FEBRUARY 2016 13–21 Cruise with Medora Musical Hosts Satrom Travel & Tour
SATROM TRAVEL & TOUR 561 South 7th Street Bismarck, ND 58504 800-833-8787
BIG SKY TRAVEL ADVENTURES 300B Main St Stevensville, MT 59870 406-777-6934
3/4 Missoula Senior Center
4–20 Historic East Satrom Travel & Tour
2/28- Panama Canal Cruise 3/15 Satrom Travel & Tour
16–26 Cuba Cruise Satrom Travel & Tour
30–31 Book of Mormon Escape Tours
21 Hamilton Playhouse & Victor Steakhouse Missoula Senior Center
MARCH 2016 13–15 Coeur d’Alene Big Sky Travel
2/28- Palm Springs Escape
24 Gold Creek Dinnerbell Missoula Senior Center
MOTORCOACH TOURS Highway 101 & the Grand Tetons June 3–15
Think-Multnomah Falls, Alcatraz, Oregon Dunes Buggy Tour, Sand Francisco, Teton Arial Tram, Teton National Park & so much more!
Quilt Fest June 8–11
Shopping! Fun! Friendship! Educational!
Oh Canada–My Canada! July 5–9
Featuring the highlights of Regina & Winnipeg
Mackinaw Island & Niagara Falls Sept 13–24
The perfect mix for an early fall escape!
Rivers & Rails of the Northwest Dates to be announced - Fall 2016 More tours & details available online or by following us on Facebook
2016
A&B TOURS PO Box 2176 Minot, ND 58702 701-852-8144 800-440-2690
800-440-2690
abtoursonline.com
31 The Dinner Bell Big Sky Travel APRIL 2016 3–21 South Central United States Laird Leisure Travel
6–7 Beauty & The Beast Missoula Senior Center 6–17 Rhine River Cruise Satrom Travel & Tour 17–25 Cuba Cruise Satrom Travel & Tour 4/18- Highway 101 5/2 Laird Leisure Travel 22–24 Coeur d’Alene Big Sky Bus Tours 4/29- Western National Parks 5/11 Laird Leisure Travel MAY 2016 6–23 Spring Trails of the South Laird Leisure Travel
CAPEAIR 406-698-4359 ESCAPE TOURS P.O. BOX 3833 Missoula, MT 59806 406-240-8687
7 “Newsies” the Musical Big Sky Travel 7–8 “Newsies” the Musical Escape Tours 16–23 Canadian Rockies plus Victoria Laird Leisure Travel JUNE 2016 3–15 Highway 101 & the Grand Tetons A&B Tours 7–17
Brazil including Amazon River Cruise Satrom Travel & Tour
8–11 Quilt Fest A&B Tours 12–29 Grand France Laird Leisure Travel 6/26- Discover Alaska 7/8 Missoula Senior Center JULY 2016 TBA Alaska Laird Leisure Travel 5–9 Oh Canada—My Canada! A&B Tours 8–10 Coeur d’Alene Big Sky Travel 15–18 Calgary Stampede Laird Leisure Travel 18–31 Alaska Land & Sea Journey Satrom Travel & Tour AUGUST 2016 3–7 Folklorama, Winnipeg
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
MONTANA SENIOR NEWS PAGE 47
Penguin Antic In Antarctica Photo and article by Natalie Bartley Ever-curious friends have been asking me about my 10-day trip this past November aboard the expedition ship MS Ocean Endeavour to Antarctica, the world’s largest wilderness area. I had to see this frozen continent and its wildlife before both radically change due to global warming. By landing on the southernmost continent, I accomplished my long-held goal of visiting all seven of the world’s continents, including this one known as the Seventh Continent. Curiosity about boating across the Drake Passage between South America’s Cape Horn and the South Shetland Islands of Antarctica – one of the roughest seas in the world – enticed me. Plus I wanted to go while I was young enough to enjoy the freezing temperatures, rocking ship, and clambering in and out of small boats for shore landings. Five of us ventured from Idaho and Utah to the ship’s departure port in Ushuaia, Argentina. Crew and passengers were energized and excited as we steamed south 550 nautical miles between Ushuaia and the South Shetland Islands off the Antarctica Peninsula. It was the staff’s first trip of the season and the passengers’ maiden voyage. The Antarctic tourist season runs from November through March (the end of spring and all of summer in the southern hemisphere) when enough ice has melted for boats to travel there and the weather is milder. Each passing week has advantages and disadvantages for visitors. The earlyseason snow is fresh, white, and clean. Penguins are active with their crooning and mating. As the season progresses, more snow melts, the landings turn to mud, and penguin poop accumulates. But, as odorous as the later season may be, it is when chicks hatch, grow, and delight visitors. Having watched YouTube videos of big winds and crashing waves, I was anxious about crossing the Drake Passage in rough seas. Fortunately for those prone to seasickness, the ship’s doctor handed out anti-seasickness pills! At dinner one night, glasses of red wine, food plates, and a few passengers tumbled to the floor when the ship pitched and rolled. But luck was with us, and we had relatively moderate seas on our way to Antarctica. Onboard, the biologist, geologist, and other naturalists lectured daily about Antarctic history, wildlife, geology, ice, and climate change. After the two-day Drake Passage crossing, we traveled along the Antarctic Peninsula. At several locations, we rode in Zodiacs – motorized rubber rafts – to various bays, islands, and harbors. The Antarctic Treaty has specific regulations to protect the pristine nature of the continent. Regulations limit the locations and the numbers of visitors allowed ashore. We traveled with a company belonging to the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (iaato.org), so the ship’s crew carefully adhered to the treaty and the association’s environmental and safety standards. Our first landing was in the Aitcho Islands in the South Shetland Islands. A Southern Elephant Seal was languishing on the snow in the sun when we arrived. Time on shore was magical. Penguin antics were a constant source of entertainment. The gentoo, chinstrap, and Adelie penguins were just arriving to shore for the breeding season and were engaged in mating rituals, nest building, and stealing stones from their neighbors’ nests. On shore, we stepped off the Zodiac, walked a few feet to where we could stay to observe the action, or we could walk a short distance within the designated area. Staff used poles to mark locations where we could view the length and breadth of a colony at each landing site. Penguins are equally comfortable on land or in water, and although regulations require a 15-foot distance from them, when the penguins wandered past us to interact with potential mates or to (Cont’d onh page 59)
Soar through winter.
PAGE 48 MONTANA SENIOR NEWS
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
Out To Lunch In Caras Park: Making Missoula Vibrant live.” As one of the organization’s key projects, By Gail Jokerst; gailjokerst.com If you ever yearn for a peaceful al fresco lunch OTL is an integral part of fulfilling that mission. spot in Missoula and it happens to be a Wednes- Unsurprisingly, it was obvious from the start that day between June and August – forget about OTL was destined to become a Missoula institution. “OTL has grown over the years from the numCaras Park. If, however, you can forsake quiet for company, you will want to join the party of a ber of vendors to the number of attendees, but it thousand music-loving folks and the best outdoor has always attracted a wide swath of the community,” observes Dalene. “I got involved as a volunsmorgasbord in town. Over the past 30 years, Caras Park has been teer because I believe in what the MDA is doing to the site of one of Missoula’s most beloved summer keep the community together. Our goal is for the downtown to remain alive traditions – the Out To and growing.” Lunch (OTL) gathering. The volunteers’ work Held near the Garden starts in February for the City’s iconic carousel, upcoming season. That these free concerts is when they begin to have lured everyone choose food vendors, from young families select the bands, and to shoppers and retirfind weekly sponsors to ees as well as nursery fund the entertainment school classes toting and pay Opportunity Recolorful lunch boxes. sources’ disabled emThe largest group of ployees, who set-up and participants, though, is the workers from down- Upwards to 1,000 people come to Caras Park every take down tables and town businesses who Wednesday through the summer to enjoy an outdoor chairs and keep the area enjoy walking over dur- concert and the best smorgasbord in town thanks to clean. Believed to be the ing their lunch break. some 20 vendors who bring the flavors of the world to Missoula. [Photo provided by Missoula Downtown] oldest outdoor festival in Regardless of age or occupation, people come for the music and the the state, OTL features some twenty food vendors camaraderie. Some may bring their own PBJ, but who bring the flavors of the world to this three-hour others come specifically for the tempting array of gathering. “In the early days, only cold sandwiches were food options available. For all but five of the festival’s 30 years, Dalene for sale. The food is more eclectic now. These days Withycombe has worked behind the scenes, along we have electricity and propane so vendors can with a dedicated cadre of seven other Missoula cook with fryers, woks, and grills,” says Dalene. Downtown Association (MDA) volunteers, to in- “Most people walk around once to look at all the sure this family-friendly event continues to refuel vendors first so they can figure out what they want the tummies and spirits for lunch. Then they look for a spot under the tent where they can sit.” of Missoulians. Each week, a different band – from swing to As Dalene explains, MDA’s purpose is, “to rock to country – takes to the stage enticing youngmake the city of Mis- sters as well as oldsters to tap feet, clap hands, soula a better place to or twirl to the music between bites of pizza, pad
2016 Concert Season
February 20 • 7:30 pm April 30 • 7:30 pm
A Night of Movies and Memories A Night in Vienna
SINGLE TICKETS
Main Floor: $40 • Mezzanine & Loge: $35 • Balcony: $30 Concerts performed at the Mother Lode Theatre P.O. Box 725 • Butte, Montana 59703-0725
(406) 723-5590 • info@buttesymphony.us • www.buttesymphony.org
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
thai, and tamales. And since this festival aims to make every generation feel welcome, even kiddos are well occupied with activities such as guitar playing and gymnastics. “OTL is fun and something to look forward to every summer. It is a community builder. There’s even a free Mountain Line trolley each Wednesday to transport people to and from Dornblaser parking lot and the Lewis & Clark Transfer Center. Beyond that,” adds Dalene, “OTL puts visitors in touch with locals and gives them a focal point for gathering information about Missoula.” While food vendors remain the same from week to week, the musicians change almost every Wednesday. Much to the crowd’s delight, some of the biggest names in the music industry such as Carlos Santana and Huey Lewis have made surprise guest appearances sharing their talents just for the fun of it. “I get a lot of pleasure seeing others enjoy what we have done. I’ve made new friends both at OTL and on the committee. I’ve seen the downtown grow,” remarks Dalene. “The idea of a downtown where you can walk the streets and go into different shops has always been important to me. It was a special treat when I was a kid growing up on a farm in Oregon and it is still a special treat. This is my downtown. I have a sense of belonging to
MONTANA SENIOR NEWS PAGE 49
it. There’s always an element of excitement there, always something new happening.” For Dalene, as for many Missoulians, OTL has long been a gift for families of all ages. Every week one or more of her six grandchildren accompanied her to the festival as soon as they were kindergarten age. Afterwards, Dalene would take her crew for a carousel ride before heading home. Dalene’s granddaughter Kathlene has only the fondest of memories of these past Wednesdays. Now 24, she lives in Missoula and would no more dream of missing an OTL gathering than a Griz football game. “It was a big part of my childhood – exciting, fun, something I could share with my grandma. There were always different things to see and do. It was a big day for me,” recalls Kathlene. “I could walk around and pick out the lunch I wanted. When I was a kid, it felt like the sky was the limit, like a party with all the people and live music. OTL has always been a great family event. Every type of person you would see in Missoula goes to OTL. It’s part of what makes Missoula so vibrant.” For more information, visit missouladowntown. com or call 406-543-4238. MSN
PAGE 50 MONTANA SENIOR NEWS
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
MONTANA SENIOR NEWS PAGE 51
St. Patrick’s Day By Bernice Karnop May your troubles be less And your blessings be more And nothing but happiness Come through your door. – Old Irish Blessing The Irish are credited with a number of “blessings” that bring a smile and make the recipient feel blessed, indeed. They embody optimism, hope, and good humor. They open the door to people of all nations to be at least a little bit Irish on St. Patrick’s Day. Patrick himself was not born Irish. He was born in Roman Britain and taken to Ireland as a slave after being kidnapped at age 16. He was not happy to be in Ireland that first time. He escaped, but later returned, sensing God’s call to take Christianity to the Emerald Isle. He’s best remembered for explaining the Trinity using the common shamrock to show how one God was evidenced in the three persons of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. According to tradition, Patrick remained in Ireland until his death on March 17, 461. In Ireland, St. Patrick’s Day was traditionally a religious holiday, a day when pubs were closed by law. Since the country began to see St. Patrick’s Day as a way to promote tourism, now a million visitors take part in the St. Patrick’s festival in Dublin.
