John stories

The John Frederick memorial was moved from the hostel to Sondreson Hall because of the possibility of high water. Some years, even if there is no real flood, the water comes up high enough that the hostel is an island and just the possibility of ferrying a ton of guests in canoes was enough to move the gathering to the Community Hall. Good thing.

At least two of us counted over 100 guests. There were, as expected, many locals, but there were also folks who came from all over the U.S. and even South America.

A circle of chairs was set up and anyone who wanted stood up and told “John stories.” These were varied and ranged from funny to serious. The ones I liked best were told by Michelle and Walter.

One was funny and one was serious. Between them, they captured much of what made John special beyond the fact that he was also eccentric. Obviously, he will be missed by many and we wish his family long life and happiness.

More and more, I suspect that we have escaped any major flooding. Way above normal snowpack is causing more high water, which recedes on cool nights and comes up again with the warm weather. Rain has been slight, and so the snowpack is leaving the mountains in an orderly fashion. West side creeks are clearing up and more and more bare rock is showing on Glacier’s peaks. Only thing we have to worry about now is how long mosquito season will last and will anyone have a hand-to-paw encounter with a grizzly bear.

A few weeks ago, I announced my personal wish to recruit Associate Members for the Landowners Association and warning agency folks I might visit them with applications. I have been pleasantly surprised by the response.

One political candidate, Sheriff hopeful Brian Heino, has already joined, plus one private citizen. Everyone I approached indicated an interest and many said they would be glad to join. Now, I am going to sit back and see how many send in their name, address and $10 to Box 1603, Columbia Falls, MT, 59912.

The association maintains Sondreson Community Hall, sponsors a robust social calendar from June until Christmas, which is open to everyone, and sponsors educational and informative sessions, which are also free of charge to the general public. In addition to membership, donations are also accepted and deeply appreciated.

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