f o r wo m e n
march 2009
By CINDY SEASE When I questioned the edibility of jet-black bananas, BLTs for dinner.
The Daily Inter Lake Grandma told me they were “just good and ripe.” I remember an absolutely beautiful doll that I simply
As she taught me to embroider, she cautioned me to had to have. She had long red hair and a black velvet
It was a muggy mid-sum- use all the existing thread up before rethreading my dress and was designed as a decorative piece to dis-
mer evening in the Missouri needle. Using it all up to Grandma meant not tying play on a nicely made bed or a shelf. I was told that
Ozarks. The afternoon thun- the knot until there was roughly 1/16th of an inch of if I wanted her, I would need to pay for her with my
derstorm, while briefly cool- thread remaining, a feat that required dexterity worthy allowance. I remember that she cost $12, an enormous
ing, had driven the humidity of a circus sideshow performer. As an adult, I always sum to one whose allowance was 50 cents a week. I
level well up into the 90 per- feel a twinge of guilt when I tie off with a luxuriant put her on layaway, and stopped in every Saturday to
cent range. inch of thread to spare. make a payment.
The box fan whirred in Although the local Dairy Isle beckoned on those Finally the big day arrived! I was only one penny
the front room while my steamy summer days, Grandma kept big mugs in the short, but surely my mother would give me that need-
Grandma Worley and I stood freezer, frosting them for homemade Coke floats. She ed penny. My mother told me I would need to earn
at her kitchen sink, peeling wanted my brother and I to save our allowances for it, and set me to sweeping out the basement. An hour
potatoes for supper. We each CINDY SEASE more important expenditures. later and a penny richer, I was off to the store to claim
had a small paring knife, and Grandma always kept a garden, and her windowsills my purchase.
Grandma was out-peeling me five to one. She cau- were lined with Big Boy tomatoes ripening in the sun- I took wonderful care of that doll, dusting her and
tioned me to pare the potato skins more thinly, as I shine. She told me stories of her home-grown fruits straightening her dress, pointing her out to my friends
was slicing away about a quarter of each spud that I and vegetables sustaining various aunts, uncles and when we played in my room.
tackled. Frustrated, I asked if I might have an actual cousins who came to “stay for spell” during the diffi- Today’s economic situation will cause us to once
potato peeler to work with. Grandma dug deep in one cult days of the Depression. She was proud of the fact again place value on and care for what we have. We
of the utensil drawers and came up with a wooden- that though money was tight, her garden ensured that will be grateful for our jobs rather than complaining
handled implement. Handing it to me, she told me all had plenty to eat. about them. We will work harder to earn the money to
that I really needed to know how to perform the task My Grandma Sease “took in boarders” during the purchase the things we want and need. We will have
with a knife in the event that I “married a man who Depression era. Her great aunt Thelma and Uncle to prioritize and we will have to sometimes say no. As
couldn’t afford to buy a potato peeler.” John leased an upstairs room with a sitting porch from credit is harder to come by, we will once again learn
At 12, the logical answer was, “Well, if he can’t buy her for $3 a week. Uncle John was a veteran of World about layaway and saving until we can afford things.
me one I’ll get a job and buy it myself.” And I did. War I, and apparently suffered some nasal distress as a We will be slower to decide that something is worn
My grandmother’s comment, however, expressed result of exposure to mustard gas. My father recalled out. We will resole our shoes, mend our clothing, eat
the “frugality mentality” of the Great Depression era. that Uncle John’s days were spent watching the trains our leftovers and be grateful to have them. We will
It’s a mentality that our “entitled” generation viewed go by and inspecting the contents of his immense nos- buy quality rather than quantity.
as quaint and archaic one short year ago. Today, we trils. There are also stories of blind Mrs. Pidcock, who As times get tighter, we will be blessed with the
find ourselves searching our memory banks for those paid my dad a quarter every Saturday to escort her opportunity to practice compassion and generosity.
pearls of wisdom from our elder relatives who sur- downtown. Mrs. Pidcock rented one of the downstairs We can set an extra place at the table for someone who
vived and thrived through the hard times. rooms and lectured my father each week on the value is hungry. We can share an extra room with someone
When Grandma made a pie, she let me make “pig- of a good education. Since he grew up to become a who needs shelter. We can spend the time that used to
tails” with the leftover dough from the crust. The university professor, Mrs. Pidcock’s lectures evidently be devoted to costly travels and entertainment at home
dough was cut into triangles, dotted with butter and paid off. with our families. We can share our hopes and dreams,
sprinkled with cinnamon, then folded over and shaped My Grandma and Grandpa Sease also kept gardens, play games together, cook, bake, garden, read and
into a curve. The “pigtails” went into the oven the and I have memories of Grandpa in his bib top over- visit with friends.