There were Irish in America before the Potato Famine of the 1840s, but they were largely middle class and Protestant. A million men, women, and children died of starvation during the famine, and a million more came to America. These immigrants were poor, uneducated, and Catholic – persona non grata in the new land. They had trouble even getting menial jobs. Even in Butte, America, they were shut out by signs saying, “Irish need not apply.” It took years for them to find acceptance, but eventually the “green machine” was recognized as a voting block that could change the outcome of an election. Harry Truman’s presence at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New York City in 1948 was celebrated as a milestone of acceptance for the Irish people. Whether or not they were accepted by others, Irish patriotism and pride flourished in America. The first St. Patrick’s Day parade took place, not in Ireland, but in New York City. On March 17, 1762, Irish soldiers serving in the English military marched through the streets playing Irish music and drawing fellow compatriots. Today the St. Patrick’s Day parade in New York City is one of the largest and oldest parades in the U.S. Dozens of other U.S. cities also have St. Pat-
rick’s Day parades, including Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Savannah. Butte, which once looked down on the Irish, now holds its proudest celebrations of that culture. On St. Patrick’s Day the whole city gets into the wearin’ o’ the green right down to green hair and Irish socks. There’s plenty of corned beef and cabbage, potato soup, Irish soda bread, and more than enough of the ever popular green beer. Everyone, it seems celebrates St. Patrick’s Day today and there’s no counting the ways to make it fun. Moms and grandma’s trick the kids by serving green mashed potatoes and green milk. Wiley leprechauns are blamed for switching the bags in the cereal boxes and leaving little barefoot tracks and magic green glitter around the house. Sometimes the naughty little people put green dye in the toilet tank so the water flushes green. Some plan treasure hunts for Leprechaun gold. The movie Darby O’Gill and the Little People will instruct children just how tricky these creatures are and how difficult it is to get their gold. Grandchildren also may take a trip to the public library to check out a stack of St. Patrick’s Day books. However you choose to remember the day, may the luck o’ the Irish be with you. MSN
----- Classic DVD: Shockers ----By Mark Fee Once upon a time films like Otto Preminger’s classic Anatomy of a Murder (1959), Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho (1960) and The Birds (1963) shocked audiences. Anatomy of a Murder was shocking because of explicit sexual references. Psycho was unforgettable because of a nightmarish shower scene with Anthony Perkins and Janet Leigh. Thousands of birds attacking a small coastal town in California, made The Birds a huge hit at the box office. Hollywood has produced a plethora of shocking films. Compared to Quentin Tarantino’s blood spattered films (Django Unchained (2012), Preminger’s courtroom drama and Hitchcock’s films are tame. Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs (1994) was about a mob of psychopaths. It made Francis Ford Coppola’s Godfather Trilogy (1972-90) look like Disney. Larry Clark’s Kids (1995) was supposed to be fiction but played like a documentary. It was one of the most repulsive and shocking film, I have ever reviewed. It was about a day in the life of a group of sex crazed, drugged youth. They callously talk about rape and pulverize an African American male with a skateboard. Audiences sat in stunned silence. No one left the theater unaffected. Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011) was another assault on the senses. However, the film was compelling and the acting was excellent. Classic shockers still hold the edge over most of today’s films because of the writing, acting, and direction. Preminger and Hitchcock along with other films like John Boorman’s Deliverance (1972) and some of Sam Peckinpah’s violent sagas, are chilling works of art. I have listed a few of my favorite shockers and some sleepers. They are guaranteed to hold your attention. In Joseph Mankiewicz’s Suddenly, Last Summer (1959), Elizabeth Taylor plays a young woman, who is tormented by troubling dreams about her cousin. Her aunt, a wealthy and ruthless matriarch, is played by Katherine Hepburn who has her niece committed to an insane asylum. She asks a psychiatrist (Montgomery Clift) to perform a lobotomy on Taylor. Clift is hesitant because of the risk in the operation. He is not sure Taylor is mentally ill. Taylor is extraordinary as the young woman – Hepburn, maliciously vindictive. The film touches on homosexuality and cannibalism. NR; 3 ½ stars. In Mike Nichol’s sardonic and savage, Catch-22 (1970), Alan Arkin plays a WWII bombardier named Yossarian who wants to stop flying missions but
can’t because of catch-22. He thinks someone or some group is trying to kill him. His bunkmates and friends think he’s crazy. He’s knifed by a stranger after visiting headquarters. One of his associates sells his parachute. He wants to be hospitalized, but can’t because of catch-22. The film has some notably gruesome and shocking scenes. Nichols directs the film with a hallucinatory craziness. Rated R; 3 ½ stars. Dustin Hoffman plays an astrophysicist in Sam Peckinpah’s Straw Dogs (1971), whose life is turned upside down. Hoffman and his wife, Amy, played by Susan George stay at her parent’s home in Cornwall. Amy plays vicious, seductive games with her former boyfriend. He and his pals work on the Sumner home and entice Sumner to join them on a hunt. Sumner is almost killed. Sumner accidentally hits a developmentally disabled man on the way back from church. Amy’s former boyfriend’s father and his son and friends, want the disabled man. Sumner defends him and his home and the ensuing siege is relentless and horrific. Rated R; 3 ½ stars. Robert Shaw plays an Israeli agent in the John Frankenheimer sleeper, Black Sunday (1977). He tries to tell the FBI that a group of Palestinian terrorists should be taken seriously. They’re planning an unnerving explosion at the Super Bowl. The FBI ignores the warning. The last scenes are overwhelmingly exciting and nerve wracking. The film is more shocking and relevant now, than when it was released. Rate R; 3 ½ stars. In John Schlesinger’s Marathon Man (1976), Dustin Hoffman plays a graduate history student, who unwittingly becomes involved in a conspiracy, involving a high-ranking Nazi. One shocking scene follows the other. He is seized and taken to meet a former Nazi dentist played by Laurence Olivier. Olivier operates on him without Novocain. Hoffman doesn’t know his brother (Roy Schieder) or the woman (Marthe Keller) he has fallen love with is involved. This is an intense and unforgettable film. Rated R; three stars. Sigourney Weaver plays an astronaut in Alien (1979) who discovers a horrifying monster is alive and well, in the body of one of her crew. The entire crew is vulnerable in this absolutely stunning, shocking science fiction treat that never lets go. We were petrified. Rated R; 3 ½ stars. Until the next time have a Happy New Year and enjoy these unforgettable films. You’ll need lots of popcorn. MSN
Here Are a Few Fun Things to See and Do As We Head Toward Spring Some of the events below run on multiple days, although we have listed just the first day of the event. Please call the relevant phone number or visit the website for more details. Start Date City Event Phone Web Address Feb 1-28 Red Lodge Carbon County Arts Guild – Art Exhibition 406-446-1370 carboncountydepotartgallery.org Feb 5 Clancy Jefferson County Museum – Remington 406-933-5528 sites.google.com/site/ jeffersoncountymuseum Feb 20 Butte Butte Symphony – Movies & Memories 406-723-5590 buttesymphony.org Feb 25 Polson Miracle of America – Famous Feb Birthdays 406-883-6804 miracleofamericamuseum.org Mar 1-31 Red Lodge Carbon County Arts Guild – Student Exhibit 406-446-1370 carboncountydepotartgallery.org Mar 3 Bozeman Family Promise 10th Anniversary Breakfast 406-582-7388 familypromisegv.org Mar 5 Great Falls Murder at the Deadwood Saloon 406-454-2276 greatfallsmt.net/animalshelter Mar 17 Great Falls The Russell: Art Exhibition & Sale 406-727-8787 cmrussell.org Mar 24 Polson Miracle of America Presents “The Robe” 406-883-6804 miracleofamericamuseum.org Apr 22 Billings Billings Symphony – Rhapsody in Blue 406-252-3610 billingssymphony.org Apr 28 Polson Miracle of America – Home & Self Defense 406-883-6804 miracleofamericamuseum.org Apr 30 Butte Butte Symphony – A Night in Vienna 406-723-5590 buttesymphony.org May 21 Kalispell Armed Forces Day Gala Banquet 406-756-7304 veteransfoodpantry.org MSN
PAGE 52 MONTANA SENIOR NEWS
D MITR S GREEK-AMERICAN CUISINE Lunch & Dinner 11-9 Tue-Sat
• Private Meeting Room • Monthly Belly Dancing Call for date & reservation
dimitrismt.com 406-452-5774
1919 3rd St NW, Great Falls • 3 blocks W of Walmart
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
Dealer Goofs – The Road to Riches
By Mark Pilarski Dear Mark: I was recently playing blackjack at a casino, and I was dealt a blackjack with the dealer showing an ace. I opted not to take “even money” as I had always thought you should not take insurance. After checking her hole card and turning over a face card for a dealer blackjack, the dealer told me I was wrong, that it was not the same as insurance, that it was free money. Was the dealer correct? Also, I recently had another situation and wonder if what I did was correct. Playing blackjack again, the dealer inadvertently pulled two cards and dealt them both to the first player. She called over the pit boss who proceeded to give the top (first) card to the first player, burned the second card, and then had the dealer continue dealing the rest of the hands, including her own. The pit boss then gave everyone at the table the option of playing their hand or pulling back their bet and folding their hand. The dealer showed a face card. Everyone at the table, except me, pulled back. I had a hard 18. I figured that was a decent hand and gambled I’d have a chance to win. I didn’t. What should I have done? Suzanne R. When I pitched cards, it amazed me how many players jumped on the opportunity of taking even money, or insurance, when I showed an ace. Except for counting cards, making either of these wagers is fiscally not a sound move, even if, as in your case, being dealt a blackjack. The reason being, Suzanne, ten-point cards (10, J, Q, K) make up 31% of the deck, so there is a 69% chance that the dealer does not have a blackjack. Add to that you are sitting on one ten-point card, and with a
quick scan of the table, you will probably note additional ten-point cards; consequently, the chances now become even greater than 69% that the dealer doesn’t possess one. Therefore, Suzanne, based on the 3 to 2 payoff that you receive for a blackjack, even if you possess a snapper, you will make more money over the long run by never taking insurance or even money. Suzanne 1, Dealer 0. As to your second question, when your dealer’s handicraft at dealing cards falters, the dealer is not the one who settles any squabble. All authoritative moves are made by a pit boss. Now, switching hats and speaking as a former pit boss, my decision would have duplicated the one you received. That is not to say that different pit bosses couldn’t render contrary conclusions. All the same, giving everyone at the table the opportunity to withdraw their wagers was something I always did. Further, on your second question, an 18 against a face card will not make you a long-term winner at blackjack; so, you actually should have pulled your bet. Even a 19 will lose more often than win when the dealer’s upcard is a 10 or an ace. What constitutes a strong hand are those 20s, which you didn’t get. With a 10-10 against any dealer’s upcard, this is where you make money over the long run. Approximately, 70% of your overall winnings at blackjack result from these two hands: 10-10 and A-10. Next time a pit bull playing gambling referee corrects a dealer gaff and gives you this same opportunity, yank your bet. The House 1, Suzanne 0. Gambling Wisdom of the Week: “Retirement is like a long vacation in Las Vegas. The goal is to enjoy it the fullest, but not so fully that you run out of money.” – Jonathan Clements MSN
Where Are They Now... Robert Fuller? By Marshall J. Kaplan He was known as a TV cowboy and as a TV doctor. He was known for his rugged good looks and his no-nonsense acting. Today, actor Robert Fuller is retired and living in Texas. Robert Fuller was born Buddy Lee Simpson on July 29, 1933 in Troy, New York. Both of his parents were dance instructors. The Simpsons
moved to Key West, Florida and Robert attended Miami Military Academy. In 1952, the family traveled to Hollywood. With his good looks, Robert landed a job as head usher at Graumann’s Chinese Theatre during the night, and during the day, was able to get small roles in memorable films, such as I Love Melvin (1953 with Donald O’Connor) and Gentlemen
Now Serving Cert Angus ified Beef
• Best Prime Rib in Town! • Soup & Salad bar • Breakfast 6:30a–2p Daily • Breakfast Buffet Sat & Sun 8a–12p • Hand-Dipped Tempura Chicken Fingers, Fish & Shrimp
520 Hansen Lane
(next to Albertson’s in the heights)
406-252-0243 Billings
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
