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    Tiny school,great education

    Choosing service

    over retirementEducator has leda musical life

    June 2013

    Having a ball

    in Montana

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    By Gregory ClayMcClatchy-Tribune (MCT)

    The year was 1969. What was on the it list? The upstart New York Jets shocked the world by rocking the

    vaunted Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III, Neil Armstrong became the first person to walk on the moon, The U.S. unemployment rate was a paltry 3.6 percent (imag-

    ine that!), Raindrops Keep Fallin On My Head.And B.J. Thomas, then 27, had a scratchy throat at a most piv-

    otal time that year. Thomas, born in Oklahoma and raised in Tex-as, was summoned to Los Angeles to record Raindrops KeepFallin On My Head, the theme song for the popular movieButch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. But the singers voicewas ailing.

    Except there was no way he was going to miss this opportunityto work with the incomparable Burt Bacharach and Hal David,two of the most accomplished music composers in history. Andthere was no way you turn down an opportunity to be associated

    with a potentially classic Paul Newman-Robert Redford movie.I had a bad throat at the time, Thomas recalled one Sunday

    afternoon. I had a little laryngitis and back in those days, wesmoked a lot. You add that with singing a lot of shows in threeweeks, I was worn out. But I wanted to show up. It says some-thing for showing up. I didnt want to call in sick.

    In fact, when Thomas sang in the studio that day, one of the pro-

    duction members remarked that Thomas was trying to mimicNewman with his voice all the while not knowing the real storyabout the throat issue.

    Despite being under the weather, Thomas aced his recording.Fate was on Thomas side Phase I, 1969.Phase II almost derailed him.Robert Redford, remarkably, didnt want the song incorporated

    into the movie. Can you imagine? We have a problem with Rob-ert.

    He wanted a nouveau art film, didnt want some little popsong in there, Thomas said. He had a huge problem with it.

    June 2013 2

    The Five Phases of B.J. Thomas -

    and the Raindrops

    Where are they now?

    Courtesy of Wrinkled Records/MCT

    B.J. Thomas was 27 when he recorded Raindrops Keep Fallin On My Head, the theme song for Butch Cassidy and the

    Sundance Kid.

    SeeB.J. Thomas, Page 17

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    June 2013 3

    New West Health Services is a health plan with a Medicare contract. Phone hours o operation 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. The beneftinormation provided is a brie summary, not a complete description o benefts. For more inormation contact New West Medicare.Benefts may change on January 1 o each year.H2701_NW#469A-11-12 CMS Accepted

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    888-873-8044 TTY 711newwestmedicare.com

    Opinion ....................................................Page 4

    Savvy Senior ............................................Page 5

    Travel .......................................................Page 16

    Volunteering .............................................Page 18

    On the Menu ............................................Page 20

    Calendar ...................................................Page 21

    Strange But True ......................................Page 22

    INSIDE

    News LiteSwimmer to haul 2,000 pounds of bricks

    ALGONAC, Mich. (AP) A long-distance swimmer plans toswim 22 miles across Lake St. Clair this summer while haulingdinghies filled with 2,000 pounds of bricks.

    Jim Dreyer has made direct crossings of each of the five GreatLakes. Hes scheduled to begin his swim on Aug. 5 from theClinton River Boat Club near Algonac, and the event is to raisefunds and awareness for Habitat for Humanity. The swim isexpected to take 30 hours and end Aug. 6 at Detroits Belle Isle.

    Dreyer said the effort will be one of his most challenging, The

    Grand Rapids Press reported.It will be a real train of pain, symbolic of the pain felt by

    Michigan families trying to keep their heads above water, Drey-er said. However, instead of sinking with the weight of our bur-dens, I believe that together we can triumph and be the bricks thatrebuild lives, rebuild communities, and strengthen the foundationof this great state.

    When Dreyer swam across Lake Superior, he towed a boat load-ed with 250 pounds of supplies. Dreyer has partnered with Habitatfor Humanity of Michigan to help fund building projects for up to75 affiliates through the Cornerstone Strength Swim Campaign.

    Members abstain from vote on abstainingYPSILANTI, Mich. (AP) Three members of a Michigan

    city council have abstained from voting on a measure that wouldhave prevented them from abstaining on future votes.

    AnnArbor.com reports that Ypsilanti City Council member PeteMurdock proposed a resolution that would have required council

    members to only vote yes or no on each issue unless they hada financial or professional conflict.

    Mayor Paul Schreiber and council members Susan Moeller andBrian Robb abstained from the vote to show their disapproval ofthe resolution. The resolution failed, with Murdock and anotherCity Council member voting yes while two other council mem-bers voted no.

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    George Jones, we will miss you

    June 2013 4

    Little noticed by the media was the April 26 death of countrymusic legend George Jones.

    It was a one-day story for most news outlets. Jones, 81, didnt geta lot fanfare like the death of a rock n roll superstar would have.

    But he should have. In a Time magazine ode to George Joneswritten by Merle Haggard, a country legend himself, Haggardcalled Jones the greatest country singer who ever lived.

    For most of us who like country music, Jones with hisunique, smooth, sliding voice that could put several intonationsinto a single syllable represented the old kind of country, beforethe genre developed a pop sound that is basically rock with acountry twang. Jones style wasnt cool by todays standards, but itwas genuine, pure country, with no bubble gum attached.

    Jones was certainly not without his faults, famous for his earlywild days and struggles with alcohol. But he mellowed later inlife, and, according to published accounts, for the most part got agrip on his problem.

    His hits included renown tunes like He Stopped Loving HerToday and White Lightning, but to me his greatest song of allis one he produced in his late 60s, Choices, which aired in 1999and for which he won a Grammy.

    I confess I had pretty much forgotten about Jones when the songcame out. But when I heard it on the radio, I was floored by thesearing lyrics that were a big departure from the typical countrysong. While Jones didnt write the words himself, to listeners itobviously reflected his life, and contained a powerful message:

    Ive had choices since the day that I was bornThere were voices that told me right from wrong

    If I had listened, no I wouldnt be here today

    Living and dying with the choices Ive made.

    I was tempted, by an early age I found

    I liked drinkin, oh, and I never turned it down

    There were loved ones but I turned them all away

    Now Im living and dying with the choices Ive made

    Now thats a song. I wish George Jones were still around togive us more like that.

    All I can say is, George Jones, we will miss you. Dwight Harriman

    Montana Best Times Edito

    Opinion

    Frank Perea, Publisher Dwight Harriman, Editor Tom Parisella, Designer

    P.O. Box 2000, 401 S. Main St., Livingston MT 59047

    Tel. (406) 222-2000 or toll-free (800) 345-8412 Fax: (406) 222-8580

    E-mail: [email protected] Subscription rate: $25/yr.

    Published monthly by Yellowstone Newspapers, Livingston, Montana

    A Monthly Publication for Folks 50 and BetterMONTANA

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    Dear Savvy Senior,

    When my father passed away we thought he had a life

    insurance policy, but we havent been able to track it down. Do

    you know of any resources that might help?

    Searching Family

    Dear Searching,Lost or forgotten life-insurance policies are actually quite com-

    mon in the U.S. In fact, its estimated that around $1 billion inbenefits from unclaimed life-insurance policies are waiting to beclaimed by their rightful beneficiaries.While unfortunately, there isnt a national database for tracking

    down these policies, there are a number of strategies and a few

    new resources that can help your search. Here are several to getyou started.

    Search records: If your dad died recently, searching through hisfinancial records is a good first step. Check his files for a policy,records of premium payments, or bills from an insurer. Also con-tact his employer or former employer benefits administrator,insurance agents, financial planner, accountant, attorney or otheradviser and ask if they know about a life insurance policy. Alsocheck safe-deposit boxes, monitor the mail for premium invoicesor whole-life dividend notices, and review old income-taxreturns, looking for interest income from, and interest expensespaid to life-insurance companies.

    Contact the insurer: If you suspect that a particular insurerunderwrote the policy, contact that carriers claim office and ask.The more information you have, like your dads date of birth anddeath, Social Security number and address, the easier it will be totrack down. Contact information of some big insurers include:Prudential 800-778-2255; MetLife metlife.com/policyfinder; AIG800-888-2452; Nationwide 800-848-6331; Forethought 800-331-8853; John Hancock johnhancock.com click on Contact Usthen on Account Search Request.

    Get state help: Some state insurance departments have a policylocator service program that can help you locate lost life insur-ance, or offer resources that can help you with your search. Toreach your state insurance department, see the National Associa-tion of Insurance Commissioners website at naic.org click onStates & Jurisdictions Map.Search unclaimed property: If your dad died more than a few

    years ago, benefits may have already been turned over to theunclaimed property office of the state where the policy was pur-chased. Go to missingmoney.com, a website of the NationalAssociation of Unclaimed Property Administrators, to search

    records from 38 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia.The pull-down menu under Links connects you to a map andaddresses for unclaimed-property agencies. Or, to find links toeach states unclaimed-property division use unclaimed.org.If your dads name or a potential benefactors name produces a

    hit, youll need to prove your claim. Required documentation,which can vary by state, is detailed in claim forms, and a deathcertificate might be necessary. If you need a copy of your dadsdeath certificate, contact the vital records office in the state wherehe died, or go to vitalchek.com.

    Tap MIB database: The MIB Group Inc., an insurance mem-

    bership corporation whose main purpose is fighting fraud, offersa policy locator service to help consumers in their searches forlife insurance policies. This service, however, only tracks applications for individual policies made since 1996. The service costs$75, requires an original death certificate to get the ball rolling,and takes about seven to 10 days to produce a report. To learnmore, visit policylocator.com.Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443,

    Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org.

    Jim Miller, creator of the syndicated Savvy

    Senior information column, is a longtime

    advocate of senior issues. He has been featured in

    Time magazine; is author of The Savvy Senior:

    The Ultimate Guide to Health, Family and

    Finances for Senior Citizens; and is a regular

    contributor to the NBC Today show.

