Taylor is example for us all

One of our own who has affected so many of us is Taylor Peterson of Columbia Falls.

The high school senior, afflicted by incurable cancer, has become a rallying point for the Columbia Falls community and beyond.

Her story and her stoicism have touched the hearts of thousands of people. Witness the 2,700 meals served in one afternoon at a benefit at Tien’s Place on Sunday and the more than $50,000 raised for Taylor.

Those are just a couple of examples — there are countless others — in a stupendous outpouring of support for a remarkable young woman facing an unimaginable challenge.

We all thank you, Taylor, for showing us strength and courage and bringing us all together, and we echo your words, “Never give up,” as we wish for the best for all those who battle cancer or other life-threatening illnesses.

A FEW LOCAL Red Cross volunteers were on the front lines of helping victims of Hurricane Sandy in the days following the “superstorm” that pounded the East Coast.

Lew Savik, 72, and John and Margie Donoghue, both 80, all of the Kalispell area, served hundreds of hot meals to storm victims left without electricity, heat, and in many cases without homes. They performed search-and-rescue operations in assigned neighborhoods, using horns and loudspeakers to announce their arrival.

This kind of selfless service is so crucial during disasters of any kind, and Hurricane Sandy was one of the worst natural disasters in this country in recent years. We’re fortunate to have people such as Savik and the Donoghues helping others in need, and proud to call them our own.

AN ANNUAL community event that should be on everyone’s calendar is Christmas at Our House, the traditional Christmas dinner sponsored by the Montana National Guard.

This year’s dinner will be especially poignant because many of the local soldiers who would ordinarily be hosting the event are currently deployed to Fort Hood, Texas, as they train for their upcoming mission in Afghanistan.

Volunteers, led by Shannon and Denise Nalty, have taken up the slack, and so Christmas will go on as scheduled. Lunch and dinner will be served from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Santa will make an appearance from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Last year, more than 4,000 meals were served at the Kalispell Armed Forces Reserve Center, which is located at 2989 U.S. 93 North.