| Reaching out to kids Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch celebrates 50th anniversary
It sure makes a difference when you know somebody cares. That's the motto for the Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch which celebrated 50 years of caring for troubled boys and girls. The celebration luncheon held at Sidney's Elks Lodge was only one of several to be held around the state and out of state as far south as Arizona.The ranch is a licensed and accredited mental health center providing both residential and community based services including programs such as "LIFE: Living Independently," fostering employment, youth case management, school partnership programs, therapeutic foster care and community homes. Each of these programs is designed to help both the children and the families involved to make better lives. In fact, the organization's mission is to promote the emotional, behavioral, spiritual and physical development of children, adolescents and their families.The 400-acre ranch is located on the edge of Billings and provides not only a safe haven for troubled kids but also psychiatric services for emotionally disturbed youth.
Influenza hits area in usual fashion
Local influenza rates are typical for this time of year, based on reports from schools and assisted living facilities, according to the head of Clark County's communicable disease program. The disease was spotlighted last week when a rare complication caused the death of a 7-year-old Seattle-area girl. "It's unusual to have a death in that age group," said Marni Storey, Clark County's public health services manager. Some student absences in local schools have been attributed to influenza, but "it's similar to what we've seen across the state," Storey said. "There are some schools with absence rates greater than 10 percent, and it appears to be influenza illness. At a couple of those schools, tests were positive for influenza A," Storey said.
JACKEL: Persistence leads to special memory
As my index finger tapped nervously on the "2" button of my telephone key pad that summer day in 2003, I contemplated just who would answer once I had the nerve to place my call.I had recently read a brief item in Sports Illustrated that Kenosha native Ray Berres, pitching coach of the 1959 American League pennant-winning "Go Go" Chicago White Sox and a man who once squatted behind the plate as Babe Ruth menacingly cocked his bat, was alive and well in Twin Lakes - just 40 miles or so southwest of Racine. Furthermore, it was my understanding that the widowed Berres was quite lucid at the age of 96, even though word had it that he was somewhat reclusive and discouraged interview requests.How could I pass up this opportunity? Here was one of the last links in the world to a cherished era of sports and this somewhat mysterious figure was practically living a couple of Barry Bonds home run shots away from my door.Exhaling, I placed the call and summoned my courage."Hello?" a man answered in an obviously elderly, yet clear voice."Hi, Mr.
Consider the options for long-term care insurance
With medical advances and improved nutrition, the average American now has a life expectancy of about 77.9 years. Many surpass that average. That's good news. But with a longer life span, there's a greater chance of facing serious health problems later in life. Right now, the average daily rate for nursing home care is about $181 a day or $66,000 a year according to recent industry survey. Home care can be more or less costly, depending on needs. With inflation ahead, these costs could have a significant impact to anyone on a fixed income. While there's no way to know just who will face long-term health challenges, it is easy to see the associated costs could wipe out your savings or place a burden on other family members for your care. Most health insurance policies don't cover long-term care expenses.
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