    June 2013 5

    How to Find LostLife-Insurance Policies

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    June 2013 6

    By Dick Crockford

    Montana Best Times

    DILLON Montanas summer touristattractions include a host of activitiesrelated to the states rich Western history,among them a variety of historical re-enactments that help bring the past to life

    again.Of course, there was more to the OldWest than battles, gunfights and cowpunching there was elegant dance, thekind that helped bring a genteel influenceto the wild frontier. Generally organizedby the leading women of the communi-ty, a fancy ball helped relieve the monoto-ny of outpost life.

    For that sort of event, Dillons SandyJames said, one needed the services of asuitably appropriate orchestra, most likelya group on the order of Prof. R. AlexanderJames & His Distinguished Dance MusicEnsemble said with the appropriateVictorian puffery, James laughed.

    Two balls rooted in historyFor several years, the Dillon-based

    group has been featured regularly at twoof Montanas more notable Victorian-stylegrand balls held in connection with histori-cal re-enactment events.

    The flavor of the music mirrors thetimes it represents, even though several ofthe players are in their teens and even the

    more seasoned members are at least acouple of generations removed from thoseolden days.

    Most of the dance ensembles memberscome from the ranks of the popular DillonJunior Fiddlers, an instructional and per-formance group of young people of widerenown in Montana and the West for their

    talent and enthusiasm when it comes tomusic. The Jameses founded the JuniorFiddlers more than 30 years ago. Playingfor the grand balls provides an outlet forthe more advanced Junior Fiddlers, Sandysaid.

    Those who are not Junior Fiddlersinclude mostly family members who havea love for historic re-enactment. It is that

    Having a ball in MontanaA lot goes into getting ready for upcoming Victorian balls

    Above: Maggie Magee and Jeannie James enjoy a laugh during a recent rehearsal. On the cover: Jeannie and Sandy James are

    the heart of Prof. R. Alexander James & His Distinguished Dance Music Ensemble. MT Best Times photos by Dick Crockford

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    high interest in re-enacting that is thebackground for themarriage of theJamess group withthe historic balls atVirginia City andHardin.

    T.J. Wald ofLodge Grass serves

    as dance mistressfor the balls in bothcommunities. Assuch, she is respon-sible for teaching thedances, includingthe grand march,and for calling thedances at the ball,and generally pro-viding marshalingservices.

    Picture a room of

    over 100 very excit-ed and nervousguests who depend on hearing every wordI say so that they will not look foolish,Wald said, describing her role in a recentemail. She added, However, they cannotbring themselves to listen. They are justtoo excited.

    Wald said she uses a modern sound sys-tem, her Italian heritage and a Butteupbringing as well as a good and long-standing relationship with Sandy, Jeannieand the band to accomplish her tasks.

    Being bossy helps, she said.This is the 15th performance seasonfor the James ensemble, which hasplayed for every Virginia City ball, andfor the past 14 years in Hardin. Thosetwo communities have constituted thebulk of the performance schedule everysummer, though there have been otherengagements, representing other periodsof history.

    Those appearances include two stints inMissoula, a couple of performances inAshton, Idaho, one in Malta and a couplein Butte, including last summers festiveobservance of the centennial of the SilverBow County Courthouse. Wald said theJames ensemble began performing for theVirginia City dances in 1999. It was thefollowing year when she first served as theVirginia City dance mistress that she metthe couple.

    The bonding was nearly instantaneous,she wrote in her email.

    The first year I met Sandy and workedwith him, I fell in love with the family andtheir music, she said. I knew I had to

    have them at the 1876 Grand Ball dances(in Hardin). This all came together quitenicely when the bands who were (original-ly) playing for the 1876 could no longermake the trip from California.

    In 2009, James and his orchestra helpedDillon celebrate the centennial whichwas actually in December 2008 of thecitys former Union Pacific Railroaddepot.

    Each of these different historical set-

    tings required music appropriate for thetime, and definitely nothing later. Sandy,who thoroughly researches period musicfor the groups performances, is carefulto make sure a performances program isauthentic. He has led the group in per-formances that have highlighted every-thing from Stephen Foster tunes to rag-time for Titanic balls a musicalgenre that is not part of the currentofferings.

    Wald said Sandys talent as not only amusician but also as a musical historianensures the historical integrity of eachball.

    The songs they play are the very songsthat would be played at a ball of that par-ticular era, Wald says. Sandy hasworked really hard at this, and he neverstops studying. He knows the history ofthese selections, and when he tells the par-ticipants the history, they take an interestin it, as well.

    Sandy, tongue in cheek, puts it anotherway: Mostly, we play fiddle music.

    Since the Virginia City and Hardin

    events are held inconnection with his-toric re-enactmentprograms Virgin-ia Citys reflects theevents surroundingthe communitysGold Rush roots ofthe 1860s and Har-dins commemorates

    the 1876 Battle ofthe Little Bighorn the ensembleplays music that wasin existence and invogue at thosetimes.

    The Jameses gottheir start, Sandysaid, in connectionwith a 1996 histori-cal ball that wasorganized by the

    Virginia City Pres-ervation Alliance in

    reaction to the sale of the Bovey familyproperties in Nevada City and VirginiaCity. At the urging of the late Tom Sar-gent, who was well known in historicalre-enactment circles, particularly inregard to vintage dance, the Jameseswere recruited to organize a group ofmusicians to perform popular periodmusic of the day.

    This year, the members, besides Sandyand Jeannie James, include their daughter,

    Amy Kadrmas, Katie Thornton, sistersIngrid and Britta DeGroot, Maggie Mageeand Savanna Stewart, with IsabellaKadrmas in the role of apprentice.

    Preparing music & costumesPreparation for playing the balls

    includes finding the appropriate tunes,which Sandy does year round, and adapt-ing them to the particular talents of theperformers.

    A lot of (the music) is learned by ear,he said, with practices beginning in Mayor so. The kids are amazing. Featuredinstruments include piano, string bass, cel-lo, flute and, of course, violins not fid-dle, Sandy intones.

    Jeannie tends to the costuming for theperformances. For the men, things are fairly simple and straightforward: correct hatscoats and trousers change little for thetime period from the mid-1860s throughthe 1870s. Womens fashions were anothermatter. Civil War-era hoop skirts give wayto bustled dresses for the 1876 ball, andthe various fancy touches reflect the

    June 2013 7

    Photo courtesy of Jeannie James

    Virginia Citys Grand Ball continues to delight and entertain, year after year.

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    June 2013 8

    changes in fashion trends of the day.In preparation for this years events,

    Jeannie is making at least three ball gownsherself. Even once the dresses are ready,there is the matter of getting into them, shesaid.

    Getting into those garments is quite achore, she said.

    Wearing hoop skirts poses a challenge,too, especially when it comes to sitting,

    she added.She puts in a lot of work, Sandy said

    of his wifes effort.And then theres the hair. The Jameses

    daughter, Amy, helps out there. Still, thatpart of the preparation can take as long asthree hours.

    For the men, its considerably shorter,Sandy chirped.

    Daughter Amy Kadrmas, who has beenassociated with the group since its found-ing, says her dad is a real stickler when itcomes to maintaining the proper settingfor each particular performance and its

    reflection of history.He always collects stuff thats abso-

    lutely true to that time period, she said,mostly in regard to the music performed.

    But, she added, the same goes for the cos-tuming, too, as well as the womens hairarrangements.

    Persons planning to attend any of theballs may be relieved to know that appro-priate ball gowns and other costume itemsare available. Such items may be procuredthrough Toni James in Virginia City andKathy Stenerson in Hardin.

    Rules, but ...The actual dance venue can be as simple

    as a dirt-floored pole barn, as was the casefor a few years in Hardin, to a suitably

    By Dick Crockford

    Montana Best Times

    Folks looking for something a little dif-ferent when it comes to summer adven-ture may want to pack their Victorian ballgowns and top hats when they visit Vir-ginia City and Hardin this summer.

    Well, perhaps that is a bit much toexpect, but visitors to these particularcommunities will have the opportunity totake in Hardins 1876 Grand Ball on June20, the Virginia City Grand VictorianBalls on June 22 or Aug. 17, or all three.All three feature music by Prof. R. Alex-ander James & His Distinguished DanceMusic Ensemble (see main story).

    This years Hardin soiree is the 19th

    annual 1876 Grand Ball, traditionally heldon the Thursday evening of the week com-memorating the Battle of the Little Big-horn. The full weekend is Hardins LittleBighorn Days celebration, focused on there-enactment of the famous battle in whichLt. Col George Armstrong Custer and his7th Cavalry suffered complete destructionon June 25, 1876, at the hands of an Amer-ican Indian contingent led by Sioux ChiefSitting Bull.

    The ball, held in a large tent set up onCenter Street in downtown Hardin, beginswith the Grand March at 7:30 p.m. Partici-

    pants are expected to be in period-appro-priate full dress. All tickets limited innumber and priced at $30 are sold inadvance, with none available at the door,so interested persons should inquire assoon as possible. T.J. Wald, dance mistressfor all three events, said she can hold pur-chased tickets at the door. All ages arewelcome, and light refreshments areincluded in the ticket price.

    For any novices, as well as those whowould just like to brush up on their stepsbefore the big event, lessons are offered

    at the tent that afternoon, at 1 p.m., for anadditional $5 per person.The 1876 Grand Ball website,

    www.1876grandball.org, notes that whileonly period-dressed participants will beallowed onto the dance floor, observersare welcome to watch from the sidelinesfor a $5 fee.

    For more information, persons maycontact Wald (cell 406-794-4685, home406-639-2219).

