Good Samaritans all around us
Good Samaritans are alive and well and living in Missoula, and to everyone who helped us find Meeka, the big black poodle - thank you from our hearts.It was immediately after the International Wildlife Film Festival had ended and our staff was busy cleaning up the aftermath at the Roxy Theater. The back door of the historic theater was wide open and our trusty "mascot" Meeka seized the moment - out the door and on her way down the Kim Williams Trail, or so we learned later. Meeka is a frequent and almost official greeter at the Media Center/Roxy Theater, and my constant companion and friend. To lose her is to lose a dearly loved one.
Literally dozens of people, on foot, on bike, walking their dogs - they all encountered Meeka along her journey and kindly tried to guide me to her whereabouts. Finally, after almost two hours of intense searching by IWFF staff, assisted by two wonderful boys on bicycle, two women walking by remembered spotting this unmistakably big black dog at Dragon's Hollow, inside the playground, sitting quietly with two moms watching their children.
(A very special thank you to the two boys on bicycle - if you're ever in the neighborhood of the Roxy, please stop in for popcorn and a movie so we can thank you in person.)
Janet Rose, Executive Director, IWFF/Media Center Missoula
Missoula helping out quake victims
Over the Memorial Day weekend, the Chinese Student and Scholar Association at the University of Montana launched, in the city of Missoula, a Sichuan Earthquake Relief Donation Drive.The devastating earthquake measured at 8.0 magnitude took place on May 12 in Sichuan Province in China, leaving over 68,000 people dead, over 17, 000 people missing and more than 5 million people homeless as of May 29.
The donation drive received an enormous response from the Missoula community. Many people from all walks of life, old and young, came to the donation tables to offer monetary help and also to show their emotional and spiritual support. We appreciated the generosity and affection from the Missoula community. Many times we were very impressed and touched when many little children, accompanied by their parents, came over with a handful of coins from their piggy banks to offer their support.
All the funds we received through the two-day drive will help move at least 20 families from the open into tents in the disaster area. Now all funds have been sent to the Chinese Embassy and will get to Sichuan quickly.
We members of the Chinese Student and Scholar Association at the University of Montana would like to express our appreciation to the Missoula public for your kind and generous support.
Special thanks are also extended to the Farmers Market, Super Wal-Mart, Herberger's at Southgate Mall, Missoula County Fairgrounds, Perry's Crazy Meet, Missoula Federal Credit Union - University branch, and China Buffet, China Garden and Hong Kong Chef restaurants for their support of this activity.
For further information or to make a donation, please check the following Web sites: www.sichuan-memorial.org/index.html; www.mercycorps.org/countries/china/2155; www.redcross.org.hk/donation/user_donation.asp.
Sincerely,
Guangmei Xu and members, Chinese Students and Scholars Association, University of Montana, Missoula
Lowering speed means less fuel burned
I may not be the brightest bulb in the circuit, but my memory hasn't failed me yet.I remember the fuel shortages in 1974. That problem, too, was probably created by the big, bad oil companies (as well as an incompetent Congress).
The government then admonished (or did they require?) the public to limit our highway speeds to 55 mph. It worked - we did consume less gas.
I drive the 250-mile round trip to Kalispell every two weeks. I now limit my speed to 55 mph; at a savings of about two gallons each trip. While I "only" save about $8 each time, I would save a lot more if we would all limit our speeds to reduce our national consumption by enough to import less; which might reduce the cost to a tolerable level.
The less fuel we import, the greater the value of the U.S. dollar and, it follows, the greater the value of the dollar, the lower the cost of oil.
Might not this be a way of determining our own destiny? Might not this be a way of showing Congress that their very, very low approval rating is justified?
Hughlett Hollyday III, Troy
Primer for locals and newcomers
As our beautiful state beckons the city mice (and retiring baby boomers) to explore the country life, we will increasingly experience the melting pot of personalities and cultures. As a result, the battle for social dominance between Montana locals and the incoming "transplants" will intensify.I'm talking about what I like to call the "erosion of Montana livin'." It can best be understood by the small-town feeling you get when talking with someone you've never met about the now of whatever your shared mutual experience may be.
At the same time, that niceness between strangers is breaking down, Missoula is seeing a rise in violent, big city crimes. I was shocked and alarmed to find myself recently questioning whether or not this is a good place to raise children.
For the locals: It's OK or even encouraged to share this list with transplants. It's OK or even encouraged to stop complaining about the traffic on North Reserve. In traffic, it's OK or even encouraged to waive at someone who lets you cut in.
For the transplants: On a dusty road it's OK or even encouraged to wave at people in oncoming vehicles even if you don't know them. In a grocery store or other public place it's OK or even encouraged to talk to others even if you don't know them. Where you live, it's OK or even encouraged to go knock on your neighbor's door unannounced and introduce yourself. At an intersection, it's OK or even encouraged to give the driver in front of you two full seconds of green light before honking your horn. In traffic, it's OK or even encouraged to waive at someone who lets you cut in.
Josh Alexander, Frenchtown
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