A few words of thanks
As I write this, many of us are shocked at the devastation in Fort Hood, Texas, coupled with the multiple shootings down south and the deaths of missing women back east that are being discovered as the days and investigations progress. An almost epidemic of missing children nationwide that lives so often are ending at the hands of devious people. It is indeed a sad commentary on our society.Yet.
Fortunately we have so much good happening in this country every day, but unfortunately that doesn’t always ring as loud in our ears as the bad. So please indulge me in sharing what I believe are many people’s thoughts about why we’re so appreciative during this period of Thanksgiving and for that matter, year around.
In so many ways we can thank our veterans both past and present and those serving today around the world for an America that is indeed like no other place in this world. Today, while driving through the business district, one of America’s greatest symbols of freedom, our American flags were flying in the wind, honoring our veterans during a special day rightly set aside for them.
One only needs to look around Polson and surrounding areas to see the good. Whether it is Loaves and Fishes, The Bread Basket, or other pantries, Big Brothers and Sisters, the Boys and Girls Club, The Zone, DOVES, Lifesavers Animal Rescue, Mission Valley Animal Shelter, Port Polson Players, Mariners, Polson soccer and baseball leagues, Dollars for Scholars, the newly established AniMeals program plus a plethora of other wonderful organizations that abound. Service clubs, both youth and adult that take on positive projects that otherwise would be unattainable financially or manpower wise. Each with wonderful, warm, caring people acting as the engines of energies to accomplish the goals set. In nearly every instance you find volunteers making sure the job gets done and done in the right way.
Business people donating for worthwhile projects or events, even though they too suffer from the economic slowdown.
We have a Polson Downtown Business Association and our Polson Chamber to thank for many events brought to our community throughout the year.
Our parks are beautiful and inviting to those that wish to recreate or just have a moment of solitude. The parks crew groom our entrances to Polson, along with our parks so we as a city are indeed pleasingly aesthetic to our citizens and visitors. The “new” Salish Point only enhances our city offerings thanks to the co-operative spirit of several of our government entities. Comments abound, all positive.
The flower garden is tended to at 7th St and 93 by volunteers.
The playing fields are groomed and cared for by the various volunteers of all ages for the use of our children.
Travis Dolphin “doggy park” was constructed for the most part by the Boy Scouts of America.
One only needs to look at the schools in the valley to relate to why this is a vibrant, energy filled community. So much is going on. It can be drama, choral, speech and debate, band, student government, athletics, school service organizations plus the many school projects that show the strengths and contributions our youth and their advisors bring to our communities
And how about those school bus drivers throughout our area that deliver day in and day out safely some of our most prized family members.
Beyond all the previous stars of Polson mentioned above think of all the citizens young and old willing to lend their mentoring expertise to anyone desiring it.
There are the folks who step up to the plate to serve as representatives in government. They give much. They seldom hear positive, and yet are willing to continue giving. Here at City Hall we will see the changing of the guard in some respects and others will continue on to serve. Whether new or old to the political trenches or public service areas most folk truly appreciate you and your willingness to serve. We are a growing community and many decisions that will affect our future lie ahead
We have Tribal and County O.E.M. organizations that are second to none. Seldom thought of until a big unwelcome happening occurs. They’re there, they’re organized, and the mission is accomplished.
We live on a reservation who’s members contribute greatly to the success of Lake County and beyond. Their organizations are progressive and positive and moving the Salish and Kootenai Tribe into the next decade in many positive ways.
One only needs to look at SKC S and K Electronics, Mission Valley Power, Tribal Housing, plus their tribal fire suppression folk and many more members contributions towards enhancing our county and the reservation through their expertise and skills.
I along with many others eagerly look forward to the Valley Journal, Leader- Advertiser and the Flathead Beacon to keep us abreast of all the happenings in Lake County and beyond. There is something special about small town weekly’s— it is indeed a happening. Also there are probably not many of us in the valley that don’t turn to Anderson Broadcasting stations to learn the events and news of the day. We’re still a small enough community we appreciate not only the news but the sharing of many important community events and happenings these organizations deliver.
We have fire departments second to none valley wide. People who drop everything at the sound of the siren or pager to serve their fellow beings in time of need.
QRU. Units plus ambulance personnel the quality of such not found in many regions of our state or nation.
Law enforcement agencies that know no boundaries or are “territorial”. One pledge by all and that’s take care of the people we serve and accomplish the mission.
I’m thankful for residents, city and county personnel, business people, the workers, ranchers and farmers, construction and service oriented people who truly care about our county.
Finally thanks are given to those we love and hold dear in our hearts for their friendship and support whether they are family, friends or co-workers
One could go on forever but for me I just want to reflect on all of the bounty that comes my way— because of all of you…
HAPPY THANKSGIVING