    This years Virginia City balls com-memorate events in 1864 and 1865,

    respectively, and also highlight the 150thanniversary of the towns establishmentfollowing the discovery of gold in AlderGulch. Sponsored by the Virginia City

    Preservation Alliance and the MontanaOffice of Tourism, the Grand Ball forPeace of 1864 will be held June 22, withthe Grand Ball of Peace 1865 on Aug. 17to celebrate the ending of the Civil War.

    Both balls will be held in the Commu-nity Center Ballroom in Virginia City.

    Dance lessons will be held at 1 p.m.and 2 p.m. on the day of each ball, againwith a $5 per person fee.

    Ballroom doors open at 5:30 p.m.Promenades down the Virginia Cityboardwalk 6:30 p.m. precede each of thetwo balls, and spectators are welcome to

    line the boardwalk on both sides of thestreet. The Grand March will begin at 7p.m. in the ballroom, with spectators wel-come in the upstairs gallery. Donationsare appreciated. A light repast will beserved at 9:30 p.m. for ball participants,according to the website, http://virginiaci-tygrandvictorianball. com.

    Civil War era dress is recommended,since the balls reflect a social activity thattook place in Virginia City, Montana Ter-ritory in the 1860s.

    Tickets are $60 for couples, $35 for sin-gles, and $15 for persons 15 and younger.

    Entrance to the balls is by prepaid ticketonly. A ticket reservation form is availableon the website, at http://www.virginiacity-grandvictorianball.com/apps/documents.Persons should download and print thereservation form, fill it out and mail itwith their check to Grand Ball, c/o VCPA,P.O. Box 55 Virginia City, MT 59755.

    For more information about the VirginiaCity balls, persons may contact KarenShores at (406) 682-4935 or (406) 431-0714, or Janet Allestad at (406) 660-1453.

    Heres what you need to know to take part

    Image courtesy of Jeannie James

    Proper etiquette was a must at Victo-

    rian balls if one was to avoid com-

    mitting grievous social gaffs, and

    booklets like this one helped guide

    those intent on putting their best

    foot forward.

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    June 2013 9

    grand community hall, as in Virginia City.No matter what the setting, though, whenthe music begins and the couples glide outonto the dance floor, sashaying to waltzesand high-stepping to Virginia reels, thetransformation to olden days is remark-able.

    Wald described a grand ball as anevent to which people have always worntheir finest clothing and participated in

    dances of the era.She said it was customary for families to

    teach the dances of the time to their off-spring and so on for generations.

    There were rules to follow at a grandball, and the rules were passed on as well.For example, Wald said, no one dancedwithout knowing the dances; doing sowould be socially unacceptable.

    And, a lady was never to walk acrossthe floor without a man by her side. And,my favorite it was a mans obligation tomake a lady look her best, so he knew the

    dances very well and if ever she made amistake he would kindly take responsibili-ty for it.

    The Jameses say the old-style music andtraditional dance has wide appeal, and tomore than just the older set.

    For those who have never tried it, the

    good news is that lessons, courtesy ofWald, are available.

    The only real rule is period correctclothing, she said, pointing out that thegrand ball dances would not be the sameif there were people on the dance floor inblue jeans and T-shirts.

    She added that on the other hand, Weare not strict, because it is just too muchfor people to remember in just one dance

    lesson before the big event. I always holdan orientation/dance lesson the day of theevent, where I teach approximately six to10 dances and a Grand March (an actualchoreographed march of all participants).

    Wald said the participants learn thedances very quickly, and that evening Icall the dances and literally tell their feetwhat to do two seconds before they are todo it. With the education they had at thelesson and me bossing them around, theyhave all they need. It works well and Ithink the participants are amazed at their

    ability to pull it off. I can tell by the smileson their faces all night long.

    Jeannie says the grand balls attract a sig-nificant number of younger folks who geta glimpse of social life from bygone days.

    I like the fact that it does bring historyto life, she said.

    Sandy calls it a participation sport.

    A good timeThe Virginia City balls incorporate a ful

    lineup of appropriate cultural events, and

    in Hardin the focus is on the annual re-

    enactment of the Battle of the Little Big-horn, in which Lt. Col. George Armstrong

    Custer and nearly all under his direct com-

    mand in the U.S. Armys 7th Cavalry diedon June 25, 1876.

    Trademark numbers on the respective

    dance cards include the Battle Hymn of

    the Republic for the Virginia City balls performed, Sandy said, in an appropri-

    ately soul-stirring manner and Gar-

    ryowen, an Irish tune that served asCusters regimental march.

    All in all, though, for the performers,

    what really matters is bringing history tolife in a light-hearted and somewhat fan-

    tastic setting.

    The real joy of music is being at theproduction end of somebodys good time,Sandy grinned.

    Dick Crockford can be reached at

    [email protected] or (406)

    683-2331.

    Specializes in pediatric andadult care

    Evaluates patients with allergicnose and eye symptoms, asthma,sinus symptoms, eczema, hives,food allergy, and insect allergy

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    By Nicole Tiggemann

    Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Denver

    Generations ago, retirement was thought of as a time to take iteasy a time of rocking on porch chairs and reminiscing aboutthe good old days. But thats not the case with the current genera-tion of retirees. In fact, many older people today continue to rockon. Just look at some of the superstars touring and performingconcerts this year who are old enough to collect Social Securityretirement payments. Theyre still rocking, but not in chairs.

    Bob Dylan is on tour, as he usually is during summer months.Dylan is 71 years old. But with a recent album and new tour

    dates, youd never know he was of retirement age.Neil Young is touring with Crazy Horse to support their newalbum. The godfather of grunge is 67 years young. Hesbecome the Old Man he sang about in his Harvest days.

    Paul McCartneys current Out There tour may more appropriate-ly be called his Up There tour. The former Beatle is now age 70.

    Willie Nelson is On the Road Again. The music icon is 79years old and seems to be on nonstop tour.

    Aretha Franklin is 71. Carlos Santana is 65. Carly Simon is67. Mick Jagger and Keith Richards are both 69, as is JoniMitchell. Leonard Cohen is 78. B.B. King is 87. Theyre all still

    From Dylan to Aretha Franklin,

    superstars rocking in retirement

    SeeRocking, Page 11

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    June 2013 10

    Jillian Shoemaker

    Montana Best Times

    NYE The one-room schoolhouse tra-dition is still alive and well in StillwaterCounty, Montana.

    Thirty-nine-year teaching veteran,Kathy Currie, 61, is part of a special kindof rural America, where one teacher canstill provide an education to rural children.Currie teaches at the Nye School, locatedin the small community of Nye at the foot-hills of the Beartooth Mountains, 37 milessouthwest of Columbus.

    From Michigan to NyeCurrie has been teaching in Nye for the

    past 11 years. She made the move from a28-year teaching position and hometownin Michigan after her youngest sistermoved to Montana. Currie said she wouldcome to visit ... and kept coming back.

    I just fell in love with this place, shesaid during a recent telephone interview.I thought maybe when I retired Id comeout for part of the year but retirementwas too far away.

    So, she started exploring teachingoptions out West. She remembered oneinterview that took her 14 miles off a high-way, down a dirt road and fording a river.The next day she interviewed at Nye.

    Once I saw this place, I knew this wasgood, Currie said.

    Currie loved the location, and said thateven though it might seem isolated, theroads in Nye are well maintained and itsalways easy to get in and out of town.

    Currie explained that there are three

    one-room schoolhouses in the county the other two are in Fishtail and Molt but that anymore they really are oneteacher, one class schools. These are notthe antiquated schools of yesteryear. Rath-er, they are filled with technology andmodern amenities. Her classroom has lap-tops and a SmartBoard as well as an iPadfor the students to use.

    From year to year, Currie has had any-where between two and nine students,grades kindergarten through eight. There

    Small school, great education

    MT Best Times photos by Jillian Shoemake

    Teacher Kathy Currie and her dog, Petey, sit recently outside the Nye School, which was built in 1931.

    Teacher of one-room school house talks about rewards of her job

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    is no minimum enrollment, due to theschools isolation status. The NyeSchool has no principal, and the onlyadministrative staff is the county superin-tendent.

    Life at the Nye SchoolIf you walk into the Nye School, you

    might find students grouped around theirdesks, each working on different levels of

    math, while on the other side of the roomthe students are learning music. Theschool does have a music and physicaleducation teacher that drops in once a

    week, but otherwise, its just Currie andher students.

    For most people who have never expe-rienced a one-teacher school, there aremany questions, and Currie has answersfor everything. Students are held to thesame state-mandated standards as largerschools, with goals and objectives foreach grade level.

    Currie said she covers just about everysubject, from math, language arts, read-ing and writing to oral language, technol-ogy, science and social studies.

    She said that one-room teachers haveto excel at cross curriculum teaching.No class stands on its own every classhas an opportunity to teach another sub-ject at the same time. For example, work-sheets on social studies might also begeared toward teaching students gram-mar. During that same exercise, studentscould stand up in front of their class and

    give a presentation to work on theirspeaking skills, too.

    To handle the task of educating all thegrade levels, Currie said sometimes thefirst-graders might learn some second-grade math, and sometimes those second-graders will get a refresher on their first-grade principles. Currie admits its noteasy to do but that everything importantgets accomplished.

    Currie juggles all jobs at the school.For example, shes the only one whoanswers the phone. To help the studentsand to make sure she can give everyone

    the attention they need, Currie tells herstudents to remember Im not your onlyresource. She encourages and teaches them to use the resources at their dis-posal, such as the Internet, dictionaries,thesauruses and worksheets, etc.

    The interview was studded with ahappy chirping noise heard in the back-ground made by Krissy, the cocka-tiel, which is part of the schoolhousefamily.

    Always up for a challenge, and withclearly a kind heart, Currie explained the

    Nye School does quite a bit with crit-ters. Over the years, the school has beenhome and refuge to two cockatiels,many fish, a chinchilla, a bearded dragon,rabbits, chickens, ducks and Curries twococker spaniels. This year, the studentsare eagerly awaiting for ducks to hatchfrom the incubator.

