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Preparing for the gardening season invariably includes weed and water management. Useful tools, besides the hose and hoe, are mulches. Once vegetable plants have sprouted and are three to four inches tall, the use of a mulch can reduce weeding, keep the soil cool, reduce pathogens and help maintain even soil moisture and temperature. Mulching guru Ruth Stout suggested in her book “Gardening Without Work” that mulches will decompose into the soil and more must be added through the season. The mulch will add to soil organic matter and enrich the...
After recently adopting a stray Siamese kitty and having one irreversibly damaged eye of hers removed by a colleague, I have since shared several photos and stories of her ridiculous antics on social media. It has surprised me to read how many people have commented that they "know nothing about cats." Well... here goes! It is estimated that Felis catus domesticated themselves in the Middle East around 10,000 years ago. While humans had a hand in domesticating most species (wild chickens for...
The northern pike (Esox Lucius) is at the top of the food chain in many of Montana's rivers and lakes. This adaptable species was first observed in Lindsay Reservoir (Dawson County, Montana) in 1950, but has since expanded its range. This spring, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks biologists started tagging pike in the Missoula area to help better understand their movements. The expansion and survival of northern pike is largely due to their voracious appetite-they'll eat anything that will fit in...
Maybe you've heard of the Long-term Care Ombudsman program, but maybe you're wondering what exactly they do, or more importantly how can they help ME? Regardless of age, if you or someone you know lives in long-term care, the answer is YES! We can help! We're here for you. Ombudsmen are advocates for people living in long-term care, as well as people who are receiving temporary care which requires a short-term stay. For example, maybe you are a person who has lived in a nursing home for many...
There are many people who cannot stop doing. They must do, do, do, all the time, at least that's what they believe. This doing, this continual activity, can be understood in several ways. So, let's take a look! By doing something all the time, a person can avoid other aspects of life that might need attention. The children might need attention; the house or apartment might need attention; a parent or family member might need attention. Being in continual motion or doing constant activity can be...
In both 1993 and 1995, the Department of Geology at the University of Montana did a study called "Cumulative Effects of Domestic Sewage Disposal on Groundwater of Missoula County: An analysis of Carrying Capacity" for the Missoula County Commissioners. There were testing sites throughout the county, but the ones we are interested in are those in Seeley Lake. They monitored the area by the airport, downtown and Camp Paxson. AIRPORT: The earth materials are glacially derived unsorted sand and...
Going into the last Legislative session, the Republican majority delivered across the board. We implemented the first phase of our tax cuts to put money back in the pockets of workers and situate Montana's economy to better compete with our neighbors. This includes HB191 which was the first property tax relief for seniors living on a fixed income in 20 years (This was a constituent bill from Potomac!). This also included HB663 which uses revenue from adult-use marijuana taxes to fund our...
Missoula Aging Services (MAS) is pleased to announce they have filled the Rural Resource Specialist position in the MAS Seeley-Swan Resource Center. Kristin Mason, of Seeley Lake, will be taking over the duties previously held by Linda Howard. "The Agency would like to recognize the years of service and dedication provided by Linda. She was instrumental in providing education and guidance to the Seeley-Swan communities, and we are thankful for the difference she made during her time in that posi...
As the snow leaves and bare dirt is visible, gardeners are ready to dig in, literally. What we call the beginning of the growing season often starts with the garden cleaning up season. Gardeners are eager to rake up leftover plant material and mulches and see the bare dirt. Although the bare dirt does warm up faster than mulched ground, there are others to consider in our garden ecosystem. As the soil warms, the garden ecosystem begins to come alive. The Natural Resources Conservation Service...
After last year's Legislative session, and the FWP commission meeting this spring, hunters can expect to see some changes to the regulations this year. Consult the newest edition of the regulations each year, as they may change annually or add clarification for specific rules. The new license year began on March 1 so all anglers are now required to have their 2022 Fishing License. All regulations are available in print or at: fwp.mt.gov/hunt/regulations. This spring, black bear hunters will be...
With the return of spring soon upon us, we will be spending more time outdoors with our animal companions. This is an excellent time to discuss Heartworms! Heartworms are actual worms that are a significant cause of infection and disease throughout our entire country. As dogs move around and with our lifestyles pushing further into wildlife territories we will continue to see Heartworm infections increase. Dogs, including coyotes, wolves and foxes, are the natural host for Heartworms...
The Importance of Proper Liquid Waste Disposal Why do we care about correct liquid wastewater effluent disposal? Here are a few reasons: • Environmental protection: Improper wastewater effluent disposal can hurt the surrounding environment. It can affect the balance of aquatic ecosystems and kill marine organisms. Or it can seep into the soil, kill plants, destroy natural habitats and cause biodiversity loss. • Human health protection: Inadequate wastewater effluent disposal can also make peo...
