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Sacrifice and caring makes Debora Lay a hometown hero ROCKIE WEIDOW Corvallis High School
A hero is someone who goes above and beyond duty, someone who sacrifices to help others. This hero, to me, would be Debora Lay. Debora surpasses the accomplishments of a normal citizen of Corvallis and she sacrifices so much to save and help animals or owners in need. Wings, or The Wings Program Inc., is a non-profit rescue center for equines, goats, dogs, chickens, and cats. Not only does Debora save these animals and put them on her property, she buys medications, and pays for necessary surgeries. One such animal is a horse named Wrangler. Every day he gets a bucket of his special food. Despite his age, he is in great condition, and he wanders the property, ready to welcome everyone who enters. Once the animals are back in shape and ready to leave Debora accepts adoption applications and makes sure that only the best owners can adopt the animals to make sure they get the best home possible. Her work rescuing animals is a significant endeavor, but that is not all Debora does, she also helps other animal owners know what to do and what are the best practices to keep their furry and feather friends in good shape. Debora helps animal owners because she believes that everyone should know how to take care of animals. Debora also has the horses participate in Equine Assisted Programs that aid in life skills and growth, and veteran programs. She does it all, saving animals, helping owners, and hosting events, because she cares about the people and the animals of this town. Debora Lay goes above and beyond the line of duty for a citizen and does not get recognized for her work. “I’ve given up a lot to turn my passion into a lifestyle,” she says. “It’s hard work with little pay, but rewarding. There is more value in filling my heart and soul than filling my pocket.” The future for the Wings Program is looking brighter than ever and offering people jobs to help take part in this opportunity to
provided photo
save animals lives. Debora Lays is a hero. People who know Debora also know about the people who help feed and take care of the animals. These volunteers help Debora in her efforts to provide care for these animals. She, and her volunteers, inspire me, and others, because of her courage and willingness to help these animals in need. She also has two adorable rescue dogs, named Goose and Rambo. The Wings Programs also works with other local horse rescues, providing housing and hands on care for their horses. The Wings Program is a brilliant home to so many animals, and helpful to owners around the valley, and it’s all because of Debora Lay. Located on 208 Rust Spur Way of Corvallis Montana, The Wings Program hosts fundraisers to help get these animals noticed and placed in loving homes.
Ravalli Republic, Sunday, November 25, 2018 - 3
“Kids and Books:” Eleanor McCullough is Florence’s Hometown Hero GABRIEL BENNETT
Florence Carlton High School FLORENCE— To most, the small town of Florence is simply a whistle stop between desired destinations. Nestled in this small community resides Eleanor McCullough, a woman who spreads absolute warmth and joy, giving this sleepy pit stop the spirit that it has become known for throughout many rural Montana communities. Greeting smiling faces and eager minds of varying ages with unrelenting kindness, Mrs. McCullough has pushed to reform the boundaries of the term ‘family’ to not only include those with blood relation but to all those who live within her cherished town. Butte may have their Lady of the Rockies, but Florence has its own lady, Mrs. McCullough, more commonly referred to as “Grandma.” She may not stand 90 feet tall but she watches over the people of Florence all the same.
Growing up modestly out east in Great Falls, Mrs. McCullough learned the values of kindness, selflessness, and caring for others. She loved to read and to explore the great outdoors. Eventually, after working for Sears and moving around to different locations, she settled down to establish a family of her own and was blessed with five boys. During this time, she began working for the Florence-Carlton school as a library assistant and continued for 39 years of unfaltering service. Over this time, she developed a motto. “Kids and books, what better combination to have?” said McCullough. Given her caring nature and close proximity to the school, she started a daycare at her home. This was no ordinary daycare, however. Mrs. McCullough opened her home to upwards of 20 kids each school day for over 25 years. She would take children in early in the morning, walk them across the street to get to school on time, work with students in the library all day, and then come
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home with more of her “Grandkids” for after-school care. The work did not stop there. When Mrs. McCullough was not reading, teaching, or taking care of all of the kids at her house, she was at home preparing meals and baking over 400 cookies each week so that the students would be well fed before and after school. In addition, she attended nearly every sporting event, concert, and any other special event her grandkids might be involved in. “I’d like to think that I touched lives, that I made a difference,” said McCullough. The driving force behind it all? “I cared, that was all; I just cared about the kids.” One of Mrs. McCullough’s many “Grandsons” is Trevyn Wood, a senior at Florence-Carlton High School, who has known her since preschool. “She is a kind, caring, grandmother-like figure to all of the kids at this school and in this community,” said Wood. As more and more of her grandkids receive their diplomas, Eleanor McCullough can sit back with pride knowing that child by child, she has shaped the world into a better place. The city of Florence gives thanks to
Eleanor McCullough is a Hometown Hero.