last fifteen minutes or so while the pie was baking, alls on hands and knees collecting strawberries in the Challenges are also opportunities. Choose to find the
and provided an extra little treat for the grandkids. At early mornings. opportunity, and make lemonade from the lemons you
the time, I viewed “pigtails” as a fun bonus on bak- I remember my mother saving change in a Band-Aid are handed.
ing day. Now I also see them as an antidote to waste box. After she and my father were divorced, there
– a way to ensure that every bit of the piecrust dough came a night when we counted out the pennies and Inter Act editor Cindy Sease can be reached at
would be used. took them to the store to buy bacon so we could have 758-4410 or by e-mail at csease@dailyinterlake.com
2 march 2009 graphic design for inter act by anna mahlen
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nurture
"I t wa s one o f t h o s e
Ma r c h da y s whe n t he
s un s h i n e s h o t a n d t he
wi nd b l o w s c o l d: w he n i t
is s u m me r i n t h e l i g h t
e r i n t h e s h a d e. "
PHOTO COURTESY OF KAREN BAKER
a n d wint KAREN BAKER, top center, surrounded by her growing clan of grandchildren;
currently she has 25.
– Charles Dickens
Making the most
out of the least
By KASA ZIPFEL ■ The Daily Inter Lake
T
he recession provides many gifts — formed into new culinary masterpieces.
people are more appreciative of their “A lot of leftovers are better the second
jobs, possessions, and things that are day,” she said. “My sister-in-law won’t
often taken for granted. Penny pinch- eat leftovers and it’s such a waste.”
ing and resourcefulness are viewed as a Currently, her house is home to six
necessary art instead of a frugal form for adults and two of her baby grandchildren.
the stingy. Some women, however, have “Cooking something from scratch is
For Window
been in recession mode long before fore- another way that you show them that you
closures and bank bailouts splattered the love them, that you care about them,”
news and local neighborhoods. Baker said.
Karen Baker came from a family of When you provide a meal from
Blinds of five children and two adults. Growing up
on a farm, she and her family raised their
own vegetables and canned religiously.
scratch for your family, “You know that
they are eating right. That they are eat-
ing healthy.”
Every Kind! “We never had a lot of money to eat out
and at this point in time people are find-
ing out that eating out is a luxury. When
In the United States, less than 10 per-
cent of the entire population meets the
USDA’s dietary MyPyramid recommen-
you come from a large family you have to dations. The categories that people are the
Flathead’s Window Covering Experts make food stretch,” she said.
Between her husband’s four daughters
most deficient in are fresh fruits and veg-
etables. Studies have repeatedly shown
Since 1993 and her four daughters, they provided for that in the end, lack of nutrition ends up
a household of eight children and two costing more than cheap, boxed food that
adults. Her husband is allergic to many contains little or no nutritional value.
things, such as MSG and onion, so eating Although Baker’s budget is tight and
out is a step into the unknown. there are many mouths to feed in her
“You don’t know what you’re getting family, their food has always been rich
when you go out and I’m never sure that in nutrition.
the food is safe for my husband. And it’s “If you can, grow a garden. You can’t
too expensive anyway,” she said. get any healthier than that. That’s the best
Baker constantly reads labels and uti- food,” she advised.
lizes every aspect of food that she can. Supplying the best possible food for
Bones are boiled down for soup stock, her family on a shoestring budget is a
hams are turned into sandwiches, fried up form of nurturing to Baker and a proactive
862-5154 • 3930 Hwy 40 for breakfast and boiled with beans.
“Soups are a big deal. I’ll make a Swiss
choice of empowerment.
“It’s really about giving the best I can
(between Whitefish & Blue Moon) steak and cook it with a can of V8 juice
and eat it for dinner that night with rice
— that’s what it means to me,” she said.
Free Estimates • Satisfaction Guaranteed! and then use it the next day as a soup
base,” she explained.
