This quote is often wrongfully attributed to Arnold Gingrich, editor and co-founder of Esquire magazine. The two men were good friends, and fished a lot together.
Rock Creek is a 52-mile river stretching through Missoula and Granite counties in western Montana. A tributary of the Clark Fork River, Rock Creek's headwaters are in Lolo National Forest near Phillipsburg, Mont. A world class trout stream, Rock Creek parallels the Sapphire Mountains and enters the Clark Fork near Clinton, Mont.
Rock Creek in western Montana offers beauty and outstanding fishing when hatches are at their peak. Rock Creek, 2007
The afternoon sun illuminates the side of a cutthroat trout as it breaks the surface of the water as it fights after being hooked. Rock Creek, 2008
Stonefly nymph skins remain clinging onto reeds along the bank of Rock Creek. Rock Creek, 2008
A Golden Stonefly clings to a blade of grass along the bank of Rock Creek. The Golden hatch begins in June on Rock Creek and will continue through July in parts of western Montana. Rock Creek, 2008
The earth awakens as the rising sun sheds its light over Harry's Flat Campground. Rock Creek, 2013
Rock Creek runs high in June as the runoff continues to fill the river. Rock Creek, 2008
Brown with sediment brought by runoff, the swirling waters of Rock Creek progress towards the Clark Fork River. Rock Creek, 2013
Backlit reeds sway in the current of Rock Creek. Rock Creek, 2008
A Salmonfly remains quiet on some leaves just after sunrise on Rock Creek. Rock Creek, 2007
A beautiful rainbow trout pulled from Rock Creek caught on a perfect stonefly. Rock Creek, 2013
A spider takes advantage of the Golden Stonefly activity on Rock Creek and catches one in mid-flight while hanging from a single strand of web. Rock Creek, 2008
Angler Kurt Ross makes his way back to camp with a couple of trout after a day of fishing as early evening sun paints the forest with its golden light. Rock Creek, 2008
Stars show off above canyon walls as pine trees are illuminated by camera flash on a moonless night on Rock Creek. Rock Creek, 2013
Stretching for 2,341 miles, the Missouri River is the longest river in North America. When combined with the lower Mississippi River, it forms the fourth largest river system in the world. One of the main routes for the westward expansion of the United States during the 19th century, and of course playing a crucial role in the famed Lewis and Clark Expedition, it enters the Mississippi River north of St. Louis, Mo.
Nick Erler checks the guides on his rod while preparing to fish the Missouri near Craig, Mont., on a beautiful July evening. Missouri River, 2013
The last light of the day writes its signature in the sky over a farmer's field in the Missouri River Valley. Missouri River, 2008
In a flurry of motion, Caddis and mayflies hover over the Missouri River as the evening sun illuminates them with magical light. Missouri River, 2007
Surrounded by golden light, Kurt Ross casts for brown trout on the Missouri River. Missouri River, 2013
Encompassed by evening Caddis and mayfly activity mingling with the orange and gold hues cast by the descending sun, Nick Erler enjoys a magical evening on the Missouri River. Missouri River, 2013
Kurt Ross observes the water after a cast as the sun sets on the Missouri River. Missouri River, 2008
After the sun leaves the sky, fishing becomes spectacular yet challenging on the Missouri River. Using streamers, anglers can catch big brown trout that attack with such force it will scare you if you're not expecting it. Combine that with a moonless sky, and the adventure of night fishing can become a scary addiction. Missouri River, 2008
Stars streak as the earth turns during a long exposure along the Missouri River as light from Hauser Dam reflects off the canyon walls and the rocks dotting the bank. Missouri River, 2013
Beneath flickering starlight, angler Nick Erler casts for brown trout beneath Hauser Dam on the Missouri River near Helena, Mont. The orange glow on the canyon rocks is the result of the dam's light shining from about a half-mile upstream. Missouri River, 2013
An angler gets some last casts in on the Missouri River as the sun sets behind mountains surrounding the big water. Missouri River, 2007
One of three main forks of the Flathead River, and a tributary of the Clark Fork River, the South Fork Flathead River is a major river in Northwestern Montana. At about 98 miles long, the north-northwest trending river is the second longest tributary of the Flathead River, and begins in the Bob Marshall Wilderness south of Glacier National Park.
