Generous man replaces boy's stolen bike
Facebook post asking people to keep an eye out for a stolen bike landed a happy ending for a 10-year-old boy in Whitefish.
One of our readers, Mya Bessette saw the posting on “The New — The News and Used Anything in the Flathead Valley” Facebook page and sent it our way saying, “This is just the most heartwarming story” and hoping we’d find a place for it in the Inter Lake.
The 20-inch yellow Haro was taken last month near a restaurant in Whitefish. The owner’s parents posted a picture of the bike saying their son was heartbroken and hoping someone might have seen it advertised for sale.
One follower, Jon Lemburg, took particular notice.
Lemburg posted, “I’m sorry your son had to experience what he did ... It’s a shame people can’t just leave other people’s things alone. Make sure he knows to always look for the silver lining in life and try not to concentrate on the negative. Winter’s coming fast. It’s no time for a boy to be without a bike.”
Then Lemburg posted his own picture. It was of another bike parked near the restaurant where the boy’s bike had been stolen.
“Swing by later with him and let him ‘find’ this one. (The waitress has the combination.)”
We can only imagine how that boy’s face lit up when he found out that shiny new bike was for him and hope he gets to put plenty of miles on it before the snow flies.
Local artist Colt Idol recently offered limited editions of one of his giclees for sale to help raise money for the Scott Vallely Soldiers Memorial Fund.
The event was Sept. 25 at Flathead Bank in Bigfork where guests were able to purchase the prints at a special price. A significant sum was raised to benefit the fund that was started by retired Maj. Gen. Paul Vallely of Bigfork and his wife, Muffin, in memory of their late son, Pfc. Scott Paul Vallely.
According to the fund’s website, its objectives are to make annual awards to Armed Forces members who have distinguished themselves in their service, present leadership awards for future members, and conduct an annual holiday gift drive for those serving in combat areas.
Idol’s impressive 4-by-6 foot original oil painting of “Avalanche Lake” was also displayed during the event. Limited edition giclees may still be purchased through Flathead Bank, or contact Kevin Moore at 406-250-4997.
It could have been a grievous day when Joani and Denny Young’s 10-pound Chihuahua/Pomerian dog Mickey outsmarted his elderly owners and sneaked out of his house Oct. 4, ending up facing two-way traffic out on U.S. 2 West.
“Thankfully the wonderful people in the vehicles from both directions stopped and our little guy ran back to our yard,” the Youngs wrote in their recent email.
The Youngs admit their 14-month-old pooch can be a handful for them but they love him dearly.
“We just want to thank all the drivers involved for being alert and compassionate. May God bless each and every one of you.”
Community editor Carol Marino may be reached at 758-4440 or by email at community@dailyinterlake.com.