16 minute read
Seniors
from 12-29-21 issue
from page 10
global governance institutions, our response to the Covid pandemic has been primarily an every nation-state for itself affair.
If we are to win this campaign against Covid, we need to empower, update and democratize the United Nations, the World Health Organization and Covax. We must use this crisis to bring us together, rather than tear us apart.
Our world has a globalized economy, and we can communicate effortlessly across borders and continents. Unfortunately, our international governance institutions have not grown or reformed to meet the challenges of the 21st century. With these facts in mind, I volunteer with Citizens for Global Solution, a non-profit organization whose mission has been to help nations solve problems that no nation can solve alone. These problems include the pandemic, global warming and nuclear weapons.
If we are to win the real world game of Pandemic, we must strengthen and reform our global institutions in order to apply a global cooperative response, rather than our current patchwork approach of every country for itself.
vj
Polson
By Pete Mangels for the Valley Journal
POLSON — This year is the 50th Anniversary of our Polson Senior Center. We are looking forward to a great celebration. If you have stories or pictures to share from previous years, let us know. Our historian and directors are beginning to compile a display for us to share. If you had or have relatives that were active at the center, let us know. We are located at 504 Third Ave. E, and open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays. Lunch is available from 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. weekdays for $5. Dine-in, take-out, and delivery to shut-ins is available. Individuals and small groups are always welcome to lounge, work puzzles, read, play card or board games, billiards, etc. Our activities are a great way to meet old friends and create new friendships. Call us with your questions at 406-883-4735, or email us at: polsonseniorcenter@gmail.com. Activities: — Exercise for mobility: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (low impact and seated if desired). — Bridge: Tuesdays and Fridays – postponed - call the center or come in to place your name on the players list — Mahjong: Wednesdays, 12:30 p.m. (multiple tables) — Pinochle: Thursdays, 12:30 p.m. We play 3, 4, or 5 hands per table - coaching available — Bingo: Friday, 7 p.m. — Billiards: Practice for weekly pool tournaments open to all 50 or older, or younger if supervised by a parent. Play would be at 3 p.m. on Thursdays, or any other time or day preferred by players. Pool play is free and there are no entry fees. The rules are: play nice and insure fun for everyone on a cold winter day. Call the center or come on down and practice with a friend. Organized weekly pool games should start on Jan. 6, 2022. Practice from 8-11:30 a.m. and 12:303 p.m. on most week days. Menu: — Wednesday, Dec. 29: Swiss steak, garlic potatoes, green beans, copper penny salad, lemon pudding — Thursday, Dec. 30: black-eyed peas/rice, (Hoppin’ Johns) peas ‘n carrots, tomato aspic salad, orange cake — Friday, Dec. 31: cook’s choice, pot luck soup, green salad, banana bread, various deserts — Monday, Jan. 3: tomato soup, egg salad sandwich, pea salad, shortbread cookie — Tuesday, Jan 4: lasagna, cheesy bread, creamed corn, chocolate pudding — Wednesday, Jan 5: turkey alaking, biscuit, 3-bean salad, key lime bars — Thursday, Jan 6: sausage, hash browns, muffin, fruit, carrot cake
St. Ignatius
By Irene Pritsak for the Valley Journal
ST. IGNATIUS — Wow! Here it is, our last newsletter of 2021. I still get excited when I think of the year changing overnight, just as our seasons switched from fall to winter on Tuesday night at winter solstice.
I hope everyone enjoyed their holiday, and will continue to enjoy friends, family and good cheer into 2022. Our menu for the week: — Friday, Dec. 31: soup and sandwiches, green salad, fruit, dessert — Tuesday, Jan.4: 5:30 dinner - pork ribs, applesauce, oven roasted potatoes, mixed veggies, fruit, lemon bars — Friday, Jan. 7: beef stew, vegetables, rolls, fruit, spice cake — Tuesday, Jan. 11: chili dogs, tater tots, veggies, chocolate cookies Please remember, call by 10 a.m. to either order a lunch or cancel a lunch delivery and please call by 2 p.m. to order a takeout dinner.
Happy New Year, everyone!