Prefer Blondes (1953 where Robert is seen sharing a dance with Marilyn Monroe). The Korean War put Robert’s career on hold for a few years – but it was definitely worth the wait. Upon returning from the war, Robert continued appearing in small movie roles, but got his first big break on television, starring the role of Jess Harper on Laramie. The character was very likeable – always helping the underdog. Robert became a sex symbol, appearing on many magazine covers. He appeared in all 121 episodes from 1959 until 1963. Immediately after Laramie, Robert was signed onto another television Western, Wagon Train, starring as Cooper Smith for 60 episodes (1963-1965). Ironi-
MONTANA SENIOR NEWS PAGE 53
cally, Robert met future co-star, Julie London on an episode of Laramie. Robert Fuller was now a full-fledged television star! He continued to work in television and films until being cast on yet another television series that was soon to become a favourite with audiences around the globe. Emergency! debuted in 1972 and was the first television show about the lives of paramedics. Robert played a member of the hospital staff, Dr. Kelly Brackett, who along with Nurse Dixie McCall and Dr. Joe Early (played by real life husband and wife, Julie London and Bobby Troup), handled patients that the paramedics brought to their hospital. To this day, Emergency! has a loyal fan base. Robert remained close to Julie and Bobby until their deaths. Although Robert was never truly a cowboy, his TV roles have definitely made him one. He currently resides in Texas, where he enjoys wearing western clothes, horseback rides, and taking care of farm animals. He was inducted into the Western Heritage Museum, which makes him very proud. “I’ve got a big plaque upon on the wall next to Gary Cooper and John Wayne.” MSN
Many Good Things Have Been Said About Beer
Submitted by Jim Meade “Sometimes when I reflect on all the beer I drink, I feel ashamed. Then I look into the glass and think about the workers in the brewery and all of their hopes and dreams. If I didn’t drink this beer, they might be out of work and their dreams would be shattered. I think, ‘It is better to drink this beer and let their dreams come true than be selfish and worry about my liver.’” – Babe Ruth
“I feel sorry for people who don’t drink. When they wake up in the morning, that’s as good as they’re going to feel all day.” – Lyndon B. Johnson “When I read about the evils of drinking, I gave up reading.” – Paul Horning “Twenty-four hours in a day, twenty-four beers in a case. Coincidence? I think not.” – H. L. Mencken “When we drink, we get drunk. When we get drunk, we fall asleep. When we fall asleep, we commit no sin. When we commit no sin, we go to heaven. So, let’s all get drunk and go to heaven!” – George Bernard Shaw
EVERYDAY FAVORITES PIZZA • SALAD • PASTA • DESSERT
$
5
LUNCH BUFFET
AVAILABLE
11:30AM –1:00PM MONDAY–FRIDAY
AT PARTICIPATING LOCATIONS EXPIRES 3/31/16
“Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.” – Benjamin Franklin “Without question, the greatest invention in the history of mankind is beer. Oh, I grant you that the wheel was also a fine invention, but the wheel does not go nearly as well with pizza.” – Dave Barry “Beer: Helping ugly people have sex since 3000 B.C.!” – W. C. Fields “Remember “i” before “e,” except in Budweiser.” – Professor Irwin Corey “To some it’s a six-pack, to me it’s a Support Group. Salvation in a can!” – Leo Durocher MSN
Authentic Taste From India FRESH • GLUTEN FREE • NO MSG • VEGETARIAN
Lunch Buffet 11–2:30pm Daily
Dinner Specials 4:30pm–9pm Daily
American Dishes Beer & Wine Open Daily 11–9pm
503 24th St West • Billings
IndiaGrillBillings.com • 406-281-8001
Named
montana’s
best
restaurant by Business Insider magazine
PAGE 54 MONTANA SENIOR NEWS
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
Carrot, Egg, or Coffee? Submitted by Julie Hollar A young woman visited her grandmother to tell her about her life and how things were so hard. Her husband had cheated on her and she was devastated. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. The woman was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as soon as one problem was solved; a new one arose. Her grandmother took her to the kitchen where she filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first pot, she placed carrots, in the second, she placed eggs, and in the last, she placed ground coffee beans. She left them to boil and said not a word. In about fifteen minutes, she turned off the burners, and fished out the carrots and placed them in a bowl. Then she removed the eggs and placed them in a bowl. Finally, she ladled the coffee into a cup. Turning to her granddaughter, she asked, “Tell me what you see.” “Carrots, eggs, and coffee,” the young woman replied. Her grandmother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. The grandmother then asked the granddaughter to take an egg, break it, and peel it. The young woman noted the hard-boiled egg. Finally, the grandmother asked the granddaughter to sip the coffee. The granddaughter smiled as she tasted it and smelled its rich aroma. The granddaughter then asked, “What does it mean, Grandmother?” Her grandmother explained that each of these items had faced the same adversity – boiling water, yet each had reacted differently.
The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting, however, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. But, the ground coffee beans were different. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water. “Which are you?” she asked her granddaughter. “When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg, or a coffee bean? “Think of it this way,” she continued. “Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity, do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength? Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, breakup, financial hardship, or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart? “Or am I like the coffee bean? Do I change the hot water – the very circumstance that brings the pain? When faced with a challenge or adversity, the coffee blossoms and releases its fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean – when things are at their worst – you get better in response to the situation around you. When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest, you can harness the power to elevate yourself to another level. How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg, or a coffee bean? MSN
The Bank Account Author unknown Submitted by Julie Hollar He was 92 years old, poised, and proud. Each morning he was fully dressed by eight o’clock and shaved – with his hair perfectly combed even though he was legally blind. He arrived at the front lobby of the nursing home where I worked. His wife of 70 years had just passed away, making the move necessary. After some time waiting patiently in the lobby of the nursing home, he smiled sweetly when I told him his room was ready.
Ark Mission ChurCh The second Coming ARK MISSIONS
• Uplifting Music • Deeper Teaching of God’s Word
Sunday mornings at 10:30 Located at the Sykes Diner
(in the downstairs conference room)
202 2nd Ave. W, Kalispell, MT Pastor Mark 406-570-0025
As he maneuvered his walker to the elevator, I provided a visual description of his tiny room, including the eyelet sheets that had been hung on his window. “I love it,” he stated with the enthusiasm of an eight-year-old having just been presented with a new puppy. “Mr. Jones, you haven’t been in the room yet. Just wait.” I responded with a smile. “That doesn’t have anything to do with it.” he replied. “Happiness is something you decide ahead of time. Whether I like or dislike my room doesn’t depend on how the furniture is arranged; it’s how I arrange my mind. I already decided to love it. “It’s a decision I make every morning when I wake up. I have a choice; I can spend the day in bed recounting the difficulty I have with the parts of my body that no longer work well, or I can get out of bed and be thankful for the ones that do. Each day is a gift, and as long as my eyes open, I’ll focus on the new day and all the happy memories I’ve stored away. Just for this time in my life. “Old age is like a bank account. You withdraw from it what you’ve put in. So, my advice to you would be to deposit a lot of happiness in your bank account of memories! Thank you for your part in filling my memory bank. I am still depositing.” As I settled Mr. Jones in his room, I pondered his sage advice and the power of his positive outlook. It really hit home when I hung the following framed words on his wall. Five simple rules for happiness: 1. Free your heart from hatred. 2. Free your mind from worries. 3. Live simply. 4. Give more. 5. Expect less. MSN
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
MONTANA SENIOR NEWS PAGE 55
PAGE 56 MONTANA SENIOR NEWS
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
MONTANA SENIOR NEWS PAGE 57
The Mad Dash for Eggs By Amy Abbott Since forever, the Lions Club in my little hometown has hosted an Easter egg hunt. The Lions Club is a strange bunch – pride but with eccentric fraternal rituals. My father – who once held a group office called the Tail-Twister – sometimes returned from meetings with his tie cut in half. He had been “fined” for something as silly as his beloved Chicago Cubs’ winning a game. Fines and fundraisers enabled the club to raise money for its various charities and host the annual Easter egg hunt. On a spring morning in 1965, the wild men of the Lions Club hid multi-colored plastic eggs in the field behind the elementary school. Several hundred children – future baby boomers – lined up in age groups, tightly clutching yellow, lavender, and green braided Easter baskets. Anticipation hung over the crowd and parents held children back from the mad dash to find eggs. The wide-eyed children wondered which eggs held candy and which had coins? But, there were the ringers. One family boasted several children resembling Amazons in their physicality. At the elementary school track event, members of this family won almost every race. At the Easter egg hunt each age group had one of these children.
Close family friends of ours were also there with their three beautiful, lean, athletic daughters. Unlike my brother and me, they were the first chosen at any game. Ready. Hundreds of little legs arched forward, baskets in hand. Set. Hundreds of wide eyes looked out on the field of plastic eggs. Go. At the shot, the Amazon children and the family friends lurched forward, leaving me in their wake. “Go, get the eggs,” my parents shouted, chagrined that we were still standing there, in the dust of the other, more eager children. Soon the children’s baskets overflowed with the bounty of holiday. Even my brother had a few eggs in his basket. Where was I? Dawdling, like Prissy in Gone with the Wind. Looking around and planning; tying my Keds Red Ball Jets in large, slow loops. I almost lost my balance as a child with a broken leg breezed past me. Okay, maybe I should start. I ran my hardest. I spy a yellow egg. Gone! Amazon child number four gets my egg. And it has a quarter inside! There, over by the towering maple tree, a blue/green orb. I am off to get it, running, running, running, out of breath. Then it is gone. Every year it was the same story. Reach for the tissues and weep for me. My sad tale is of the child who is always beaten at this ritual.
PAGE 58 MONTANA SENIOR NEWS
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
Imagine I’m dressed in blue plaid pants that are too short, and my mother has insisted on this cold, late-March day that I wear a hat that makes me look like Elmer Fudd. Flash forward 30 years. Same Lions Club, 1995. Same members, now papas and grandpas. Same village. The Amazon children have mated with powerful peoples and reproduced. Though I moved away in 1975, I remember and watch them stretching in their athletic clothing like Olympic track stars. In addition, my friend, the oldest of the beautiful sisters is there with her daughter, a year older than my son, beautiful, and athletic. Did I mention I’m having a serious flashback to 1965? Ready. Hundreds of jumping legs of the baby boomers’ children lean forward with their plastic, wire-handled buckets. Set. Hundreds of hands thrust Game Boys into Thomas the Tank Engine or Barney the Dinosaur jacket pockets and face forward. Go. Children rush forward and fill buckets with eggs. My son, five, stands at the starting gate and looks around. My husband and father are shouting, “Go over there. Behind the tree. Look in the hole. See the pink plastic egg. It’s right there!” He saunters around the course as some of the athletic children of my school peers fly past him. He is thinking about something else. Maybe the big Lego tower he built at Grandma’s. My childhood friend stands next to me, smiling and laughing, and not remembering my horror of 30 years ago. Her daughter runs to her with a purple bucket full of eggs. Where is my son? He is tumbling in the grass, bucket askew. Some eggs do not fall far from the chicken. MSN
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
MONTANA SENIOR NEWS PAGE 59
Penguin Antic In Antarctica - continued from page 47 enter the water to feed on krill, it was permissible to enjoy the closeness the penguins chose. At Cuverville Island, we viewed the largest Gentoo penguin colony on the Antarctic Peninsula. Other wildlife sighted during the trip included fin whales, humpback whales, Weddell seals, wandering albatrosses, Cape petrels, kelp gulls, and other bird and seal species. As we journeyed into bays and harbors, we encountered massive icebergs, glaciers, and stunning snow-covered mountains. Icebergs glittered with shades of blue. Glaciers boomed as they calved frozen walls of snow and ice into the barely melted ocean. The only odors were diesel fumes from Zodiacs and the occasional sharp smell of penguin poop. We kept warm and dry in the large yellow parkas and rubber boots the expedition provided us. On November 13, we set foot on the continent in Neko Harbour in Andvord Bay. Photographs documented our continental landing on Antarctica.