I plan to present dreams from time-to-time to help us understand the origin and meanings of dreams. All dreams originate in the human psyche (human psychology). There are two major types of dreams: personal and collective dreams. Personal dreams provide the dreamer with insights and meanings about their personal psychology. Collective dreams provide the dreamer with meanings and insights about a social situation. Yes, we can dream dreams that inform us about something other than ourselves! The...
Missoula Aging Services (MAS) announced that it will be participating in a special March for Meals celebration honoring the 50th anniversary of the Older Americans Act Nutrition Program, the federal legislation that helps to fund community-based programs like Meals on Wheels. Throughout the month of March, MAS will join the national Meals on Wheels network to raise awareness and rally support for this vital public-private partnership that has helped provide the seniors in Missoula County, includ...
Because it isn't good for our living environment. When a septic system fails, it causes untreated sewage to be released and transported to where it shouldn't be. This may cause sewage to come to the surface of the ground around the tank or the drainfield or to back up in pipes in the building. The sewage could also find its way into groundwater, surface water or marine water without us ever seeing it. The sewage carries pathogens and other dangerous contaminants. Exposure to these pathogens and...
Missoula Aging Services is pleased to announce the launch of an exciting new service available to clients in the Seeley-Swan Valley. The Money Management Program is designed to aid older and at-risk adults who are finding difficulties in managing their personal financial affairs. Clients enrolled in the Money Management Program receive peace of mind in knowing essential bills are paid so their most important needs are met including shelter, food, clothing and healthcare. Undeposited checks or un...
What does dark matter have to do with psychology? Most likely not much but it does enable us to take a new approach to understanding the unconscious (our hidden psychology). Dark matter is everywhere in the universe and makes up a large percentage of physical matter but it cannot be seen. It is considered to be over six times more abundant than the matter we can see, but, again, it does not reflect light. Scientists discovered the existence of dark matter by its affects; that is, its gravitation...
Have you ever taken a moment to peek into your pet's mouth? Your veterinarian probably does when you bring them in for a Wellness Exam but pet parents should make this a regular part of caring for their pets, too. Chewing food is the principal function of a pet's teeth but they also aid in food gathering, playing and training young ones. They can also be formidable weapons in some species (if you have ever trained a ferret you are likely nodding your head!) Taking care of an animal's dentition...
1) Have your septic tank system inspected and pumped regularly Sludge in large quantities can only be eliminated by a professional pumper. You should have a pumper inspect your septic system to determine if the accumulation of solid waste is too high and needs to be removed. It is recommend the average septic system should be inspected every 3-5 years. Five key factors that influence the frequency with which you'll need to have your septic system pumped: household size, total wastewater...
Happy New Year all. I hope you had a healthy and happy holiday season and are now finding yourselves ready to take on 2022. Wow, it's hard to believe it's already 2022 - every year there is a bit of awkwardness around saying or writing a new year, somehow it just doesn't feel normal. That having been said, if we've learning nothing from the past two years, it's how to function with hiccups and uncertainties: having to cancel plans with family and friends, how to work on Zoom meetings instead of...
As the New Year begins, we'd like to share a story with you of how a local family was able to fulfill their promise. Local residents like Les and his family can find support to navigate life's changes at Missoula Aging Services. After serving in World War II and then working for the railroad for 25 years, Les was happy to retire in the beautiful Bitterroot Valley. Les' retirement didn't last long. He was soon back keeping busy as a clerk at the local Post Office but that initial feeling stuck...
What is a dog symbol? For that matter, what is a conditioned instinct? Well, when we look at dreams, most images in dreams are symbols. Symbols are expressions from the human psyche (our psychology and more) that have deep and varied meanings. A dream image of a car, for example, is a symbol with a variety of meanings, such as the way we move through life. Frequently the symbol of a dog in a dream represents a conditioned instinct. To understand this, we must ask: What is a conditioned...
Readers of the Pathfinder have enjoyed the special feature “20/35 Year Look Back” during this past year. Since Double Arrow Ranch was in existence 35 years ago, let’s take a look at what it was in 1986 (35 years ago), and how it had changed by 20 years ago in 2001. In 1986, the most recent phases of the Ranch were eight years old. While it was an established subdivision, in many ways it showed its youth. The Homeowners Association as we know it today, Double Arrow Ranch Landowners Association (DARLOA), was still coming into existence. Since...
It's that holiday time of year when we give thanks and gifts to our neighbors, friends and family. I want to let you know how grateful I am for you. It truly is an honor to represent our district. November was an especially busy month legislatively. I attended the national conference for legislators and I learned a great deal on everything from economic issues to bringing dignity back to politics and I was asked to present on college access and affordability. In order to address the housing...
Missoula Aging Services (MAS) announced the expansion of a program to connect older adults with online resources, family and friends. Technology can address many of the challenges associated with social isolation during the pandemic but some of our older neighbors have limited access to computers or an Internet connection. Others have outdated equipment without cameras or microphones, leaving them unable to take advantage of telehealth opportunities to stay connected to their physicians. MAS...
