Golden years

Golden Years

September 2014

Women of History Will leave legacy of their own as local historians

Services for Seniors Listing of agencies catering to seniors A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE NEWPORT MINER AND GEM STATE MINER

90 YEARS est. 1924

FIND YOUR PERFECT COLOR.

Welcome to Golden Years

T

he Newport and Gem State Miner newspapers are proud to publish the 19th annual edition of Golden Years, a magazine focused on the lives of area senior citizens and those who serve them.

This year’s issue focuses on two women who have spent decades chronicling the communities around them. Marylyn Cork and Faith McClenny both have an affinity for history. Cork is the co-author of many publications focused on the history of the Priest River area, and Bonner County. McClenny volunteers at the Pend Oreille County Historical Museum and wrote her family’s history for the Big Smoke publication.

Included in Golden Years is an updated list of agencies and services provided for our senior population and the general public.

-MCN

Visit your local Newport location Community & Environmental Health Services

SELKIRK “YOUR HOMETOWN DIFFERENCE” East end of the Oldtown bridge, Oldtown, Idaho - 208.437.5669 Open 7 days a week from 7am to 6pm

We offer Shingles & Pneumonia Shots 605 Hwy 20 • Newport (509) 447-3131 Open 8am-4pm Mon-Thur

We have everything you need Health & Beauty Sporting Goods Household Items Clothing & Shoes Toys & Games Jewelry Greeting Cards Crafts and More

Ben Franklin Near Hwy 41 & Hwy 2 • Oldtown, Idaho • 208-437-4822 Store Hours: Monday - Saturday 8am-7pm Sunday 10 am - 6 pm facebook.com/bfoldtown 2

GOLDEN YEARS 2014

Assistance for Seniors An array of agencies and groups make life fun and easy PEND Rural Resources Community Action at they can also be reached online at www.

509-684-8421. altcew.org, and by email at action@ Services fall under the areas of: altcew.org.

OREILLE • Care coordination and care transitions services DSHS Home and COUNTY • Information and Assistance

Newport Aging & Long Term Care of Eastern Washington Based in Spokane, Aging & Long Term Care of Eastern Washington serves five Northeast Washington counties, Pend Oreille, Stevens, Ferry, Spokane and Whitman. Its goal is to help develop a comprehensive and coordinated service system for older persons and others in need of long term care. Emphasis is given to those with the greatest social, economic, and health needs and culturally diverse individuals. To access services in Spokane County call Elder Services at 509-458-7450 for information. For Stevens and Pend Oreille counties call

• Family Caregiver Support Program, which includes the “relatives (grandparents) raising relatives” program.

• In-home caregiver registry, an electronic registry of potential caregivers available in rural areas.

• Advocacy • Health care information for individuals eligible for Medicare and Medicaid • Legal services/consumer protection • Adult in-home care services This agency provides funding and/or support for some of the programs listed under other agencies.

ALTCEW is located at 1222 N. Post St., Spokane WA 99201.

Their telephone number is 509-4582509; fax number is 509-458-2003 and

FAMILY LAW REAL ESTATE MEDIATION/ ARBITRATION

Community Services

Home and Community Services is the division of the Washington Department of Social and Health Services that provides services to Pend Oreille County seniors and people with physical disabilities.

The main focus is to provide assistance to help keep senior citizens in their own homes as long as possible. This division also works with the financial branch of DSHS to determine eligibility and qualifications for state financial programs for seniors and other people who may qualify.

The office is located in the DSHS building at 1600 W. First St., in Newport. It has one full-time social worker.

For more information, contact the Newport office at 509-447-6200 or 1-866-323-9423.

Some of the programs include: • Eligibility, which looks at all possible programs to arrive at the right program to meet the qualifying individual’s needs.

• Adult Protective Services: To report suspected cases of neglect, abuse, exploitation and abandonment involving seniors, call 1-800-459-0421.

• Home Services that gives access to in-home services. This includes personal care services through Medicaid Personal Care (MPC) and Community Options Program Entry System (COPES). These programs help assure that individuals can stay in their homes. To get a referral for new services call 1-866-323-9409.

• Out-of-Home Placements provides placements to and discharges from adult family homes, boarding homes, assisted Continued on page 4

CRIMINAL DEFENSE WILLS & PROBATE CIVIL LITIGATION APPEALS

Douglas D. Lambarth General Law Practice in Pend Oreille County since 1974

LAMBARTH LAW OFFICE ATTORNEY & COUNSELOR AT LAW S. 102 Union, Newport (509) 447-3036

Feel At Home 24 HOUR PROFESSIONAL NURSING CARE Skilled Care • Medicare & Medicaid Approved Therapy Service • Pharmacist • Dietician Physicians • Activity Director • Social Worker Retirement Apartments • Assisted Living

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*restrictions and additional costs may apply, call or visit us for a free quote and details.

