Spring work: labor of love
"On Sunday, April 10, I witnessed one of the greatest outpourings of love and friendship, writes Bud Lee of Kalispell. Lee and his wife Patti are neighbors of Bill and Judy Perry.
Bill, a truck driver for Midway Rental, has been diagnosed with cancer and consequently unable to work.
On that day 25 fellow employees of Midway Rental came out to Perry's home and spent the day spring cleaning around the house and yard. They dethatched and raked, weeded, mowed, trimmed shrubs and power-washed the house and windows.
They also had a barbecue and grilled hot dogs for the crowd. "Everyone was fantastic!" says Judy. "It was wonderful."
Judy and a good friend from Billings who is here helping the Perrys fixed baked beans and salads in the morning and they all had a great lunch. "But the best part was the filet mignon they fixed for us," Judy remembers. "It was the best I've ever tasted."
Employees from the Kalispell and Whitefish Midway Rentals all worked together that day to help a family in need. Thursday was Bill's 61st birthday and Bill's co-workers were planning on bringing him a cake.
The Lees have also been a big help, Judy says, often offering to walk or visit with Bill or visit. Bud Lee writes, "Things like this just makes you glad to live in Montana. God bless all those friends, from a neighbor on Beargrass Lane."
In the predawn hours of March 18, while driving south bound on U.S. 93 south of Kalispell, Bill and Sheila Marschner were left stranded in the dark, on the travel lane with their car immobile and without headlights. The Cranbrook, British Columbia, couple's car had collided with an animal.
Fortunately a passer-by came by with a pickup truck and chain and pulled their bumper away from the wheel, enabling them to follow him to a turnout safely off the main highway. The fellow also had a phone to call the Flathead County Sheriff's Office.
Deputy Sheriff R. Tkachyk responded, assisted them with the necessary paper work, provided direction on repairs and made sure they were mobile by daylight.
Shortly after leaving the area, the Marschners needed to stop at another pullout to secure a loose part that was flopping in the wind. Officer Tkachyk again stopped by to make sure they were OK.
Bill Marschner writes, "In the haste of the situation we didn't get the name of the local resident who originally provided assistance but would like to express our thanks to both this person and the officer who attended for their efficient, courteous assistance to get us safely off the road and then back on our way."
Carnita Coker writes to commend one local doctor for her "bedside manner" during a recent visit. After 12 years, Coker had decided she should schedule an appointment for a routine checkup; but she didn't know have a personal physician. She was given the name of Dr. Ann Bukacek.
"It was one of the best doctor visits I've ever had. Her office was so peaceful and the atmosphere was great!" writes Coker. "Best of all was the ease that I felt around Dr. Bukacek and how easy it was to communicate with her."
"All I can say is I am impressed," adds Coker. "Your community is blessed."
Reporter Carol Marino writes a column on community news for the Inter Lake. She may be reached at 758-4440 or by e-mail at cmarino@dailyinterlake.com