406-676-3937
417 Main St. SW, Ronan ronaneyeclinic.com
Thank you for your business throughout the year. We wouldn’t be here without you!
Starting in 2022 hours of operation will be changing. Monday-Wednesday - 8:00 AM - 5:00PM
(Closed for lunch from 1-2) Thursday - 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Friday - 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Wishing you a happy, healthy New Year!
Local woman’s book turned into award winning screenplay
By Taylor Davison / Valley Journal
KALISPELL — The book “Once in a Lifetime Comes a Man” by local author Grace Larson has won a screenplay award from the LA Independent Women Film Festival and was chosen for the Chicago Indie Film Festival.
“I’m so proud of this,” Larson said. “I never expected anything like this.”
Niece of Fay Haynes of the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame, Larson was born and raised on a sheep ranch in Hot Springs and attended school a few miles away in Polson. Married at 16, Larson and her first husband moved to Minnesota where she was introduced to a friend of his, Lyle Larson.
“I looked across the table and saw Lyle and thought ‘what in the world am I doing married [to someone else]?’” Larson said.
Years later, after her divorce, Larson went to college at Spokane Falls in 1980 to study chemical dependency. While pursuing her studies, 18 years after she last saw him, Larson had a dream of Lyle that inspired her to reach out to him. From there the two began to write to each other and talk on the phone, and one year later in 1982 they were married. As soon as she graduated, achieving honors in the process, the couple moved back to Larson’s home state.
“When I got back to Montana, I’m not kidding, I squatted down and kissed the ground. I was just so happy to be back,” Larson laughed. “My heart was always here.”
The two settled down in Forsyth, where she became a chemical dependency counselor for about 15 years.
Grace and Lyle had 32 years together before he passed away.
“[Getting together] was a miracle really,” Larson said. “I always say Lyle was my ‘saving Grace.’ He was a wonderful, wonderful man.” A year after her husband’s death in 2013, Larson published her first book which covered her grandparents’ history, “An Immigrant, A Homesteader and Sheep.” Shortly thereafter, she discovered that her husband had kept every letter they had ever written to each other. That was what inspired her book about their story, “Once in a Lifetime Comes a Man.”
She had started writing thanks to a Creative Writing course in college. At the encouragement of her instructor, Larson wrote her first manuscript “The Making of a Con” based on a convict that worked under her when she worked as a journeyman painter. The manuscript sat
Grace’.” - Grace Larson
Grace Larson and Lyle Larson, circa 2005
COURTESY PHOTO
see page 13
START YOUR NEW YEAR OFF RIGHTSTART YOUR NEW YEAR OFF RIGHT
The New Year is almost here! Start yours off right by putting your health and your family's health first. Is everyone caught up on their annual visits, vaccinations, and recommended screenings? This is the time to catch up on your care needs and put your best foot forward in 2022. The New Year is almost here! Start yours off right by putting your health and your family’s health first. Is everyone caught up on their annual visits, vaccinations, and recommended screenings? This is the time to catch up on your care needs and put your best foot forward in 2022. Happy New Year from the team at St. Luke!
Happy New Year from the team at St. Luke!
Call (406) 676-4441Call (406) 676-4441 or or visit stlukehealthcare.orgvisit: stlukehealthcare.org
from page 12
unpublished in a drawer years until she had published two other books, making it her third.
Interested in turning her books into movies, Larson found screenwriter Anne Gold based in California, and hired her to turn two of her books into screenplays: “Once in a Lifetime Comes a Man,” and a story about her own life titled “Grace,” which will also be submitted for film festival awards.
Working together for the last several months, the two writers have established a great relationship.
“She’s very easy to work with. Very supportive and encouraging,” Gold said of Larson. “In the beginning I was kind of worried because the stories are very personal to her, but she’s really open minded and just wants to do everything that can result in a great screenplay. I was very honored to vj
write Grace’s stories, because her stories are amazing.” “I have been so pleased with her,” Larson said of Gold. Once she has enough money raised, she intends to ask Gold to write another screenplay for her, this time on her book “Fay: In Her Grace Larson’s book is Own available at “Print” book Words - store in Ronan. A Living Legacy.” The two women intend to work together to get the scripts to the right people to find a producer that will turn the screenplays into independent movies. “We have both happiness and sadness and that’s all there is to it. I love the happy times,” said Larson. Her most recent book, “From Dawn to Dusk: In the Wild World,” a compilation of fiction and nonfiction short stories named by her granddaughter, has not yet been published, but her existing books are all available for purchase locally in the Ronan bookstore ‘Print,’ as well as online.
