Generosity made relay possible
As the event chairperson for this year's American Cancer Society Missoula County Relay For Life, I would like to thank the residents, organizations and businesses of our community for their incredible generosity and support leading up to and during our event, held June 20 at Big Sky High School Missoula County Stadium.
As of July 10, our accounting committee reported our record number of 70 teams and numerous corporate sponsors raised an incredible $144,400 for the American Cancer Society with additional money still to be counted. I want to assure everyone who donated to one of our great teams that every dollar they gave will go directly to the American Cancer Society to allow it to continue its funding of cancer research, its legislative advocacy, and the society's many educational and patient service programs.
Finally, I want to thank the teams who went out into their neighborhoods and communities to raise the funds that will ultimately lead to finding a cure for this terrible disease. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I look forward to seeing all of you again when we come together for next year's Relay For Life.
Teri Sunford, Missoula
Folk festival shined light on Butte
Well, once again, while attending all three days of the National Folk Festival in Butte, I was touched deeply with feelings of blessing for having been born and raised in Butte, America. Every time I return, I am overwhelmed with the friendliness and genuine hospitality that is just a natural way of life for those that live there.
While I sat under the moonlit sky with the light of “The Lady” overlooking the whole event, I couldn't help but realize how much Butte has given to this country and how much the universe wants to give back to her. I felt the love of those musicians and artists pouring out their gifts to her and helping her beautiful sparkling lights to shine brighter. I witnessed Zydeco musician Mark Williams of Louisiana shower my friend's ailing mother with personal prayers and a serenade of “Happy Birthday.” I watched generations of families sharing days of laughter and dancing without spending a dime.
Butte has always known how to throw a heck of a party without a penny in her pocket. Maybe that is why she is called the “can-do” city. She has always given so much and never asked anything in return. Perhaps that is why her people are that way, too.
I realized how she has helped bring America's dreams of electricity and advanced technology to a reality through her precious gifts of copper and other rich minerals. So even though she may seem a little spent, with her broken asphalt and cracked sidewalks, I am certain that She would have it no other way. You see, Butte, just like her people, will give until she is broke and then rest a while, build herself up, and give again.
Thank you, Butte! I love you and your people.
Marna O'Bill Abbott, Missoula
New York wouldn't subdivide its parks
Central Park in New York City is one of the most valuable tracts of land in the United States. But New Yorkers would find it unthinkable to subdivide this land for profit as it provides an immeasurable quality to their lives and is not for sale at any price.
Missoula also has a central park. This tract houses the University Golf Course, the best nine-hole course in the state. Several soccer fields in this park see scores of young Missoulians busily enjoying the competition and exercise. This same athletic field is home for the Grizzly football team, practicing for yet another run at a national championship. High school and college cross-country runners use this park for their competitions and an excellent track and field events stadium is located on the perimeter. The Missoula hang gliders touch down in a safe landing area in the center of the area. The golf course sports a driving range, offers barbecues and other social gatherings, giving Missoula a quality of life unmatched by other parks in the area.
Like New Yorkers, Missoulians covet their quality of life. Perhaps those who would subdivide this park should take a good, hard look at what would be lost once this park is bulldozed. After all, a $10 million bond was recently passed by county residents to purchase land for recreational use, indicating that a quality of life is, indeed, important to our fellow Montanans.
DeLynn Colvert, Missoula
Protected acres are win for county
The announcement that 320,000 acres of Plum Creek Timber Co. land would be protected from residential development has given Montanans concerned with access, wildlife and rural communities reason to celebrate.But a few have expressed concern that the county tax base will be reduced if these lands eventually go into public ownership. It is worth keeping in mind that timber companies like Plum Creek pay almost nothing in property taxes, and that the savings state and county taxpayers will receive as a result of this purchase far outweighs lost revenue. By reducing construction in wooded areas, this purchase will save taxpayers from providing costly fire protection and county services in remote areas.
Just as this purchase is a winner for hunters, wildlife and rural communities, it's a winner for county taxpayers, too.
Betsy Hands, Representative, House District 99, Missoula
Vote for honest representatives
It's election time, when Montanans decide again who will serve us in our government.How important is honesty when it comes to those we elect? It is vital.
I have been working with a group of Montana citizens on a couple of important issues in our state, one being the need for better laws to protect citizens from exploitation by unethical contractors. Many have come forward to share shocking stories of how their lives have been permanently altered by the stresses and financial complications from hiring a contractor who was dishonest, careless or not skilled enough for their projects. We are thankful for the legislators who are taking these concerns seriously.
Also, I have joined with many citizens across the U.S. to confront the state Board of Pardons and Parole for what appears to be their prejudicial decision, refusing to give Barry Beach another trial in light of the “Dateline” special that certainly provides enough evidence to warrant that (See www.montanansforjustice.com). We are thankful for all who are convinced of his innocence and are working for change to help him. However, we are disappointed with Gov. Brian Schweitzer and other elected officials who are passing the buck.
These issues alone provide even stronger convictions that if we do not elect honest people to represent us, and if we are not committed to holding those we do elect accountable, we could hire the wrong contractor, having our health or retirement ruined, or we could be in the wrong place at the wrong time and have our freedom taken with no recourse, because once the system is in place, reversing it proves extremely daunting.
Be wise, Montanans, before voting.
Joy Ooka, Red Lodge
|
 |
 |
Add your comment now! Write your comment in the form below.
(Email address is for verification only. If you'd like to email a story, look for the link above)