2014 GOLDEN YEARS

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Assistance for Seniors Continued from page 3

living and nursing homes.

LHC Group Home Health LHC Group helps patients of all ages make the transition to post-acute care at home in communities across the country.

Working with hospitals, health systems, home health agencies and trained professionals in local communities, they provide the technologies and professional staffing to deliver the highest possible level of personalized medical attention for patients in the comfort of their homes, and under their physician’s direct supervision.

The development of new medical treatments and technologies has made home healthcare an important and cost-effective option for many people recovering from illness or injuries. LHC Group specializes in providing high quality, professional care for a wide range of medical conditions. This includes: After

care following surgery, angina, arthritis, back sprain/strain, cancer, COPD, coronary artery disease, dehydration, diabetes mellitus, digoxin toxicity, electrolyte imbalance, heart failure, hypertension, pituitary dysfunctions, pneumonia, pyelonephritis and stroke.

Contact the office in Chewelah at 509935-0509; fax 509-935-8920 or visit lhcgroup.com online or 612 E. Main Ave., Chewelah WA 99109; mailing address is PO Box 406, Chewelah WA 99109; or the Spokane office at 111 W. North River Drive, Suite 204; call 509-747-2462, fax 509-747-2173. In Idaho, contact the office in Coeur d’Alene at 2426 North Merrit Creek Loop, Coeur D’Alene, ID 83814; call 208-667-7494, fax 208-765-2236 or visit lhcgroup.com.

N.E. Washington Health Programs N.E. Washington Health Programs provides primary health care services to

509-684-2569 • 800-533-6518 1-888-343-9355

COLVILLE • SPOKANE

4 GOLDEN YEARS 2014

all ages at its seven Community Health Center sites located in Ione, Chewelah, Northport, Orient, Springdale, Loon Lake, and Nine Mile Falls. Services include treatment for acute and chronic illness; health and wellness education; diabetic care and education; and children’s, men’s, women’s and geriatric health care.

Discounted prescriptions are offered for non-Medicaid patients (340B program).

Most insurance is accepted including Medicare and Medicaid (DSHS). Payment options are available.

Three dental clinic sites provide primary dental care to all ages at locations in Colville, Springdale and Nine Mile Falls.

Most insurance is accepted including Medicaid/Apple Health (DSHS). Payment options are available.

Assisted living services are provided at Quail Hollow in Chewelah.

The mission of N.E. Washington Health Programs allows for additional expanded sites in 2015 that will ensure access to care for patients in the Tri-County area.

For more information, please visit www.newhp.org or call (800) 829-6583.

Rural Resources Community Action Newport Office: 301 W. Spruce St., Suite D, Newport, WA 99156.

Ione Office: Ione Senior Center, 203 Houghton, Ione, WA 99139, Case managers: Dortha Coleman 509-442-3223 and Nikki Parker, 509-442-3222. (See separate listing under Ione/Metalines.)

The Adult and Long Term Care Division of Rural Resources offers services to those 60 and older and their families. The agency also monitors services to those adults under 60 who are on state home care programs. For the Newport and Cusick areas call 509-550-7049; Ione and Metalines 509-442-3222; and for Stevens County or general information 800-873-5889.

Continued on page 5

Assistance for Seniors Continued from page 4

Services include: • Family Caregiver Support Program that provides information about and assistance in accessing long term care services, training and education by a field professional such as a nurse or dietician to individual participants and caregivers, assistance in gaining access to estate planning services, and in- and out-ofhome respite services.

• Information and Assistance/Case Management provides information about a wide variety of resources available to seniors and their families. Case managers also provide assistance and referrals for problems with Social Security, SSI, insurance and Medicare.

Case management provides regular visits and assistance to disabled adults who need services.

• Respite: Provides relief for families or other unpaid caregivers of disabled adults, 18 years of age and above. Both in-home and out-of-home respite care is available.

• Nutrition: Hot, home delivered meals are available on meal days for seniors just getting out of the hospital or homebound.

Frozen meals are available to those seniors who are homebound or unable to cook. A donation is requested for seven meals. Liquid dietary and shelf stable meals also are available. Both of these can be picked up at the Rural Resource office. Diner’s Choice meal program is also available through Rural Resources.

• Transportation: Senior bus service is available in Newport. Call 800-776-9026 to reserve space on upcoming trips. The Newport van is available to take seniors grocery shopping, to pick up prescriptions and to doctor appointments.

• Medicaid transportation is available from Special Mobility Transportation and can be scheduled by calling 800-8924817.

• Public transportation available in southern Pend Oreille, including Cusick, Usk, Kalispel Reservation and Newport, Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., using wheelchair accessible vehicles.