    The community stands behind Currie

    and the Nye School. She said they wel-comed her in, and that the community

    always supports the schools endeavors.Currie said that as long as someone in thecommunity wants an education, sheshere to provide it.

    In her spare time, Currie helps out ather friends ranch. She said one of herfavorite things to do is help push thecows around on her 4-wheeler. She likesto take trips into the mountains, and saidthe 4-wheeler is her horse.

    Currie speaks fondly of her students,saying they are very independent andbright, and that they know how to take

    care of business. Next year will be her40th year as a teacher, and she has noplans to retire any time soon.

    Im still enjoying it ... she said. Ifeel really blessed to be in this situation.

    Jillian Shoemaker can be reached at

    [email protected] or

    (406) 322-5212.

    June 2013 11

    Kathy Currie is surrounded by the

    colors of a happy elementary school.

    I feel really blessed to be in this situation. Nye School teacher Kathy Currie

    performing their music.

    Of course, some of these well-known musicians may not be eli-gible to receive Social Security benefits. But all of them are ofretirement age. So where are their rocking chairs and knittingneedles?

    Its hard to believe, looking at all of these mature stars, thatretirement used to be associated with bridge and shuffleboard. Itsnot just musicians. In fact, many people decide to put off apply-ing for retirement benefits. And even after they do begin collect-ing benefits, many retirees prefer to keep working or at leastmoving and shaking.

    Most people know that you can begin collecting early SocialSecurity benefits at age 62, with a reduction in the monthlyamount. The full retirement age is gradually going up from 66 for

    people born between 1943 and 1954, to 67 for people born in

    1960 and later. You can delay retirement even further and receivea higher payment when you retire, up until you reach age 70. Andanother thing that has changed since the past generation: you cancontinue to work and still receive retirement benefits.

    Learn more about Social Security retirement benefits by read-ing our publication on the subject at HYPERLINK http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs.

    When youre ready to retire, the best place to apply is from thecomfort of your home computer, with some of your favorite musicblaring in the background. Begin the process with our RetirementPlanner at HYPERLINK http://www.socialsecurity.gov/retire-ment www.socialsecurity.gov/retirement. Crank up the tunes, andstart planning before you head out to your next concert.

    Rocking, from Page 9

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    June 2013 12

    By Deb Hill

    Montana Best Times

    LEWISTOWN Six years. Thats thecommitment required of anyone who suc-

    cessfully runs for the office of Montanacounty commissioner in Fergus and mostother counties in the state.

    A lot can happen in six years grand-kids grow up, friends move away, cattleherds are improved or dispersed, gardensare planted and harvested and plantedagain, spouses retire. But Fergus CountyCommissioners Ken Ronish, Carl Seilstadand Sandy Youngbauer have each chosenpublic service over the rest of life.

    Some might argue that a so-called

    cushy job with good benefits is explana-tion enough for why anyone age 50-plusmight run for office, but thats not whatmotivates the Fergus commissioners. Theysay it is not the easy government job peo-

    ple think it is, and even if it were, theopportunity to be of service is what con-vinced them each to jump into politics.

    Im the oldest person in the court-house, proclaimed Ken Ronish, saying hewill start receiving Social Security thisyear. I was 55 when I first ran. I had justfinished a career with the grain elevatorout by Denton. I started working therewhen I was still in high school, and mightbe there still, but it closed. I was used tohelping people and had thought about run-

    ning when I was younger. Running foroffice seemed like a good way to keepserving the same people.

    For me, it was the chance to giveback, said Carl Seilstad. Ive lived here

    my whole life, and it was time to giveback. That was my first campaign sloganbecause thats how I really felt about theopportunity I wanted to do somethingfor the community I grew up with.

    Ive been in public service all my life,said Sandy Youngbauer. First with themilitary and then with the Postal Service. Ireached the point of retirement from thepost office and thought it was time to lookfor something else where I could be of ser-vice.

    Choosing service over retirement

    MT Best Times photo by Deb Hil

    Fergus County Commissioners, from left, Ken Ronish, Carl Seilstad and Sandy Youngbauer believe in community service, a

    principle they each say is behind their urge to run for political office.

    Fergus County commissioners relish their work for community

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    Days long but rewards greatIn Fergus County, the job of commis-

    sioner is considered to be full-time. Eachcommissioner is elected to serve a districtwithin the county. The work involvesmany miles on the road, heading back andforth to community meetings, legislativesessions in Helena or meeting with com-missioners from other counties. In addi-tion, commissioners are responsible forthe countys human resources, budgets,and oversight of all county departments.The responsibilities are large. The dayscan be long. The pay, a little over $42,000a year, is not huge. So why not just jointhe RSVP program or volunteer as a class-room aide, if one wants to be of service?

    If you care about your constituents, thepeople you live with, you try to find a wayto look out for them, Ronish explained.Thats why I ran for this job it seemedlike a position where I could do somethinggood for people.

    I was asked to run by people in my dis-trict, added Seilstad. I did a lot ofresearch before I decided. I went to the

    newspaper and read articles about thecommissioners, I spoke with the Clerk andRecorder at the time to learn the issues. Itseemed like the perfect opportunity to dosomething bigger, to make a difference.

    Serving her first six-year term, Young-bauer said the learning curve for gettingthings done is steep.

    You get elected and suddenly you real-ize theres no one there to train you,

    Youngbauer said. MACo (Montana Asso-ciation of Counties) offers training for newcommissioners that is very good. But evenwith that, there is so much to learn. Thereare new laws all the time, and you have toknow what you can and cant do.

    Theres a lot of complexity to every-thing we do, agreed Seilstad. We dealwith land development, the budget pro-cess, how to get the biggest bang for thebuck. People think we have all thisextreme power, but we have to stay withinthe law and answer to the voters. And Impowerless unless I can get my colleagues

    to agree to go along with me. It takes awhile to learn how to make things hap-pen.

    I like the challenge, though, Young-bauer added. When I was in the military,all I had to do was do my job, but now Ineed to answer to the voters. Its some-thing new every day it keeps my mindactive.

    Ronish pointed out that many, perhapsmost, people dont realize how tightcounty budgets are. Input from the publicbecomes a crucial part of trying to figure

    out what will be funded and what will not.I wish people knew how much we do

    with the little money we have, Ronishsaid.

    Public input is huge, Seilstad said.None of us want to see taxes raised, sowe rely on members of the public to tell usabout the impact of each decision wemake.

    Its peoples responsibility to get edu-

    cated about their county, Youngbauerpointed out. Once you get elected, yourealize you should have gone to moremeetings.

    Age doesnt matterSeilstad and Ronish, both veterans of

    several terms in office, have decided not torun again once their current terms expire.

    Three terms is enough, Seilstad said.Its time for me to find something else todo and have someone else come in withnew ideas for the commission.

    I dont know what Im going to do,Ronish said, but I have eight grandkids,so I know Ill be seeing more of them onceI am not in office any longer. Its been asense of duty that has kept me here thislong, but now its time for someone else tohandle the issues.

    Asked whether voters should look forsomeone younger to replace them, bothRonish and Seilstad said age doesnt mat-

    ter as much as commitment to the commu-nity.

    We need good people to step up to theplate, no matter what age, Seilstad said.Id urge anyone that thinks they might beinterested to get involved ahead of timeand participate. Come to the meetings andsee what is going on. Whether you are 25or 50, it will be a learning experience. Thevoters will decide if you are doing a goodjob or not.

    Youngbauer hasnt committed yet towhether she will run again or look for

    other ways to give back to her constitu-ents.

    If I feel I can be of service still, Ill runagain, she said. If not, Ill find anotherway to serve. I think its in all of us, tohelp people. Thats why were sitting inthis office.

    Deb Hill can be reached at editor@lew-

    istownnews.com or (406) 535-3401.

    June 2013 13

    It seemed like the perfect opportunity to do

    something bigger, to make a difference. Fergus County Commissioner Carl Seilstad

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    Woman spots her stolen car in drive-thruKENNEWICK, Wash. (AP) A Washington woman whose

    car was stolen from her apartment complex saw the stolen SUVhours later in the drive-thru of the McDonalds restaurantwhere she works.

    The Tri-City Herald reports Virginia Maiden called police afterseeing her SUV in the drive-thru.

    Officers arrested the driver, a 22-year-old Kennewick woman,at the restaurant.

    Police found clothes in the car that had been stolen fromdepartment stores.

    News Lite

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    June 2013 14

    By Don Cogger

    Montana Best Times

    MILES CITY During a career thatspanned close to four decades, one

    wouldnt be surprised if Custer CountyDistrict High School Assistant PrincipalTerry Annalora, previously chorale direc-tor for many years at CCDHS, would havetrouble picking out the highlights.

    But a few are more memorable than oth-ers. Conducting his choir at Carnegie Hallin New York City, and again at GroundZero. A trip to Washington, D.C., with thechoir performing on the steps of LincolnMemorial. Many trips to state and regionalcompetitions, where his choir more often

    than not performed with distinction.But he and his charges finding them-

    selves booted from the Jefferson Memorialin D.C. in 2007 for attempting animpromptu rendition of the Star Spangled

    Banner was definitely an experience toremember.

    It was called an unlawful gathering,any time you have over like 10 people,Annalora, 60, said. I knew we werentsupposed to, but all the kids were in agroup, so I looked around, didnt see apark ranger there, so I gave the kids thedownbeat. They got about as far as, Ohsay and I feel a tap on my shoulder andtheres the ranger. Of course the poor guywas just enforcing the rules, and I knew

    we couldnt do that. The poor bugger gotbooed by all the tourists there, but I toldthem he was right.