Writer Kasa Zipfel can be reached
at 758-4457 or by e-mail at
In Baker’s house, leftovers are trans- kzipfel@dailyinterlake.com
4 march 2009 “if you realized how powerful your thoughts are, you would never think a negative thought.” peace pilgrim
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Ideas? Insights? inter act at 406.758.4410 march 2009 5
diversions
Recreating for
recession wallets
By CAROL MARINO ■ The Daily Inter Lake
F
amilies used to an annual spring or Kids and adults can find modeling proj-
summer vacation foray may have to ects as complex or basic as they like, from
reign in their horses a little with the snap together types and simple pine car
current recession’s budget squeeze. For- kits, to multi-stage model rockets and min-
tunately, there’s plenty of fun to be had iature railroads that the whole family can
here at home. build. What’s cool about modeling, Chris
Depression-era kids knew says, is that you can visualize your project
better than to ever claim and customize it to make it uniquely your
boredom or they’d own. And when you’re done, you’ve got
be handed a something tangible to show for your effort.
household chore Wheaton’s rents and sells ice skates, ON THE WEST side of town, Northland
quicker than they along with earth-friendly transportation Hobbies has been open for nearly 30 years.
could fake a stom- options like skateboards, longboards and Owner Steve Harrop has seen trends in hob- Model railroading and model
achache. For most bicycles. Is it possible and practical to bying draw from both the old and the new. building are as popular as ever at
families chores pre-empted get around town via one of these modes? Quilling, for example, has been around Northland Hobbies, and Harrop
leisure time. For play, kids You bet. Pat, the shop’s skateboard expert, since the Renaissance and is still popular also stocks “big boy” toys like
cobbed together their own toys out of stuff recommends adults try out a longboard and with his customers. Papercrafts like scrap- remote-control cars, boats, planes
around the house and yard, played games see just how smooth and stable a ride they booking, stamping and cardmaking are also and helicopters.
like stickball, kick the can, and sandlot ball, offer. With today’s tough economy and inexpensive, easy-to-learn hobbies. Making do doesn’t have to mean
and made their own fun. the price of a gallon of gas see-sawing, As people tightened up their budgets this doing without. Fun can be had by vir-
Today’s families are looking for ways to Wheaton’s bike department is also catering past holiday season, Harrop says Northland tue of our own wiles, whether it be with
stay connected in the age of the microchip to commuters. Hobbies was busy with people interested in in the form of fresh air and exercise, or by
while having some affordable fun. One Owner Margaret LeKander says the rea- making homemade gifts. putting our head and hands to work creating
hobby that has never gone out of style is son her downtown Kalispell store has been In addition to the card-making class something that may end up some day being
model building. Chris, model expert at successful in the world of hobbies and Northland Hobbies offers every Saturday, handed down to the next generation.
Wheaton’s in Kalispell, has seen a big crafts since 1918, is that her staff stays the shop also hosts art classes six days a
increase in the number of families coming on top of the trends and redefines itself as week and stocks plenty of art supplies for Inter Act features editor Carol Marino
into the store that are interested in getting trends change. The bottom line is they sell budding and experienced artists. The store can be reached at 758-4440 or by e-
started in modeling. what’s fun. also caters to beaders and jewelry makers. mail at cmarino@dailyinterlake.com
A paper hat may not be worth passing on to the next
generation, but the simple art of making something on
your own can be just plain fun.
Here’s how to make a pirate’s hat using
today’s newspaper.
Step 1: Read the newspaper.
Step 2: Fold a full-size sheet in half, top to bottom.
Step 3: Fold left to right, and unfold.
Step 4. Fold upper right corner to center line, leaving
an inch of selvage at bottom of paper.
Step 5: Turn over, repeat on other side.
Step 6: Fold up bottom flap; Turn over hat and repeat
on other side.
Step 7: Bring bottom left and right corners together, by
opening and refolding hat in opposite direction.
Step 8: Face hat like a diamond on table. Fold bot-
tom point up to meet top point. Tape at point.
Open. Put on your head. Aargh!
6 march 2009 “to fly, we have to have resistance.” maya lin
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Ideas? Insights? inter act at 406.758.4410 march 2009 7
Living large on lemons
By CAROL MARINO ■ The Daily Inter Lake siblings; once those wore out, the cuffs would
be sewn into jackets to lengthen the sleeves.
H
ere in the Flathead there are many who, The worn collar on a man’s shirt was removed,
at least for now, are insulated from the turned over and re-sewn on the neckline for its
frozen grip of the current recession. second life.
They remain financially stable; their pantries Women persevered. They grew gardens,
are well-stocked, and there’s still something in canned food, sewed their families’ clothes and
the stock portfolio. learned how to “make do.”
