Letters to the Editor: Town Pump Food Challenge underway

Town Pump Food Challenge underway

This year’s Town Pump Food Bank Challenge is “Montanans Helping Montanans for 20 years.”

The campaign began Sept. 1 and runs through Nov. 30.

The campaign was launched in 2002 with 17 food bank partners in 15 communities and a Town Pump match of $50,000. This year they are working with 103 partners and a Town Pump Charitable Foundation match of $1 million statewide.

Town Pump challenges food pantries with a goal, and matches the funds if the goal is met.

One in nine Montanans (one in six children) experiences food insecurity, and the last 18 months have been particularly difficult for many. With job loss and children learning remotely, families in need are under even more stress. We need to remain vigilant in beating the pandemic and returning to healthy lives.

We thank every one of our partners from the Town Pump Charitable Foundation to the children donating money they earned from chores to every person who sends a check or drops by with a donation.

We have volunteer positions open for distribution days: 2 to 5:45 p.m. Tuesdays and 10 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Fridays. Please keep in mind that masks are worn for everyone’s safety. If you’re interested in volunteering, contact the pantry at 406-883-6864 before coming in.

— Deborah Chapman, treasurer and board member, Polson Loaves and Fish Pantry Inc.

If I only knew

If I only knew the pain and treatment my daughter endured. I wish time could be reversed, just a year, a week or even a day from when my daughter suffered. I write this to reach out to those that don’t have a voice. There are many people the same as my daughter, Amanda Farley. Some are obvious, some are kept in secret. It’s not worth it to keep a secret. You are worthy of a future, a loving environment and a loving family.

As I struggle to make sense of all of this, my daughter was a loving and caring soul and had such a sweet smile. She cared for the young and old. To know she suffered in loneliness is horrifying.

I do not have a smartphone, and I am not computer savvy. If I only knew. There were some people who were aware of the situation. I, however, wasn’t. If you know of such abuse, tell your parents, tell the victim’s family. Scream it from the rooftop. Tell the police. Do what you need to do to prevent another death. Don’t let Amanda’s situation be in vain. My daughter was so loved, she deserved to have children, to be married, to grow old, to experience the world and to have a choice.

She was so loved by so many people, people who would have assisted her in getting the help she needed. I would have been in Colorado the same day if she needed me. So the next time you think someone is being abused, make some noise. Make that person aware that there are people who care. And maybe, just maybe, you can make that person get out of the situation. Show them that they are strong, wanted, needed and most of all, loved. If I only knew.

— Grace Battle, Ronan

Vote Dever for Ward 2

I am writing this letter to urge the residents of Ward 2 of the Polson community to elect Laura Dever for a full term as city commissioner. As an interim commissioner, Laura has shown that she is willing to learn and work with various stakeholders to be an effective commissioner. She has dedicated her time to meet with many of the citizens to hear their perspectives on issues facing our community. Serving a full term, Laura will continue to be a strong representative who will look for ways to respond positively to the challenges facing our town.

As a resident of the Polson community for the last 43 years, I have seen many changes in our small community. What has endured is a community that cares for each other and comes together for the common good. As an educator in the Polson School District for 36 years, including 25 years as principal of Cherry Valley, I had the privilege to serve generations of Polson children and families. Making school a place where children love to learn and all families are welcome was my goal.

Laura will be the kind of leader who will carry on that inclusive perspective. Her long record of community service speaks for itself. She has served on many boards and held volunteer positions. One of her volunteer positions was as Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for abused and neglected children in Montana. As a former advocate myself, I fully appreciate the time and dedication that entails. Her work as a CASA was but one of the many ways she has given back to the communities where she has lived.

Laura is the type of leader we need now. She is willing to work hard and be responsive to multiple perspectives as she carries out her duties as commissioner.

Please give Laura your vote.

— Elaine Meeks