Facing west, the South Fork of the Flathead River bends greatly as it flows south out of Hungry Horse Reservoir. The spectacular beauty of Flathead National Forest and the Mission Mountains surround this area just south of Glacier National Park. South Fork of the Flathead River, 2013
Hungry Horse Reservoir is about 34 miles long and covers 23,800 acres. After running freely north-northwest for nearly 40 miles, the South Fork of the Flathead River enters the reservoir and then spills out through Hungry Horse Dam before entering the Flathead River. Hungry Horse Reservoir, 2013
The rising sun peeks through pine trees as it rises above Bunker Creek, a tributary of the South Fork of the Flathead River. Bunker Creek, 2013
Fly rods lean against a tree in camp after a day of fishing on the South Fork. South Fork of the Flathead River, 2013
The hike is steep to get down to the banks of the South Fork of the Flathead River in northwestern Montana. In this pristine wilderness, it is not uncommon to see grizzly bears, eagles, and the occasional elk swimming across the powerful river at the height of runoff. South Fork of the Flathead River, 2013
Kurt Ross quickly strips line as he swings a streamer through a hole on the South Fork of the Flathead River while fishing for bull trout. South Fork of the Flathead River, 2013
A bull trout shows its strength on the South Fork. South Fork of the Flathead River, 2013
Bull trout favor the deep pools of cold lakes and large rivers, as well as high, cold mountain headwaters. The bull trout is listed as a threatened species under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, but have made a comeback in western Montana waters and recently been allowed to fish for in specific bodies of water like the South Fork by Montana Fish and Wildlife. Their return is due to decades of river habitat restoration efforts throughout western Montana. South Fork of the Flathead River, 2013
Through a millennia of mountain runoff coming into the South Fork of the Flathead River, rising and falling of water has carved great canyons resonating the artistry of nature. South Fork of the Flathead River, 2007
Secrets like this waterfall make a trip to the South Fork of the Flathead in northwestern Montana worthwhile. South Fork of the Flathead River, Mont. 2007
A bull trout turns hard while on the end of a line after being hooked in the turquoise water of the South Fork. South Fork of the Flathead River, 2013
The morning sun streams down as it rises above a canyon while Kurt Ross casts for bull trout. South Fork of the Flathead River, 2013
The South Fork of the Flathead River makes its way through spectacular canyons in the rugged landscape near Glacier National Park. South Fork of the Flathead River, Mont., 2007
Self-portrait while shaving my dad at Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, Minn. March 2006.
My mom, Barb Baker, kisses my dad's hand while saying goodnight before leaving Bethesda Hospital, St. Paul, Minn. April 2006.
A nurse at Bethesda Hospital in St. Paul, Minn., raises my dad in a lift to get him out of bed. Due to his lack of ability to move at the time, nurses and therapists needed to move him on a regular basis to prevent atrophy of the muscles. April 2006.
An occupational therapist at Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park, Minn., works with my dad during therapy as he tosses rings onto target pins. Occupational therapy aims to restore motor functions and coordination and is vital after a brain injury. July 2006.
A neurological doctor checks my dad's motor functions during a visit to Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis, Minn. July 2006.
A physical therapist at Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park, Minn., aides my dad's balance during a therapy session as he works to regain his ability to walk. July 2006.
A speech therapist works with my dad on the computer at Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park, Minn., to help him work through the difficulties of aphasia. Aphasia affects a person's ability to express and understand verbal and written language. Treatment often involves speech therapy that focuses on relearning and practicing language skills and using alternative or supplementary communication methods, such as a computer or tape recorder. My dad's ability to speak has slowly improved since his stroke, but he still only retains the ability to speak random sentences and has sayings he repeats such as, "I know it," and "It's good, it's good." August 2006.
My mom stands in a doorway as my dad makes his way down the hall aided by two therapists during his first home visit. The therapists walked him through his home to evaluate how well he could function and what alterations he would need. After a week at home, my family decided to move him to Courage Center in Golden Valley, Minn., for further therapy for an additional three months before he was finally able to come home permanently. August 2006.
My dad's mom says goodbye to him after a visit during his short stay at home before returning to the hospital for additional therapy. August 2006.
My parents look through a photo album of a trip they took to France before my dad's stroke. At this point, my dad had returned home for good after spending eight months in various hospitals recovering from a stroke that nearly took his life. November 2006.
My parents walk through a field at Conklin's Tree Farm in Wisconsin while looking for a Christmas tree. As my family adjusted to this new life, we made every effort to do regular activities with my dad. November 2006.
