Guitar night impresses music fans
Susan Clanton was one of many who recently attended Flathead High School's Guitar Night.
The student concert was held at the Museum at Central School and offered in conjunction with Red Ribbon Week as part of the national campaign on drug awareness.
"I could not have found a better way to spend two hours of creative entertainment performed by our teenagers," she writes. From Bach to Beethoven, from the blues to Ben Harper, along with original compositions by the students, the audience had many opportunities to celebrate the individual style, creativity and talent of the Flathead High School musicians.
Clanton also thanks Katharine Thompson, director of Flathead CARE, for sponsoring such great teen activities, and to FHS guitar instructor Steve Eckels for hosting the evening and caring so much for the kids.
"Our purpose was to draw a connection between playing a musical instrument and choosing a healthy lifestyle," says Eckels, whose students have offered at least two guitar nights a year for the last five years.
As impressive as the students' talent was the diversity of the audience, says Thompson. Adults, young children and teens all came together to enjoy and applaud the music.
Look for the next guitar night sometime in January.
On Oct. 10, several Bigfork businesses met a challenge from two local swimmers. The challengers were Jordan Loyda, 10, and Joshua Loyda, 8. The goal was for each member of the KATS swim team to swim 200 lengths within two hours in hopes of earning enough money to purchase fins for practice.
Splash for Cash was so successful that the KATS were able to purchase 20 pairs of fins.
KATS is a nonprofit, competitive swim team in the Flathead Valley that participates under the U.S. Swimming Federation. The team consists of about 46 swimmers, ages 7 to 18, who practice nightly at The Summit.
"The kids on this team are kind, considerate and hard-working," writes Deidre Loyda, Jordan and Josh's mother. "Thanks to all the family, friends and community members for the financial and emotional support for our team.
"In particular, my family would like to extend a hearty thank you to the Bigfork proprietors who dug deep to sponsor Jordan and Joshua for Splash for Cash. Your generous sponsorships help to create the fun, life-long memories they will have for their passion - swimming."
Next week is National Animal Shelter Appreciation week, a time to recognize local agencies that care for the estimated 6 million to 8 million relinquished, abandoned, lost or injured animals who pass through their doors each year.
Do your part by not allowing your pets to roam alone outside and keeping their identification tags on them at all times. Spaying or neutering your pets not only has a direct impact on pet overpopulation but also benefits their health and behavior.
If you're thinking of adding a furry friend to your family, the Northwest Montana Humane Society should be your first stop. And volunteering your time is another great way to help homeless animals here in the Flathead.
For more ideas visit The Humane Society of the United States Web site at www.hsus.org.