    Now, after 37 years in the educationfield, 28 in Miles City, the former leader

    of a generation of school-age performersis calling it a career. He announced hisdecision at last months meeting of theMiles City Unified Board of Trustees.Annalora hadnt intended to retire for acouple of more years, but budget shortfallsin the district made the decision to stepdown a little easier.

    The district was looking at downsizingthe assistant principal position, heexplained. At the time, they werent sureif there would be no position, half time or

    Miles City educator

    Miles City Star file photos by Steve Allison

    Terry Annalora rehearses the Treble Choir Feb. 1, 2011, in the Custer County District High School gym before the next days

    concert. The Treble Choir is the high schools advanced all-girls choir.

    has led a musical life

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    full time. Since Id only been planning todo this for another year or two, I decidedto go ahead and retire.

    A life of musicAnnalora, a graduate of Sacred Heart

    High School Class of 71, attended Mon-tana State University-Northern for twoyears before transferring to MSU-Bill-ings, where he earned his bachelorsdegree in K-12 Broadfield, an arts andhumanities course, in 1976. He taught atMalta High School for five years, wherehe met his wife, Myra.

    Eventually, Myra decided she wantedto attend Miles Community Collegesnursing program, and Annalora foundhimself back in his hometown, teachingat his alma matter Sacred Heart. The cou-ple later moved to Great Falls, givingAnnalora the opportunity to pursue hismasters degree in vocal performance atthe University of Montana. While study-

    ing at UM, Annalora went to Europe astenor soloist for the Mendelssohn ClubChoir.

    That trip to Europe was a great experi-ence, Annalora said. We got to see a lotof neat sights, from the Alps to Budapest,Hungary, when it was still in the Iron Cur-tain. After that, I got a call from CaseyStengel, then superintendant in MilesCity. He offered me Norma Hartses posi-tion as choral director at CCDHS, andIve been here since 1985. A ton of thingshave happened in that amount of time.

    There were 29 boys and two girls in theprogram in three choirs when Annaloratook over; now there are six differentchoirs and more than 200 kids in the pro-gram.

    Im pretty proud of that, he said. Itwas a big accomplishment. And Mrs. Har-tse put together such a great program to

    build on, I really admire her.Annalora passed the torch of the cho-

    rale department four years ago to LindseyWilkerson when offered the assistant prin-cipal position. Now, as he prepares to stepdown from that post, he hopes his legacyis one of an educator and administratorwho always put the needs of studentsfirst.

    One of the things I hope they dontwrite on my tombstone is, He was a greatmusic teacher, he said. I would likefolks to just acknowledge that wherever Iwas, it was a little better than when Ileft.

    CCDHS Principal Jaime Ogolin hasworked with Annalora since 1991 whenOgolin began his teaching career at thehigh school. For the past four years, thetwo have worked closely together as thelead administrators of Custer Countysonly high school. Ogolin said Annalorawill be missed.

    Ive known Terry for 20-plus years,Ogolin said. Our relationship has alwaysbeen strong, and its been a great teameffort. Its a challenging position he has,and at times we felt like each others onlyfriend. We had a lot of stresses and a lotof laughs together.

    Ogolin went on to say every decisionAnnalora made as a teacher and adminis-trator was always in the best interest of

    the kids. Calling him perpetually upbeatand positive, Ogolin believes Annalorahas the energy to continue should he havechosen to.

    We worked together closely these lastfour years, so we understand what each isthinking, he said. I will miss the team-work the most.

    Not resting on his laurelsThough retirement looms, Annalora

    will not be resting on his laurels. Begin-ning next year, he has agreed to teach an

    Elements of Music and Humanities coursetwo days a week at Miles CommunityCollege. Should he find an accompanist,its his goal to start a choir at the collegeas well. Hes said hes delighted to bestaying in Miles City, and is grateful tothe community that has supported him forso many years.

    I would just like to thank Miles Cityand the school district for all the support,he said. Ive been very, very lucky, and Ihad a lot of great kids to work with. Andthey were willing to work. I worked them

    hard. I hope I was someone who preparedthem for life. Dedication, family, hardwork, it all pays off in the end. I have noregrets.

    Don Cogger can be reached at

    [email protected] or (406) 234-

    0450.

    June 2013 15

    Terry Annalora directs the Treble Choir

    in a 2011 rehearsal.

    By AARP/MCTEach year, more than 180,000 people die in U.S. hospitals from

    preventable accidents and errors. And while an even larger num-ber of these incidents are not fatal, they can still turn into a night-mare for the patient. So how does one safeguard oneself againstbecoming a victim? The April/May issue of AARP The Magazinereveals how hospitals fight efforts and how patients can protectthemselves with a few simple tips.

    CHECK CREDENTIALS: Make sure the hospital is accred-ited by The Joint Commission, the chief hospital accreditingorganization in the U.S. ( www.qualitycheck.org ).

    ASK QUESTIONS: Overwhelming data show that when

    patients actively participate in their own care, they have betteroutcomes, says Dr. Peter J. Pronovost, patient-safety expert atJohns Hopkins.

    BRING AN ADVOCATE: Another set of eyes and earsmonitoring your care helps. I slept in a cot by my mothers sidefor two days when she was in the hospital, says Dr. Robert M.Wachter, associate chair of the department of medicine at theUniversity of California, San Francisco.

    BE PERSISTENT: Make sure providers follow standardprocedures for common practices like inserting IV lines.

    SANITIZE SURFACES: Guard against superbugs withalcohol and bleach wipes.

    Here are 5 ways to protect yourself when youre in the hospital

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    June 2013 16

    Bucket List Adventure:

    A brave adventure with Disney

    By Kathy Witt

    McClatchy-Tribune (MCT)

    Ancient castle ruins rock.Mom and Dad may relish family time unplugged from workday

    electronics, and grandparents admire the beauty of a rolling greenlandscape given over to rugged coastlines and pristine lochs, High-land ponies and paint-splotched sheep. But the tween and teen setwill be captivated by broken castle walls, windswept towers thatharbor the perfect hiding place and the remains of a fortress thatonce shielded the Scottish crown jewels from Oliver Cromwellsarmy and their 1649 siege.

    On Adventures by Disneys new family vacation to Scotland, aneight-night odyssey from Edinburg to the Scottish Highlands to theIsle of Lewis inspired by Disney Pixars 2012 Academy Award-

    winning animated feature film, Brave, kids will ooh and ah overlots of castle ruins. And all will follow in the footprints of Merida,the headstrong teen a millennium ahead of her time, to experiencethe magic of her homeland and perhaps even change their fate.

    A Scottish adventure comes to lifeIn this mystical, bonny land of bagpipes, burns and bens (the lat-

    ter two the Scottish words for streams and mountains), multi-gen-erational clans will find an adventure in storytelling come-to-life, atour de force that casts a spell as intricate as the heirloom tapestryMerida and her mum, Queen Elinor, weave in the movie.

    Practice your archery skills at Glamis Castle where the lateQueen Elizabeth The Queen Mother grew up. Ride ponies through

    the ancient Caledonian Forest at Rothiemurchus Estate where

    youll see the same trees Merida and her pony, Angus, gallop past.Play hide-and-seek with new friends at Dunnottar Castle cliff-top castle ruins that inspired Meridas family fortress in the movie.On the Isle of Lewis, cross into the circle of the Callanish StandingStones, just as Merida does on her own journey. Magical and mys-terious, the stone monument marks what is considered the mostfamous prehistoric site in Scotland.

    This being Scotland, a visit to the Loch Ness Exhibition Centeris a must. Six galleries uncover the hoaxes, eyewitness accountsand illusions related to sightings of Nessie. The center, with itsfirst-rate exhibits, interactive floor and underwater wave laser ani-mation is a Scottish Tourism Board five-star attraction. This beingDisney, the visit wouldnt be complete without a canoe or boatexcursion across Loch Ness, the deep freshwater lake where the

    elusive cryptid purportedly dwells. The scenery on this voyage isbreathtaking, with sweeping views of forested shoreline, hills andglens dotted with sheep and mop-top Highland cattle, and the ruinsof Urquhart Castle.

    The power of the mouseIt is no secret that the name Disney opens magical kingdoms all

    over and this is no less true in Scotland. Behind-the-scenes toursof castles. Exclusive access to places no other tours visit _ likeDovecot Studios, a century-old specialist tapestry studio that hasnever before opened its doors to the public and where you can add

    Travel

    Kathy Witt/MCT

    Glamis Castle, where the late Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother called home.

    SeeBucket List, Page 17

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    June 2013 17

    B.J. Thomas, from Page 2

    So the movies first ad campaign began_ trying to get Redford to acquiesce. Offi-cials from Twentieth Century-Fox, themovies production company, worked onRedford. So did Paul Newman. AndBacharach and David.

    Finally, Redford relented and the rest ishistory.

    In hindsight, Redford admitted as muchduring an interview with reporters at theSundance London film festival in 2012.According to the Daily Mail in London,Redford revealed, A film that I was in,Butch Cassidy, the music played a hugerole. I didnt see it at the time because Ithought it was stupid. Suddenly there wasa scene where the guy was singing Rain-drops Keep Fallin On My Head and itwasnt even raining. Well, how wrong wasI?

    As it turned out, Newman rode his bicy-

    cle during the famous scene as Thomassang what later became an internationalhit. The movie and song were forevermelded into a symbiotic relationship thatwould have suffered without either com-ponent.

    That was fate on Thomas side _ PhaseII.

    Six weeks later, a healthier Thomas re-recorded the song with Bacharach andDavid in New York for single-sales releaseto the public and radio-station usage. Hewas on top of the world before he almost

    lost everything during a sordid era we willexplore later.

    Raindrops Keep Fallin On My Headhas become synonymous with the nameB.J. Thomas. Those six words vaulted himinto the national consciousness. I was inthe right place at the right time, he said.And they made him (Redford) see thelight. It was one of those perfect fits _ themusic, the song, the composition, themovie, the scene.