• For information on medical insurance, contact your local office.

• Volunteer opportunities: Volunteer as

a driver to take people to doctor appointments. Call Rural Resources at 800776-9026 or Volunteer Chore service at 800-428-6825.

• Other volunteer services also are available at Volunteer Chore service. Volunteers are also needed at the Newport site to deliver hot meals to the homebound seniors. Call Marcy at 509-4473812.

Pend Oreille County Library District The four libraries of the Pend Oreille Library District offer many information resources for seniors. The website provides a listing of links interesting to seniors under the “Online Resources” tab. They also offer online databases for consumer health information, business information and many other topics. Reference help is available by calling any library branch or by emailing info@pocld.org.

Web page: www.pocld.org Library locations are: • Newport Public Library, 116 S. Washington, Newport, WA 99156; telephone 509-447-2111; fax 509-447-2806.

• Calispel Valley Library, 107 First Ave., Cusick, WA 99119; telephone 509-4451215; fax 509-445-1215.

• Ione Public Library, 210 Blackwell St. Suite 1, Ione, WA 99139; telephone 509442-3030; fax 509-442-3248.

• Metalines Community Library, 302 Park St., Metaline Falls, WA 99153; telephone 509-446-3232; fax 509-4462302.

District Administration Office: 116 S. Washington Ave., Newport, WA 99156; telephone 509-447-2158, 509-447-3572; fax 509-447-2806.

The Hospitality House is open Monday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Friday, noon to 4 p.m.

Regular events sponsored by the senior center include: • Card games: Duplicate Bridge is held Thursdays at 12:30 p.m. for $2 and Pinochle is held Thursdays at 6 p.m. for $5.

Games are open to all.

• Potlucks: A potluck is held on the second and fourth Mondays at noon.

Participants are asked to bring a covered dish. Potlucks are open to all.

• Exercise: Fit for Life (gentle exercises) is held Mondays and Thursdays at 8 a.m.

Exercise sessions are one hour.

• Music: Live Bluegrass music is held the second and fourth Fridays at 6 p.m. from spring to fall. A $3 donation is requested and everyone is welcome.

• Tax assistance programs are provided

by AARP in the spring of each year.

AARP “55 Alive” driving classes are available in the fall as the need arises.

The center can be rented for various activities. Call 509-447-3812 for more

information.

KALTRAN Transportation KALTRAN is a public transportation services operated by the Kalispel Tribal Planning Department under the Kalispel Tribal Business Council. All members of the general public are welcome to ride aboard the Kalispel Transit System. All KALTRAN vehicles are ADA compliant.

KALTRAN provides fixed route service from the Tribal Wellness Center to North Spokane. Round trip service is also provided to Ione on Monday and Wednesdays. Deviated services are also available up to 3/4 of a mile off the normal fixed route, or within the boundaries of the Kalispel Indian Reservation. All deviated route services must be scheduled with the KALTRAN office prior to the requested pick-up time, so vehicles can be appropriately dispatched.

KALTRAN is operational Monday thru Thursday.

Continued on page 6

M A N O R

Hospitality House The Hospitality House Senior Center, located at 216 S. Washington Ave. in Newport, provides services for the “over 50” group of people in the community, as well as opening up their building for use by other organizations which benefit the community. It is open to people of all ages who would like to participate in the activities provided. The mailing address is PO Box 802, Newport WA 99156.

For seniors and those who are disabled, an Independent Living Community.

Featuring 1 & 2 bedroom apartments

Independent living for active lifestyles.

204 E. D. • Deer Park, WA (509) 276-6658

2014 GOLDEN YEARS

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Assistance Continued from page 5

The Kalispel Tribal Transit System charges $1 per trip. Bus passes are available for $15 and offer 20 rides. Bus passes do not expire.

Contact administration at 509-4477120; KALTRAN at 509-447-7195 and transit at 509-447-7247.

Ione/Metalines N.E. WA Rural Resources Ione/Metaline Rural Resources Community Action The Rural Resources Community Action office is at 201 Houghton in Ione and provides a variety of adult and longterm care services in North Pend Oreille County. The telephone number is 509442-3223.

• Program access: Case Management Supervisor Dortha Coleman, 509442-3223, and Case Manager Nikki Parker, 509-442-3222, assist seniors and

disabled persons in accessing programs to improve their living conditions, health concerns and RX solutions. Care is also extended for usage of the Family Caregiver Support Program to assist unpaid caregivers.

• Senior meals: Senior meals are being provided by the Diner’s Choice program at The Western Star in Metaline, 509446-2105. Meals are available during regular business hours; suggested donation for a meal is $3.00 • In-home meals are available to home bound or those unable to cook. Call 1 800 873-5889 and ask for Anita Sailor if interested.