Then there are those whose modest incomes Phyllis Clark was born in 1931, the second
have been slimmed down to their unemploy- oldest child in a family of four. In 1927, her
ment check — hardworking people who are mother, who was raised in the Flathead Valley,
suddenly in arrears on their mortgage payments met and married her father; they moved to
and not sure how they’re going to come up with Minnesota where he lived, and their four chil-
enough money for the next tank of gas. dren were born there. Then the stock market
Most of us are somewhere in-between — our went bust and so did Clark’s grandfather’s
bank accounts have a hitch in their giddy-up, bank, and out of necessity the family moved
but we’ve still got our horse. So far, we haven’t back to Creston where Phyllis’s mother’s fam-
had to sign up for “Sodbusting for Dummies” or ily, early pioneers, still had a homestead, and
take a workshop on “Plowing with Your Pets.” where there was food and work.
And, if the light isn’t yet poking through the “Times were tough, says Clark. Her father
end of the tunnel, at least we can still pay our did odd jobs, sold milk and vegetables. An PHOTO COURTESY OF PHYLLIS CLARK
electric bill. ingenious and resourceful man, he eventually PHYLLIS CLARK, age 5, third from the left, poses with her three siblings, Donna, 7; Doris, 4;
Living through a recession takes resourceful- found full-time work, and after a couple years and Lewis, 2. The year is 1936 and they are standing outside of the old west side Methodist
ness, and for most of us it means learning to was able to buy a few acres for $25 “and a lot of church in Kalispell. The girls’ dresses were most likely made from curtains by their mother.
live with less. nerve” — a quote from her mother — and built
Women are known for their “plucky-ness” in a home just outside Kalispell’s city limits.
hard times. During the Depression, they could “Our family was lucky enough to own a Every Sunday morning the children walked Clark and her
make silk purses out of sows’ ears. They came piece of ground to produce our own food about a mile to the old west side Methodist husband Allan, a
up with desserts that were flourless, eggless, — we had a large vegetable garden, milk cow church for Sunday school. Flathead native,
milkless and sugarless; they dished up gar soup. and a couple of pigs,” Clark recalls. “We did Clark’s father, skilled at furniture and cabinet still produce as
Women hunkered down and rode roughshod not know hunger. My mother was an artist at building, also built their custom three-seater much homegrown
alongside their out-of work husbands to keep ‘make-do.’ I sometimes think she invented it. outhouse where the family recycled old cata- food as they can;
their families afloat. “Even though we didn’t live in abject pov- logs for toilet paper. they compost and
Even those who managed to hang on to erty,” Clark says, “We were probably tottering Clark remembers going along with her moth- were into recy-
their jobs during the Great Depression suffered on the brink.” er to the stores and restaurants, pulling a red cling before it ever
huge cuts in pay and hours. Men shined shoes Clark’s folks got through the Depression by wagon of their garden produce to sell for a became fashion-
and sold fruit on street corners, and stood in living in thrift mode — a lifestyle which they little cash. able. Their own four
soup lines for hours. Thousands took to the passed on to their children. They didn’t believe Her mother made the girls’ dresses and adult children inher-
road and rode the rails. The homeless holed up in accruing debt. If they wanted to buy some- undergarments out of flour sacks — “They ited the art of living
in Hoovervilles. thing they saved up for it. were imprinted with ‘Pillsbury’s Best’ on the self-sustainably and PHYLLIS CLARK
Women went to work, often scorned for “If they earned a dollar, they saved a dime,” front and ‘It’s in the Wheat’ in the back.” keep gardens.
taking jobs away from men. A 1940 survey Clark says. They made their own lye soap and rendered Clark’s advice to young people today is,
calculated that 1.5 million married women were Clark still has the shoe last her father brought their own lard from the pigs they slaughtered. “Live within your means and track where your
abandoned by their husbands. Families suf- from Minnesota to the Flathead Valley in 1934 And they never lacked for entertainment. money goes.”
fered, many broke up; but many also weathered in their old Grand Maxwell touring car. He used Children and families depended on the neigh- People aren’t as desperate in this recession
the Depression together, sharing their resources it and a child-sized one to replace the soles on borhood for their social life as much as a as they were during the Great Depression. We
with near and distant relatives and neighbors. the family’s shoes when they wore out — first helping hand. have a safety net, thanks in part to Roosevelt’s
They bought day-old bread, relined coats with templates cut from blotters the banks gave “There were no babysitters in those days. New Deal. But as 2009 wears on most of us
with old blankets, cut adult clothing down to out, and then with leather when they could You went wherever your parents went.” Clark will feel the pinch. The Clarks too had saved
size for their children, split sheets down the afford it. remembers many a night when she went to sleep and invested for their retirement years and lost
middle and re-sewed them to compensate for The whole family was involved in planting, on a pile of coats at the community hall dance. almost half of it when the stock market tanked.