    A fit for everyone involved. Call it aneclectic convergence. Newmans extraor-dinary bicycle scene became a signaturemoment in the iconic movie, Thomasreaped the benefits of a No. 1 song on theBillboard Hot 100, Bacharach and Davidwon an Academy Award for Best Origi-nal Song and the movie itself garnered

    three more Oscars as well as more than$102 million in revenues from a $6 mil-lion production budget.

    Now, were into the next century.We will call this one Phase III.Billy Joe Thomas turns 71 on Aug. 7.

    He uses the Billy Joe Thomas name forsigning official documents; otherwise callhim B.J. And when he writes it, he dropsthe periods. Thomas lives in Arlington,Texas, with his wife Gloria. Their threedaughters are adults now; he has fourgrandchildren. Thomas attends Rangersand Cowboys games. I have sung thenational anthem for them, too, he beams.

    But retirement? No way, Thomas says.Hes been doing this gig since singing inthe church choir as a teenager in the Hous-ton area. His newest CD release is calledThe Living Room Sessions. It featuresduets of Thomas most popular songs withVince Gill, Lyle Lovett and Sara Niemietzamong others, with an acoustic touch.

    I do love what I do, Thomas says. Ilove to record.

    And tour.

    some wee stitches to a tapestry depicting the characters fromBrave. Specially arranged meals accommodating everyonesfood issues and accompanied by kilted musicians.

    Another special Disney touch is the kids fun night, but the bigkids are entertained, too. While junior adventurers join in a pint-size version of Highland games (Tug-of-War, a Wellie Boot Toss),the adults partake of grown-up fun, like a tutored tasting of whatthe Scots revere as the water of life _ Scotch whiskey.

    Tending to everything and everybody and dispensing local lore,jokes and room keys along the way are the Disney Adventure

    Guides. Equal parts tour director and storyteller, the highly trainedAdventure Guides meet you on arrival, travel with you throughout,hand out lots of snacks on the motor coach (including the iconicand delicious Scottish tea cake, a marshmallow puff on a biscuitand covered in milk chocolate) and make each person feel like aVIP _ children and adults alike.

    Premium price and adventureLots of TLC has gone into the planning and execution of Scot-

    land: A Brave Adventure and it carries a premium price tag. Fami-lies are cosseted in the comfort and elegance of four and five staraccommodations, like the tony Kingsclub Hotel & Spa in Inverness

    and the exquisite Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh. Meals are moreakin to events: picnic lunches on castle grounds or in an ancientwoodland forest, hotel dinners overlooking cityscapes and atcharming eateries favored by locals and set amidst picturesque sur-roundings.

    The trip is worth every (British) pound and the fun begins evenbefore you leave home, with the arrival of a Disney kit containingtravel documents and backpacks for each adventurer. Every detailof the itinerary is attended to with an impeccable thoroughness andaplomb _ from meeting you at the airport to whisking your luggageto your room to entertaining and genuinely caring for your kids.

    And it concludes on a high note _ with a twilight visit to Edin-

    burgh Castle, perched high above the city on Castle Rock, a moun-tain that formed after a volcano erupted more than 340 millionyears ago. Adventurers arrive as the days visitors are departing,storming the castle amidst the fanfare of bagpipe music and settingsun, for an exclusive peek at the Scottish crown jewels _ the veryones rescued some 364 years ago at Dunnottar Castle _ and a fare-well feast befitting the royal setting.

    There are lots of surprises along the way, including a visit by acertain riddle-spinning crone _ the very one that confounded Meri-da. By trips end, everyone is blinged out with a lanyard bejeweledwith the much-coveted Disney pins, from Mickey Mouse welcom-ing guests with a Scottish Failte! to Merida closing with a Gaelicblessing, Turas math dhut! (good voyage).

    Bucket List, from Page 16

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    June 2013 18

    Thomas figures he makes between 60 and70 shows a year. He still sprinkles a fewgospel numbers among the pop and countrytunes.

    I followed Mahalia Jackson, he says.It was very moving music. Ray Charleshad a kind of gospel base, too.

    But The Man was Elvis Thomas idol,right down to Presleys 1970s hairstyle. Iliked the mutton-chop sideburns, too, he

    says.Many of his concert appearances nation-

    ally tend to be in southern states and Ameri-cas heartland Oklahoma, Kansas, Mis-souri, Texas his home base.

    Internationally, Thomas loves SouthAmerica.

    When I go to Brazil and Argentina, Ihear a lot of 60s and 70s music, he says.Its played in Spanish, Portuguese andEnglish down there. Some people downthere may not speak English, but they cansing your song in English. A lot of them

    have a feel for it.Arlington is just small enough to provide

    a comfortable living and the Dallas/FortWorth International Airport is just bigenough for quick trips to Argentina.

    After Raindrops, Thomas appeared atthe 1970 Academy Awards to sing his moviehit. On stage that night, he was surroundedby dancers and bicycle riders as Hollywoodre-created the artistic Paul Newman scene.

    But that signature song wasnt Thomasonly claim to fame. Earlier in 1969, his

    Hooked on a Feeling was a chart topper.Then, after Raindrops, his career zoomedwith I Just Cant Help Believing in 1970,Rock and Roll Lullaby in 1971, (HeyWont You Play) Another Somebody DoneSomebody Wrong Song in 1975 andDont Worry Baby in 1977.

    From 1969 to 1977, Thomas was one ofthe hottest pop singers in the land. He hadmade millions, but he later squandered

    much of it because of drugs, alcohol andfinancial mismanagement. Imagine if Red-ford would have gotten his way with Rain-drops in 1969. Well, suddenly, the actorsrecalcitrance didnt seem so important inThomas life anymore.

    A lot of people probably werent savingtheir money back in those days, Thomassays. A lot of entertainers back thenwerent watching their money. It was a cul-tural and societal thing. And I was nevermoney crazy anyway.

    With that, welcome to Phase IV (The

    Abyss Revisited).I had some problems with alcohol and

    drugs, Thomas said. We didnt have theinformation about addiction back then, likeyou do now. At 15, I started using alcohol. Iwas around alcoholism. I had some familymembers who had issues with alcoholism.My father had problems with alcoholism.When you abuse, you kind of pass it on toyour children. Im glad I got through it.

    I did the whole nine yards.Nine yards would be cocaine, marijuana,

    speed, amphetamines and barbiturates. Buthe didnt do needles, he says, because hisfather had forewarned him as a scrappyyoungster no intravenous drugs. Someweeks he spent a few thousand dollars oncocaine.

    Then, Thomas and his wife decided totake a break from the music business. Hesaid a 12-step program helped immensely.

    We left Connecticut and moved to Texas

    got away from the music business to con-centrate on my addiction, Thomas said. Ionly did some one-nighters (shows). It tookme a few years to get a handle on it. I amalcohol-free now, Im drug-free. I haventhad a drink since I was 33 years old. Samething with the drugs.

    In the early 1980s, Thomas re-establishedhis music career in full force in a differentgenre. His recording Whatever Happenedto Old-Fashioned Love reached the No. 1spot on the country music charts as didNew Looks From an Old Lover in 1983.

    And remember the hit television showGrowing Pains, which aired from 1985 to1992? Guess who sang the theme song?Thomas on vocals for As Long As We GotEach Other, along with Dusty Springfield.

    But he cites another blessing, one moresentimental in spirit and eternal in longevity

    A blessing we will close with for Phase VIf I never had Raindrops, Thomas

    says, I still had a great life. Ive had a greatmarriage, great children. Ive been fortu-nate.

    Below is a list of volunteer openings available through the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) incommunities across southern Montana. To learn more about RSVP, call (800) 424-8867 or TTY (800) 833-3722;or log on to www. seniorcorps.org.

    RSVP

    Gallatin County- American Cancer Society Road to

    Recovery Program: Needs volunteer driv-ers to escort cancer patients to treatments.- American Prairie Reserve: Office Assis-

    tant (10-15 hours per week) needed to helpmaintain office filing and storage systems,organize office supplies, process and dis-tribute mail and run errands to post office.

    - American Red Cross: Blood driveambassador needed to welcome, greet,thank and provide overview for blooddonors. Phone team volunteers needed toremind, recruit or thank blood donors,excellent customer service skills needed,training will be provided, flexible sched-ule.- Befrienders: Befriend a senior; visit on

    a regular weekly basis.- Big Brothers Big Sisters: Be a positive

    role model for only a few hours eachweek.

    - Bozeman and Belgrade Sacks ThriftStores: Need volunteers to sort and priceitems, MondaySaturday 9:30 a.m.6 p.m.- Bozeman Childrens Museum: Wel-

    come desk volunteer(s) needed for 2 hourshifts Monday Saturdays.- Bozeman Deaconess Hospital: Variety

    of opportunities to volunteer.- Bozeman Lodge: Volunteers are needed

    to help with Wii-Bowling on Mondays, 3p.m.; Bingo on Saturdays 1:30 p.m.; andonce a month on Saturdays, 3 p.m., forbirthday parties.- Bozeman Senior Center Foot Clinic:

    Retired or nearly retired nurses are urgent-ly needed, 2 days a month, either 4 or 8hour shifts.- Child Care Connections: Front desk

    help needed Thursdays from Noon 1p.m. Volunteer will greet clients, answerphones, and general reception duties.- The Emerson Cultural Center: Volun-

    teers needed for front office greeter/recep-tion, Monday Friday 9:30 a.m.12:30p.m.- Gallatin Valley Food Bank: Deliver

    commodities to seniors in their homesonce a month.- HRDC Youth Development wants to

    help: Seniors in need of yard work includ-ing raking, trimming bushes, etc.