My dad and brother, Jimmy, ride recumbent bikes while my dad attends 'Aphasia Camp' held at a YMCA camp near New Auburn, Wis., as student and thearpist volunteers walk alongside. Put on by the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire's communication sciences and disorders department, the camp is held annually and is organized to provide opportunities for people with aphasia to practice their communication skills and participate in meaningful activities in a supportive setting. September 2007.
My mom stretches my dad's arm on his right side, the side affected by the stroke, before going to bed. Without her support, dedication, and advocacy things would have been very different for my dad and his recovery. December 2006.
My dad swings a golf club while attending 'Aphasia Camp.' Put on by the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire's communication sciences and disorders department, the camp is held annually and is organized to provide opportunities for people with aphasia to practice their communication skills and participate in meaningful activities in a supportive setting. September 2007.
Surrounded by therapists and staff, my dad rides a horse during a session with We Can Ride. Founded in 1982, We Can Ride offers therapeutic horseback riding to adults and children living with disabilities. The therapy not only enhances balance and coordination, it also gives a sense of freedom and an individual's accomplishments of mounting and riding provide a boost to confidence and self worth. October 2007.
My dad steps over obstacles during a physical therapy session at Courage Center. October 2007.
Before my dad's stroke, and for as long as I can remember, he has always wanted to build a boat. This dream wasn't realized until after his stroke when he decided to order a boat kit from Wooden Boat in Brooklin, Maine. With the help of friends, family, and a hired caregiver, he began building in the summer of 2008. Here, he sands the hull in preparation for painting with his friend, and fellow stroke survivor, Peter Hill. September 2008.
On the day of his stroke, my dad had a shunt surgically implanted into his brain. The shunt enables his body to move excess fluid out of his brain. In December 2008, he had a second shunt inserted as the first one could no longer drain the excess fluid quick enough. Because the fluid wasn't draining fast enough, his balance and communication abilities were noticeably affected. Self-portrait, December 2008.
A therapist wheels my dad up a ramp past a white board with an encouraging quote just before A.B.L.E. therapy at Courage Center in Godent Valley, Minn. A.B.L.E., or Activity-Based Locomotor Exercise is a new form of physical therapy that activates muscles and nerves to promote a greater degree of neuro recovery by suspending the patient above a treadmill, therefore reducing the weight on an affected area so they can use it with greater range and less resistance. November 2010.
Hanging suspended, my dad participates in A.B.L.E. therapy at Courage Center in Godent Valley, Minn. A.B.L.E., or Activity-Based Locomotor Exercise, is a new form of physical therapy that activates muscles and nerves to promote a greater degree of neuro recovery by suspending the patient above a treadmill, therefore reducing the weight on an affected area so they can use it with greater range and less resistance. November 2010.
Letters cut out of plywood sit on a work bench in my dad's garage waiting to be put on the back of his boat so she will have a proper name. With the help of his caretaker Greg Schaffner, as well as friends and family, my dad was able to complete his first boat in roughly two years. He worked on it during the summer when he could between therapies and other activities. Simple tasks he was able to do with little or no help, while more complicated steps required another set of hands like cutting these letters. August 2010.
Caretaker Greg Schaffner stands next to the 12-foot dinghy he and my dad worked on for nearly two years. August 2010.
My dad proudly stands next to the boat he built over a two year period, a monumental task for a stroke survivor. He named it 'Therapy,' as he considered it part of his therapy for recovery and launched it into Lake Harriet in Minneapolis, Minn., on August 12, 2010.
From left, my brother Jimmy, Greg Schaffner and my dad row around in the boat they all helped build. August 12, 2010.
Greg Schaffner raises his hands above his head in celebration that the boat he and my dad worked on for so long actually floats at the inaugural launch in Lake Harriet in Minneapolis on August 12, 2010.
Friends help my dad into his boat on Lake Harriet in Minneapolis on August 12, 2010.
My dad waves to friends and family on shore who came to see him launch the boat he built into Lake Harriet in Minneapolis on August 12, 2010.
Caretaker Greg Schaffner and my dad set a screw while working on a boat kit which will eventually be a 17-foot wood hull sailboat. This is the second boat they are building together. June 2011.
Greg Schaffner and my dad are interviewed by local news station WCCO-TV who did a story on the two men who are currently building a second boat after completing a first one over a two-year period. July 2011.
