EDITORIAL: The O'Shaughnessy success story

by Inter Lake editorial
| August 13, 2015 7:35 PM

When the O’Shaughnessy Cultural Arts Center opened in 1998 in Whitefish, it was part of a grassroots downtown redevelopment project that included the construction of the Whitefish Library. Those who spearheaded the ambitious project envisioned the O’Shaughnessy serving as a community center as well as a local theater.

That’s exactly what has happened. The center is, of course, home to the Whitefish Theatre Company and its many fine productions. But the wide range of events staged there — from fitness classes to town-hall meetings — have made it a true community center.

The O’Shaughnessy now is getting a well-deserved face lift after all this use. Through a “Raise the Curtain on Act 2” capital campaign the center will be expanded now with a two-story addition on the north side and later with a lobby expansion.

Fundraisers are closing in on a $1.25 million goal. It’s a worthy cause for a worthy facility.

YWAM celebrates 30 years

Another community success story that deserves acknowledgment is Youth With a Mission, better known as Y-WAM.

The Lakeside facility is a training center for missionaries who travel around the world spreading their Christian faith. On Aug. 22, however, those missionaries will be returning home where it all started for many of them to help celebrate the facility being open for 30 years.

YWAM is welcoming past students and community members to a day of activities on the 40-acre campus starting at 2 p.m. on Saturday Aug. 22. Guided tours will begin at 4 p.m. and at 6:30 prayer and a speech will be led by author Floyd McClung, followed by a dessert reception. For more information, check www.ywammontana.org on the Internet.

Meals on Wheels needs you

Volunteers are needed to help with another worthy community effort: Meals on Wheels.

The program that serves 350 meals a day in the Flathead Valley needs volunteer drivers.

All it takes is an hour and a half of your time to deliver not only meals but valuable human contact to Meals on Wheels recipients.

To volunteer, call 758-5711.