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One guest speaker for Super Adults said when he was asked to participate and learned it was "for men and women 55 and over" thought it might be a driving club for speeders. He admitted how wrong he was.
It's an interesting group which becomes five years old in December. Super Adults was formed for "inspiration, information and friendship." It fulfills these goals — and also includes a delicious meal served during the sessions, which begin at 11 a.m. first Thursdays, September through May.
Sponsors are retired pastor Peter Bergen and wife, Edwina, Columbia Falls. Agenda includes devotions, music and interesting programs given by area residents. One of the highlights, original poems given by Lu Hula, Columbia Falls, was added to the meetings this fall.
Two young mothers, Caty Adams and Jennifer Burrough, were cooks the first two years. Now Jolene Rigier plans menus and is assisted by Cheryl Byle, Caty and Jennifer in preparing and serving.
Seniors from throughout the Flathead attend get-togethers. They are non-denominational and held at the First Baptist Church, Whitefish.
Summer activities have also been spearheaded by the Bergens. Trips were to historic Montana towns one year; Charlie Russell Museum and Giant Springs in Great Falls another; and to the Buffalo Range.
There were 44 accompanying the Bergens on a well-planned trip to Gates of the Mountains in June. Those participating included Ilene and Jerry Howard, Doug and Ginny Ren, Columbia Falls. The ladies have been friends for more than 50 years. Group was aboard the Hilger Rose for their tour on the Missouri River. It was named after Nicholas Hilger who began boat tours in 1886.
The Last Chance Gulch Train provided transportation for touring historic sites in Helena. Next was visiting the Montana Historical Museum, library and archives. Ed and Lu Hula were able to visit the 163rd Infantry room in the museum. It was of special interest to Ed, as he served in the 163rd during World War II and has helped compile items for the room.
Personal tour of Montana's State Capitol was conducted by Lt. Gov. Karl Ohs and Bob Brown, secretary of state. Tour participants included Eileen and Arnold Sandefur, Kalispell. Lt. Gov. Ohs is her nephew. Bob Brown visited with friends from the Flathead, including fellow congregation members of the First Baptist Church, Whitefish.
Guest speaker for the Nov. 4 meeting is Pruett Helm, Polson. He's a retired chief warrant officer in the army and served in Vietnam. Pruett was shot down in a helicopter and rescued with a broken back. His activities include horseback riding and kayaking despite being paralyzed from the waist down. He's been an air traffic controller in his wheelchair and is now hired by the government to fly to different bases and speak to aviators.
Pruett will be accompanied by his wife, Sherrie.
Gladys Shay is a longtime resident and columnist for the Hungry Horse News.