Volunteering has always been important to my dad. Since his stroke and building his boat as part of his recovery, he has put together a presentation with the help of his caregiver Greg Schaffner. Here, they give the speech at the Brain Injury Association of Minnesota to gain the non-profit's approval for giving the talk at various locations such as assisted living homes, libraries and universities. Since June 2011, the Brain Injury Association has sent the two all over Minneapolis, including the University of Minnesota, to share their story.
The Brain Injury Association of Minnesota recognizes its volunteers at an awards ceremony at Como Park in St. Paul, Minn., on August 24, 2011. Greg Schaffner and my dad were acknowledged for their efforts in continually giving a presentation on the affects of stroke and building a boat as part of stroke recovery while volunteering for the non-profit.
My brother Jimmy embraces my dad after he and our mom gave a toast at his wedding in Minneapolis, Minn., on August 13, 2011. Jimmy moved back to Minnesota from Colorado after our dad's stroke, and I moved back from Oregon. It was hard for us to change our lives and move home, but it has been worth helping our family on this journey.
My parents dance together at my brother's wedding in Minnepolis, Minn., on August 13, 2011.
My brother Jimmy looks on while my sister-in-law, Chrissy, holds her newborn daughter, Leila, as my dad says goodbye to his granddaughter after seeing her for the first time. Being a grandfather has brought much joy to my dad's life, adding a new chapter for him post-stroke. November 12, 2013.
My parents sit on the couch with their granddaughter Leila on Christmas morning. One of my greatest fears with my dad becoming a grandfather was that his grandchildren would not know him the way I've known him before his stroke. But after observing him with Leila, I now know that his disability has had no effect on his ability to love. Christmas 2014.
Ms Senior Minnesota Pageant Director Melodee Bahr, right, talks to pageant contestants during rehearsal at the Rochester Senior Center, Friday, May 2, 2014, in Rochester, Minn.
Ms Rochester SE Rosie Elwood, 75, smiles after getting makeup put on by Avon Representative Mary Lou Stewart during rehearsals for the Ms Senior Minnesota Pageant at the Rochester Senior Center, Friday, May 2, 2014, in Rochester, Minn.
Ms Senior Minnesota Pageant Director Melodee Bahr, standing, laughs while talking to pageant contestants during rehearsal at the Rochester Senior Center, Friday, May 2, 2014, in Rochester, Minn.
From left, Michael Dexter, Ms Senior Minnesota contestants Lois Carter, Jean David, Lee Shovell, Nancy VanderWaerdt, director Melodee Bahr, Betty Lentz, Rosie Elwood, and Barbara Nash stand on stage while rehearsing for the Ms Senior Minnesota Pageant at the Rochester Senior Center, Friday, May 2, 2014, in Rochester, Minn.
Ms Plainview Lois Carter gets help from volunteers Mary Lou Stewart, center, and Ginny Engle while putting on her dance partner, mannequin Tag-Along-Hank, in preparation for rehearsal of the talent competition for the Ms Senior Minnesota Pageant at the Rochester Senior Center, Friday, May 2, 2014, in Rochester, Minn. Carter, 89, dances four nights a week and competed in the 2011 Ms Minnesota Senior Pageant, the last time the pageant was held.
Betty Lentz, foreground, exits the stairwell, which is the makeshift dressing room for contestants, followed by Nancy VanderWaerdt and Rosie Elwood, during rehearsals for the Ms Senior Minnesota Pageant at the Rochester Senior Center, Friday, May 2, 2014, in Rochester, Minn.
Ms Rochester SW Nancy VanderWaerdt, right, concentrates while trying to memorize her philosophy of life speech during rehearsals for the Ms Senior Minnesota Pageant at the Rochester Senior Center, Friday, May 2, 2014, in Rochester, Minn.
Ms Rochester SW Nancy VanderWaerdt, left, rehearses her philosophy of life speech while contestants Betty Lentz, Rosie Elwood, and Barbara Nash wait backstage while rehearsing for the Ms. Senior Minnesota Pageant at the Rochester Senior Center, Friday, May 2, 2014, in Rochester, Minn.
Pageant Director Melodee Bahr, left, and 2011 Ms Minnesota Senior America winner Janine Sherry give direction to contestants during rehearsals for the Ms Senior Minnesota Pageant at the Rochester Senior Center, Friday, May 2, 2014, in Rochester, Minn. Bahr won the 2006 Ms Minnesota Senior America title and brings more than 40 years of theater and production experience to her efforts in reviving the Ms Senior Minnesota pageant after a three year hiatus.