• Medical transports: Transportation for medical appointments is provided for those over 60 years of age and others on Medicaid. The Medicaid transportation number is 800-892-4817; others may call Rural Resources Transportation Office at800-776-9026.

Continued on page 7

D LAW OFFICE OF S DENISE STEWART • Wills • Trusts • Powers of Attorney

• Medicaid • Probate • Asset Preservation

414 W. 3RD STREET, NEWPORT • (509) 447-3242

Hearing Center of Deer Park 23 E. Crawford, Suite D Deer Park, WA 99006-0249 (509) 276-8859

6 GOLDEN YEARS 2014

For All Your Hearing Needs

Hearing Center of Hayden 8920 N. Hess Street Hayden, ID 83835 (208) 762-8900

Assistance for Seniors Continued from page 6

• For other services see Rural Resources Community Action listing under Pend Oreille County.

Bonner County Area Agency on Aging The Area Agency on Aging administers comprehensive community-based programs to maximize independence and quality of life for people aged 60 and older. The local Area Agency on Aging office is located in Coeur d’Alene and serves the five northern counties of Idaho, including Bonner. Agency programs include: • Adult Protection: Investigates reports of abuse, neglect and exploitation of vulnerable adults (18 and older) who are unable to protect or take care of themselves.

• Information and Assistance: Provides referrals to services in the community to meet a broad spectrum of needs, including assisted living and nursing facilities; in-home health care; housing; home-delivered meals; snow removal; yard work;

transportation; and legal needs to name just a few. Information and Assistance offers information to family members, caregivers and the senior about available resources and services in the five northern counties of Idaho as well as contact numbers for similar agencies nationwide.

• Case Management: Assists elderly and disabled adults 60 and over who require help in coordinating services to maintain their maximum level of health and independence in their homes and communities. The case manager evaluates client needs and abilities to function in their own environment and then develops a service plan that includes family and other supports.

• Contracted services: Through a combination of federal and state funding, contracts for various services are designed to maximize independence and quality of life for seniors of at least 60 years of age or the spouse of an eligible senior. Contracted services include home delivered meals, homemaker, transportation, legal

SENIOR SERVICES • MEDICAL EQUIPMENT • MEDICAL SUPPLIES • PRESCRIPTION SERVICES Most Insurances Accepted

and respite services.

• Ombudsman: Advocates and problem solves for individuals 60 and over living in an institutional setting. Ombudsmen investigate, mediate and resolve complaints registered on behalf of individuals having problems with nursing homes, residential care homes and assisted living homes.

• Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP): Provides a variety of opportunities for retired persons, age 55 and older, to participate in the life of their communities through volunteer service.

If you are looking for something to put zest in your life, call to see what volunteer opportunities are available in your community.

Contact the Area Agency on Aging at 208-667-3179 or 800-786-5536. Visit the website at www.aaani.org or email infoassist@aaani.org. The office is located at 2120 Lakewood Dr., Suite B, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814.

Bonner General Health Community Hospice Headquartered at Bonner General Health in Sandpoint, Bonner Community Hospice is a non-profit organization certified by Medicare and Medicaid and a member of the National Hospice Organization.

Serving all of Bonner and Boundary counties, the organization provides compassionate care to persons with life threatening illnesses and shortened life expectancy, and families in their homes and nursing homes. The hospice team includes physicians, registered nurses, social workers, trained volunteers, chaplains, home health aides, therapists and a nutrition counselor.

Services are covered by many insurance plans and fully covered by Medicare and Medicaid. Ability to pay does not determine level of care.

To help cover the costs of services and Continued on page 8

“Where Love & Laughter Live”

Proudly serving you locally since 1906 509-447-2484 336 S. Washington Ave., Newport,WA

Adult Family Home Specializing in Dementia/ Alzheimer’s Care (formerly Cornerstone Cottage) Now under new Ownership

Mary Ann Jones,

Des. Broker, ABR GRI SRES maryannjones@johnlscott.com • www.maryannjones.johnlscott.com 301 N. Union Ave • Newport www.newportoffice.johnlscott.com 509-447-3144 888-234-7355 509-671-0193

Owner: Laura Gillette

The Cottage 202 2W W. Circle Drive Drive, Newport - (509) 447 447-0139 013 Call for information and a tour.

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Assistance for Seniors Continued from page 7

programs, Hospice appeals to the community for funding. These funds are for direct client care, educational programs and continuing the community bereavement programs.

Referrals can be made by a physician or hospital discharge planner.

For more information, call the Hospice office at 208-265-1179 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Hospice’s mailing address is 520 N. Third St., Sandpoint ID 83864.

