Letters to the Editor

Great generosity

When I attended a Republican women's convention in Helena last April, I met Cyndi Forbes, a woman who is working hard to support our troops overseas in many ways. I mentioned to her my son, John, who is currently serving as a JAG officer with the Army National Guard in Afghanistan. One thing that he works on is the humanitarian mission to supply Afghan children with school supplies. Last winter John sent an email to me, saying that any help with obtaining the supplies would be appreciated. His dad and I immediately sent notebooks and pens along. His sister in Marietta, Georgia, initiated a campaign at the elementary school her children attend and sent boxes of donated supplies also. Likewise, his uncle in New York sent supplies.

I just heard from Cyndi that the Republican women in Helena have sent off 5 boxes of school supplies to the Afghan children. One box also contains beef jerky and homemade cookies for the troops.

Here's a little of the correspondence I saw between Cyndi and my son. From John to Cyndi: "Thanks very much for putting those boxes together. Without question, the best part of this job is going on our humanitarian assistance missions. . . I firmly believe that establishing schools and assisting the local population with their basic needs will be key to our success here in Afghanistan." From Cyndi to John: "For you and your soldier buddies. . . thank you for what you and your hearts are doing. . . Stay safe now and God go with you!"

I wish I could shout this generosity and good will from the rooftops! To me, it is right at the top of news worthy!

Carol Cummings

Polson

Root cellars are key

Many people are turning to home gardens as a way to make ends meet, and for better quality produce. If you want to make this bounty last long after harvesting, the once essential home accessory, the root cellar, is your answer. And consider a greenhouse to extend your growing season.

Bigfork's Essential Stuff Project (ESP) will present a slideshow tour of local root cellars, greenhouses and gardens on Wednesday, June 24, at 7 p.m., at Clementines in Bigfork (265 Bridge St). Come be inspired!

This event is free and open to the public, but donations are welcome. Coffee and tea are provided; desserts, beer and wine are available for purchase. Visit our website at essentialstuff.org, or contact Edd Blackler (edd@essentialstuff.org, 837-5196) or Catherine Haug (cat@essentialstuff.org, 837-4577) for more information.

Catherine Haug

Bigfork

Exchange thanks

I would like to take some time to thank the local family, Debbie Mcdonald, who hosted my EF Foundation Student Philip Hermanni for the 2008/2009 school year and the community members who have embraced and shared your America with him. Without you and the school who opened their hearts and lives to Philip we would not have a program. You as a community have changed the life of one German boy and hopefully made a choice to keep sharing your community with other kids in the future. Thank you again and I hope to keep sharing our wonderful kids with you.

Chellie Matson Regional Coordinator

EF Foundation for Foreign Study