Hometown heroes 2015

bitterroot valley

hometown

heroes AUGUST 26, 2015

2 - Ravalli Republic, Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Hamilton brothers work hard in the face of adversity MICHELLE McCONNAHA

Carmody, who had them as students as freshmen Spencer and Mason Tredik are and again as juniors. seniors at Hamilton High School and “They deserve this were nominated to be Hometown honor. They are great Heroes by Principal Dan Kimzey. kids.”

“They’re very involved students and HHS counselor Adam weathered mom’s breast cancer withSchraeder said both out skipping a beat,” said Kimzey. boys are “go-to kids.”

Their mother, Diane Tredik, agrees.

“If we need some“Our sons took time to come with thing done, we go to Craig and I to appointments,” said them,” Schraeder said.

Diane Tredik. “It was so fantastic to “They are both great have their love and support. Many kids. Mason Tredik was days it was their sense of humor, pera Boys’ State represenspective and wit that made it all OK.” tative this summer. We HHS teacher Jen Carmody said the knew he would repreprovided photo boys deserve the title of Hometown The Tredik family at a Relay for Life event: Mason, Craig (husband), Diane, Cody (son who attends sent the school very well Carroll College), and Spencer. “Our sons took time to come with Craig and I to appointments,” said and was a great choice.

Heroes.

Diane Tredik. “It was so fantastic to have their love and support. Many days it was their sense of “In the face of adversity, they conSpencer helped with the humor, perspective and wit that made it all OK.” tinue to work hard, provide positive Keystone after-school leadership and remain committed to their faith and family,” said program and was pivotal in recruiting kids and getting kids excited about it. He saw the value for the students and helped get some buy-in for them.”

“I’ve taught all three boys – their faith is very important to them,” Located said HHS teacher Lance Turner. “They are a close-knit family.

Next to Spencer and Mason are twins. I’ve had them in the classroom and traffic education. I’ve never seen them act in a way that would marVac & Sew ginalize other people. They have the intellect to excel and incredN. 1st Hamilton ible ability to observe. They are genuine and empathetic young men, and I feel they are a tremendous influence on the student HOURS: body. They are a team. I have them in German class, and they M-F: 10-6 recognize what they have and make use of the time, asking poiSAT: 10-2 gnant questions for clarification. They can put pieces together and see a bigger picture. They have a great genuineness.”

“They are an absolute blessing and joy to us,” Diane Tredik said.

“They are strong men of faith who are good students. They give a lot of time to the community and are leaders among their peers.

They are the light of our lives, wonderful men and we are proud of them.”

Spencer and Mason Tredik participate in golf and tennis at HHS and are Hometown Heroes.

Ravalli Republic

Our Customer Service Is Located Right Here In Montana NOT Outsourced To Some Foreign Country.

“Remember shop local - go Global: Global Wireless”

~PHONE SERVICES POWERED BY THE NATION’S LARGEST NETWORKS~

Ravalli Republic, Wednesday, August 26, 2015 - 3

Library Director dedicated to making Darby great MICHELLE McCONNAHA Ravalli Republic

michelle mcconnaha/RAVALLI REPUBLIC

Wendy Campbell, library director, assists a patron in making a book selection in the Darby Community Public Library.

DARBY – Darby Community Public Library director Wendy Campbell is a Hometown Hero. The use of the library has grown by over 200 percent since it opened in 2004 by responding to the needs of the community for access to information, for meeting space, as an access point for adult literacy services, storytimes, events, and more.

In the words of library assistant Paula Beaudry, “Wendy rocks!”

“When I first met Wendy, she told me that during the planning phase of the new building 10 years ago, some local people held the opinion that it would be ‘too good’ for Darby,” said Beaudry. “She said our goal was not to be ‘good enough,’ but to be the best. Patrons come first - always. Wendy goes beyond helping the community through her library work. She spends countless hours working to improve Darby through her library programs, town hall meetings and school activities. Her endless search for grant money to fund children’s programs has resulted in events such as “Astronauts” (bottle rockets), StarLab Mobile Planetarium, “Stones and Bones” (flint knapping and prehistoric man), “Little Grocery Store” (children learning to shop with toy food and money), and that

Sapphire Lutheran Homes salutes our hometown heroes!

Through your heroic actions you enrich the lives of those you serve and make the Bitterroot Valley a great place to live.

Thank you! ou!