Carefully selected and trained volunteers are vital members of Hospice. Those interested in volunteering should contact Bonner Community Hospice. Hospice has a variety of ways that those interested in volunteering can help.

118 Main St. in Priest River, 208-4482207. The website is www.westbonner. lili.org.

Library hours are Monday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Computer classes are scheduled as funding becomes available.

For information on library services, call 208-448-2207.

Blanchard Branch Library is located at 412 Railroad Ave., Blanchard.

Hours are Tuesday and Thursday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Wednesdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The library can be reached at 208-4370801.

West Bonner Library District

Priest River Priest River Senior Center

The Priest River Library is located at

The Frank Chapin Senior Center

at 339 E. Jackson (corner Fourth and Jackson), in Priest River and provides various social functions for seniors and other members of the public, and it also operates the Priest River Food Bank. The mailing address is PO Box 1321 Priest River ID 83956.

Details on these services are listed below; more information is available by calling the center at 208-448-2352.

• A soup kitchen is open on Mondays and the West Bonner Food Bank operates at the center on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

• Every Wednesday and Saturday the card players gather for pinochle, conversation and goodies.

• Quilters gather to visit and construct works of textile art Thursday mornings.

• The Happy Agers meet for a potluck on the second and fourth Friday of the month.

• During the 4-H season, the leather crafters meet here on Thursday nights.

• Prior to hunting season, the senior

center is host to Hunter Safety classes.

• Several times each year, the Senior Driving Classes are held here.

• “Mexican Train” dominoes are Tuesday afternoons.

• Many citizens rent the hall for receptions and club meetings.

Blanchard BASIC and Blanchard Community Center Blanchard Area Seniors Incorporated (BASIC) is a nonprofit organization run entirely by volunteers, serving senior citizens and persons of all ages. BASIC takes an active role in the concerns, issues and interests of the entire community; publishes a free quarterly newsletter going to more than 900 households; holds monthly social and informational meetings; has a “country breakfast” proContinued on page 10

Dial-A-Ride

Public Transportation between Usk, Cusick, Kalispel Wellness Center and Newport Monday-Thursday

Newport to Wellness Center

Location Departure Safeway 6:30 AM (Arrives Wellness Center 7:00 AM) Safeway 9:05 AM (Arrives Wellness Center 9:45 AM) Safeway 10:50 AM Ben Franklin 10:53 AM Food Fresh 10:55 AM (Arrives Wellness Center 11:35 AM) Safeway 1:10 PM Ben Franklin 1:13 PM Food Fresh 1:15 PM (Arrives Wellness Center 2:10 PM) Safeway 2:50 PM Ben Franklin 2:53 PM Food Fresh 2:55 PM (Arrives Wellness Center 3:30 PM) Safeway 4:20 PM Ben Franklin 4:23 PM Food Fresh 4:25 PM (Arrives Wellness Center 5:00 PM)

Wellness Center to Newport

Location Wellness Center Arrives Safeway Wellness Center Safeway Ben Franklin Food Fresh Wellness Center Safeway Ben Franklin Food Fresh Wellness Center Safeway Ben Franklin Food Fresh Wellness Center Safeway Ben Franklin Food Fresh Wellness Center Safeway

Departure 7:05 AM 7:35 AM 10:00 AM 10:50 AM 10:53 AM 10:55 AM 11:40 AM (Arrives) 12:20 PM 12:23 PM 12:25 PM 2:15 PM 2:50 PM 2:53 PM 2:55 PM 3:35 PM 4:20 PM 4:23 PM 4:25 PM 5:05 PM 5:30 PM

1-800-776-9026 • 509-684-2961 Call the day before to schedule your ride.

8 GOLDEN YEARS 2014

Cooney Law Offices, P.S. has been serving Eastern Washington for 30 years with services including: • INJURY CLAIMS • AUTO ACCIDENTS • WRONGFUL DEATH • WILLS / PROBATE

(1-888-302-2613)

(509) 327-6000 www.jcooney.com

• CRIMINAL DEFENSE • INSURANCE CLAIMS • DIVORCE/ FAMILY LAW

• DUI • LIVING TRUSTS • ELDER LAW • LICENSE PROBLEMS

910 West Garland Ave. Spokane, WA 99205-2819

A PROFESSIONAL SERVICE CORPORATION

Evergreen Sandpoint

ASSISTED LIVING

A great family atmosphere.

Enjoy friendly faces, delicious meals and cozy accommodations while allowing us to care for your daily needs!

Medication Assistance • Laundry • Housekeeping • All Meals Medicaid Accepted • All Utilities and Free Cable Included!

Come Visit Us In Scenic Sandpoint!