Later that day, a Zodiac tour included a close-up view of a pair of crabeater seals on an iceberg. Next day, we hiked to a hilltop on Danco Island with a 360-degree view. From there, we admired glacial scenery in the Errera Channel. The hike was followed by a Zodiac tour among icebergs. Some folks opted to sea kayak, stand up paddleboard, and camp overnight on the continent, for an extra fee. Nearly 50 of us paid $250 each to leave the comfort of the warm ship to sleep in a tent or tiny bivy sack. Unfortunately, this adventure was canceled due to poor weather conditions – and I was relieved! In the morning of our last day along the continent before heading north to Ushuaia, we Zodiac toured along Enterprise Island to a shipwreck from the whaling era. Later, another opportunity awaited us. Antarctic expeditions traditionally offer a polar plunge. That afternoon, in Wilhelmina Bay, 75 of the 168 passengers willingly jumped off the ship’s Zodiac landing platform and into the 35 degree
Fahrenheit water wearing swimsuits only. I have a certificate and a photo to prove my insanity! During the 1,458 nautical-mile voyage, evening recap sessions and leisurely meals passed the time warmly and pleasantly. The motion of the ocean while the ship motored to the next destination rocked me to sleep each night. Morning yoga sessions on the seventh deck of a moving ship were a challenge yet provided the most stunning scenery I have ever experienced while holding a yoga pose. Bright morning sunlight glittered off icebergs while blue skies and silver clouds shrouded white mountains. As I relish my many memories of this exciting adventure, I urge everyone to take an opportunity to visit the spectacular bottom of the world! Natalie Bartley is a Boise-based author of trail guidebooks Best Easy Day Hikes Boise and the newly updated Best Rail Trails Pacific Northwest. MSN
From Anaconda to Archbishop - continued from page 9 It was then that he unexpectedly and unintentionally found himself embroiled in conflict and controversy. He participated in peace demonstrations against the Trident submarine and led a tax protest against nuclear weapons. He opened the doors of the church to gay men and women. He first treated then banished abusive priests. In following his conscience, he challenged the policies of President Regan, Pope John Paul, and other
Vatican leaders. He was reprimanded, investigated, and demoted. He offered to resign, but the Vatican insisted he stay on. They couldn’t live with him, but they also knew they couldn’t live without him. Instead, they chose to humiliate him. Still he humbly stood by his convictions. Archbishop Raymond G. Hunthausen was one the American’s most beloved or most disparaged leaders, depending on whom you listened to,
but he was not ignored. His impact on the Catholic Church in the Northwest cannot be denied. John A. McCoy, a reporter, editor and journalism professor, has headed communications departments of the Catholic Archdiocese of Seattle and World Vision International. He first followed the Hunthausen story as a reporter for the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. McCoy currently teaches writing at the University of Washington, Tacoma. MSN
MontanaSeniorNews.com Let’s Have Another Cup Of Coffee
More good news for coffee drinkers: a new study shows that the beverage can help keep your weight down, according to the Association of Mature American Citizens. The study conducted at the University of Georgia’s College of Pharmacology and published in the journal Pharmaceutical Research indicates that the chlorogenic acid [CGA] found in coffee reduces the buildup of fat. Yonglie Ma, who headed up the research project, noted, “Previous studies have shown that coffee consumption may lower the risk for chronic diseases like Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Our study expands on this research by looking at the benefits associated with this specific compound [CGA], which is found in great abundance in coffee, but also in other fruits and vegetables like apples, pears, tomatoes, and blueberries.” MSN
Gotcha!
Most bad guys haven’t a clue that police now have access to technology that can provide a “snapshot” of those who commit crimes even if there were no witnesses, according to the Association of Mature American Citizens. Parabon Nanolabs located in Reston, Va. developed the “snapshot” process, which is already in use by several police departments in the U.S. and abroad. The police provide a DNA sample found at a crime scene and
the company puts it through a process known as phenotyping. “Snapshot translates this raw genetic code into predictions of physical traits. These are combined to create a highly accurate composite profile, or ‘digital mug shot’ of an unknown suspect,” according to the company. MSN
Fear Of Aging
Perhaps it is a fear of growing old that induces some younger people to have a negative perception of the elderly around them, says the Association of Mature American Citizens. Anne Karpf, who wrote the book, How to Age, said in a recent New York Times opinion article, “Ageism has been described as prejudice against one’s future self. It tells us that age is our defining characteristic and that, as midnight strikes on a milestone birthday, we will become nothing but old – emptied of our passions, abilities, and experience, infused instead with frailty and decline.” Be that as it may, a number of recent studies have shown that the older folks among us are happier and more content than those youthful offenders, says AMAC. As Karpf, who is 64, says, “Old people simply care less about what others think, but also, I think, that our sense of what’s important grows with age. We experience life more intensely than before, whatever our physical limitations, because we know it won’t last forever.” MSN
PAGE 60 MONTANA SENIOR NEWS
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
Fit, Fitter, Fittest By Bonnie McCune I’ve always hated exercise. If there’s a choice between vegging out on the couch or playing an exhilarating game of tennis, the couch wins every time. Except. . . except. . . I’ve exercised so much during my life; I now get withdrawal pains if I neglect fitness. I think my revulsion came from my lack of athletic ability along with my small stature and my delayed physical maturation. I learned I’d never be better than anyone else would at physical prowess, so I didn’t want to compete at all. Bodies male and female that consist of absolutely trim and toned musculature discourage me because I know I’ll never look like that. I grew up during a time when children walked to school and activities, and recess and P.E. were part of the schedule, I had a basic level of fitness that has stood me in good stead. Then came college where I fell in love with dancing. So
about nine hours a week for four straight years, I pranced and shimmied, jerked and ponied with the best. Since then, my husband and I have egged each other on to maintain a minimum level of exercise. He’s been more of an egger-on than I, but together we’ve jogged, walked, biked, lifted weights, and one hideous summer even hiked up mountains. We’ve been so consistent, I feel ill and depressed if we don’t move something somewhere several times a week. Which brings me to my local YMCA. The people there who inspire me are the people who lack native talent or who have physical challenges. They put forth so much more effort and are dedicated far beyond the scope of the guy flexing his well-defined biceps or the sculpted feminine version. The woman in my Zumba class who has cerebral palsy but lives and breathes every tune. The older man who’s suffered several falls and
broken bones but appears regularly to work out in splints and casts. Then there’s the fellow I spotted today. He’s near-blind (carries a white cane) and has other obvious physical abnormalities that make using equipment a supreme challenge. Yet there he was, striding on a treadmill, pulling on various weight-lifting machines. As I huffed and puffed through my mediocre routine, I was glad I’d suppressed my native reluctance and had chosen to come to the gym. My inspiration to keep up the habit was right in front of me. The appearance of the less-than-physicallyperfect in the gym began about ten or 15 years ago, as my generation began to age. Other changes have occurred at the local Y over the years I’ve been a member that aren’t so positive. In the weight room, visitors are lackadaisical, leaving 50-pound moveable plates locked on the ends of the bars, usually perching the con-
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
traptions on racks far above my head. Since I’m neither six feet tall nor a muscular football or soccer player, I can’t remove or change them for my own use. Smaller dumbbells are strewn across the rooms, handy for tripping over and breaking toes. Towels litter the exercise areas and actually seem to reproduce or replicate in the dark corners and under benches of the locker room, in damp white-ish piles. Then there’s the matter of smart phones. Young exercisers are getting their fingers in great shape since they spend more time sitting on equipment to text their friends than they do actually using the apparatus. Or perhaps they’re checking the stock market. In any case, again, no one else can use the gear. What can be done? Nothing, an attendant told me. There are no rules regarding this behavior. Are humans, or at least Americans, losing their basic intelligence? No other explanation for this behavior, for we used to learn at our mother’s knee to endeavor to pick up our own messes and be considerate of other people. Are we getting ruder? Maybe this is the cause of the poor be-
havior. Strong signs support this theory. Experts believe that day-to-day conduct has become more aggressive, less patient, and certainly not as sympathetic. My inclination is to blame modern technology for both these phenomena. I no longer need a memory as long as my computer and phone remain ever ready. And since I’m dealing with humans almost totally via these lines of communication, I cannot begin to sense the humanity that links me with those on the other ends of the networks. They’re just voices or words, symbols or algorithms. I’ve pledged to do my best to combat the growing tide of stupidity and rudeness. I can’t do a thing about war halfway across the world, but I can try to improve my little corner by picking up dirty towels and asking politely for courtesy at the gym. And I will continue moving and working my body! For reasons unknown (an unacknowledged optimism?), Bonnie McCune thinks one person can make a difference in this world. MSN
Statins Show Promise As A Heart Attack Prevention Tool For Adults 75 And Older
By Michelle Klampe Statins could be a cost-effective tool for preventing heart attacks and other cardiovascular incidents in adults over age 75, but the benefits would need to be weighed against potential side effects, according to a recent study being published in the Annals of Internal Medicine. “Statins look promising as an intervention for this population, but there are concerns about potential physical or cognitive side effects,” said the study’s lead author, Michelle Odden, an assistant professor of epidemiology in Oregon State University’s (OSU) College of Public Health and Human Sciences. “It’s not all good or all bad; we’re in a gray area,” said Odden, who is affiliated with OSU’s Center for Healthy Aging Research. “That’s where patient preference becomes important. People who are concerned about the side effects should have a conversation with their health care provider.” Researchers examined whether statins should be routinely given to older adults who are not already taking them as prevention against heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular events that can affect quality of life and drive up health care costs. They used computer modeling to estimate the cost-effectiveness, including risks and benefits, of statin use among older adults. The findings indicated that statin use can help prevent cardiovascular incidents, but if that use increased the risk of physical or cognitive side effects by roughly 10 to 30 percent, any benefit from statins would be offset. “We don’t know what the true risk is,” Odden said. “But we know statin use is very sensitive to
these other risks in older populations.” Statins are a class of drugs used to lower cholesterol and prevent cardiovascular disease caused by high cholesterol. Many types of statins are available in generic form, which keeps drug costs low. Use of such drugs to prevent a significant cardiac event could reduce overall health care costs and improve the quality of life of older adults, Odden said. More than 40 percent of adults over age 75 already are taking statins. However, medical guidelines for statin use are only for people who start taking statins when they are younger, up to age 75. The drugs are typically prescribed to people who have a history of cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, diabetes, or a high probability of a cardiovascular event within 10 years. As people live longer and healthier lives, cardiovascular health prevention efforts may need to be adjusted to reflect differences that come with age. Statins seem like a promising option to prevent cardiovascular incidents among older adults, but they may not be beneficial if they introduce side effects such as muscle weakness and cognitive impairment, which are suggested to occur with statin use, Odden said. “Physical and cognitive independence are two things that are very important to older adults,” she said. “Both conditions are so impactful that a small increase in risk may not be worth the gains in cardiovascular health.” Additional research, including clinical trials using older adults, would be needed to understand better the benefits and risks of statin use in this population, Odden said. MSN
Heaven goes by favor. If it went by merit, you would stay out and your dog would go in. - Mark Twain
MONTANA SENIOR NEWS PAGE 61
PAGE 62 MONTANA SENIOR NEWS
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
Tips On Dealing With Stress By Judith Duryea Every one of my mornings begins with a short meditation, to get my body, mind, and spirit around the waiting day and its challenges and possibilities. I acknowledge that it=s a blessing to be alive, and then I read a message that encourages me and inspires me about life on this planet. I believe it=s common to need an uplifting cheer at the start of each day. Many of us awaken with a weight on our chest and the knowledge that it takes courage to embrace and celebrate this life. We in America seem to be suffering an epidemic not of bird flu, but of fear induced stress. I have read that we worry more than any nation – about money, security, the weather, our kids, our parents, our health, and enemies both seen and unseen. This attitude of disaster is taking a toll on the very health about which we worry. Stress is a killer. Even though some stress is a good thing, if you feel that your blood pressure, arthritis, digestive upsets, headaches, skin conditions, or hair loss are exacerbated by a stressful life, read on. I’ve always been a proponent of making positive choices that enhance well-being – but theory is easy and practice more difficult. Even while recognizing our stress and worry, it can be challenging to take charge of our thoughts and situations so we feel empowered to feel better. If you are plagued by crippling anxiety, or long term depression, please consult your healthcare provider. The suggestions I offer are for occasional, bothersome stress, although they might also help the chronic, paralyzing, life-destroying kind, too. The first place to look for stress relief is your diet. If you count on caffeine to get you started in the morning and sugar to keep you going during the day, make some changes now. Going cold turkey off caffeinated pop
and coffee can be painful, but it=s worth a few days of headaches. These stimulants damage the adrenal glands, and place us on a slippery slope swirling into other health problems, like allergies, skin conditions, sleeplessness, and premature aging. Count on natural, whole food to help you – foods high in nutrition and low in junk factor. Nuts, vegetables (especially green), clean protein, and lots of water can sustain your biochemistry and facilitate the transition from caffeine and sugar dependency. Make these foods part of your healthy daily diet. Also consider a mineral complex supplement rich in calcium, magnesium, zinc, and including trace minerals like selenium, chromium, lithium, and strontium. Consider basic relaxing herbs such as chamomile, passion flower, hops, and valerian. Don=t miss the plants that constitute Relora (phellodendron and magnolia), the Ayurvedic herb holy basil, or the Polynesian plant kava kava. Arctic root (Rhodiola) is calming and good for maintaining energy. The amino acids gamma amino butyric acid (GABA), a calming neurotransmitter), l-theanine, and taurine all relax brain wave activity and ease tension. If taking one more pill is not appealing, consider homeopathic remedies for stress, nervousness, and irritability that dissolve under the tongue – or the Bach Flower Rescue Remedy, a liquid combination of eight flower essences known to calm the most frayed nerves consistently. Life is challenging, and it can overload our body systems with stress if we do not take charge and work to remain calm in the midst of daily turmoil. I urge you to consider the natural remedies above, and perhaps more importantly, be present and live in the moment, breathe deeply, and appreciate life’s blessings. Judith Duryea owns Dancing Rainbow Natural Grocery in Butte (dancingrainbow.org). MSN
With more than
40 YEARS OF SERVICE we’re here to help you turn wear and tear I N TO R E COV E RY A N D R E J U V E N AT I O N .
Who does your heart beat for?