the worn-out areas. weeding and harvesting the garden. Evenings Winters they put together puzzles and played “Once again we will be living by those same
Farm households lived by thrift. After the were spent shelling, shucking and snapping veg- with the blocks, trucks and checkerboard Clark’s principles that got our parents through the hard
family ate the eggs their chickens laid, the shells etables. Since there was father made by hand. Each times,” Clark says. Recalling her Bible lessons
would be dried in the woodstove and fed right no running water, once a sister had one doll apiece she adds, “I hope I never have to know what
back to the chickens. week her mother washed and Christmas gifts were manna tastes like; but if that is my provision I
Recipe for old
Health and beauty aids were simple. Eggs the family’s clothes in the often doll clothes hand will give thanks for it.”
fashioned lemonade
were used as shampoo. Egg whites were used same large copper boiler sewn or knit by mother. Clark is a testament to those whom broadcast
Four lemons
as a facial mask, to draw slivers out of skin used for canning. Bath “We didn’t feel poor,” journalist Tom Brokaw named “The Greatest
1 cup sugar
and heal pimples and boils. Baking soda was time was Saturday night Clark affirms. “We had Generation.” Her generation rose from the
1 quart water
used for everything from curing indigestion in a large, round galva- each other.” When a rela- ashes of the Great Depression, won a war and
Peel lemons and put rinds
and brushing teeth to treating bee stings. nized tub... the cleanest tive once offered to take in went on to give birth to a new generation, both
into a bowl. Cover with sugar
Women rinsed their hair with cider vinegar to went first; the dirtiest, last. one of the children Clark better educated and better off, thanks to their
and let stand a half hour. Boil
make it shine and used it to scrub the floors Then it was time for “The remembers her mother ideals and ingenuity.
water; pour over lemons and
and polish the furniture. No one could afford Grand Ole Opry” with the saying firmly, “No. We’re
sugar. When cool take out
store bought cleaners. family gathered ‘round the
rinds. Squeeze lemons, strain, sticking together.” Inter Act features editor Carol Marino
If you did buy something outright it was radio, a dishpan of pop-
and add to sugar mixture. The legacy Clark’s par- can be reached at 758-4440 or by e-mail
supposed to last forever. Once one child wore corn between them; or lis-
Chill and serve over ice. ents instilled in her and at cmarino@dailyinterlake.com
holes in the ends of their socks, they would tening to one of President her siblings has lasted
be cut down and handed down to the younger Roosevelt’s fireside chats. throughout their lives. See related article on page 10.
8 march 2009 “an optimist is the human personification of spring.” susan j. bissonette
art
PHOTOS COURTESY OF CLOVER ANAQUOD
The art of being a powwow princess
By KASA ZIPFEL ■ The Daily Inter Lake
W
hen faced with what seemed to be the year. Art, however, is subjective and the considered in the judging. much,” MaTia said.
the imminent death of her grand- dancer makes the decision to wear however As powwow royalty, MaTia travels to When she and her family go out in public,
daughter, a grandmother found many cones they like. powwows throughout Montana, the United she notices that people stare at them, until
divine intervention in a dream. While For champion Jingle Dress dancer MaTia States and Canada, dancing and representing her mother waves at them and they turn
sleeping, she was presented with instruc- Rattling Thunder Anaquod, the dance her culture as well as UM’s Kyi-yo club. away. Despite difficulties trying to fit in
tions on how to make her granddaughter remains a prayer. When she steps into the Like her mother, MaTia is an enrolled at school, MaTia believes in maintaining a
well. She was instructed how to pray to dancing circle at a powwow she dances for member of the Fort Peck Assiniboine and positive outlook.
heal her granddaughter. Among the gifts her family, for those both living and those Sioux Tribe of Montana and was born and “I like to try to be happy everyday and
she was given were a medicine dance, spe- who have passed on. She dances for those raised on her reservation. MaTia’s Nakona have fun with my family and friends,”
cific directions on how to construct the who are ill and who are unable to dance. (Assiniboine) name is Wamni Doba Nusa she said.