208-265-2354 • 624 S. Division Street

2014 GOLDEN YEARS

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Assistance Continued from page 9

gram seasonally on select Mondays from 7-11 a.m.; art classes for adults at low cost and children free; a quilting group and Master Chef cooking classes.

BASIC owns and operates the Blanchard Community Center, 685 Rusho Lane in Blanchard. Meetings are open to the public and are on the second Thursday of each month at 10 a.m. or 6 p.m. on program nights. Programs are supported through minimal fees, donations, fundraisers and foundation grants.

The center is available for private rental at reasonable rates. For more information call 208-437-1037 or write to BASIC, P.O. Box 127, Blanchard, ID 83804.

Priest Lake Priest Lake Public Library The library is located at 28769 Highway 57 at Priest Lake.

You can reach them by calling 208-

443-2454; fax 208-443-3121 or by email at plplibrary@hotmail.com. The website is www.priestlake.lili.org.

Regular hours are Tuesday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Wednesday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Thursday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Friday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Fit and Fall Proof Classes Fit and Fall Proof is a free fitness program designed for older adults that improves balance and strength and decreases the risk of falls. Classes are targeted for those 65 and older but others are welcome to attend. The classes are free and administered by the Panhandle Health District of north Idaho. Classes in this area are available in Newport and Priest River, call coordinator Lisa Gardom for more information at 208415-5242, or email lgardom@phd1. idaho.gov.

Serving You 64 Years

Seniors

Cemetery Monuments

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Now Serving Sugar Free Ice Cream

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1-800-849-6399 See the largest display of custom monuments in the Inland Empire!

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We make our own homemade ice cream.

Visit our Old ld Fashioned ld h d Soda Fountain for a Refreshing Treat.

OWEN’S GROCERY & DELI

337 S. Washington, Newport • (509) 447-3525

POCLD

Check out YOUR Library online at: www.pocld.org

PEND OREILLE COUNTY LIBRARY DISTRICT HEALTH INFO RESOURCES POCLD offers a wealth of health information for all users: books and videos on health topics, plus online resources, with a special section for seniors and the Consumer Health Source online database. Questions?

Try “Ask Us 24/7” on the POCLD website homepage!

Your Library Branches in Pend Oreille County Newport Public Library Callispel Valley Library Ione Public Library Metalines Community Library

509-447-2111 509-445-1215 509-442-3030 509-446-3232

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* New customers only with a minimum of eight hours of services per week for one month.

Must present coupon at time of in-home assessment. Offer expires December 31, 2014.

Nothing says ‘home’ like aging in your own home.

Obtaining the services needed to do this is the key to ‘aging better’ and safely at home. Our knowledgeable caregivers provide services that disabled children, disabled adults and the elderly need to continue to stay independently and safely in their own homes. Home care services are often the answer families have been looking for to keep loved ones at home rather than placing them in nursing homes.

AAging Better has been serving the Greater Priest River and Sandpoint area communities with local welltrained and compassionate caregivers for the past 14 years. We’re here to assist those needing in-home care now or in the future. For further information on home care or about AAging Better, please call us or go to our website at www.aagingbetter.com 2014 GOLDEN YEARS

11

Priest River history priceless to some hearts

By Desireé Hood

P

RIEST RIVER – Marylyn Cork has been telling the history of Priest River since her arrival in October 1955, as the new bride to Jesse Cork. Now at 77, she can boast of several books retelling local history through years of research and hard work.

She was born on the Flathead Indian Reservation in Arlee, Mont., “a long time ago,” Cork said. The family moved to Bonner County when she was 7 years old. She found her way to Priest River, a new place to call home.

“I have lived here ever since in the same piece of property out on the settlement,” Cork said. “Basically I still live the way I always lived.”

She became interested in history at a young age, crediting her paternal grandfather’s boisterous story telling and the family’s own history.

“I have always had an interest in history,” Cork said. “I just naturally grew up with it.”

Her grandfather was the son of Or-

egon Trail pioneers from Arkansas. Her grandfather was the fourth child of 14, and her great-grandfather was “always running off to prospect someplace.”

Cork’s grandfather stayed home and helped his mother take care of the children and when great-grandfather returned, the three girls in the family jumped on his lap after supper to hear the stories of where he had just been.

“He told stories. They were driven out of New Mexico by Geronimo and the Apaches,” Cork said. “After Geronimo was captured, granddad saw him on the prison train. They sent him back to the southeast someplace. And he remembered how he grasped the bars of the window and scowled at them.”

Stories were recalled about watching Indian fires light up the hillsides and struggles they over came while working with the wagon. These nightly stories piqued the interest of the then little Marylyn.

Living in the small community of Priest River has given Cork a reason to delve deeper into the history she has

Miner photo|Desireé Hood

Marylyn Cork has told the history of Priest River through photographs and books for several years.

loved since childhood. She learned that the Italians came to the area in 1891, to build the Great Northern Rail Road.