Keeping hearts beating since 1971.
Because you’re still booming
Billings Clinic Downtown
AND SO ARE WE.
Billings Clinic West Billings Clinic Heights
Trust your heart to the most comprehensive and longest-running heart program in our region with three cardiovascular surgeons, nine cardiologists, three electrophysiologists and a team of physician assistants, nurse practitioners, therapists, nurses and medical assistants.
Billings Clinic Miles City
billingsclinic.com/heart
Billings Clinic Cody
Bozeman OB/GYN Stillwater Billings Clinic Beartooth Billings Clinic
Our history is our promise.
OUR STORY IS YOURS. 406.496.3400 | MontanaOrthopedics.com | Butte, Montana B L A V AT S K Y
BUEHLER
DIGIOVINE
GALL AG H E R
RUSSO
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
Eye Problems Prevalent in Seniors By Tait Trussell As we age, eye problems are more common (along with other problems that seem to creep up on us). But advances in ophthalmology enable most people to maintain adequate vision well into their individual antiquity. That is because many eye problems can be prevented or detected before they become hopeless – that is, in their early stages, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Of course, regular eye exams by an eye doctor, an ophthalmologist, is the best and safest way to guard against later trouble. Most people experience one or more of the following eye troubles as they age: Diabetic eye problems – Many people have diabetes, which can cause changes in the veins and arteries. This disease can cause cataracts, glaucoma, and damage to blood vessels in the eye. You need good control of blood sugar and blood pressure. Presbyopia – The lenses in your eyes are flexible and can change shape easily when you are young. This allowed you to focus on objects near and far away, not so, when you get old. The lenses just can’t change shape as easily. You find it harder and harder to read. Exercises can help but not reverse this process. You have to get glasses, either reading glasses or bifocals. They help your eyes focus. Floaters – You know, those occasional small specks that keep moving around in your line of vision. These floaters are actually small pieces of gel or cells inside the clear fluid that fills the eye,
called the vitreous. The specs you see actually are shadows they cast on the eye’s retina, the layer of light-sensing cells that line the back of the eye. The retina converts light rays into signals that go through the optic nerve to the brain to let you know what you are seeing. If you develop new floaters, you should contact your eye doctor because you may have torn a retina, which could lead to retinal detachment. Cataract – If you have cloudy vision, like a window that’s been steamed up, and your vision is blurred, you probably have a cataract. There are no medicines, exercise, or glasses that will help. It means surgery. When you have cataract surgery, the eye doctor takes out the cloudy lens through a small incision. Then an intraocular lens is implanted in place of the blurry lens. Cataract surgery usually improves vision. It’s done on an outpatient basis ordinarily. I had both eyes done. One is fine. The other didn’t turn out as well. Glaucoma – This is one of the leading causes of blindness. It is a disease of the optic nerve, which transports images to your brain. Glaucoma can affect the pressure in your eye. Normally tears flow out of the eye. When this liquid can’t drain properly, pressure builds up in the eye, increasing damage to the optic nerve. One of the most important factors in glaucoma is age. Eye drops can keep the condition under control. Macular degeneration – This is a breakdown in the macula of the eye. It’s a small central spot in the retina that permits us to see details. It is
Golden Eagle Plaza
Eagles Manor
Senior Living Community
Retirement Community
Luxurious and Spacious Retirement Apartments & Assisted Living Studios: Daily Meals, Housekeeping & Maintenance Services, Activities & Events, Level ‘A’ Assisted Living Care & Much More.
Affordable Retirement Living at its best: Daily Meals, Housekeeping & Maintenance Services, Activities and Events & much more.
Call for more information!
406-268-0100 1615 9th Street South Great Falls, MT 59405
“Caring for Others With Compassion” www.eaglescommunities.com
Call for more information!
406-453-6521 1501 9th Street South Great Falls, MT 59405
MONTANA SENIOR NEWS PAGE 63
PAGE 64 MONTANA SENIOR NEWS
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
caused by aging and thinning of the macula. In some cases, blood vessels develop and leak under the macula. Vision loss, in this case, can be rapid, although vision loss usually is gradual. Dry eye – Some people don’t produce enough tears to keep the eye moist and comfortable. Sometimes there’s excessive tearing with dry eye. That doesn’t make sense on the surface, but it’s the eyes’ response to irritation. When you blink, a film of tears spreads over your eyes, making the surface clear and smooth. Tear production normally decreases as we age
(like so many things). As you probably know, artificial tears are available over the counter. And you can use them as often as needed, eye doctors tell us. Tears drain out of the eye through a small channel in the nose. This is why your nose runs when you cry. And why you usually have to have a tissue handy for that runny nose, if you have dry eye. A person with dry eye should avoid anything that causes dryness, such as an overly warm room, or wind. And, of course, smoking. MSN
A Doctor With Two Patients By Bill Hall My wife and I don’t normally shower together, but we do go to the doctor together, even though only one of us has to strip off some clothing. We go to the doctor together but not because the doctor wants to examine and treat us both simultaneously. Most doctors don’t care to do that. But my wife and I do care to tag along when either one of us is seeing a doctor. We do that now because our aging memories tend to slacken right along with much of the rest of our bodies. We first began following each
other into the examination room about 20 years ago because of an experience that concerned us. That was the day I walked into the hospital to get a colonoscopy. Suffice it to say, if you’ve not yet had the pleasure of a colonoscopy, pay attention. When you’re about 50 or so and don’t know what a colonoscopy is, it’s time you learn. A colonoscopy is a rude but life-saving procedure. It involves peering into where the sun don’t shine, letting the doctor and his trusty little camera locate any early signs of possible trouble. And if nothing else, that disrespectful procedure can reassure you with good news on that subject. However, I’ll admit that on the day I went in for my first colonoscopy, I was disconcerted by what a kind woman on the hospital staff said to me. “May I help you?” she asked. “Yes, thank you,” I said. “I’m here for my colonoscopy.” “Do you have an appointment?” she asked. I was tempted to answer, “No. I just thought I‘d walk in off the street and climb onto the operating table. Or maybe I should use the drive-up window.” But she was such a helpful lady that I decided to behave like an adult for a change. That was a delightful experience but it wasn’t the reason Sharon and I started trailing each other into our doctor appointments. The real reason was when it was Sharon’s turn at a colonoscopy. As they finished with her exam and wheeled her into a recovery room, the doctor came in and gave her a verbal report on how the procedure had gone and how she should deal with the aftermath. At least, that’s what I heard as I entered the room. Sharon was still too groggy to glean much from what was said. She had been given some version of an amnesia medication used, I assume, to wipe away any unpleasant memories. Suffice it to say, she could remember hardly anything the doctor was saying as she came through most of the fog she was still experiencing. Fortunately, I am a writer. I whipped out my trusty pen and note pad. We did better the next time she went to a doctor. Not only did I sit in on her conversation with the doctor, but also she did the same for me in my subsequent visits. That has become standard procedure for us. And it’s not because the doctors were inept. Quite the contrary. But there’s always a certain amount of twitchy concern when a person goes to a doctor. Most of all, Sharon and I accompany each other into the examination room, not because we don’t trust the doctors, but because we are not quite so quick any more at grasping what the doctor is saying. We both understand only some of what we are being told. So we take notes for each other as the doctor explains what he has done for our personal parts. And it doesn’t hurt a thing that Sharon is a linguist with a grasp on all those big medical words borrowed from Latin and Greek.
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
When we both come marching in, the occasional doctor grimaces visibly. But more often than not, the doctors we visit seem to appreciate our help in fostering maximum understanding. After all, when somebody is doing something like peering inside the person you married and tries to explain what is happening in there, more often than not, that can be useful – and comforting. For better or for worse, we two and the doctor
MONTANA SENIOR NEWS PAGE 65
are a team. Our role in the healing doesn’t pay anything at all, except a continuation of life. But we try not to get too much in the way of the medics for our own good. And I think most of those doctors admire our bedside manner. Hall may be contacted at wilberth@cableone.net or at 1012 Prospect Ave., Lewiston, ID 83501. MSN
What Is Medical Marijuana And How Is It Used?