501 N. 10th St. Hamilton

(406)363-2800 • www.sapphirelutheran.org

4 - Ravalli Republic, Wednesday, August 26, 2015

was just this summer. She greets the patrons with a big smile and is a welcome, helpful presence.”

Judy Estler, a member of the library board of directors, said she can’t say enough good things about Campbell.

“Wendy is the best thing that has happened to the Darby Library since it opened,” she said. “She has so many great programs for kids. Drop in to the library and you’ll see 10 kids under age 5 all being birds, or the conference room filled with kids in fourth to sixth grades creating art out of clay, and she will have arranged for a potter or an artist. She works tirelessly for the library, is very calm and handles stressful situations. She is wonderful. We now have so many activities at the library – just look at our website.”

“She is doing a super job,” said board member Ted Almgren.

“She takes care of the library and has a penchant for dealing with the children and doing well.”

The Darby Community Public Library received the 2015 Excellent Library Service Award from the Montana State Library Commission this spring. Wendy Campbell received the award from commission chair Colet Bartow.

At that time, Campbell said: “I believe a successful library is a great indicator of a dynamic community. Although small and isolated, Darby remains vibrant because organizations and individuals are committed to working with and for each other. That means the library partners with local schools and government,

JUNKERMIER, CLARK, CAMPANELLA, STEVENS PC is proud to honor all local heroes We thank you for making the Bitterroot Valley a great place to live

Junkermier • Clark • Campanella • Stevens • P.C. Certified Public Accountants and Business Advisors

JCCS - 400 W Main Street, Suite 101 www.jccscpa.com • Ph: 406-363-2820

as well as area groups and businesses. It means many volunteers perform a variety of tasks, from the fundraising efforts of the Friends of the Darby Library to the volunteers working in and out of the library. It means the library director and the board of trustees work together to be fiscally responsible with decreased funds and attentive to our community’s changing needs through ongoing examination of services, revision of library policies, and seeking the funding necessary to sustain a library built by the collective effort of many dedicated residents.”

“Wendy is dedicated to making Darby a great place,” said Darby Schools Superintendent Loyd Rennaker. “She has developed a strong partnership between the library and Darby Schools. Our students have many opportunities during each school year to participate in educational opportunities at the library.”

The Darby Community Public Library is currently seeking a 3 mill levy increase of $30,000 to maintain the facility and sustain library services at the current level of use with stable funding.

Almgren explained that this is not for an expansion.

“We’ve been running along depending on 30 percent of our budget being grants and donations – that makes it difficult to plan a stable budget,” said Almgren. “We don’t want to have to cut programs if those donations don’t come in. We still expect on grants and donations, but this helps us to have stability.”

We Appreciate all Home Town Heroes!

Serving the Bitterroot Valley for 17 years Home of the Fast, Friendly, Full service Oil Change ~Free Pick-up & Delivery ~Transmission, radiator, air conditioning & other fluid services available ~Quick Wash provides auto detailing. Call for details

lube

quick

&

1000 N. First Street • Hamilton (406) 363-4221

523 S. First Street • Hamilton (406) 363-4221

Ravalli Republic, Wednesday, August 26, 2015 - 5

Danielle Harden comes to work each day with a ‘positive, can-do attitude’ MICHELLE McCONNAHA

commissioners, the folks at the jails, she works with Marcus Daly Hospital – we do a lot of Employees at Riverfront Mental Health evaluations over there. There are a lot of Center nominated their office director, players that she and other organizations work Danielle Harden, to be a Hometown Hero. together.

“We here at Riverfront Mental Health “She has a really big job that is very stressCenter would like to nominate our office ful, truly, and it’s very rewarding. I think she director, Danielle Harden, as a hometown believes in this work, comes in, rolls up her hero extraordinaire,” said clinical team Jessica sleeves and gets the thing going. There are Randazzo, Ursula Encell, Jamie Ahearn, a lot of headaches in running a mental health Adrianna Starck, Tammy Olds and Val Kragh, center and a lot of joy.” operations manager.

“I’m on board with her nomination,” said “Danielle started as the director of Ursula Encell, mental health out-patient theraRiverfront in August of 2012 and has spent the pist. “Danielle has been nothing but energetic past three years dedicated to supporting the and excited with helping the Bitterroot Valley mental health needs of those who live in the find their access to mental health services.

