North Fork news

Usually, if I miss writing a column for two weeks, it is because there is nothing to write about, or I am just plain lazy. Not the case this time. Thanks to Brian Kennedy and Terry Kennedy I was partially trapped in the past and somewhat distracted by the present. More about that in the next couple of weeks after I catch up with North Fork activities.

Biggest event was the arrival of rain and cool weather. After more than two months of heat and smoke it was a relief to see the mountains and breathe clean air. The wildfires which surround us are finally laying down, if not out. Odds are they will not blow up again unless hot weather, lightning and winds return. We will remain cautious and hope for the best.

The September meeting of the landowners’ association was the best attended in my memory. I am convinced it was because of the outstanding Powerpoint presentation by history chairman Lois Walker. She put together a delightful history of the Improvement/Landowners’ Association complete with dozens of pictures. I could barely remember the picture of myself at 10 with my first bull trout. It was great to see Ma and Pa Holcomb (Harry and Lena), Frank and Ella Wurtz and many others again—even if only in pictures. We have already asked Lois to reshow the program next year at the July meeting when all of the summer people are here. Hopefully, she will follow that up with a presentation on the history of North Fork schools.

At the business meeting, the membership approved the budget adopted by the Board of Directors and mostly prepared by Treasurer Chris Heitz. Projected income is just under $6,000 and proposed expenditures are the same including a small amount in miscellaneous to cover unexpected costs.

In addition to the usual standing committees, an audit committee was appointed to go over last year’s finances and report at the October meeting.

Also, new committees, a Welcome Committee, and a Sunshine Committee were appointed, hopefully restarting an old tradition of welcoming newcomers and sending well-wishes to North Forkers suffering sickness, injury or loss.

Unfortunately, the Sunshine Committee has already been busy due to the serious illnesses of John Frederick, Sue Sullivan and Michel Peretiako. Names of new residents should be given to Rachel Peura and illnesses to Bonny Ogle or any Board Member.

Earlier in the year, we lost Jerry DeSanto, longtime Polebridge Ranger, author and a terrific guy. Last week an estimated 200 friends, neighbors and colleagues gathered at the home of his longtime partner Karen Feather to remember Jerry who was ill for several years. His wit and humor is missed.

Larry Wilson’s North Fork Views appears weekly in the Hungry Horse News.