Sykes' traditions will continue

Inter Lake editorial

We may be embarking on a new era of change as a nation, but here at home we're glad to hear the new owners of Sykes' Grocery & Market in Kalispell plan on keeping the landmark business just the way it has been for decades.

Customers still will be able to get a 10-cent cup of coffee, and cherished traditions such as the Thanksgiving community dinner and Tuesday bingo will continue as before.

New owners Mike and Mary McFarland plan to upgrade the restrooms and kitchen, and there will be other necessary modernization, such as new scanning equipment in the grocery store. But the essence of Sykes' as a neighborhood gathering spot will continue to thrive, and for that we're grateful.

The 103-year-old business has been an anchor in a sea of change in the Flathead over the past few years. It's even become a tourist spot of sorts for visitors who have all but forgotten the charm and comfortable nature of the long-lost corner grocery. We trust the new owners will continue to heed the slogan that made Sykes' famous: "Nobody goes away a stranger."

The Whitefish Soroptimists have stepped up to the plate to provide much-needed dental care for low-income, head-of-household women who have faced economic and personal hardships. Called Smile of Hope, the program is a cooperative effort with Drs. Pam Lilly and Meagan Lilly-Frank, a mother-daughter team who will provide the dental care.

The Soroptimists - who put all of the money they earn from their Whitefish Thrift Haus back into the community - have pledged an initial donation of $10,000 for Smile of Hope. Program coordinator Joanie Sorensen said Smile of Hope "will help people on the most basic level."

We're glad there are organizations like the Whitefish Soroptimists that not only are identifying needs in our communities but also putting resources toward them to make a real difference.

A tip of the hat to Joel Voytoski, superintendent of Evergreen schools, for being named Montana Superintendent of the Year.

Although Voytoski's skills at dealing with the complexities of fiscal management have won him rave reviews from school board members, his commitment to students is just as noteworthy.

After nearly three decades in education, Voytoski still puts kids first.

"It's about a whole lot more than numbers and policy," Voytoski says of his job. "There's an opportunity to make a huge difference when it's focused on the kids."

He obviously has made such a difference, so we add our congratulations to the laurels Voytoski has received from state organizations.