    - Habitat for Humanity Restore Belgrade:Volunteers needed for general help, sortingdonations and assisting customers.- Headwaters Heritage Museum: Volun-

    teers are needed June through Sept. for 2and 4 hour shifts.- Heart of The Valley: Volunteers espe-

    cially needed to love and play with andcuddle cats, do carpentry work, be an ani-mal bank collector (asking local business-es to display an animal bank for donationcollection) or birthday party leader.- Help Center Telecare: Volunteers needed

  • 7/28/2019 mtBTJune_13

    19/24

    June 2013 19

    3-4 mornings a week 8:3011 a.m. tomake calls to homebound seniors, provid-ing reassurance, check on safety and well-being, and access up-to-date referral infor-mation to vulnerable individuals.- Museum of the Rockies: Variety of

    opportunities available.- RSVP Handcrafters: Volunteers to quilt,

    knit, crochet and embroider hats forchemo patients, baby blankets and otherhandmade goods once a week (can workfrom home); accepting yarn donations.- Senior Nutrition Volunteers: Volunteers

    needed to help seniors with grocery shop-ping, meal and menu planning, and com-panionship, 2 hours a week, days andtimes are flexible; deliver commodities toseniors in their homes once a month.

    - Sweet Pea Festival: Looking for vol-unteers to help with office retail sales(July 9 26) for 2 or 3 hours shifts Tues-days Fridays.

    - Thrive Child Advancement Project(CAP): Seeking mentors to students ingrades K-12, one hour commitment aweek, training and support provided.- VA Montana Healthcare System: Volun-

    teer DAV (Disabled American Veterans)Help needed to coordinate driver sched-ules to transport eligible veterans to andfrom the VA for medical appointments.- Your unique skills and interests are

    needed, without making a long-term com-mitment, in a variety of ongoing, special,one-time, one-shift events.Contact: Deb Downs, RSVP Program

    Coordinator, 807 N. Tracy, Bozeman, MT59715; phone (406) 587-5444; fax (406)582-8499; email: [email protected].

    Park County- Community Learning Partners: - Volun-

    teers to tutor adults and help prep for theirGED. Will train you and work with yourschedule.- Handcrafters meets every Thursday at

    the Senior Center and has a variety of inter-ests and projects to work with a greatgroup. Bring your ideas and skills to share.- The Senior Center Kitchen: Needs sum-

    mer help so some of the long term volun-teers can take a break. Great company andfree lunch.- The Senior Center Main Street Thrift

    Store and Community Closet: Volunteersneeded to fill a variety of positions.Choose your own hours.- The Shane Center: Volunteers needed

    Mondays and Fridays, 9-11 a.m. to answerphones, show visitors around and assiststaff.- The Yellow Bus: Needs drivers Friday

    and Saturday afternoons. Must be able to

    double clutch.- The Yellowstone Gateway and the

    Depot Museums: Greeters needed for thesummer. Will train and work with yourschedule.- Various agencies are in need of your

    unique skills and interests in a variety ofongoing and one-time special events,including mailings throughout the summer.Contact: Shannon Burke, RSVP Program

    Coordinator, 208 So. Main St., Livingston,MT 59047; phone (406) 222-2281; email:[email protected].

    Fergus & Judith Basin counties- Boys and Girls Club: Volunteers needed

    to assist staff with elementary childrenMonday-Friday on field trips and for foodpreparation in the kitchen.- Central Montana Museum: 25 volun-

    teers who can help in 3 hour shifts. Themuseum is open 7 days a week, 9 a.m.-4:00 p.m., Memorial Day Weekend-LaborDay.

    - Central Montana Senior Citizens Club:Volunteers to plan, organize, clean, repairand set up for events; help with Saturdaysenior dances, pinochle on Tuesday andFriday p.m.- CMMC Auxiliary: Volunteer at the help

    desk or in the gift shop, assist with blooddrives and fund raising events to help fundthe ER remodel, knit and crochet items,bake cookies.- Community Cupboard: Assist clients

    with selection of items, record keeping,unload delivery truck.-Council on Aging-Grubstakes: Regular

    volunteers and substitutes needed forhome delivered meals, kitchen, hostess,foot clinic.- Friends of the Library: Volunteers to

    sort book donations, and prepare for andwork the monthly sale.- Heart of Montana Animal Shelter: Vol-

    unteers needed to help in the secondhandstore.- Lewistown Art Center: Volunteers to

    help set up monthly shows, assist withspecial events, or work in the gift shop.- Lewistown Library: Volunteer to read to

    groups or individuals, dust and clean, takecare of videos, copying and scanning.Assist with nursing home outreach month-ly.- Treasure Depot Thrift Store: Volunteers

    to cashier and sort donations, 10 a.m.-4p.m., Monday-Friday.- RSVP: Needs volunteers to help with

    the implementation of a new program: MyNeighbor In Need in Lewistown, alsoneed volunteers to occasionally transportlarge items such as furniture, appliances,etc.- RSVP has a variety of volunteer posi-

    tions open for on-call, ongoing events.Contact: RSVP Volunteer Coordinator

    Cheryll Tuss, 404 W. Broadway, WellsFargo Bank building, (upstairs), Lewis-town, MT 59457; phone (406) 535-0077;email: rsvplew@ midrivers.com.

    Musselshell, Golden Valley &Petroleum counties- Community Emergency Response Team

    (CERT): Learn skills to protect yourself,your family and community during adisaster/emergency. Will train in vitalemergency skills.- Food Bank: Distribute food commodi-

    ties to seniors and others in need in thecommunity.- Golden Thimble Thrift Store: Volunteer

    to organize and sell quality used goods.- Meals on Wheels Program: Deliver

    meals to the housebound in the communi-ty, just one day a week, an hour and a halfmeal provided.- Musselshell Valley Historical Museum:

    Greet and guide visitors through the newlyrenovated museum in Roundup.- Senior Center: Volunteers are needed to

    provide meals, clean up in the dining roomand/or keep records, meal provided.- Senior Transportation: Volunteer needed

    to drive Senior Van to meals, fundraisersand appointments, one day a week ormonth, no special license needed, mealprovided.- RSVP offers maximum flexibility and

    choice to its volunteers as it matches thepersonal interests and skills of olderAmericans with opportunities to servetheir communities. You choose how andwhere to serve.- Volunteering is an opportunity to learn

    new skills, make friends and connect withyour community.Contact: Abbie Nichols, Volunteer Coor-

    dinator, South Central MT RSVP, 315 1/2Main St., Ste. #1, Roundup, MT 59072;phone (406) 323-1403; fax (406) 323-4403; email: [email protected];facebook: South Central MT RSVP.

    Custer & Rosebud counties

    - COPS (Citizens Offering Police Sup-port): Members are needed - applicationscan be picked up at the RSVP Office.- Custer County Art and Heritage Center:

    Volunteer receptionists needed, includessome clerical work, varied shifts, anddays; also needed someone to take minutesat meetings.- Custer Network Against Domestic Vio-

    lence: Volunteer needed with the crisis line- Forsyth Senior Center: Volunteer

    SeeRSVP, Page 20

    RSVP, from Page 18

  • 7/28/2019 mtBTJune_13

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    When June arrives in Montana, its barbecue time.Friends and neighbors get together to enjoy the warmair and a meal that is eaten outdoors.Burgers and hot dogs are the usual fare. But you can

    make a barbecue a memorable meal by serving stuffedburgers.Regular burgers tend to be a bit on the dry side at

    times. But a stuffed burger has moist ingredients thathelp it avoid having the texture of a hockey puck.The cook must be diligent when it comes to sealing

    the edges where the bottom and top patties meet. Gap-ing holes will allow some of the cheese to seep out.

    The burgers will have less flavor and the grill will be

    messier.Youre sure to find a stuffed burger among the reci-pes below that will please your palate and make yourguests think you are the master when it comes tocooking over briquettes.One note of caution: The Havarti Stuffed Pesto Burg-

    ers are better suited to adult diners. Many kids arecompelled to slather burgers with lots of catsup ormustard. The great flavor of these burgers would bemasked if they were assaulted with those condiments.

    On The MenuWith Jim Durfey

    June 2013 20

    Stuff them with stuffedburgers

    Bacon Cheddar

    Stuffed Burgers1 1/4 lb. ground venison or ground

    sirloin, (at least 80 % lean)

    Salt and pepper to taste

    4 oz. cheddar cheese, cubed

    4 slices bacon, cooked, crumbled

    Make eight patties. Evenly distribute

    bacon and cheddar on the indented

    halves of four patties. Top top each with

    another patty and press edges together

    to form seal. Cook on hot grill for three

    to five minutes per side depending ondesired doneness.

    Blue Cheese and

    Mushroom Stuffed

    Burgers

    1 1/4 lb. ground venison or ground

    sirloin, (at least 80 % lean)

    1 1/2 tbsp. hot sauce6 oz. mixed wild mushrooms (or store

    bought mushrooms), sauteed and

    drained

    4 oz. blue cheese, crumbled

    Mix hot sauce and ground meat thor-oughly. Form into eight patties. Distrib-ute mushrooms and blue cheese evenlyon top of the bottom four patties. Topeach with another patty and press edgestogether to form seal. Cook on hot grillfor three to five minutes per side.

    Havarti Stuffed PestoBurgers

    4 lbs. ground venison or low fat

    ground beef

    2 - 10 oz. jars basil pesto

    2 eggs

    8 large slices Havarti cheese

    Salt and pepper to taste

    1 c. mayonnaiseLettuce, tomato slices and/or avocado

    slices

    Mix 10 ounces pesto and ground beef

    until well incorporated. Add eggs and

    mix well. Add salt and pepper. Divide

    burger mix into 16 patties. Add one

    heaping tablespoon pesto on top of

    eight patties. Place folded slice of

    Havarti on top of pesto on patties. Fin-

    ish by adding unadorned patty on top.