dress for the dance and particular songs In each dance, she prays, and tries to not Wiya. Translated into English it means MaTia is proactively using her experi-
for the dance. get “bucked off.” Swift Four Eagle Woman. When MaTia was ences and position as Miss Kyi-yo Princess
Rolled metal cones adorn the Jingle Dress “When you are dancing, you’re supposed to 2 years old, her mother was given this name to spread knowledge and understanding.
and jingle throughout the dance, resonat- end on beat with the drum. If you don’t, you in a dream. She and her family, including her stepfather
ing like raindrops on a tin roof. When get “bucked off” because it’s a competition The Anaquod family now resides in Darcey and her little brother Matthew, are
the grandmother danced, her granddaughter between the dancer and the drum. When the Missoula, as Clover recently graduated trying to break down cultural barriers and
perked up and as the dancing progressed, dancer gets bucked off the drum wins, but if University of Montana with a Bachelor of perpetuate understanding by teaching class-
she became revived and well. By the end of the dancer ends on beat then the dancer wins,” Science degree in health and human perfor- es throughout Northwest Montana called
the dancing, the granddaughter was mov- explained MaTia’s mother, Clover Anaquod. mance. Adjusting to life off the reservation “Powwow Etiquette, Protocol and Cultural
ing along with the songs, mimicking her Last year, MaTia competed in the has been one of the biggest challenges for Sensitivity 101.”
grandmother’s dancing. Univeristy of Montana Native American 16-year old MaTia. For more information visit www. cspd.
The story of the origin of Jingle Dress danc- Student Association Kyi-yo Powwow and She attends Hellgate High School, is a net. The 2009 Kyi-yo Powwow will be held
ing has many different interpretations and is became Miss Kyi-yo Princess. To become varsity cheerleader but still feels as though April 17 and 18 at UM in the Adams Center.
even interpreted differently by dancers. The Miss Kyi-yo, participants must write a per- she lives in two worlds. One of the greatest For more information visit www.umt.edu/
cones that adorn the dress were tradition- sonal essay, display superb public speaking challenges she believes she’s faced in life so kyiyo/powwow.htm
ally made out of the lid of Copenhagen cans abilities, raise donations for the powwow far is “being Native American in an almost
but a variety of other objects can be used. princess committee — a penny equals a vote, all non-native school,” she said. Writer Kasa Zipfel can be reached
Women are supposed to wear 365 cones on and answer a series of questions. Dancing “Some kids make racial remarks but at 758-4457 or by e-mail at
their Jingle Dress, representing each day of style and beauty of regalia are also factors I try not to let it hurt my feelings too kzipfel@dailyinterlake.com
“the greatest part of our happiness depends on our dispositions, not our circumstances.” martha washington march 2009 9
savvy
Ways and means —
Local resources in recession times
By CAROL MARINO ■ The Daily Inter Lake
In 1933, at the worst point of the Great multi-family/senior rentals; rental/fuel tance program for families with children
The American dream
Depression, one in four Americans who
wanted to work — more than 15 million
assistance and weatherization; in-home
care; financial education; tax prepara-
tion. The Web site has links to local and
in the home.
WIC - Supplemental Nutrition Program
for Women, Infants and Children
is alive and well
— was unable to find a job. It wasn’t until
state assistance programs. By KASA ZIPFEL ■ The Daily Inter Lake
the United States entered World War II in Employment and Training Department United Way — Extensive range of
December 1941 that the unemployment — Job skill training, counseling, search human services and emergency service Although things may seem bad in America, by international
rate finally dropped below 10 percent. assistance through Workforce Investment providers in Western Montana. comparison, Americans still have a much higher standard of life
That Depression hit before federal pro- Act (WIA); Youth and Displaced 40 Appleway Dr., P.O. Box 7217, than the majority of the world. Even unemployed Americans
grams such as food stamps and unem- Homemaker programs. Kalispell MT 59904; 752-7266 or 1-888- still fare better than the half of the world that lives on less than
ployment insurance ever existed. There WoRC - Workforce Readiness 720-7266.