Ms Rochester SW Betty Lentz prepares to go out in the rain after finishing rehearsals for the Ms. Senior Minnesota Pageant at the Rochester Senior Center, Friday, May 2, 2014, in Rochester, Minn.
Ms Senior Minnesota Director Melodee Bahr, left, plays pull-tabs with her husband Dennis Anderson, center, while Ms Rochester Jean David looks on after having dinner at the American Legion after finishing rehearsals for the Ms Senior Minnesota Pageant Friday, May 2, 2014, in Rochester, Minn.
From left, judges of the Ms Senior Minnesota Pageant Richard Goetzman, Gregory Stavrou, Heidi Madsen, Jennifer Stanneman, and Jennifer Taylor interview Ms Plainview Lois Carter, at the Rochester Senior Center, Saturday, May 3, 2014, in Rochester, Minn.
Ms Plainview Lois Carter, 89, poses for a photo before the Ms Senior Minnesota Pageant at the Rochester Senior Center, Saturday, May 3, 2014, in Rochester, Minn.
Ms Rochester Jean David, 78, poses for a photo before the Ms Senior Minnesota Pageant at the Rochester Senior Center, Saturday, May 3, 2014, in Rochester, Minn.
Ms Minneapolis Lee Shovell, 67, poses for a photo before the Ms Senior Minnesota Pageant at the Rochester Senior Center, Saturday, May 3, 2014, in Rochester, Minn.
Ms Rochester SW Nancy VanderWaerdt, 65, poses for a photo before the Ms Senior Minnesota Pageant at the Rochester Senior Center, Saturday, May 3, 2014, in Rochester, Minn.
Ms Rochester NW Betty Lentz, 88, poses for a photo before the Ms Senior Minnesota Pageant at the Rochester Senior Center, Saturday, May 3, 2014, in Rochester, Minn.
Ms Rochester SE Rosie Elwood, 75, poses for a photo before the Ms Senior Minnesota Pageant at the Rochester Senior Center, Saturday, May 3, 2014, in Rochester, Minn.
Ms Lake Elmo Barbara Nash, 62, poses for a photo before the Ms Senior Minnesota Pageant at the Rochester Senior Center, Saturday, May 3, 2014, in Rochester, Minn.
Pageant Director Melodee Bahr poses for a photo before the Ms Senior Minnesota Pageant at the Rochester Senior Center, Saturday, May 3, 2014, in Rochester, Minn.
From left, honor guardsman from VFW Post 1215 Scott Klaes, Kevin McMahon, Michael Dexter, Charles Ludlow, Vern Prouty, and Jim Kelzenberg prepare to present the colors at the Ms Senior Minnesota Pageant at the Rochester Senior Center, Saturday, May 3, 2014, in Rochester, Minn.
Honor guardsman Scott Klaes escorts Ms Minneapolis Lee Shovell to the stage during the Ms Senior Minnesota Pageant at the Rochester Senior Center, Saturday, May 3, 2014, in Rochester, Minn.
Ms Lake Elmo Barbara Nash recites her philosophy of life about paying if forward to others to the judges during the Ms Senior Minnesota Pageant at the Rochester Senior Center, Saturday, May 3, 2014, in Rochester, Minn.
Ms Rochester SW Nancy VanderWaerdt twirls batons during the talent competition portion of the Ms Senior Minnesota Pageant at the Rochester Senior Center, Saturday, May 3, 2014, in Rochester, Minn.
Ms Lake Elmo Barbara Nash sings during the talent competition portion of the Ms Senior Minnesota Pageant in a nearly full auditorium at the Rochester Senior Center, Saturday, May 3, 2014, in Rochester, Minn.
Ms Rochester SE Rosie Elwood is crowned Ms Senior Minnesota 2014 at the conclusion of the Ms Senior Minnesota Pageant at the Rochester Senior Center, Saturday, May 3, 2014, in Rochester, Minn.
After being crowned Ms Senior Minnesota 2014, Rosie Elwood enthusiastically thanks the judges and audience at the Ms Senior Minnesota Pageant at the Rochester Senior Center, Saturday, May 3, 2014, in Rochester, Minn. “This is a wonderful way to spend my birthday!” she said.
Upon hearing that it is Rosie Elwood’s birthday, Pageant Director Melodee Bahr leads the audience in singing Happy Birthday to the new Ms Senior Minnesota 2014 at the conclusion of the Ms Senior Minnesota Pageant at the Rochester Senior Center, Saturday, May 3, 2014, in Rochester, Minn.