Provided by National Institute on Drug Abuse The term medical marijuana refers to using the marijuana plant or its basic extracts to treat a disease or it’s symptoms. Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not recognized or approved the marijuana plant as medicine, scientific study of the chemicals in marijuana, called cannabinoids, has led to two FDA-approved medications that contain cannabinoid in pill form. Because the marijuana plant contains a variety of chemicals that may help treat a range of illnesses or symptoms, many people argue that it should be legal for medical purposes. In fact, a growing number of states, including Montana, has legalized marijuana for medical use. Why isn’t the marijuana plant an FDAapproved medicine? The FDA requires carefully conducted studies (clinical trials) in hundreds to thousands of human subjects to determine the benefits and risks of a possible medication. So far, researchers have not conducted enough large-scale clinical trials that show the FDA that the benefits of the marijuana plant (as opposed to its cannabinoid ingredients) outweigh its risks in patients it is meant to treat. What are cannabinoids? Cannabinoids are chemicals related to delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), marijuana’s main mind-altering ingredient. Other than THC, the marijuana plant contains more than 100 other cannabinoids. Scientists as well as illegal manufacturers have produced many cannabinoids in the lab. Some of these cannabinoids are extremely powerful and have led to serious health effects when abused. The body also produces its own cannabinoid chemicals. They play a role in regulating pleasure, memory, thinking, concentration, body movement, awareness of time, appetite, pain, and the senses (taste, touch, smell, hearing, and sight). How might cannabinoids be useful as medicine? Currently, the two main cannabinoids from the marijuana plant that are of medical interest are THC and CBD. THC increases appetite and reduces nausea. The FDA-approved THC-based medications are
used for these purposes. THC may also decrease pain, inflammation (swelling and redness), and muscle control problems. CBD is a cannabinoid that does not affect the mind or behavior. It may be useful in reducing pain and inflammation, controlling epileptic seizures, and treating mental illness and addictions. NIH-funded and other researchers are continuing to explore the possible uses of THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids for medical treatment. For instance, recent animal studies have shown that marijuana extracts may help kill certain cancer cells and reduce the size of others. Evidence from one cell culture study suggests that purified extracts from whole-plant marijuana can slow the growth of cancer cells from one of the most serious types of brain tumors. Research in mice showed that treatment with purified extracts of THC and CBD, when used with radiation, increased the cancer-killing effects of the radiation. Scientists are also conducting preclinical and clinical trials with marijuana and its extracts to treat numerous diseases and conditions, such as the following: • autoimmune diseases (diseases that weaken the immune system) such as HIV/AIDS, multiple sclerosis (MS) that causes gradual loss of muscle control, and Alzheimer’s disease • inflammation • pain • seizures • substance use disorders • mental disorders What medications contain cannabinoids? Two FDA-approved drugs, dronabinol and nabilone, contain THC. They treat nausea caused by chemotherapy and increase appetite in patients with weight loss caused by AIDS. The United Kingdom, Canada, and sev-
eral European countries have approved nabiximols (Sativex®), a mouth spray containing THC and CBD. It treats muscle control problems caused by MS. The United States is conducting clinical trials for its safe use in treating cancer pain. Although it has not yet undergone clinical trials, scientists have recently created Epidiolex, a CBD-based liquid drug to treat certain forms of childhood epilepsy. MSN
PAGE 66 MONTANA SENIOR NEWS
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
Amtrak Accommodates Travelers with Medical Needs By Jack McNeel Traveling can be difficult for persons with medical issues, whether by plane, train, or automobile. We recently experienced that situation when a medical problem required treatment in Wisconsin. Air travel was not possible due to air pressure changes, and auto travel was precluded by excessive driving time. Although many travelers are not aware of the fact, we were pleased to find that Amtrak has considered passengers’ medical needs and provides services to accommodate them while making the trip as comfortable as possible. Amtrak advertises, “Our goal is to provide safe, efficient and comfortable service to all of our passengers. We are pleased to provide additional services to passengers with disabilities....” and indeed they do. First, passengers with disabilities (including deafness and blindness) are eligible for reduced fares, which also extend to one adult traveling companion. For us, the fare for the 36-hour trip for two in a roomette with two bunks, toilet, and an adjoining shower was $481. A sink and mirror plus tissues, soap, and towels completed the room. For comparison, airline tickets on the trip east cost us $551. Considering the width of a train, a roomette
is obviously not a hotel suite, but we found the experience enjoyable. Unlike a car or plane, there is room to stretch, stand, and plenty of light from large windows that provide a good view of the passing countryside. And, the observation cars have even better visibility assuming the traveler has sufficient mobility to reach them. Written documentation from a doctor is one of several possible forms of verification required to show that the traveler qualifies for these special medical services. Ramps are available should a person need to board in a wheelchair. An attendant is available to assist and help get you settled. The trains carry a defibrillator for heart related emergencies. A button to signal the attendant is available in these sleeper rooms in case you need assistance or simply to arrange your bunks for the night. The lower bunk bed folds up to seat two people facing each other at window level. Depending on physical condition, getting in and out of the upper bunk bed may present challenges, but again, assistance is available. The dining car is up a flight of stairs, but if lack of mobility is an issue, room service will deliver meals to your roomette. We found dinners to be very good with a good selection of entrees available including salmon, steak, chicken, pasta, and burgers – all of which are a dramatic improvement over airline food. Meals are included in the ticket price for all sleeping rooms. Amtrak’s Empire Builder runs from Chicago through Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Montana. It then drops down through Glacier Park into Spokane and travels on to Portland and Seattle. This provides reasonable access to many residents of northern Idaho and Montana wanting or needing to travel either east or west. The clickety-clack of the cars on the track and the soothing sound of the train whistle (barely audible in the sleeper units) are mesmerizing as one watches the scenery or dozes off. Legroom and the opportunity to wander around the train are stark contrasts to the cramped confinement of an airplane or a car. Seating for meals is at tables for four where space is available, thus providing an opportunity to engage other travelers. We met an airplane pilot and his wife, another man who had lived in various places around the globe, and an apple grower from Washington. It was interesting meeting these different folks and a delightful way to share a meal. In addition to delicious and various entrees, salads, and desserts, cocktails, beer, and wine are available to round out your dining experience. It is easy to appreciate the breadth and diversity of our country from the train without the concentration required for driving. For example, passing through the agricultural lands and small towns of Wisconsin illustrates how this is truly the
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
MONTANA SENIOR NEWS PAGE 67
Northeastern Montana is open and undeveloped natural country, but soon you pass through southern portions of Glacier National Park with its high peaks before dropping down to West Glacier and across to Libby where the tracks turn southward through Sandpoint to Spokane. Here the train splits – one branch going to Portland and the other to Seattle. Although our trip on the Empire Builder was not for vacation purposes, it gave us a new window on the world and will undoubtedly be our choice for future trips. MSN
heartland of America. Cornfields can stretch to the horizon while deciduous trees crowd every moist area and hills in the distance are painted yellow, orange, and red as leaves turn in the fall. North Dakota has less agricultural land than Wisconsin but many tree-covered hills and draws, mostly colorful in the fall. Cattle are more abundant and rolled bales of hay cover many farmlands. It’s primarily flat country with some huge fields of sunflowers. Toward the western border, the number of small ponds is amazing – pond after pond with abundant waterfowl line the track.
Be Smart About Your Risk And Treatment Of Chronic Kidney Disease Provided by DaVita Dialysis Are you 1 in 10 of adults over age 20 in the U.S. that has kidney disease? Most people are unaware of their condition, as kidney disease is often symptomless until its late stages. A diagnosis may feel overwhelming, but early diagnosis and education can help patients overcome those fears and feel more prepared. There are several causes of kidney disease. Diabetes and high blood pressure are sometimes called silent killers, because many people don’t know they have these diseases and are therefore not getting treatment. Uncontrolled diabetes or high blood pressure can lead to chronic kidney disease (CKD) as follows: • Six percent of the U.S. population has diabetes, the number one cause of kidney disease and responsible for approximately 44 percent of all kidney failure. • One in four Americans has high blood pressure, the second leading cause of kidney disease. • African Americans, Latinos, Hispanics, Pacific Islanders, Native Americans and those 65 and over are at increased risk of developing
kidney disease During March, National Kidney Month, many national sources will be providing information about kidney disease and how to discuss your risk with your health care provider. The national kidney fund has a fact sheet at kidneyfund.org that will help you assess your risk and provide some tips for talking to your doctor. Your healthcare provider is your best resource for information and all information should be discussed with them prior to any treatment decisions. If you have recently received a diagnosis of CKD you will have many questions. In a no-cost Kidney Smart® class, patients get information to help them create a plan to fit their lifestyle and better manage their kidney health. These 90-minute classes are led by certified instructors, such as nurses and dietitians. Educators guide patients through their personalized action plans and share: • the causes of kidney disease and how to slow its progression • diet resources available to help patients manage their diet and cook a variety of flavorful,
kidney-friendly meals • how continuing to work may keep patients happier and healthier • how counselors can help patients navigate insurance and financial questions. “Kidney Smart educates over 35,000 patients every year through our national network of over 2,000 educators,” said Veronica Garza, Kidney Smart educator. “Knowledge is power and this program empowers patients with tools and resources that help them live a better quality of life while managing kidney disease.” Kidney Smart education helps patients in choosing the best treatment for their lifestyle. By educating patients on all treatment options, including vascular access options, it gives patients the knowledge to choose the treatment that is right for them. Treatment choices can have an impact on a patient’s risk of hospitalization. Kidney Smart classes are currently available at various locations. Call 888-695-4363 for more information. Online classes are also available throughout for those who prefer learning from home at KidneySmart.org. MSN
At DaVita, our approach is to treat people, not just their kidney disease. Better manage your health, your care and your life with help from our highly trained clinical support teams and a wide range of tools and services. Now serving you at: 2800 11TH AVE S GREAT FALLS We’re moving. Visit our new location in Early 2016.
PAGE 68 MONTANA SENIOR NEWS
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
Boulder Meadows Assisted Living Facility 302 W 8th Ave Big Timber (406) 932-6882
Your Health - Our Commitment
Maintaining A Loved One’s Unoccupied Home By Lisa M. Petsche It may happen unexpectedly: your parent or other senior relative who lives alone must spend a considerable period of time in hospital or a rehabilitation center, or convalescing in a care facility. If they are a house dweller, looking after their home and its contents can be a complex task. Read on for valuable tips on how to keep your relative’s property safe and sound, indoors and out, during their absence. Indoor Security Measures Remove any keys – to the house, cars, gates, and sheds – hanging by the door or stashed in a drawer. Ensure all points of entry – windows, doors (including the one connecting the garage to the house), mail chutes, and pet entrances – are secured. Place a snug-fitting piece of wood in the bottom of sliding window and glass door tracks to increase security. Disconnect the automatic garage door opener and manually lock garage doors. Arrange for mail to be redirected, and suspend or cancel newspaper delivery. Notify a trusted neighbor that your relative is away and ask him or her to watch for suspicious activity and call police if necessary. Ensure this person knows how to reach you should any problems arise. Also ask him or her to do one or more of the following to make the house appear occupied: remove flyers from the mailbox and porch; park a vehicle in the driveway, or brush off your relative’s car and make footprints to the door after a snowfall; place a bag of garbage at the curb on waste pickup day. Keep some blinds open, and put indoor lights on timers Disconnect the answering machine. Unplug electrical items that are susceptible to power surges. Catalog, photograph, or videotape room contents. Record the serial numbers of valuable items such as televisions, stereos, DVD players, and computer equipment. Remove smaller valuables – such as cash, jewelry, family heirlooms, identification, credit cards, and important documents – and store them in a bank safety deposit box. Read your relative’s homeowner’s insurance
Aging has enough difficulties.
Getting the care you need shouldn’t be one of them. Highgate Senior Living offers full care for all, no matter what your age or ailment. Our team of compassionate professionals can handle almost anything, including complex medical issues and post-acute hospital care. In fact, we specialize in services normally provided in skilled nursing, such as diabetic care and oxygen management, injectable medications, wound care, feeding tubes, catheter monitoring, two-person transfers, and hospice. Just call any of our three Assisted Living/Memory Care communities in Montana, and we’ll make sure your move into Highgate is one of the easiest things in your life right now. Highgate at Billings 406-651-4833
Highgate at Bozeman 406-587-5100
Highgate at Great Falls 406-454-0991
policy or check with their agent to determine if their policy provides coverage while the home is unoccupied for an extended time, and if so, under what conditions. Ensure any conditions are met. Perform regular checks for pests, ruptured pipes, water leakage, and other problems. Checks are especially important after storms and during extreme weather. Consider a house sitting service if neither you nor anyone else your relative trusts is available to do this. Outdoors Remove spare keys hidden under mats or elsewhere outside. Lock tools and ladders in the garage or a shed so they are not accessible to thieves. Install timers or put photosensitive bulbs in outdoor lights. Perform regular perimeter checks for signs of forced entry. If you find any, remain outside and call the police from your cell phone or a neighbor’s home If neither you nor other relatives is able to perform outdoor maintenance tasks such as mowing and watering the lawn and tending the garden – or clearing snow, as the case may be – enlist the help of a reliable neighbor (consider hiring a teenager from the block) or contract with a reputable yard maintenance service. Another option is to hire a property manager to regularly inspect the place inside and out and arrange grounds keeping. Vehicle Security Ensure windows are closed tight and doors are locked. Remove registration and insurance information, as well as hidden keys. Also, remove anything of value. Record the license number as well as the color, year, make, and model of the vehicle, and any visible damage. Lock the vehicle in the garage. If that is not an option and it must remain in the driveway or on the street, get a security device such as an electronic alarm, kill switch, or steering wheel lock. Further Considerations Remove refrigerator contents that can spoil, and any other perishable foods in the kitchen. Store opened dry goods such as sugar and flour in sealed containers, or place them in the fridge. Ensure kitchen and dining areas are free of food residue. If your relative has a pet and you are not able to care for it, try to find a friend or neighbor who will take it in. If you’re unsuccessful, consider the following alternatives: ask the local humane society if there’s a volunteer pet fostering program in the area; arrange for a boarding facility; or hire a pet sitter to either make daily visits or stay in the house. The latter option has the added benefit of
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
increasing home security. Take home plants or distribute them among family and friends. Turn off the water supply to the house if regular lawn and garden watering is not part of the maintenance plan.