$2 a day.
was very little government relief avail- Component Program — Assist those on
public assistance to become self-sufficient. Montana 211 database — Easy-to-use According to Marlen Calderon, police officers in her native
able to the poor or those who were sud- database that connects people in need to Colombia can take up to two hours to respond to a call and
denly in dire financial straits. Area IX Agency on Aging — information about services in their commu- kidnappings are a regular feature on nightly news. Colombia
President Roosevelt’s New Deal pro- Comprehensive local resource for persons nities; www.montana211.org lacked the safety and opportunity to set Calderon’s maternal
gram helped reduce unemployment, 60 and older on social/ health services; mind at ease. She sought opportunities for her sons to go to col-
assist businesses and agriculture, regulate emergency intervention; legal services; Montana Legal Services Association— lege and unless she was wealthy, there was no hope or help for
banking and the stock market, and pro- food/clothing/housing assistance; Meals www.mtlsa.org — Online resource for them to do so in Colombia. Calderon followed her family and
vide security for the needy, elderly and on Wheels Program; transportation; senior legal advice for low income people; Legal
home repair/companion care. Helpline-1-800-666-6899 —
immigrated to America six years ago. Her sister teaches Spanish
disabled. Thanks in part to the New Deal, in Columbia Falls and brought her mother to America.
160 Kelly Road, Kalispell, MT 59901; www.Montanafreefile.org — Free
today there’s a wealth of resources avail- 758-5730; 1-800-266-4188 online tax preparation/filing When she and her sons drove to Helena to swear in for U.S.
able to those with the greatest need. www.westernmontanaagingservices.org citizenship, the family hit a patch of ice, started sliding, flipped
As of last month, the number of laid- Neighbors in Need — Fund of last 360 degrees and ended up in the ditch. The car was pulled from
off workers in the U.S. seeking unem- Flathead County Home Health Agency resort for temporary shelter, rent, utilities the ditch by an unknown but friendly passerby “for free.”
ployment benefits hit 5 million. Flathead — Nursing/home health services, physical/ gas, food, car repair; P.O. Box 8721, “He wouldn’t take any money,” she said.
County has been hit particularly hard occupational/speech therapy and more. Kalispell, MT 59903; 752-8181 or 1-800- Calderon believes that Americans are friendlier and more inclined
— the county’s most recently available 736 S. Main St., Kalispell, MT 59901; 332-8425.
751-6800. to helping one another than what she experienced in Colombia.
unemployment rate is 8.7 percent — the “More people volunteer here,” she said. “At the hospital, people
There are numerous nonprofit agencies
fourth highest in the state. Flathead City-County Health Department that can help with housing and home own- are always helping each other and bringing each other food.”
Here’s a partial list of agencies, pro- — Immunizations, WIC nutrition program, ership opportunities: Although she adamantly states that Colombian food is
grams and resources in our area: reproductive health, tobacco cessation, American Dream Montana — P.O. Box healthier than American food, she also explained that the wages
children’s safety programs. 8061, Kalispell, MT 59904; 858-2206. were low and prices were high. Calderon spent two years mak-
Flathead Job Service — Provides job 1035 First Ave. W., Kalispell; 751-8110. ing payments on a television and radio. Cars are so expensive
seekers with search, referral, resume writ- Center for Real Estate and ETHIC
that owning one is rare. American wages are higher and prices
ing and job application assistance. Flathead Community Health Center (Encouraging the Home Ownership Ideal
Kalispell — 427 First Ave. E.; 758-6200 — Health and dental care and preventa- for Communities) — Nonprofit certified, are lower, she said. Although Calderon finds that America
Columbia Falls — 125 Sixth St. W; tive care for adults and children on sliding mortgage, foreclosure prevention counsel- offers more opportunities for education, retirement and work
892-2411 fee scale. ing, home buyer and consumer programs. for her family, she still faces universal challenges as a single
Flathead City-County Health P.O. Box 1457, Kalispell MT 59903; working mother of three boys.
www.ourfactsyourfuture.org — Link on Department, 1035 First Ave. W., Kalispell, 257-6627 or 800-739-4692. When she first came to Kalispell, she reached the point
the Montana.gov Web site. For career MT 59901; 751-8113 of tears after facing discrimination while applying for jobs
assistance, job seekers can log on to The www.flatheadhealth.org Glacier Affordable Housing Foundation, because she didn’t speak English very well. After submitting
Career Center for advice on switching to c/o Glacier Bank — Down payment and
or training for a new career, and up-to-date Shepherd’s Hand Clinic — Non-emer- closing cost assistance to first-time home
several applications, North Valley Hospital gave her an oppor-
information on over 800 occupations. gency medical care, first come, first seen, buyers who qualify. tunity to work in the cafeteria, a job she loves and looks forward
Mondays 6-10 p.m. 5150 Riverlakes P.O. Box 27, Kalispell, MT 59903; to every day. Practicing her English at work, she additionally
Flathead Valley Community College Pkwy., Whitefish; 862-2615. 758-7741 studies three nights a week. It’s her dream to master English,