Friends and family of contestants take pictures at the end of the Ms Senior Minnesota Pageant at the Rochester Senior Center, Saturday, May 3, 2014, in Rochester, Minn.
Audience members congratulate Rosie Elwood after winning the Ms Senior Minnesota Pageant at the Rochester Senior Center, Saturday, May 3, 2014, in Rochester, Minn.
Second runner up Ms Rochester NW Betty Lentz, 88, poses with her brother Del Brobst as friends and family take their photo after the Ms Senior Minnesota Pageant at the Rochester Senior Center, Saturday, May 3, 2014, in Rochester, Minn.
Following the Hatch
Fly fishing is an art. To understand it, one must spend time with a river and study the life encompassing it for a long time before a grasp of the cycles involved can be retained in memory. Hatches move and occur in patterns, trout are elusive and the water's flow is constantly redefining itself at every bend of a riverbank. Like life, the river sometimes moves fast, sometimes slow, but always offers a lesson to be taken from it if the angler is willing to become a student.
Over the span of a handful of years and many adventures, I’ve done my best to convey life in the way only a river can reveal. This essay has come from within to disclose lessons of art, beauty, the power of nature and the human experience in the natural world. Three rivers in particular I’ve found myself returning to in Montana when life allows; Rock Creek, the Missouri River, and the South Fork of the Flathead River. These photos were made between 2007 and 2013. I look forward to the ones yet to be created upon my return to Montana in the future.
Coming Back To Life
On Sunday, February 12, 2006, my father, Jim Baker, suffered a severe hemorrhagic stroke. After spending a month in a coma, my father began his long road to recovery. The stroke left him partially paralyzed on the right side of his body and with a language disorder called aphasia. Now over nine years later, after extensive physical, occupational, and speech therapy, he is able to walk with the help of a cane and a leg brace and experiences difficulty communicating on a daily basis. I believe my father would not have made the progress he has without the help and dedication of my amazing family; as well as the doctors, therapists, caregivers, and friends who have entered his life along the way.
Photographing my father and family has been cathartic for me. These images are a testament of one instance of a family’s struggle among the thousands of stories of people who endure the challenge of caretaking for a loved one.
When I made the decision to photograph my father, I did not want to emphasize the negative aspects of the ordeal of his stroke. The sadness, frustration, and anger are all obvious. Instead, I decided to explore the hopefulness of the situation and display that my father luckily maintains his positive attitude and lives his life as best he can while continuing to pursue his dreams despite his disability.
As something I will continue to photograph, this story represents what the human experience means to me, and what the spirit of one man can bring to this world in the face of affliction.
Ms. Senior Minnesota
“Okay ladies, you look like dynamite! Just do it!” says Melodee Bahr, Pageant Director for the Ms Senior Minnesota Pageant, while offering last words of encouragement before the contest.
Escorted by honor guardsmen, each of the seven contestants walks to the stage at the Rochester Senior Center in Rochester, Minn., to compete for the title of Ms Senior Minnesota 2014 in front of five judges and a nearly sold out crowd on Saturday, May 3, 2014. The last pageant was held at Mystic Lake Casino in 2011. After a three year hiatus, Melodee Bahr decided to take the reigns, and the title of Pageant Director, and organize the pageant once again that is so close to her heart.
“Senior women have a lot of talent that goes unnoticed,” says Bahr, who won the Ms Minnesota Senior America title in 2006.
Her vision is to have the pageant held annually once again. She says she’s seen women’s health improve once they’re involved in the pageant, and she values the opportunity to give these women a chance to share their talents, passion, wisdom, and grace. She wants the pageant “To continue on every year and let as many seniors as possible come to life by being in the pageant,” she says.
But she doesn’t do it alone. Friends and volunteers have been extremely supportive of her efforts, as well as the local media in Rochester. She says that people don’t realize how much work it takes, and claims that if you have the ambition, a vision such as the pageant can come to life. “I’m just so honored. I’m choked up because of it,” says Bahr.
No stranger to hard work, Bahr, a New York City native, has over 40 years of experience in Broadway and theater. After a long career in the Big Apple, she moved to Florida where she worked at the Burt Reynolds's Jupiter Theatre and the Barn Theatre. She has been in more than 200 plays. She moved to Minnesota in 2001.
The Ms. Senior Minnesota Pageant is open to women 60 years of age and older. Competition categories include evening gown, philosophy of life, and talent.