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Covering the Bitterroot Valley – “Where Montana Begins!”
‘The B Volume XXXV, Number 33
‘A Wild Land Ethic’
Established 1985 – Locally owned & independent
Wednesday, March 4, 2020
Hamilton mayor recognized as community asset by Chamber
By Michael Howell
This photo of a mountain goat in the Bob Marshall Wilderness is one of Dale Burk’s favorites in the new book he co-edited and published, “A Wild Land Ethic – The Story of Wilderness in Montana.”
Burk’s new book tells essential story of Montana’s wild places By Michael Howell
What better thing could a bunch of old timers leave for us before taking off to those fabled “happy hunting grounds” than to tell us the story, and maybe show us a few pictures as well, of the most remarkable places they’ve been, the marvelous things they’ve seen, and the deep respect they’ve gained for everything wild in Montana. A couple of old timers, Dale Burk of Stevensville and Wayne Chamberlin of Helena, along with over 70 other writers and photographers, have done just that in the new book, “A Wild Land Ethic – The Story of Wilderness in Montana.” Co-editors Burk and Chamberlin have managed to pull together a masterful collection of stories and photos from some of the most dedicated and influential wilderness advocates in the state, each one giving us a glimpse into the awesome majesty of the wild, informing us of its intrinsic value and conveySee BOOK, page 2
Hamilton Mayor Dominic Farrenkopf, a recent recipient of the Community Asset award from the Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce said he was “pleasantly surprised” at being selected for the honor. “I was really happy about it,” said Farrenkopf, “because it completely validates everything that I do.” Farrenkopf works as the Community Life Director at Sapphire Lutheran Homes in Hamilton. Sapphire Lutheran Homes is a faith based community serving people of all faiths and religions, whose mission is “to provide compassionate, innovative services and amenities enabling seniors to maintain and enhance their quality of life.” As Community Life Director, Farrenkopf engages the community in fundraisers and concerts and other educational programs “where we take Sapphire to the community and take the commuSee ASSET, page 9
Creating connectivity By Michael Howell
Dale Burk of Stevensville, noted author, journalist, editor, publisher, sportsman, AND wilderness advocate. M. Howell photo.
Dominic Farrenkopf. Eric Elander photo.
The intersection at the heart of any city is of extreme importance for both the city residents and its visitors. It has long been recognized that the most significant intersection in Hamilton, the intersection of Highway 93 and Main Street and Marcus Street is not exactly welcoming, nor aesthetically appealing, and is difficult to navigate for drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians. The need to address the situation in some fashion was recognized in the Downtown Master Plan and improving the intersection was made a priority in the plan but without diving into the details of how to make it happen. An effort to build on the Downtown Master Plan, by providing detailed and actionable goals and strategies to improve the area, did begin in earnest, however, when the Connect 93 program was initiated. Connect 93 is a plan for improving transporta-
tion connectivity, safety, and the aesthetics around the intersection. It is a collaborative effort between the City of Hamilton, the Hamilton Downtown Association and Community Builders, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping local officials create strong and
prosperous communities throughout the American West. The aim of the collaborative is to enhance the area around the intersection to be more welcoming and to better balance the needs of bicycles, cars, See CONNECT 93, page 3
The City of Hamilton is looking for citizen input into proposed changes at the intersection of Highway 93, Main Street and Marcus Street. Project ideas would be aimed at increasing safety at the intersection for vehicles, bikes and pedestrians, beautification of the surrounding area and increasing connectivity of streets, sidewalks, and trails.
Hamilton’s Sister Optimists: vital to our valley
By Marnie Craig
Saundra Amsden was living overseas and serving in the military when her mom wrote an $85 check to Soroptimist International of Hamilton and told her, “You are now a Soroptimist.” Amsden didn’t know what that meant.
She retired from the Navy in 2009 and moved back to Montana. Amsden realized not everyone had a good childhood and a supportive family like hers. Feeling fortunate with having everything she needed, she chose to volunteer in her community through the Hamilton Soroptimists.
Soroptimist President Dixie Dies admires a hand-blown glass pumpkin being donated to the silent auction for the club’s annual fundraiser, An Evening Wrapped in Chocolate. Marnie Craig photo.
“I wanted to do something for those who weren’t as lucky as I was,” she said. Soroptimist International is a global volunteer service organization working to empower women and girls by supporting education and training. With 160,000 members in more than 120 countries and representatives in the United Nations, these women work to raise awareness about the human rights challenges preventing women and girls from reaching their full potential. Human trafficking is one of the challenges. Amsden chairs the local committee on human trafficking and provides informative presentations in the community on the myths and facts of trafficking. “It can be difficult to recognize,” she said. “People may not know that with the internet, kids are being trafficked in rural places like Hamilton.” She implemented the club’s Adopt-a-Classroom program and five members volunteer several hours each week in a fourth-grade
classroom at Corvallis Elementary School. The members use their skills to help the kids. Amsden is
good at math. “One-on-one attention is important because the kids may
not be getting the attention they need at home,” she said. “I even See SOROPTIMISTS, page 2
A working lunch. Saundra Amsden, Sue Smith, Joan Richards, Anne Brown and Dixie Dies discuss budget, committee reports and event logistics during a Soroptimist International of Hamilton monthly board meeting in the meeting room at BJ’s Family Restaurant in Hamilton. Marnie Craig photo.