777 Grandview Dr., Kalispell, MT “and find an American husband who’s very sweet,” she said
59901 Touch of Grace Free Medical Clinic Habitat for Humanity — Builds homes and laughed.
Adult Learning Center — Adult — Non-emergency medical care, for families in need utilizing homeowner Her oldest son will graduate Flathead High School this year
Basic Education, GED, English as a Tuesdays, 6 p.m.; or call for an appoint- sweat equity and community volunteers. and is in the process of applying to colleges. Next year, her
Second language and basic literacy ment, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to P.O. Box 2836, Kalispell, MT 59903;
classes; 756-3884. Friday. Salvation Army, 110 Bountiful Dr., 257-8800.
middle son will graduate and do the same. And Marlen works at
Career Center — Counseling for stu- Kalispell; 257-HELP (4357). the hospital during the day, cleans local businesses at night and
dents and general public; 756-3890. Rural Housing Service — Low income pursues her dream of mastering the English language.
Continuing Education — Courses to Office of Public Assistance loans and financing options for home pur-
upgrade job skills or for personal enrich- 121 Financial Dr., Suite A, Kalispell, chase/repairs.
Writer Kasa Zipfel can be reached at 758-4457 or
ment; 756-3832. MT; 751-5900; or 1-800-332-2272. 450 Corporate Dr., Suite 111, Kalispell, by e-mail at kzipfel@dailyinterlake.com
SNAP - Supplemental Nutrition MT 59901; 756-2005.
Community Action Partnership of Assistance Program (formerly the federal
Northwest Montana (Formerly Northwest Food Stamp Program) Easy-to-use debit Whitefish Housing Authority
Montana Human Resources) www.nmhr- card (EBT card) to qualifying low-income — Housing choice vouchers; low income
dist10.org people; www.dphhs.mt.gov/programsser- housing for elderly/disabled; and first time
214 Main St., Kalispell, MT 59901; vices/foodstampprogramoverview.shtml home ownership
752-6565, 1-800-344-5979. Medicaid 343 Central Ave., Whitefish, MT
Information and programs on hous- TANF - Temporary Assistance for 59937; 862-4143.
ing/foreclosure prevention counseling; Needy Families — Federal cash assis-
10 march 2009 “and as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. as we are liberated from our fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” marianne williamson
Join Us For The Famous Weekend Event!
43rd Annual
43rd Annual
CRESTON AUCTION
CRESTON AUCTION
April 4th • 9:00am - General Merchandise Sale
April 5th • Noon - Auto, RV, Boat & Equip Sale
Fundraiser for the
Creston Fire Department
We sell for you. Bring your items to
sell to the Creston School grounds
on Friday, April 3rd and we’ll take
care of the rest — you get a check
in the mail after the Auction. Great
chance to make some money and
help out the Creston Fire Dept!
Hot food, entertainment for the
kids, crafts, bake sale, rummage
sale and much, much more!
Questions? Call Gloria at 2 50- 76 93 or visit
250-7693
the website at: www.crestonfire.org
HUGE SHOE &
BOOT SALE
• Buy 2 Pair Shoes,
G et 3rd FREE
• Women’s Undies ~
Buy 2 Pair,
G et 3rd FREE
• Entire Voluptuous
Section 30% Off
• 25% Off Jewelry
Sale ends March 15th
Suit Your Fancy
Mon.-Sat.
Fine Lingerie
11-6 280 2nd Ave EN, Kalispell 755-8369
721137
Ideas? Insights? inter act at 406.758.4410 march 2009 11
C a s s i e Nordtome
Cassie N o rd t om e
Esthetician
and
K r is t en Baer
Kristen B ae r
Cosmetologist
Featuring:
• Precision Cutting
• Customize and Corrective Color
• Facials
• Eyebrow Waxing
• Eyebrow Tinting
• Body Waxing
Cassie Kristen • Coming Soon - Eye Lash
Extensions
A F ull Service Salon
Full S erv ice S alo n
Kalispell Center Mall
Ka lisp ell Cent er M all
Beauty Connection
20 North Main St., Kalispell
Nort h Ma in St ., K alis pel l
752-8094
75 2-80 94
720217
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12 march 2009 Ideas? Insights? inter act at 406.758.4410