Cork said after the railroad left, many of them stayed in the area and made

Continued on page 13

homesteads.

Delving deeper into the history of the community, Cork said the Keysers were one of the first families to settle. They

A r e Yo u R a i s i n g Yo u r R e l a t i v e ?

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Continued from page 12

were Germans.

“It is said they bought their (land) from the Indians, but they were the only ones that did that that I know of,” Cork said. “I have always been interested in other cultures.”

Cork said small towns offer many opportunities and it may be easier to get involved in community activities.

“I think people should find an interest and cultivate it,” Cork said. “I don’t think there is any excuse for anybody to be bored in this world.”

She started with 4-H and Scouts while her children were young. From there, she stayed active in the community.

“There is certainly enough activities right now, in fact, I think there are too many,” Cork said. “I have taken a lot of satisfaction out of the things I have done in the community. I feel like I have gained a lot and grown a lot through those things.”

Keeping busy is not hard for Cork.

She enjoys being outdoors camping and hiking and enjoys tending her garden.

She was planning to return to college when her hearing deteriorated. She said she is not done learning, however, and

“may do some more classes yet” in literature and history, thanks to the World Wide Web. She has written and edited several books with other area residents, mostly about history. Cork was the project director and editor on “Beautiful Bonner” for the Bonner County Historical Society.

In 2012, the picture book “Priest River and Priest Lake: Kaniksu Country” by Cork, Jeanne Tomlin and Diane Mercer was published.

She also worked on another picture book, “Priest River and Priest Lake Memories,” with Mercer, writing the history while Mercer worked the computer. Mercer recently lost her battle with cancer, and Cork said she will miss her dear friend.

“She was just a genius with a computer and I am not very good with technology of any kind,” Cork said.

“I don’t know what I am going to do without her now.”

However, with her massive love of history and reading, Cork said another book might not be far off. “I have not written any by myself but I am working on that now,” Cork said. “I don’t plan on doing any more picture books. I plan to do a real book, I hope. If I can make

the time and Alzheimer’s doesn’t get me or something.”

She graduated in 1954 from Sandpoint Senior High School before going to the University of Idaho for one year. She married Jesse and was married almost 40 years when he passed away in 1994. They had four children, all raised in Priest River.

Cork spent much of her time working at home.

This often led to spare time where Cork buried her nose in books, mostly with history attached. Cork said the only styles of reading she avoids are horror and science fiction.

“And I do not read porn,” Cork

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laughed. “When I am feeling down or tired or depressed, I read murder mysteries. I like English murder mysteries the very best.”

She read an article a few weeks ago about leaving a legacy and what that entails. The article said financial legacies should be left, if nothing else. Cork disagreed and said getting out and meeting people is important to make life count.

“I thought, that is not the kind of legacy that I think people should aspire to leave,” Cork said.

“Your legacy is what you do for the community and for others and the life you try to live.”

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History important for Faith McClenny Volunteers cataloging old photos for Historic Society

By Don Gronning

N

EWPORT – At least two days a week Faith McClenny, 87, can be found in a small room at the Pend Oreille Historical Society’s Museum, where she volunteers. Her current project is archiving the museum’s thousands of historic photos.

“I like history,” she says as she looks at a digital photo on her computer. “It’s what I liked to read and study.”

She started volunteering for the museum about 20 years ago. She had been volunteering at the library as well when someone called and said they wanted the “Big Smoke” index updated. “Big Smoke” is the book of local history that the Pend Oreille County Historical Society publishes each year.

“I thought that would be interesting,” McClenny remembers and she accepted. But she didn’t end up doing the index. Instead, she worked with Bill Piper handling the many historic photos. The photos were all in boxes,

she said. Piper asked her to organize them.

She asked how he wanted them organized.

He told her any way she wanted.

“Just so we can find them,” Piper told her.

So she developed a system. Since she worked in the library, she used a library-like system. Now she and former Pend Oreille County clerk Winnie Sundseth work organizing the various obituaries, or donated scrapbooks and photos.

McClenny says people make use of the museum’s archives for many reasons. People from the government were frequent visitors when Boundary Dam was being relicensed.

The Miner has called on her to find historic photos for a variety of stories. Families stop by, both to look for photos of their relatives and to donate photos.

The museum has a number of family scrapbooks with photos.

“Sometimes older people whose children aren’t interested in the family photos donate them to us,” McClenny says.

Authors – professional and amateur – use

the museum for research.

“I had three members of one family come in,” McClenny remembers. “They had five or six generations living and wanted to write their story.”

Sometimes when people come looking for information, not much is found.

