Page 5 - ISI_181_AprilMay

All About Idaho
APRIL | MAY 2022 • IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT PAGE 5

Life is for Learning

LESSONS GLEANED FROM THE 60S GENERATION

When Cvitanich’s didactic musings on music interweave into
main character, the narrative.
Anton, learns he has Like Anton, Cvitanich spent his life in
months to live, he public education. In fact, Cvitanich began
travels from west- writing Stardust while still superintendent of
ern Washington to Lake Pend Oreille School District in Sandpoint,
California in a vin- Idaho, where he currently lives. He put the
tage Volkswagen project aside, however, when he relocated
van, to reconcile to western Washington in 2012 to helm the
personal matters. 10,000-student Olympia School District.
Although Stardust He resumed writing a few years ago as
is a work of fiction, retirement loomed, and, in 2017, Cvitanich
Cvitanich and his left public education after 42 years of ser-
protagonist share vice, leaving him time to finish the book,
key components: which was published in 2021.
both are of the 60s Cvitanich’s first teaching job was as head
generation with a K-8 teacher in a one-room schoolhouse in
penchant for music Shaw Island District, WA, followed by stints
and VW vans, and in sixth grade and middle school. Although
both were career his background was in history, Cvitanich also
educators. taught English and science, the latter being
“I was a big one of his favorite content areas.
believer that the
world [and] nation CONTINUED ON PAGE 7
could be changed
for the better by
In Robert Pirsig’s fictionalized autobiography, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle
Maintenance, a cross-country journey equates to spiritual transformation and our generation,”
offers a vehicle for exploring philosophical archetypes. While not quite as heady said Cvitanich, who
as Pirsig’s 1974 novel, Dominic “Dick” Cvitanich uses a similar premise in his first recently turned 71.
book, Stardust and the Bitter Moon. Photo by Carrie Scozzaro.
He was 18 during the Large & Small Animal Service • 24 Hour Emergency on Call Care
so-called Summer David A. Rustebakke, DVM Christina Bustamante, DVM
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In Robert Pirsig’s fictionalized autobiog- for the better, but we also charted the course [email protected]
raphy, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, for some negative in our society. Anton, the
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tual transformation and offers a vehicle for Music is integral to Stardust and VA R I E TY OFFICE/SCHOOL SUPPLIES
exploring philosophical archetypes. While not Cvitanich. The book’s title, of course, ref- HOME OF THE FAMOUS HOUSEWARES
TOYS
DANIEL’S CROUP OINTMENT
quite as heady as Pirsig’s 1974 novel, Dominic erences the lyrics in Joni Mitchell’s song, Prescription only, until further notice. CRAFTS
“Dick” Cvitanich uses a similar premise in “Woodstock,” made famous by Crosby, & OUR MADE IN HOUSE FABRIC
PAIN RELIEVING HEAT RUB
ASSISTIVE DEVICES
his first book, Stardust and the Bitter Moon Stills, Nash & Young. Each of the 44 chap- Prescription only, until further notice.
(Keokee Books). ters is a song title, and Anton’s/Cvitanich’s MON–FRI 9am–6pm | SAT 8:30am–12:30pm | SUN Closed
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