Close chimney flues, which can be a point of entry for birds and small animals. Lisa M. Petsche is a social worker and a freelance writer specializing in boomer and senior health matters. She has personal and professional experience with elder care. MSN
Keeping Tabs On An Elderly Parent With Video Monitoring By Jim Miller Dear Savvy Senior, Can you recommend some good home video monitoring devices that can help my sister and me keep an eye on our elderly mother? Over the holidays, we noticed that her health has slipped a bit, and would like to keep a closer eye on her. Worried Daughters Dear Worried, There are many great video monitoring cameras that can help families keep a watchful eye on an elderly parent from afar, but make sure it’s okay with your parent first. Many seniors find this type of “I’m watching you” technology to be an invasion of privacy, while others don’t mind and even welcome the idea. With that said, here are some top monitoring devices for keeping tabs on a parent. Video Monitoring – As the technology has improved and the costs have come down, video monitoring/surveillance cameras have become very popular for keeping an eye on your home, business, child or pet (via smartphone, tablet or computer), but they also work well for monitoring an elder loved one who lives alone. Most home video monitoring cameras today are sleek, small, and easy to set up, but do require home Wi-Fi. Although camera capabilities will vary, the best devices all provide wide-angle viewing, HD quality video, night vision, built-in motion and sound detection that can notify you when something is happening, and two-way audio that lets you talk and listen. They also offer a video recording option (for an extra fee) that saves past video to a cloud, so you can rewind and review what you missed. One of the best products available today that does all this and more is the Nest Cam (nest.com) for $199. If you want their video recording option, it’s an extra $100 per year for a 10-day video history, or $300/year for a 30-day history. Also check out the Piper NV (getpiper.com), which – at $279 – is more expensive than the Nest Cam but allows free Internet cloud storage. And the
HAPPY
MONTANA SENIOR NEWS PAGE 69
406-761-6661
20 3rd Steet North, Great Falls, MT 59401 www.rainbowsl.com
Simplicam (simplicam.com), which is the cheapest of the three but the video quality isn’t quite as good. They charge $150 for the camera or $200 for the camera plus 24-hour video storage for one year. Sensor Monitoring – If your mom is uncomfortable with video monitoring, and doesn’t want you to be able to peek in on her whenever you want, another less invasive option to consider is a “sensor” monitoring system. These systems use small wireless sensors (not cameras) placed in key areas of your mom’s home that can detect changes in her activity patterns, and will notify you via text message, email, or phone call if something out of the ordinary is happening. A great company that offers this technology is Silver Mother (sen.se/silvermother), which provides small sensors that you attach to commonly used household objects like her pillbox, refrigerator door, TV remote, front door, etc. So, for example, if your mom didn’t pick up her pillbox to get her medicine or didn’t open the refrigerator door to make breakfast like she usually does, or if she left the house at a peculiar time you would be notified and could check on her. You can also check up on her anytime you want online or through their mobile app. Silver Mother costs $299 for four sensors, with no ongoing monthly service fees. Send your senior questions to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book. MSN
from
Valentines Day! Home means family. Home means safety. Home means feeling restored. At Genesis Whitefish Center, home also means thriving—physically, emotionally and socially. We provide professional medical services such as skilled nursing and rehabiliation therapy in a quality, caring environment. Welcome home.
Genesis HealthCareSM Whitefish Center
Whitefish, MT 59937
PAGE 70 MONTANA SENIOR NEWS
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
Caregiving Mistakes to Avoid
“Rural yet Refined...life just got easier”
Independently owned & operated 24 hour trained, caring staff Private apartments with full bath Handicapped accessible transportation
Now offering memory care!
www.parkhavenretirement.com Exit 288 • 100 Hamilton Ct • Manhattan, MT • 282-7488
By Lisa M. Petsche Caring for a chronically ill or frail older relative is not easy. As with some other key roles in life, such as parenting, there is no training course adequately to prepare for the challenges. It’s inevitable that caregivers will make mistakes along the way, especially when they are new to the role. But they can avoid some of them by heeding advice from involved healthcare professionals and learning from the experiences of seasoned caregivers. What kinds of mistakes do caregivers tend to make? Read on to learn about some of the most common ones. Not accepting help and taking breaks. This stoic reluctance can be motivated by guilt or pride. In the latter case, the caregiver believes no one can look after their relative as well as they can; thus, they are not prepared to relinquish control even temporarily. This is most likely to happen when the caregiver is a perfectionist by nature or has invested all of their energy in the caregiving role and derives their identity from it. Withholding information from other family members about the loved one’s diagnosis, prognosis or care needs. This is usually done protectively, in order to shield others from realities that may cause distress (for example, that the loved one is not simply forgetful but, rather, has a dementia diagnosis). Unfortunately, it leaves the caregiver shouldering decision making alone and often providing care alone as well. When others involved in the care receiver’s life learn the truth, as they eventually do, they may be resentful, feeling that the caregiver shut them out during an important time and denied them the opportunity to participate in caregiving. Micromanaging care, whether it’s provided by a home care worker or a hospital staff member. Exerting tight control is often accompanied by holding other caregivers to impossibly high standards. This results in scrutiny and criticism, leading
Peace of Mind All the Time! Direct Link’s Exclusive Line of Personal Emergency Response Systems Addresses All Your Care Needs!
The Benefits of Using a Direct Link PERS With Direct Link’s exclusive line of Personal Emergency Response Systems, you can live independently & securely in the comfort of home! Direct Link PERS are monitored by a CSAA 5-Diamond Certified Care Center, allowing you or your loved one to reach help at the touch of a button day or night. We’re locally owned & operated, enabling quick installation & personalized support.
Cellular Medical Alert System No land line? No worries! Direct Link’s Cellular Medical Alert System utilizes multiple cellular networks, so you can reach help 24/7 simply by pushing the pendant. The unit freatures a 650-foot button range, a 24-hour battery backup & reports if the pendant has been absent from the unit for an extended period. The Care Center is also notified of power loss or a low battery, and they will take appropriate action to ensure your safety, alerting you directly or alerting an emergency contact.
to frustration on the part of healthcare professionals and perhaps eventually alienation. Another down side to micromanaging care is that it can lead to burnout of the caregiver, owing to the mental and emotional toll exacted by hyper-vigilance. Not showing appreciation to other involved caregivers, whether they are family members or formal caregivers at home or in a hospital or long-term care facility. It should never be overlooked that positive reinforcement and gratitude, when warranted, go a long way in forging constructive relationships. Making assumptions regarding care by others, without first asking questions to get a complete picture. For example: a caregiver visits at the hospital, finds their relative’s meal tray untouched and automatically gets angry, assuming no one provided their relative with needed assistance, when in fact the patient may have felt too nauseous to eat or a friend visited and fed them homemade treats. “Nitpicking” about others’ care of their relative and perhaps also “flying off the handle” on a regular basis. Such faultfinding can make healthcare professionals resentful, always feeling on the defensive even though they may not have done anything inappropriate. This pattern is counterproductive to good communication and to a partnership approach to care. Some caregivers misdirect their general frustration and guilt into anger towards staff when they can no longer manage their relative’s primary care or their relative’s condition is declining. Although the caregiver may be burnt out or experiencing other stresses in their personal life, it’s important that they behave respectfully in their interactions with others and get help if they feel angry all the time. Trying to be a medical expert. Without a doubt, the Internet has fueled the inclination towards instant expertise. Caregivers can research symptoms, conditions, and treatments online – not always from credible sources – and may subsequently challenge a healthcare professional working with their loved one, either suggesting or directly stating that the professional is misguided in their assessment or treatment. Although it’s important to have one’s questions and concerns addressed, it’s never a good idea to use an approach that may come across as insulting or dismissive of a professional’s expertise. Believing healthcare professionals are the only experts. Caregivers are experts on their loved ones, too – not only regarding health
Fall Sensor Live life your way, in the comfort of home! The Direct Link Fall Sensor is specifically designed to detect a fall & automatically dial the Central Monitoring Station to ensure you recieve help promptly, if no sudden movement is detected within 10 seconds, an “unconsciousness” alarm will be raised. Help can also be reached 24/7 by pushing the button.
The Care Watch*
406-438-2231
Go where you want, when you want—all while staying connected! The Care Watch utilizes cellular & GPS technology 406-438-2231 to track your location in case of emergency, allowing you to summon help in seconds, & converse directly with The Care Center. Lightweight, yet durable, The Care Watch can be worn as a wristwatch or pendant for up to 36 hours before needing 406-438-2231 to be recharged. *Services may be limited in some areas.
406-438-2231 Call Today for More Information! 406-438-2231
We’ve changed our name, but everything else remains the same. We still provide the great care we always have for more than 18 years in the Gallatin Valley. To schedule your personal visit, call (406) 587-4570. Brookdale Springmeadows
Formerly Emeritus® at Springmeadows Assisted Living
brookdale.com
3175 Graf Street | Bozeman, MT 59715 24101-P1-0715-ROP RM
BROOKDALE® is a trademark of Brookdale Senior Living, Inc., Nashville, TN, USA, 07/15
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
history but also the unique constellation of characteristics and life experiences that have made their relative who they are today. It’s important to share such personhood information to help healthcare professionals better understand and treat their loved one. Promising they will never place their loved one in a nursing home, or that a terminally ill loved one can die at home versus in a hospital or hospice. The truth is, no one knows what the
MONTANA SENIOR NEWS PAGE 71
future holds. Although made in good faith, the “care promise” can lead to guilt and resentment down the line, should the care receiver’s needs or the caregiver’s circumstances change unexpectedly and plans need to be altered. Lisa M. Petsche is a medical social worker and a freelance writer specializing in boomer and senior health matters. She has personal and professional experience with elder care. MSN
Have A Nice Visit In Long Term Care By Lisa M. Petsche Many people find visiting a relative or friend in a long-term care residence an uncomfortable experience, at least initially. They don’t know what to expect or what to say and do. The following guide can help to ensure a positive visit. Visiting Tips Call ahead to the unit where the person resides, to find out the best time of day to visit. Plan to visit when you are not rushed for time. Bring something with you: flowers from your garden, a photo album, a magazine or newspaper, a guest book for visitors to sign, a favorite music CD, a special food treat. Check first with staff whether the person has any diet restrictions. Position yourself at eye level, face to face. Ensure you are close enough and speaking loudly enough that the person can adequately see and hear you. Actively listen to what the person has to tell you. Express interest in their daily activities, and allow them to vent their feelings about their situation. Encourage reminiscing (“Remember when...?”) This stimulates the mind and evokes pleasant feelings. Tell some jokes or a funny true story, or bring in a humorous movie to watch together, since it’s true that laughter is good medicine. If conversation is difficult or impossible, share news about family, friends and current events, read tudios, one or two bedroom aloud or listen to music together. Sit in the lobby apartments available for seniors. and people-watch. Learn to become comfortable with silence. For more info please contact us at: 406-228-2208 Check the recreational activities schedule for or visit us on the web: prairieridgevillage.com • Glasgow regular and special events, and accompany the person to one of them. Telephone between visits if you can’t get in as often as you would like. Visiting the Person With Dementia Visiting a person who is mentally impaired can be challenging. You may not be able to relate with them in the usual ways because of impaired communication, memory deficits or altered personality. Visits can still be meaningful, however, once you adjust your expectations and learn new ways of interacting. Read on for some guidelines. Visit alone if possible. It is much easier for the person to deal with one visitor at a time. If you find visits awkward, though, bring along a friend for support. Come prepared for any possible mood. Or, call ahead and ask what kind of day the person is having. If it’s a bad one, postpone your visit. Approach the person slowly and from Our BeeHive Homes of Great Falls assisted living services the front, giving them time to see you are dedicated to providing a happy and healthy coming. Make eye contact and use touch environment for our residents. Our unique approach to as appropriate. assisted living care focuses on creating a family Address the person by name and environment in which long lasting relationships can grow identify yourself. Be prepared that they and develop. We would love to introduce you to BeeHive Homes of Great Falls assisted living. Please contact us for may not recognize you or may not recall more information or a home tour. previous visits. (Do not quiz them, as this can cause frustration.) Rest assured that 3 Memory Care Homes! this does not make your presence any Trained Staff in Dementia Care | Private Rooms with Showers | Courtyard with Fountain, Gazebo & Pergola less valuable. Your visits not only provide mental stimulation, they validate the person as a unique and worthwhile individual. • Individual and Group Activities Our assisted living service includes: • Daily House Keeping Services • Private Rooms Find a quiet place to visit in order to • And Much More! • 24-Hour Staffing avoid distractions, since over-stimulation • Dietician Approved Home Cooked Meals leads to agitation. Speak slowly and clearly. Use familiar words and simple sentences. Avoid 406-761-3080 or visit us at www.beehivehomes.com clichés. Talk in a calm voice, using a lowpitched tone.