Bitterroot. Running a mental health center is She brings so much energy and excitement a challenging and potentially exhausting task, into our work place that I love coming to but Danielle comes to work every day with a work every day. She has made my experience positive, can-do attitude. Her enthusiasm and working for this agency a daily reminder of energy are infectious. Under her leadership, why I chose to work in this field. I can’t think our team of 60 employees operates 10 proof anyone who does more for people needing photo proviced grams serving over 1,000 community memmental health care – she is awesome.”

Danielle Harden is the director of Riverfront bers.”

The Western Montana Mental Health Center Mental Health Center and a Hometown “Our center has become more accessible to Hero. “Danielle comes to work every day website (wmmhc.org) said, “The mission of the public, the stigma for those persons seek- with a positive, can-do attitude,” said RMHC the Western Montana Mental Health Center employees.

“Her enthusiasm and energy are ing mental health services has been reduced, is to assist individuals and communities with infectious.” and our work environment is much more posithe challenges of mental health, substance use tive and productive than ever. Her dedication and co-occurring disorders in order to achieve and professionalism is an inspiration for all of us to try harder, do their highest quality of life in a relationship of mutual respect, better work and make a difference. Community Mental Health dignity and empowerment. Services are offered by the center Centers provide support to individuals and families in crisis and regardless of age, race, sex, color, religion, marital status, sexual those who simply need mental health services. Danielle Harden is orientation or disability. the foundation of our organization; she up holds our mission and “Our operating philosophy is that persons with whom we ensures a safer and higher quality of life for all of us.” engage in a treatment relationship be offered the opportunity to “Danielle Harden oversees a bunch of programs that the change their personal situation for the better and that they have Riverfront Mental Health Center provides: Out-Patient Therapy, the ability to regain control of their lives in spite of their disability Case Management, Medication Management, Crisis House (West or illness. We consider our organization recovery oriented and cliHouse), a group home, a voluntary commitment facility, the budent centered.” gets, the employee relationships,” said Jessica Randazzo, mental health out-patient therapist. “There are a lot of things she does to work with the community, like work with law enforcement, county Ravalli Republic

6 - Ravalli Republic, Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Fox Hollow Project making a difference in pet world perry backus Ravalli Republic

perry backus/RAVALLI REPUBLIC

Jesse Applebury and Allison Hale offer some encouragement to a dog that’s about to have surgery at the Fox Hollow Animal Project clinic near Corvallis.

Back in 2003, the Hamilton animal shelter was forced to euthanize 58 percent of the cats and 29 percent of the dogs that were dropped off at their door.

Back then, they just didn’t have enough room to care for the flood of unwanted companion animals in Ravalli County.

Fast forward a decade and that same shelter did not have to euthanize a single animal due to lack of an available home.

In 2014, the shelter euthanized 14 cats and 7 dogs. All of those were either too sick or too aggressive for adoption.

Ask anyone in the know why that’s occurred and you’ll likely hear all about Alan and Jesse Applebury’s nonprofit called Fox Hollow Animal Project.

In 2003, the couple had just recently sold their busy veterinarian clinic.

A Special Thanks to our Bitterroot Hometown Heroes!

PASSENGER

GREAT BUY! starting at

SUV & PICKUP

GREAT BUY! starting at

39 99 89 99 155/80R-13

All Season Tire Economically Priced

P215/75R15

All Season Tire Economically Priced

Always FREE popcorn & wi-fi!

211 N 1st St., Hamilton, 406-363-3884 • M - F 8am - 6pm • Sat 8am - 5 pm • closed Sunday • jerrywessels.com

Ravalli Republic, Wednesday, August 26, 2015 - 7

Part of Alan Applebury’s veterinarian duties had included euthanizing unwanted litters of puppies and kittens that came to the shelter.

It was the task that he disliked above all.

While it’s one thing to put down an old and sick animal that’s suffering at the end of its life, it’s something quite different to kill a whole litter of healthy puppies simply because there is no place for them to go.

The Appleburys decided they would put their skills to good use in retirement by creating a clinic that offered high-quality and affordable sterilizations for companion animals in an effort to reduce the number of unwanted animals.

They turned an old farmhouse off Quast Lane, on land homesteaded by the Applebury family, into a clinic. Volunteers stepped forward to help.

Since their start in 2003, the clinic has spayed or neutered between 2,000 and 3,000 dogs and cats.

“We provide spay and neuter as a non-lethal solution to the homeless, abandoned and feral animal populations to ensure that euthanasia is no longer an acceptable means of population control,” says their website.

