North Fork fall activities slated

The ground squirrels have withdrawn to their winter quarters, there’s fresh snow on the mountains in Glacier Park, and the lone quaking aspen in my meadow is nearly one-third bright yellow. Also, orange paint is being sprayed on trees up and down the road. There are even a few folks with blackened faces and camo clothing, armed with bows and arrows, creeping around in the woods.

Due to freezing nights and cooler days, I’m starting to take wood out of the woodshed to warm the cabin. A heavy rain this week probably ended the risk of a major North Fork wildfire until next summer. Sure signs of fall.

The September North Fork Landowners Association business meeting was well attended, with nearly 30 members present. A recap of the summer activities indicated that perhaps too many activities were planned, so the social committee will eliminate some that were poorly attended and would welcome any suggestions from the membership on what should be continued.

A combination of excellent maintenance, chaired by Lee Secrest, and positive action by the board of directors has the Community Hall grounds and interior in better shape than when the year began. The perimeter fence has been repaired, weeds eradicated and woody fuels removed outside the building, and with county permits received, the outhouse will be updated this fall. Also, new solar-powered lights adorn the generator shed.

Inside, the hall is spic and span, and new storage racks for the folding chairs and tables make it easier to clean as well as freeing up more space on the floor. Plans and financing are being worked on to refinish the floor, which will improve the dance surface as well as extend the life of the floor.

The board is also reviewing the insurance coverage and looking at the cost of additional liability coverage for the board of directors as well as policy regarding the consumption of alcohol in the building during NFLA events and by renters.

Other ongoing activities include the history committee continuing to collect oral histories. Most recently, Carl and Linda Pittman were interviewed, and the committee plans to complete at least six more this fall.

Of course, there is still one more regular meeting this year. That will be held on Oct. 6 at 8 p.m. I hope everyone remembers to bring donations for the Columbia Falls Food Bank. Donations can be nonperishable food items or cash in honor of Bob and Jean Grimaldi, who started the project.

Church services will be held every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. through Sept. 30 at Sondreson Hall, and the last pizza night will be Sept. 14 at the Northern Lights.

After the October landowners’ meeting, big events will be Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner at the Hall, with doors open at 3 p.m. and dinner at 4 p.m.

Final event and kickoff for 2013 will be a New Year’s Eve party on Dec. 31 at Sondreson Hall. Details in a later column.