S
PAGE 72 MONTANA SENIOR NEWS
Ask simple questions that require a short answer – preferably yes or no. Avoid posing questions that challenge their memory, such as “What did you do today?” Use body language – gestures, facial expressions, tone of voice, touch – to help get your message across. Don’t argue when the person has their facts confused. If a conversation appears to be causing
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
frustration, change the subject. If they become restless during an activity, try something else. Don’t take verbal outbursts or other uncharacteristic behavior personally. Shorten the visit if it’s going poorly – if the person is irritable or fatigued, for example. Following a difficult visit, do something for yourself – such as going for a walk or soaking in
a hot bath – to help relieve tension. If visiting is stressful, consult with a nurse, recreation therapist, or social worker regarding visiting tips and coping strategies. Lisa M. Petsche is a social worker and a freelance writer specializing in boomer and senior health matters. She has personal and professional experience with elder care. MSN
When Is It Time To Get Assistance For Your Parent Or Loved One? It’s a sad reality, but as we age, we become less independent. And for most blessed with longevity, it’s inevitable. Baby boomers caring for elderly parents struggle with determining if their parent(s) is fit to live alone. It’s a difficult decision with much at stake – both the physical and emotional well-being of the parent and of the family. Below is a list of signs to help you and your family decide when it is time to get more assistance to insure your parent(s) health and safety. Mom or Dad has always been a great housekeeper, but the house just doesn’t look like it used to. You may remember a parent who was constantly on you about tidying your room or putting things away after you were done with them. The house was always proudly kept spotless with everything clean and organized. However, a recent visit reveals that Mom’s or Dad’s home is cluttered and not as clean as normal. Of course, it can mean an active social life with more concern for activities than tidying up. But, it could be a more ominous.
The mail is piling up. We all are busy – even those who are retired – and basic tasks that were handled quickly when we were younger can become more difficult. Is your parent overwhelmed by the management of their daily affairs? The checking account balance is wrong and the bills are unpaid. If the mail is piling up, there is a chance that the bills are not being paid. You may also discover that your parent’s checking account balance is wrong. These are more signs that your parent is having memory issues, difficulty with math cognition, or depression and apathy. Your parent is losing weight: A parent who has lost a partner or who is generally depressed often loses their appetite. Pay close attention to your parent’s weight and check their refrigerator and pantry for the food supply and whether it is fresh and edible. If the cupboard is bare and your parent is losing weight, it’s a problem. They seem to be ignoring basic hygiene. Is your parent wearing the same clothes every day, is it untidy and dirty, or does their hair and skin appear dirty. Living alone, they may feel like they don’t have to dress up or clean up for anyone. They appear in inappropriate clothing. While you may not share your parents’ sense of style, there is cause for concern if your parent dons summer clothing in the dead of winter or leaves the
house in a nightgown and slippers for a trip to the store – signs of confusion and loss of discretion in social situations. There are signs of forgetfulness in the home. Confusion or forgetfulness in the kitchen can prove deadly if not dealt with. There are many stories of older people accidentally burning down their houses because they left a pot on the stove for hours or have flooded their home when they forgot to turn off the tap. Or more subtly, is the milk in the pantry and the bread in the refrigerator? Your parent regularly misses appointments and important dates. Forgetfulness, absentmindedness, and memory issues are also evident when they fail to keep appointments, recognize key dates, or more importantly, take their medication on schedule. They are just acting plain weird. No one wants to turn into the “crazy cat lady” or the “man who mutters to himself.” But, unfortunately, among aging, mental decline, and medication side effects, your parent’s personality may change. If you see signs, living assistance is in order. They exhibit signs of depression. A loss of interest in caring for one’s self and lack of participation in normal socialization and in once-loved hobbies are signs of depression. This could need formal treatment or a change to a living situation where assistance, socialization, and activities are available. With thoughtful monitoring and consideration, you and your family can help your loved one make the transition from independent living to one with appropriate assistance. MSN
TIMBER CREEK VILLAGE ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITY
Columbia Falls & Havre
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; & All Utilities Included
Columbia Falls 406-892-3400 | Havre 406-265-3111 www.timbercreekvillagecommunity.com
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
If you have ever tuned into Public Television’s Genealogy Roadshow or Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Jr. as he explores the heritage of famous people, it is easy to be surprised by our human interconnectedness. From our unexpected relation to kings, queens, murderers, and thieves or billionaires, movie stars, presidents, or paupers there are many secrets hidden in our genealogy. This month’s quiz was created by our staff to see what you know or to make you do a little research about the relatives of some famous people and in the process perhaps encouraging you to do a little digging into your own background and discover... well, surprises! Thank you to all who participated in our State Mottos quiz in the December 2015/January 2016 issue. The winner of the $25 prize for submitting the correct answers is Ethel VanCampen of Bigfork. Congratulations, Ethel!
MONTANA SENIOR NEWS PAGE 73
Two $25 cash prizes are awarded from the “Contest Corner” in each issue of the Montana Senior News. One prize goes to the person who submits the winning answers to the featured quiz from the previous issue. The second prize goes to the person who submits the entry that our staff selects as the featured quiz or puzzle in the “Contest Corner” for this issue. Since this issue’s featured quiz was created by our staff, the prize for the winning quiz chosen for the April/May issue will be $50. Be creative and send us some good, fun, and interesting puzzles! Please mail your entries to the Montana Senior News, P.O. Box 3363, Great Falls, MT 59403, or email to montsrnews@ bresnan.net by March 7, 2016 for our April/May 2016 edition. Be sure to work the crossword puzzle on our website at montanaseniornews.com.
At a Distance: Famous Relatives of Famous People Created by MSN Staff Below are 25 numbered descriptions of famous relatives of famous people, along with 25 answers. On a numbered sheet of paper, match the letter of each correct answer with the corresponding description and email or post it to us. The winner will receive a $50 cash prize. Good luck! 1. Barak Obama’s tenth cousin. 2. Daughter of Janet Leigh, the woman from the “Psycho” stabbing scene. 3. A distance cousin of Bill Gates. 4. Royalty who is George Washington’s eighth cousin, eight times removed. 5. Kate Hudson’s mother. 6. Daughter of sitarist Ravi Shankar. 7. Daughter of actress Debbie Reynolds. 8. Mother of Isabella Rossellini. 9. Father of Emilio Estevez. 10. Actor John Voigt’s daughter. 11. Political figure who is Marilyn Monroe’s ninth cousin, three times removed. 12. Television host related to Kevin Bacon. 13. A head Secretary related to the musical artist Madonna. 14. Actress who played her own ancestor, Eleanor of Aquitaine, the estranged wife of King Henry II. 15. The son of Grace Kelly. 16. The daughter of Tippi Hedron. 17. Political figure who is seventh cousin, once removed, to Winston Churchill. 18. A President who is third cousin, four generations removed, to actor Tom Hanks. 19. The husband of President Nixon’s daughter, Julie. 20. Actor Warren Beatty’s sibling. 21. Liza Minnelli’s mother. 22. Evangelist Jimmy Swaggart’s musical cousin. 23. Not Loretta Lynn, but the other coal miner’s daughter.
24. Nobel Peace Prize winner who is a cousin to philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre. 25. Renowned bad guy who is a cousin of actor George Clooney. A. Carrie Fisher B. Norah Jones C. Angelina Jolie D. Katharine Hepburn E. Franklin D. Roosevelt F. Goldie Hawn G. Judy Garland H. Johnny Carson I. Ingrid Bergman J. David Eisenhower K. Shirley MacLaine L. Jamie Lee Curtis M. Prince Albert II N. Miguel Ferrer O. Melanie Griffith P. George Bush Q. Sarah Palin R. Albert Schweitzer S. Dick Cheney T. Hillary Clinton U. Martin Sheen V. Crystal Gale W. Kate Middleton X. Jerry Lee Lewis Y. Abraham Lincoln MSN
Western Montana’s Only 55+ Community
Maintenance Free Living Custom Single Family Homes • Gated Entry Community Clubhouse Convenient Location • Parks & Walking Trails Energy Star Efficient Homes
406.546.6930 • KootenaiCreekVillage.com
PAGE 74 MONTANA SENIOR NEWS
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
64. *____ Asimov 65. Bird word 67. Flew a kite 69. Île de la Cité river 70. Hole punching tool 71. Fill with optimism 72. What choir did 73. Brian Griffin on “Family Guy,” e.g. 74. User’s treatment
DOWN
ACROSS
1. Visual representation 6. Part of tennis match 9. Hindu dress 13. Japanese-American 14. Anger management issue 15. Strong and sharp 16. Relating to Eastern Catholic churches 17. Group of whales 18. Innocent 19. *____ line between atmosphere and outer space 21. *Houston’s infamous ____ 23. “Mele Kalikimaka” wreath 24. *Galilean moons, the ____ largest moons of Jupiter
25. Fertility clinic stock 28. Something inadmissible, to a baby 30. Less taxing 35. Fabled fliers 37. Praise 39. Buddy 40. Angler’s hope 41. Muhammad’s teaching 43. Capital on the Dnieper 44. Hipbone-related 46. Aries or Taurus, e.g. 47. *E.T. “phoned” it 48. One in ten, pl. 50. Iran Nuclear Deal, e.g. 52. Spanish “sea” 53. “Moonlight Sonata,” e.g. 55. Embrace 57. *Matt Damon in 2015 film 61. *Outer space, mostly
1. African grazer 2. Triple toe loop location 3. “Heat of the Moment” band 4. Black ____ in “Pirates of the Caribbean” 5. Paid killers 6. Sagittarius, e.g. 7. Time period 8. Dancer’s beat 9. Union foe 10. Seed cover 11. Gauche or Droite, in Paris 12. Something previously mentioned 15. Arctic-wear 20. Garlic mayo 22. French street 24. Snafus 25. *Space path 26. Bridal veil fabric 27. ____ ____ a play 29. *Famous space acronym 31. Punjabi believer 32. “Kick the bucket,” e.g. 33. Organ swelling 34. *Mars exploration vehicle 36. *Only one was in John Glenn’s Friendship 7 38. *Brent Spiner in “Star Trek” 42. Coffee shop order 45. USDA designation 49. Hot springs resort 51. Country singer Tanya 54. Open a beer bottle 56. Cunning 57. Piggy’s title 58. On a cruise 59. Cats and dogs? 60. *Beverage associated with early astronauts 61. Measure of electric potential 62. Beehive State 63. Online ____ tag 66. Be in the red 68. Cotillion ball’s main attraction MSN
Answers to Do You Know Your State Mottos? Submitted by Patty Friedrich, Missoula 1. M – We Dare Defend Our Rights 2. W – North to the Future 3. E – The People Rule 4. T – Friendship 5. Y – Freedom and Unity 6. A – Industry 7. G – Eureka (I have found it) 8. U – Liberty and Independence 9. P – In God We Trust 10. F – It Endures Forever 11. N – The Crossroads of America
12. J – United We Stand, United We Fall 13. V – Union, Justice, and Confidence 14. K – Star of the North 15. S – By Valor Arms 16. B – Gold and Silver 17. H – Live Free or Die 18. R – Liberty and Prosperity 19. L – With God, All Things are Possible 20. C – She Flies with Her Own Wings 21. O – Hope 22. Q – Equal Rights 23. D – Agriculture and Commerce 24. I – All for Our Country 25. X – Under God the People Rule MSN
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
MONTANA SENIOR NEWS PAGE 75
PAGE 76 MONTANA SENIOR NEWS
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
Get ready to experience excellence in dialysis care.
OPENING SOON Fresenius Great Falls Clinic Dialysis 1724 26th Street S. Great Falls, MT 59405
Fresenius Medical Care Polson 305 Ridgewater Drive Polson, MT 59860
If you are interested in new options for your dialysis care, we’re opening new locations in Great Falls and Polson. We’re Fresenius Medical Care, the leading dialysis care network in the nation. Our new facilities will offer in-center hemodialysis, as well as hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis at home. To make your in-center experience more comfortable, we will provide reclining, heated, massage chairs, individual televisions, and wireless internet access. Get ready to experience excellence in dialysis care. For more information, please call Kristin Flo, Area Manager, at 406-549-2980 x 212.
www.UltraCare-Dialysis.com