Ice time helps keep local skater young
Generation after generation of local families has headed to Woodland Park for winter recreation.
From those first-time skaters' wobbly wanderings and frequent forays into the warming hut to raucous teenage competitions on hockey blades, Kalispell is lucky to have such a fine place for ice skating.
Shirley Johnson has been skating for 65 of her 70 years, the last 20 at Woodland Park. She says that last year she put in 42 hours on the ice. Johnson's passion for skating began when she was growing up in Havre.
She has delightful memories about a stern old German man who singlehandedly kept a pond shoveled for the skaters. He would even haul hot water to fill in the cracks and keep a fire going, all the while barking orders to the children to keep their skates off the stove and not to lounge around.
Though she was diagnosed with osteoporosis three years ago, Johnson still skates, carries in firewood and stays active in other ways. She plans to be out on the familiar pond again this winter, and writes to thank the parks maintenance crew for doing such a great job grooming the ice.
Lisa Simmer, administrative assistant for the Kalispell Parks and Recreation office, even kept Johnson in the know last year on hazardous ice conditions, saving her the trip of driving in only to have to turn around and go home.
"Because of their persistent efforts, I've enjoyed all the spiritual, uplifting and health benefits that someone elderly lives for," she writes. "I've had some great winters in the city and I hope everyone can get their young 'uns a pair of skates and join the sport."
The North West Montana Veterans Food Pantry had a small windfall when First Interstate Bank of Kalispell's Community Projects fund donated $500 to the pantry last month.
Business manager Linda Erickson wasn't aware that their organization had also been submitted to the First Interstate Banksystem Foundation for matching funds. On Nov. 18, Erickson received a letter from Kelly Braggeman, executive director of the First Interstate BancSystem, along with a check for another $500.
Erickson says the donations couldn't have come at a better time.
Jayne Strash, a former board member and volunteer for the pantry, also wrote to remind the community that the veterans food pantry and clothing outlet operates by donations that are tax deductible.
"The pantry is always in need of food," she wrote. "This year as you sit down to your Christmas dinner, think about our veterans, for if it wasn't for them, perhaps we would not enjoy our holiday.
"You might consider 'adopting' this organization as your special project this year," she said.
Warm winter coats, blankets, shoes and socks are also needed during the winter for those veterans who are homeless.
If you would like to arrange for someone from the pantry to pick up your donations, call 756-7304; or drop them off at the pantry on Montana 35 across from the Rainbow Bar.