We've Got The County Covered
We've Got The County Covered
Making up for missed opportunities, the Chinook Senior Citizens' Center Board has named their 2021 Senior of the Year (SOY): Elaine Campbell. Both Campbell and the 2020 SOY, Roger Fischer, will be honored in an Open House Luncheon at the Chinook Senior Citizens' Center on April 22 at noon.
Elaine (Maloney) Campbell was born in Malta in 1937. She spent her childhood on the Maloney family cattle and sheep ranch East of Turner on Woody Island Creek near the town of Chapman. In this remote community named for railroad agent A. P. Chapman, Campbell experienced some of her fondest memories. Among them are attending country and community school dances where the culture of the diverse European immigrants was on display. Watching her Irish parents dancing also brought her special joy: "That's when I saw my parents the happiest," Campbell stated.
After Campbell graduated from Malta High School in 1954, she went on to Columbus School of Nursing in Great Falls to receive her nurse's training. In 1957, Campbell returned to Malta and worked at the hospital there. While in Malta, she met Walt Campbell, whom she married in 1963. Walt's position as a signal maintainer for the railroad took the couple to Great Falls where three of their children were born: Kevin in 1964, Patrick in 1965, and Erin in 1966. That same railroad job brought the family to Chinook early in 1968, and later that year, their final daughter, Colleen entered the world.
While raising her family, Campbell worked several health care-related positions. In 1970, shortly after the Sweet Memorial Nursing Home opened, she functioned as a relief nurse on weekends. She also found employment with Child and Maternal Health, Blaine County Nurse's Office, and Indian Health Services in both Rocky Boy and Harlem. Additionally, she performed as School Nurse in Chinook and for a brief time in Harlem, as well. From 1976-1982, she served with the Blaine County Ambulance Crew.
St. Gabriel's Catholic Church was another recipient of Campbell's talent since she volunteered with the Altar Society, taught CCD classes, and led more than a dozen cursillos, sharing her vocal and musical gifts. A cursillo is an experience that leads participants to discover and better live what is fundamental in Christianity. In other ministries, Campbell and her husband played guitar Masses at church services across the Hi-Line. They even put in a few years providing leadership to the Boy Scouts of America.
As much as Campbell's life revolved around nursing, it also swirled around music. Since she was seven years old, Campbell can remember playing some musical instrument and singing. Her childhood dream was to be an artist, so she took art lessons, but visual art wasn't her destiny. In high school band, she played the French horn, suggesting that her band instructors used her for comic relief because, in her words, she wasn't that good. Eventually, Walt taught her to play guitar, and today she still plays the electric bass and rhythm guitar.
"I spent most of my life chasing music and dancing. I had second thoughts about being in a band, though, because it took dancing from me. I loved to dance when I could still do that," Campbell reported. "I've also written some poetry."
Both Campbell and her husband were from musical families, and the couple shared that love of music with their children. "We had a family band that we called Campbell Country." Playing for weddings, country dances, and at bars over the years, much of their music was volunteer. Yet, Campbell admitted, "We had to cover expenses, so sometimes we charged a fee. I wanted all of my children to play on good equipment, and instruments are expensive, so when we charged, that's how the money got spent."
When the children were grown, the two elder Campbells continued to perform at 4-H events, county fairs, and community affairs such as the Sugarbeet Festival, the Montana Country Poets and Pickers Gathering, and the Chinook Senior Center. Their entertainment at the Center began when Mary Pyette said, "We have to do something to liven this place up!" That declaration gave rise to the ritual of Friday music jam sessions. Campbell has been playing in both Chinook and at the Havre Senior Center for thirty years now.
A country-girl at heart, Campbell also enjoys gardening. Although she doesn't do much of it anymore, she likes growing plants and flowers in her yard.
"I've led a very blessed life. It has been an adventure all the way," Campbell concluded.
About Campbell's selection, Director of the Chinook Senior Center, Karyn Higgins stated: "Not only does Elaine participate in Center activities, she takes time out of her own life to entertain us. We're grateful for that."
Higgins invites everyone in the community to join in the celebration of two "lives well-lived." Although the honoring of the two will begin following lunch, the community is invited to come for the meal, as well.
Board Member Peggy Perry suggested that anyone wishing to have lunch that day and join in the celebration should call before 10:00 on April 22, or any time prior to April 22, so that diners can be included in the lunch count. The celebratory menu is roast beef, mashed potatoes, vegetables, and a lemon bar. Cost is $5.00 for seniors and $6.00 for all others. Music will follow.
"Entertainment will be provided by the band, which includes both of our honorees," Perry stated.