Recreationists encouraged to hit the trails at local state parks for friendly New Year’s competition
News from Montana FWP
KALISPELL – Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is hosting a friendly competition at state parks in the Flathead Valley to encourage a healthy start to the new year outdoors.
Recreationists are encouraged to participate in the second annual “Battle of the Boots” and log their miles at Lone Pine State Park in Kalispell or Flathead Lake State Parks (Wayfarers, West Shore, and Big Arm units) in the month of January. Every time you hike, snowshoe, fat-tire bike, sled, or cross-country ski at one of these parks’ trails, log your miles at the trailhead to help lead your park to victory. At the end of the month, the participants with the most miles from each park will receive a prize. The park with the most overall miles will also be crowned champion. The competition will kick off Jan. 1 and conclude Jan. 31.
Last year hikers at Flathead Lake State Park led the park to victory with most miles logged overall.
First Day Hikes will also occur across the state to celebrate the new year outdoors. To celebrate this 30-year national tradition, the Battle of the Boots participants with the most miles logged on Jan. 1 at the participating parks will receive prizes as well.
Share photos from your hikes and tag the park for a feature on the parks’ Facebook and Instagram accounts.
For more information, call the Lone Pine State Park visitor center at (406) 755-2706, ext. 0, or Flathead Lake State Parks Ranger Station at (406) 8373041, ext. 0.
Happy New Year!!!
Thank you to our amazing customers. We look forward to seeing you in the New Year!
Closed New Years Eve & New Years Day! Be Healthy!! MISSION MOUNTAIN
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Exercise improves health. Classes keep you accountable!
Spin, Bootcamp, Strength Conditioning, Yoga, Bones & Balance, HIIT
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sports Two Eagle River struggles to get new season airborne
By Rob Zolman / Valley Journal
PABLO — The Two Eagle River Eagles and Lady Eagles had a big home game on Thursday as they hosted District 14C and cross county rivals Charlo Vikings and Lady Vikings, however, both squads will continue to search for their first win of the young season as they could not come away with victories.
In the boy’s match up, the Eagles fell 83-42 to the Vikings, while the Lady Vikings, who entered the game on a 2-game win streak, prevailed over the Lady Eagles 47-13.
“After not having a team last season due to the Covid, it has been a struggle to get started this year,” explained Eagles’ head coach Camas McClure. “It hasn’t been easy, we have been dealing with some injuries, a few players were late getting all of their ten practices in and also a couple players have been sick. It has definitely been a struggle, but it is getting better.”
With a game high 23 points, junior guard Thomas Spotted Eagle scored a little more than half of the Eagles’ total 42 team points.
Also for the Eagles, Chris Brown booked seven points, while Nate Gates chipped in with six points.
“We have a lot of hustlers and young players. We do have a good group,” said coach McClure. “Being consistent and getting on the same page has been our struggle so far this season.”
In the girls’ game, the Lady Eagles found themselves down early in the first quarter 15-6 and out paced by Charlo in the second quarter 12-4.
During the second half, the Lady Viking defense stifled the Lady Eagles’ offense allowing only three team points.
The Eagles and Lady Eagles return to the court Jan. 4, when they host the Noxon Red Devils and Lady Red Devils in a 14C conference match up.
SEAN DALBEY PHOTO Thomas Spotted Eagle heads to the hoop for a score.
ROB ZOLMAN / VALLEY JOURNAL Lady Eagle Sarah Gardipe battles her way to the basket.
Henriksen signs letter of intent with the Griz
By Rob Zolman
Valley Journal
POLSON — Polson Pirate Braunson Henriksen, who announced his verbal commitment to play football for the Griz earlier this month, on Wednesday morning made it official by inking the dotted line of his National Letter of Intent to the University of Montana.