When they finished counting at the end of 2014, the Appleburys and their volunteer crews had sterilized 32,306 dogs and cats.

The nonprofit does everything it can to keep costs at a mini-

We salute Veterans and all our Home Town Heroes

mum. Everyone is a volunteer. There is no landline telephone. It does receive some grant monies from Pet Smart Charities.

The Appleburys and volunteers don’t let their physical location limit their outreach.

Over the last few years, the nonprofit has ventured out into the countryside to capture and sterilize entire colonies of feral cats.

When they first started down that road, they found colonies that held as many as 90 feral cats. Those days are past. The colonies now tend to be much smaller and easier to work with.

Heather DeWitt nominated the nonprofit as a hometown hero.

She became acquainted with the Fox Hollow Animal Project after she ended up caring for a dog that didn’t belong to her.

“I needed to get it fixed and get its shots, but I didn’t want to fork over a lot of money for a dog that wasn’t mine,” DeWitt said.

“They didn’t charge me. When someone needs help with their pets and can’t afford it, they’re willing to step forward and make that difference.”

DeWitt was impressed with the number of volunteers who give so freely of their time to make the program a success.

“Dr. Applebury comes in here (Valley Irrigation) occasionally,” DeWitt said. “He is a great guy. I just appreciate what they do.

The whole deal is pretty wonderful. Every time I’ve been in there, it’s just been packed. They help a lot of people.”

Ravalli Electric Co-op The Good Guys in the White Trucks

Your Co-op.

Locally Owned.

Locally Controlled.

100% purchase or cash out refinance for qualified veterans Other minimal down payment programs available

Ask us about Reverse Mortgages Hamilton Mortgage Services, Inc. 716 S First St. Hamilton 375-8800 NMLS #317593

Phone: (406) 961-3001 www.ravallielectric.com

8 - Ravalli Republic, Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Hamilton cop connects with Special Olympics kids stacie duce Ravalli Republic

As is the case with many selfless people who passionately volunteer, Chris Colgan has no idea how many hours he logs each year helping with Montana’s Special Olympics.

“It never occurred to me to sit down and tally my hours,” he said.

“I’ve always just jumped in and do what needs to be done. I don’t gauge success by time spent, but by asking myself, ‘Did I get it all done? Was everybody happy?’ ” Originally from Great Falls, Colgan has volunteered with the Special Olympics since he was hired by the Ravalli County Sheriff’s Department and moved to Hamilton 12 years ago.

In full uniform, he assists with medal ceremonies at the winter events held at Lost Trail Powder Mountain and has accepted greater leadership roles with the Summer Games.

For three years, Colgan has served as the leg leader of the Torch

Run through Ravalli County and organizer of the celebratory barbecue after the torch passes through Hamilton.

“I literally couldn’t do what I do by myself,” he said. “I have a lot of wonderful support from a lot of people, and the local businesses are great when it comes to donating food and resources.”

Colgan even overcame his personal fear of horses to help the athletes during equestrian events at the state games.

“I was really scared of horses. I mean a lot, but I went anyway to help at the equestrian events a couple of years ago and now it’s my favorite place to be,” he said. “I Stacie duce/ravalli republic overcame my fears mostly because the athletes are so fun to hang out with. My favorite part of the whole experience is going back each year and having athletes see me in a crowd and single me out.

When I recognize them and they recognize me year after year, that is really rewarding.”

In the anonymous nomination for Chris to be honored as a hometown hero, the submission read, “It’s really sweet how much time he puts into it and his personal interactions with the Olympians.”

Colgan replied, “It’s the connection I have with the kids that keeps me coming back year after year. They think I’m there to support them, but they inspire me. … I love participating in the medal ceremonies and rewarding them for their hard work. It’s a great thing.”

T hank you Hometown Heroes We appreciate your dedication Office: 363-7668 Fax: 800-298-0016

333 South First Street, Suite E, Hamilton, MT 59840 • www.ssstaffingjobs.com

Ravalli Republic, Wednesday, August 26, 2015 - 9

Fairgrounds director leaving a legacy of improvements Michelle McConnaha Ravalli Republic

Deborah Rogala is director of the Ravalli County Fairgrounds and a Hometown Hero.

“Deborah was hired in March 2009 as the fair manager,” said administrative assistant Glenda Wiles, in the Ravalli County Commissioners Office. “During her interview with the commissioners, Deborah said she liked to do the work, not just sit and give directions to others. She had lots of visions about the fairgrounds, the event center and how to make the fair a center for community events.

