Enjoying Democrats

On June 23, I again had the opportunity to share lunch and a meeting with the Flathead County Democratic Women at the Outlaw Inn, Kalispell. In April, at their invitation, I had spoken with them about 'circles of trust.' Today I was there to deliver some books on 'circles of trust' entitled "A Hidden Wholeness" by Parker Palmer. To quote just one sentence from the book jacket: "At a time when many of us seek ways of working and living that are more resonant with our souls, A Hidden Wholeness offers insight into our condition and guidance for finding what we seek within ourselves and with each other." .

Mary Reckin, president of the FCDW, conducts a very spirited, well planned and positive meeting. I was sitting next to Pauline Sjordal who is president of the Montana State Democratic Women's Club. A group of them had just returned from the convention in Hamilton.

I mention all this because in the course of the meeting, and talking with Pauline on the side, I realized what attracts me to this fine group. It is not just that they represent the Democratic party. It is not just that they have strong opinions. It is not just that they have excellent event planning, a healthy bank account, infectious enthusiasm, and a membership of all ages. What most attracts me to this fine group is the small "d" democratic tone and feeling within the group. I did not hear one negative comment towards any person of another party. The total focus was upon peace, harmony, fixing the out-of-balance things in our system that need to be fixed, and being resonate with the core values upon which our nation was formed.

Regardless of what is a groups political affiliation, if these values are the backbone of the group purpose and function, we have the formula for bringing America back to its position of trusted and thoughtful leadership in this world.

By the way, the theme for this years convention was: "Peace. Let it begin with me."

Bob McClellan

Polson

Liquor license

I am a neighbor to the Saddlehorn property in Woods Bay.

I want to express my support for the Saddlehorn and their request for a liquor license.

Their improvements to the Bayview Resort property, paying for the electrical lines to be buried from the Woods Bay Homeowners property across the front of Saddlehorn up to Whitecap Lane and fixing the bridge at their expense are just a few things they have done that show their commitment to our neighborhood.

They are reducing the traffic by eliminating overnight accommodations and converting the premises to a day-use facility to members.

Having a license, they will be able to control the quantity, use and timing of operation. They are good neighbors and do care about how things are handled. Keeping the gas dock open to the public is commendable on their part.

Please Support their request for a liquor license.

Corey Clark

Woods Bay

Liquor license part II

I am writing in response to the article in last week's Eagle regarding the liquor license applied for by Saddlehorn marina. As the applicant, I hope readers will take the time to understand both sides of the story.

With four years of planning for and upgrading the Bayview Resort and as owner of multiple properties in the Woods Bay Community, I want to thank all the neighbors and friends living in the area for their support. After hosting the annual "Fishing without Barriers" event a week ago, spirits are running high and we have received dozens of positive comments on our marina improvements along with getting the public gas and restroom accommodations ready for the summer season.

Bayview Resort, over many decades, offered public overnight accommodations and sold liquor in an off-sale capacity. Saddlehorn's approach is more comprehensive: we have engaged in major transformations of all the facilities (aesthetically and functionally); the liquor license is a way for us to serve liquor in a safe and responsible fashion and meet Montana standards. Otherwise, folks bring their own liquor to the lake with little or no supervision.

The issue of vehicle traffic is separate from the Saddlehorn beverage application because the marina will be used for fun family experiences with or without the license. The traffic and vehicle speed is a challenge for all in the community and Saddlehorn has only helped in this regard. There are many commercial operations in the area - including the RV Park, boat marina, lawn care providers, contractors, Meadow Lake Golf Club, Homeowners' Beach and a State Park and boat launch, to name a few - and we all have to do our part.

To clarify another misperception, when the county bridge was damaged by someone else's cement truck (not Saddlehorn's) and was destined to be a one-lane old bridge with a weight limit, Saddlehorn stepped up and got a new bridge in place within weeks to regain homeowner access and enable the school bus to reach Yenne Point. Saddlehorn has also embarked, at their own expense, on burying the overhead electrical lines that stem from the Woods Bay Homeowners' beach and on Yenne Point Road.

The Saddlehorn Marina, with proven management practices, is not going to compete for public patrons or run a bar for profit. The facility upgrade and license are for use by members and guests.

Through the state regulation process, Saddlehorn will be able to control the access, quantity, use and hours of operation for alcoholic beverages. This is a place for family recreation for all ages including our kids as well. Getting this right is job #1.

Saddlehorn supports responsible recreation at the marina and on the water. When it comes to safety, the county's Search and Rescue team has joined with Saddlehorn to serve the public in an informal capacity as host for quick emergency response for any and all boating emergencies.

Saddlehorn cares deeply about the Woods Bay community and provides a great family-focus. Saddlehorn's commitment to quality improvements, in an area that's been long neglected, has been commended by neighbors and Saddlehorn has received many letters in support of this license. While Saddlehorn has hosted numerous events over the years, the folks protesting this license application have yet to contact us for accurate information about our operation or try to gain the facts about how we have addressed all neighborhood impacts.

Thanks once again for all the great support we have received - just wanted to provide the other side of the story.

Jim Frizzell

Saddlehorn

I would just like to take this time to publically thank the people of Bigfork who helped rescue me from the Swan River on 6/24/08. Words cannot express the gratitude I feel towards the Bigfork Volunteer Ambulance, Swan Mission Search and Rescue, Bigfork QRU and the Ferndale Fire Department for all taking the time to come to my rescue. Although I don't know all of your names, you will remain close to my heart forever! I would also like personally thank Daryl Dow and his friend for putting themselves at risk for my benefit. Also I want to thank Rod and Tracey Gembala for letting us interrupt their morning (twice) and offering their house to all the rescuers. I am saving my last special thank you for my hero, Ben Wallace of Flathead Lake Lodge, for taking the time to stop and help a total stranger while putting himself at great risk. I can't thank you enough!! You will all remain close to my heart and I will be forever grateful to each and every one of you. May God

bless all of you!!

Jennifer Harmon