    Carefully press sides together. Grill on

    low to medium heat. Combine mayon-naise and remaining pesto. Garnish

    cooked burgers with pesto mayonnaise,

    lettuce and tomato slices and/or avoca-

    do slices. Note: catsup and mustard

    should not be added to these burgers. It

    would be sacrilegious.

    musicians needed to provide entertainment.

    - The Historic Miles City Academy: Volunteers needed for ThriftStore, maintenance, and cleaning.- Holy Rosary Gift Shop: Volunteer cashier needed.- Holy Rosary Health Care: Volunteers needed for front desk.- Holy Rosary Hospice: Volunteers needed to help with hospice

    patients.- Miles City Soup Kitchen: Volunteers needed for receptionist,

    servers, and cooks assistant, shifts never more than 3 hours, workone day a month or more.- RSVP Adopt-A-Spot: Volunteers needed to help clean up the

    cemetery road on June 29th. Meet at the Friendship Villa Park-ing lot at 10 a.m.- Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) is an opportunity for volunteers

    to help Medicare beneficiaries understand their Medicare and other insurance paperwork.- Spirit Riders: Members needed for funeral escort.

    - VA Community Living Center: Volunteers needed to assist withactivities for veterans.If you are interested in these or other volunteer opportunities

    please contact: Betty Vail, RSVP Director; 210 Winchester Ave.

    #225, MT 59301; phone (406) 234-0505; email: rsvp05@midriv-

    ers.com

    Dawson County- If you have a need for or a special interest or desire to volun-

    teer somewhere in the community, please contact: Patty Atwell,

    RSVP Director, P.O. Box 1324, Glendive, MT 59330; phone (406)

    377-4716; email: [email protected].

    RSVP, from Page 19

  • 7/28/2019 mtBTJune_13

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    Monday, June 3

    Western Art Roundup and Quick

    Draw, through June 16, Riverside Park,Miles City Montana Watercolor Society Members

    Show, Tuesdays-Saturdays, 11-5, through

    June 21, Lewistown Art Center, Lewis-town

    Tuesday, June 4

    Bogert Farmers Market, Tuesdaysthrough Sept. 24, Bozeman

    State High School Rodeo Finals,through June 9, Gallatin County Fair-grounds, Bozeman

    Wednesday, June 5

    Livingston Farmers Market, Wednesdayevenings through Sept. 25, Miles Park,Livingston

    Thursday, June 6

    Makoshika Youth Program, held Thurs-days through July 25, Glendive

    Dinner Theatre: Whose Line is it Any-

    way, through June 8, 7-9 p.m., RoundupCentral School, Roundup

    Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park:

    Campground Programs, Thursday andFriday evenings through Sept. 2, White-hall

    Friday, June 7

    Big Timber Gun Show, through June 9,Big Timber Civic Center.

    Wing Across the Big Sky Bird Festival,Lewistown

    Livingston Wheels: Rockin and Whee-

    lin Car Show, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., Best West-ern Yellowstone Inn, Livingston

    Smith Sales Auto Swap Meet, throughJune 8, Miles City

    Saturday, June 8

    Buzzard Day, Makoshika State Park,Glendive

    The Lewistown Art Stomp, second Sat-urday of each month, June through Aug.,from 2-5 p.m., Main Street, Lewistown 2013 Electronics Waste Recycling Fair,Hazardous Waste program 10 a.m.-3p.m., Park County Fairgrounds, Livings-ton

    Farmers Market, 8 a.m.-noon, Saturdaysthrough Oct. 26, Riverside Park, Miles City

    Sunday, June 9

    Festival of Cultures, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.,Rocky Mountain College Campus, Billings

    Wednesday, June 12

    Matthew Quigley Buffalo Rifle Match,

    through June 16, AG Lee Ranch, Forsyth Friday, June 14

    Annual NRA Rodeo, through June 15,Jim Duffy Arena, Gardiner Ranch Rodeo Calcutta, 7 p.m., BisonBar, Miles City

    Saturday, June 15

    Big Timber Farmers Market, Saturdaysthrough Sept. 13, Lions Club City Park,Big Timber

    Livingston Dance Club, country western

    dancing, 7-11 p.m., American Legion,112 N. B St., Livingston

    Ranch Rodeo and Bronc Riding, 1p.m., Eastern Montana Fairgrounds,Miles City Mosquito Run and Bug Walk and Fes-

    tival, street dance, seed-spitting, wing-eat-ing, Miles City

    Wilsall Rodeo, through June 15, WilsallWilsall Local Montana Products and

    Services Show, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., WilsallDance Hall, Wilsall

    Wednesday, June 19

    Little Big Horn Days,( Fort Custer andPlains Indian Exhibit; Train-O-Rama;Quilt Show; Historic Book Fair; Arts andCrafts Fair; Indian Club Dancers; OldWest Youth Parade; 5K Walk/Run; FamilyFun Night; and free Confederate RailroadConcert) through June 23, Hardin

    Thursday, June 20

    1876 Grand Ball, 7:30 p.m., CenterAvenue, Hardin

    Friday, June 21

    Custers Last Stand Re-enactment,through June 23, 2-3 p.m., Hardin

    Food for All 2013 Fundraiser Party

    in Paradise for Food Pantry, MilesPark Band Shell,6 p.m., Livingston

    Saturday, June 22

    June Jubilee, downtown Dillon 100th Fishtail Family Fun Day, Fishtail Erins Hope Project Kids Bow Shoot,

    Spotted Eagle Recreation Area, Miles City

    Beartooth Run, 8:30 a.m., 5K and 10K, Red Lodge

    Sunday, June 23

    Pioneer Day and Open House, 10

    a.m.-4 p.m., Range Riders Museum,Miles City

    Thursday, June 27

    Music on Main Street, 6:30-8:30 p.m.,

    Thursdays through Aug. 15, Bozeman Headwaters Country Jam, through June

    29, the Bridge, Three Forks

    Friday, June 28

    Big Timber Rodeo, through June 29,Big Timber

    Mount Helena Music Festival and Art

    Mart, through June 29, Helena Snowy Mountains Muzzleloaders Ren-

    dezvous, through June 30, Lewistown

    Livingston Art Walk, 5:30-8:30 p.m.,downtown Livingston

    Saturday, June 29

    Sweet Grass Fest, Big Timber Bluegrass Festival, Starting at noon,Pine Creek United Methodist

    Church, 2470 E, River Rd., Livingston

    Sunday, June 30 St. Timothys Summer Music Festival,4 p.m., Sundays through Aug. 25, Ana-

    conda Billings Symphony Orchestra and

    Chorale: Symphony in the Park, Pio-

    neer Park, Billings Trout Unlimited Annual Burgers,

    Beer & Bluegrass fundraiser, 5-9 p.m.,Miles Park, Livingston

    Monday, July 1

    Livingston Roundup Rodeo, throughJuly 4, Park County Fairgrounds, Livings-ton

    Tuesday, July 2

    Depot Festival of the Arts, through July

    4, Rotary Park, Livingston

    Livingston Roundup Parade, 3 p.m.,

    downtown Livingston Home of the Champions Rodeo and

    Parade, through July 4, Red Lodge

    June 2013 21

    June 2013 Calendar

  • 7/28/2019 mtBTJune_13

    22/24

    Q. Whos the hippocampus hero of

    the bird world, displaying its prodigious

    long-term memory?

    A. A Clarks Nutcracker that duringwinter and early spring can locate up to6000 caches of pine seeds it had buriedearlier, answers psychologist David G.Myers. Among all animals, this member ofthe crow family is contender for championmemorist.

    According to Scott Haber of the Cornell

    Lab of Ornithology, Not only do the livesof Clarks Nutcrackers revolve around theirpine seed diet, but the pines themselveshave been shaped by their relationship withthe nutcrackers. In fact, the seeds the birdsdont retrieve play a crucial role in growingnew pine forests.

    Q. If your descendants thousands of

    years from now happen to discover some

    of your writing, will they be able to read

    the text?

    A. Many of the words will likely be

    incomprehensible, even if the people callthemselves speakers of English, saysDavid Robson in New Scientistmagazine. After all, we struggle to readtexts such as Beowulf from just 1,000years ago. Certainly English is in constantflux, as The Oxford English Dictionaryadds 2,000-2,500 words every year,according to one of its editors. Moreover,many grammatical rules are shifting; forexample, irregular verbs that are not usedfrequently are more likely to becomeregular verbs, changing their past tenses.According to Erez Lieberman Aiden andJean-Baptiste Michel of HarvardUniversity, there is a 50 percent chance thatslunk will become slinked within 300years. To be or to have, used in about 1in 10 sentences, have half-lives of nearly40,000 years (the journal Nature). Themore common words are, the longer theytend to linger.

    Short and easy words that representimportant concepts are tough to dislodge, asthe word nama from Beowulf clearlylingers now as name, adds Robson.

    Numbers, question words, and othersimple nouns have similar staying power.So if your descendants do speak a form ofEnglish and happen to read your writingfrom today, they may find some meaning insimple sentences like What is yourname? or I drink water. Theres a slimchance they might even comprehend Hellofrom the year 2013.

    Q. You know of people who talk with

    their hands, but what might an elephant

    talk with?

    A. Amazingly, as reported by hiszookeepers at South Koreas Everland Zoo,Asian elephant Koshik has learned tomimic five words in Korean by sticking histrunk into his mouth and creating human-like tones, says Susan Milius in ScienceNews magazine. These sounds are said toremind Korean speakers of actual words:annyong meaning hello, aniyameaning no, nuo for lie down, anjafor sit down, and the vowel sounds in

    choah for good.Intrigued by these reports, University ofVienna bioacoustician Angela Stoegervisited Koshik and watched as he wouldcurl his trunk from the right side and putthe tip into his mouth before sounding off.While its impossible to see what his trunktip does, the resulting sounds approximatethe pitch of tones in human speech. Itsstill unclear, though, whether Koshik usesthe words


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