“She has done all of that and lots more, particularly given the limited budget she has had to work with. Here is a person who puts on the boots and goes to work. Look at the fairgrounds improvements since she came to work in our community. Her visions have worked their way right up to the new Community Transportation Enhancement Project (CTEP) at the entry of the fairgrounds: sidewalks, restrooms, bike racks, benches, pavilion, etc. that are being constructed this summer. Some would say this is her job. Well yes it is, but this hometown hero works more than her paid 40 hours per week. And when she works with you, she encourages you. She is patient and kind, which makes a person want to work with Deborah. Being a hero is someone who takes a step forward, and Deborah always takes 10 steps forward as she works to make the fairgrounds a place for families and the business community.”

“I don’t think anyone deserves it more,” said administrative assistant Cryss Anderson, at the fairgrounds. “I’m so excited for Deb. She totally deserves this and will loathe the attention.”

“Deborah has been the most amazing boss I’ve ever had the pleasure to work for,” Anderson said. “She is an amazing mentor and has helped me to develop so many skills which are essential for working in the public sector. Her vision for preserving the agricultural heritage of the Bitterroot, increasing the diversity of user groups at the fairgrounds, and promoting varying aspects of

economic development in the valley has been remarkable to witness. Deb is a champion of the arts and culture, and strives to promote their benefits to our community. I’m grateful to have the opportunity to work by her side, and share her goals and vision for the future. She is undoubtedly leaving a legacy that will take the next generation to a higher level. Deb is an absolute treasure, one of my dearest friends, and a gem for this community.”

Anderson said Rogala is originally from Prescott, Arizona, then Aspen, perry backus/ravalli republic Colorado, is an accomplished kayaker and world traveler who moved to the south valley about 25 years ago. She is a business owner (FlyingR guest cabins), former art gallery owner, master gardener and landscape artist. She was instrumental in starting the Bitterroot TBID and facilitated the development of BitterrootEvents.net as a way of unifying a community calendar for all Bitterroot Valley events and nonprofit groups.

“Deborah is always striving to make the fair a vital and active part of the community’s center,” said Margaret Yuhas, chair of the Ravalli Fair Commission. “She believes in inclusivity as opposed to exclusivity. Simply, this means she feels the fair should be open for public use, often 24/7, since we no longer lock our gates and you can go on the grounds anytime. This has essentially created the largest park in Ravalli County. Deborah thinks outside the box, tends to be very creative and takes her fiduciary obligations as the fair director very seriously.”

“Deborah has a strong vision of what a great community is,” said Loyd Rennaker, superintendent of Darby Schools. “She has a ‘think outside of the box’ approach, and can always be counted on to bring exciting ideas to the table. She was influential in starting the Darby Schools Excellence Fund and continues to support it.”

10 - Ravalli Republic, Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Thank you To all our homeTown heroes!

211 Main, HaMilton • 406.363.3611

• Dentures • Partials • relines • rePairs •

Denture Center

michelle mcconnaha/ravalli republic

Changing lives, one smile at a time

Hometown Hero John King, owner of J&J Excavating and J&J Construction.

30 Years Professional Service dedicated to denture and partial wearers Serving the Bitterroot and Missoula Communities

Business owner supports veterans and community

Premium Services at Affordable Prices 1716 N. 1 , Suite “C” Hamilton • 363-6000 st

Open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday; 8:30am - 3:30pm

Relax and enjoy your garden again.

Earn some bragging rights and save money while you are at it!

Rain Bird Xerigation/Landscape Drip products are made especially for low-volume irrigation systems. By delivering water at or near the plants’ root zones, Rain Bird Xerigation products offer targeted watering with greater efficiency for healthier plants and outstanding water savings. With over 150 products, Rain Bird has the broadest drip irrigation product line in the industry to meet any site requirements.

1316 Eastside Hwy Corvallis, MT 59828 406-363-3599 In Appreciation For All You Do, 10% Off All RainBird Drip Irrigation September 1st - 30th

MICHELLE McCONNAHA Ravalli Republic

John King from J & J Excavating and Trucking and J & J Custom Construction is a hometown hero known throughout the valley for his compassion and service. He’s a Montana native who graduated high school in the Bitterroot Valley.

Denise Edwards has been his office manager for 15 years (full time since December).