“It’s hard to find out much if the person lived a quiet life,” she says. Since the museum relies primarily on old newspapers, if the person wasn’t in the news or the police reports, it was hard to find out much about them, she said.

McClenny’s own family history is preserved in the 1999 “Big Smoke.”

McClenny was born Faith Sheila Clark, the eldest child of Julia and Clinton Calvin Clark. Her parents were an unlikely couple.

Her mother was born at a manor in Cork, Ireland, and went on to become the first member of her family to graduate from college.

Her father was born to a German-Swiss farming family in Pennsylvania. He grew

tired of the life there and struck out for Montana, where an uncle lived and an oil boom was on. World War I came along and he joined the Army. When he came back from the Army, the oil boom in Montana was over, so he moved on to Elk about 1920, where he started a sawmill.

She recounts how her parents met in her written account in “Big Smoke.” “To put a fire under a lukewarm boyfriend, Mother and her parents invited the good looking bachelor from up the road to a party,” McClenny recounts. “The boyfriend was soon forgotten as a romance began between Calvin Clark and Julia Studdart-Kennedy.”

Her parents were married in 1925 and moved to a tiny log house, where McClenny’s father continued his farming and sawmill work. Four children were born.

About 1930, the family moved to the Deer Valley area. Another child was born.

The baby girl, Mary, arrived before the doctor could get there, so the new baby was put Continued on page 14

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Continued from page 15

in an apple box and set next to the kitchen stove at a neighbor’s house.

It was the middle of the Great Depression and times were hard, especially for a family starting a new sawmill business.

“Things were really tough,” writes McClenny in the 1999 “Big Smoke.” Her mother was out of milk for the newborn baby. McClenny remembers sitting with her arms across her empty stomach when she heard the sound of a bell. The bell came closer and the children were shocked to see a nanny goat emerge from the woods, dripping milk.

They ran and got their mother, who coaxed the goat closer and captured it.

“That day we had oatmeal and goat’s milk,” McClenny wrote. “It was a welcome miracle.”

Having an educated mother had its advantages. McClenny and her siblings were home schooled, something that wasn’t as accepted then as it is now.

“At that time, home schooling was frowned upon and she had a difficult time finding books and supplies,” McClenny wrote. She eventually got the supplies and taught the children reading, math, writing and other subjects.

“All of us enjoyed reading and tolerated math and other subjects,” McClenny wrote.

“One of our favorite memories is all of us sitting around the big, round table with a welcome glow of the kerosene lamp in the middle and Mother reading from the Bible or one of the classics ‘Robin Hood,’ ‘Treasure Island,’ ‘Kidnapped,’ ‘Robinson Crusoe,’ ‘Tom Sawyer’ and hundreds of others.”

The children were also taught the names of most of the native plants, grasses, flowers and trees, as well as literature and even foreign languages.

“She exposed us to some Shakespeare, Latin and French,” she wrote. “She was an excellent teacher. We all did well. In later years,

MINER PHOTO|DON GRONNING

Faith McClenny and Alicie Booth share a laugh while Faith works at her volunteer job cataloging photos for the Pend Oreille County Historical Society museum.

I was graduated from college with honors.”

The children eventually went to regular school, first a one room school at Deer Valley, then, when the Newport School District agreed to send the school bus to within ¾ of a mile from their home, the school in Newport.

McClenny was impressed with the schools. She admired her Deer Valley schoolteacher, Mabel Nelson.

“I remember her telling us that the school would furnish the students with pencils and papers for school work. I was so amazed and delighted.”

The move to the Newport School brought more changes.

“School bus. Indoor bathrooms. Recess.

New books. New kids. Different teachers,”

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she wrote.

McClenny’s love of education was apparent. She graduated Whitworth College and went on to become a teacher. She taught 30 years in all, working in Minnesota, Alaska, Idaho and Washington.

She remembers teaching history at Priest River High School in 1949-50, the winter of the big snow.

“That was the winter a lot of people decided they didn’t want to live here,” she says. She remembers the year for another reason. That was the year she married Presbyterian minister Stanton McClenny.

They had three children – Annette, Cathryn and Scott. Annette, now Annette Carroll, lives in Arizona, Cathryn, now Cathryn Fernandez, lives in Alaska and

Scott McClenny lives in Newport.

Faith says she enjoys her time volunteering at the museum.

“It’s a good mental exercise,” she says.

McClenny was involved in producing “The Kid’s History of Pend Oreille County,” a book that will be distributed at Heritage days. Funded with a grant from the Pend Oreille Foundation, the book will be given to third and fourth graders from Stratton Elementary, as well as Idaho Hill and House of the Lord Academy schools when they tour the museum in late September.

So why is it important to preserve history? McClenny has a simple answer.

“Maybe we can learn something from what happened in the past,” she says.

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