Henriksen was joined in the PHS weight room by family and fellow Pirate teammates as he prepared to take the next step in his academic and athletic career.
“Have been a Griz fan pretty much my whole life,” Henriksen explained why he chose the U of M. “Also, their team motives and philosophies really appealed to me.”
In the upcoming fall when not preparing for Saturday afternoon games, Henriksen will be working his way toward a degree in business.
Playing at the defensive end spot this season for a Pirates’ team that finished with an overall record of 11-1, Henriksen, the 6-foot-5, 230-pound Henriksen garnered a Class A allstate selection, first-team all-conference accolades and a Western A co-most valuable defensive player award.
On the season, Henriksen recorded 48 tackles which including a teamhigh 19.5 tackles for loss and a team-best eight sacks.
ROB ZOLMAN / VALLEY JOURNAL Polson Pirate Braunson Henriksen signs a letter of intent with the University of Montana to join the Griz football team next fall.
Valley Journal
sports shorts
Basketball Boys
Polson Pirates
Scoring a game high 22 points, Jarrett Wilson led the Polson Pirates to a 62-48 home opener win over the Missoula Loyola Rams.
Also for the Pirates, Colton Graham booked 16 points.
On Thursday evening, the visiting Columbia Falls Wildcats tripped up the Pirates in a 67-60 conference win.
Graham score a Polson team high 20 points followed by Wilson with 15 points and Xavier Fisher with 12 points.
Charlo Vikings
In a 14C District rivalry match up on Thursday, the Charlo Vikings plundered the hosting Two Eagle River Eagles 83-42.
Six Viking shooters scored in double digits on the night. Leading the way for Charlo was Stetson Reum with a team high 18 points followed by Coyle Nagy with 16 points, Wesley Anderson with 14 points, Keaton Piedalue with 13 points, Tucker Love with 10 points and Hayden Hollow also with 10 points.
Ronan Chiefs
On the road in Browning on Monday, Dec. 20, the Ronan Chiefs came away with a 75-70 victory.
Both Elijah Tonasket and Marlo Tonasket each scored a game high 20 points, while Dillon Pretty On Top chipped in 12 points.
The Chiefs slipped past the visiting Libby Loggers Wednesday evening in a come-from-behind 54-50 conference win.
For the Chiefs, Elijah Tonasket score 18 points, while Marlo Tonasket followed with 17 points.
Two Eagle River Eagles
Tuesday night, Dec. 21, Nate Gates scored a Two Eagle River Eagles team high 20 points in a 67-50 road loss to Alberton-Superior.
Girls
Polson Lady Pirates
On Monday, Dec. 20, in their home opener, the Polson Lady Pirates made it two wins in a row with a narrow 55-53 victory over the visiting Missoula Loyola Breakers.
Jazlyn Dalbey scored a Polson team high 12 points followed by Areanna Burke with 10 points.
On Thursday, Dalbey tied a game high 17 points for the Lady Pirates in a 58-42 road loss to the Columbia Falls Wildkats.
Charlo Lady Vikings
Shooting a game high 20 points, Mila Hawk led the Charlo Lady Vikings to a 47-13 conference victory over the hosting Two Eagle River Lady Eagles on Thursday evening.
Ronan Maidens
The Ronan Maidens struggled on the road Monday, Dec. 20, falling to host Browning 65-47.
Scoring in double digits for the Maidens, LaReina Cordova booked 11 points while Leina Ulutoa posted 10.
On Wednesday evening, the Maidens bounced back from the road loss earlier in the week with a 47-16 home win over the Libby Lady Loggers.
Dani Coffman booked a game high 17 points for the Maidens.
Two Eagle River Eagles
Sarah Gardipe scored nine of the 17 Two Eagle River Lady Eagles points in a 53-17 road loss to Alberton-Superior on Tuesday evening, Dec. 21.
Football
Last week, Polson Pirate seniors wide receiver Colton Graham and defensive end Braunson Henriksen each received invitations to play in the 75th Montana East-West Shrine Game, billed as one of the oldest high school all-star football games in the nation.
The game serves as an annual fundraiser for the orthopedic and burn care unit at the Shriner’s Hospital in Spokane, Washington.