“He is big-hearted, he goes out of his way to do anything for you and doesn’t ask for anything in return,” said Edwards. “He supports a lot of community events. He installs free septic systems two or three times a year, and buys 12 to 15 4-H animals at the Missoula and Ravalli county fairs every year and donates the meat to the local food pantries. He does the KYSSmas for kids every year, and he donates his trucks for athletes to ride in parades.

“Two years ago, his good friend Gary Ince passed away and he offered jobs to Gary’s employees to come work for us – even though we didn’t have work lined up for them. He brought the fellows to work for our company. He’s been doing construction and excavating for 20 years. He split it and started J & J Custom Construction.

Work came and we still have everyone we started with. He has high standards for the work he does and he really cares about the employees he has.”

Ravalli Republic, Wednesday, August 26, 2015 - 11

Claude Dostal, project manager and field supervisor for J & J Custom Construction, agrees.

“John reaches out to people that need help,” Dostal said. “When he hires people, he hires them - long-term - he puts them on and keeps them on. He cares for his family and takes good care of them.”

Edwards agreed and said King gives his family priority - wife Brandy and children Jake, Joe, Josie and Justin. They have a farm and raise sheep, pigs, cattle, goats, chickens, rabbits and they love to hunt, fish and go four-wheeling together.

Construction foreman Jake Harris said he appreciates King’s nature.

“He’s a very honest guy – upfront and forward,” said Harris. “He is very willing to help – he reaches a hand out and helps them. I’ve worked with him for almost two years now and I only have good stuff to say about him.”

Noah Ward works for J & J Custom Construction and helps with the private family farm.

“The man is a business genius,” said Ward. “He has built the company from the ground up and does things right the first time.

He’s one of the best men I know.”

Janine Hubbs, JB Equipment and Truck Sales, from Joplin, Missouri, called long-distance to sing King’s praises.

“John and I met 12-15 years ago when I sold him a grader,” said

Hubbs. “The things he quietly goes about doing would amaze you.

Here in Joplin a few years back, we had a major tornado and the damage was astronomical – it was an F5. I said something to John, casually, and he sent crews to us all the way from Montana and they were here working and I had no idea. He didn’t take money, but paid his workers. He did not share this information – I found out accidentally.

“He contributes to Wounded Warriors and St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

“He started life on his own at an early age and from that humble beginning he built everything – no one handed it to him. He worked and did without and built an incredible business. He has worked hard preparing his kids for the future. His two older boys work for him now – they started as regular workers. Spectacular is a small word to use for King. I’m in awe of him.”

Edwards said King also supports Corvallis football, all-valley basketball, and the Hamilton Boxing Club.

“He has given hay away to people for their horses when they’ve needed it,” said Edwards. “There was a young single mother who had a flat tire near his house and he bought her a new tire, installed it, and sent her on her way. He is very supportive of our military and he has ‘Support Our Troops’ on our business sign. He does a lot and doesn’t want anything in return - he puts himself last.”

From One Veteran to Another...

Thank You for giving yourself for our

FREEDOM

A MONTANA FAMILY AND VETERAN-OWNED BUSINESS

• 406.360.4590 • doublejfencing@ymail.com www.fencemontana.com

12 - Ravalli Republic, Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Bev Humphrey, hero of Sapphire Lutheran Homes DOMINIC FARRENKOPF Ravalli Republic

Nestled in a quaint and comfortable apartment in Canyon View of Sapphire Lutheran Homes, Bev Humphrey is the nicest neighbor you could ever ask for.

She’s a true Hometown Hero.

Whether it’s blessing you with a birthday card, a bouquet of ‘just because’ flowers or caring for your dog while you undergo surgery, Bev is just the friend and neighbor to do it.

Bev volunteers her Mondays running the sundry shop at Sapphire. She collects money and packages up groceries accompanied by a beautiful smile and friendly wit. On Saturdays, you will find Bev volunteering her time at S.A.F.E. On First thrift store. Her customers can all attest to the upbeat and positive attitude that she applies to everything she does for them.

Bev is convinced that she must keep going. She’s not revealing her age (and it’s hard to guess) because she is so active. She walks at least one mile per day and attends MOLLI Lifelong Learning classes at the University of Montana in Missoula.

Meek and mild, Bev gets our nod as a humble Hometown Hero!

Thank You to our Bitterroot Bitterr Valley Heroes!

Open 24 HOurS, atm, Full Service Bakery, Deli, FreSH prODuce, uSDa cHOice BeeF & mOre!

Hamilton: 363-6200 • Stevensville: 777-7300