Photo by Gabriel Bennett; FCHS Student
Ravalli Republic, Sunday, November 25, 2018 - 5
Melissa Beck, volunteer coordinator and Mary Gehl, director of the Bitterroot Humane Association.
michelle mcconnaha/ravalli republic
Bitterroot Humane Association is making a difference in Ravalli County
Sydney Greek
Hamilton High School When someone says “hero,” what comes to your mind? Do you picture a superhuman in a cape fending off numerous evils and protecting humankind from unthinkable repercussions? Or do you picture a mom lifting a two-ton car off her children to save their lives? I’m here to tell you that there are heroes living amongst us, transforming our towns and communities and making our world a
little brighter with each passing day. One of these heroic groups is the Bitterroot Humane Society in Hamilton. The term “Humane Society” immediately brings to mind thoughts of unwanted and unloved animals finding new homes through an altruistic shelter staff. While the shelter does indeed rescue dogs, cats, and a menagerie of other animals from abusive and neglectful situations and rehome them, breathing new purpose into these animal’s lives, they also perform a variety of other highly necessary services.
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In the wake of the horrific 2016 Roaring Lion Fire, the last thing many of the displaced victims could think about was where their animals could stay. The Bitterroot Humane Society recognized this unbearable burden and took in these animals, feeding and caring for them while their owners sorted out their lives. The staff traded off “shifts” and gave the dogs access to 24-hour, aroundthe-clock care and attention, despite the shelter housing more than three times its normal number of dogs. “Gift bags” of toys and treats were put together to help ease the animal’s stress and anxiety. In a time of shock, terror, and loss in our community, the Humane Society quietly stepped up and aided others in every
Thank you to our Hometown Heroes!
We appreciate all the services you provide to the residents of the Bitterroot Valley
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way they could. The Bitterroot Humane Society also provides numerous other services in Ravalli County that are often hard to locate in rural, isolated small towns like ours. The shelter has a pet crematorium that offers cremation of beloved family pets at reasonable prices. Additionally, numerous “special adoption” programs are offered. The shelter staff know that senior pets are just as capable and as deserving of love, affection, and respect as younger animals, but it’s an inevitable reality that many people are going to choose the temporary cuteness of a little puppy over the established ways and manners of any older dog. To encourage the adoption of senior pets, the Humane Society offers a “senior for a senior” deal. If a senior citizen adopts a senior pet, the adoption costs are set aside. The Bitterroot Humane Society truly cares about making real differences in the lives of the adoptee and the adopter, and forming a bond between human and animal kindred spirits. In conclusion, the Bitterroot Humane Society is a hardworking, compassionate, and altruistic organization that provides numerous invaluable services for our community and surrounding communities. Many rural communities lack the resources and services provided so graciously and willingly provided to us by the Bitterroot Humane Society, and for these everyday heroes, we should be eternally grateful.
Ravalli Republic, Sunday, November 25, 2018 - 7
Deb Gabelhausen touches lives throughout Bitterroot Valley by giving back CANAAN BRICKLEY
She is the executive director of The Greater Ravalli Foundation. She My hometown hero is manages it by delivering Deb Gabelhausen. She coats and cold weather does so much good for gear to 18 different the Bitterroot Valley. schools. That includes She enjoys everything primary, middle and she does and believes high school students. firmly in giving back to She identifies needs in the community, specifithe community for addically helping children. tional clothing and food. Most people can look Through the foundation, back on their lives and she works closely with remember someone Kiwanis, Rotary, Emma’s who changed the House, and Linda Massa course of their lives Youth Home to ensure for the better. Deb basic needs are met for Gabelhausen wants to children and families be that positive change in need. This foundafor individuals and this tion in which she chairs, community as a whole. provides scholarships In 2005, she cothrough the foundation organized and raised to help Ravalli County $250,000 in cash and students to attend coldonations, and orgalege. She has met with nized thousands of a multitude of students michelle mcconnaha/ravalli republic volunteers to build and families to help supDeb Gablehausen is executive director of the Greater Ravalli Foundation and Hometown Hero. Canyon Hideaway Park. port them in the college She also started the preparation process. non-profit organization, Families for Education (FFE), to support Beyond Greater Ravalli Foundation, she has also served as the Hamilton School District which now has hundreds of volunteers at Bitterroot Swim Team president. She helped to host swim meets at all four schools in the district. The organization has raised hundreds the Bitterroot Aquatic Center. Additionally, she worked to provide of thousands since its creation. She raised initial funding and helped hospitality services for visiting swim teams. She continues to stay to implement the Olweus Anti-Bullying Program for the Hamilton involved in the community, and volunteer in as many outreach proSchool District. She annually helps to organize the All Valley grams as she can. Basketball program, in which 550 children in the valley participate. Deb Gabelhausen has had a great influence on this community, All profits from the program go to the Families for Education organi- and she doesn’t show any signs of slowing down. For all of these reasons, Deb Gabelhausen is my hometown hero. zation.
Hamilton High School
8 - Ravalli Republic, Sunday, November 25, 2018
Vernon serves others with heartfelt kindness ASHTON LEWIS
Stevensville High School In the morning, she walks the halls, usually holding hands with her grandchildren, waving and smiling at everyone as she passes. After the bell, she sits down for work in her high school office, always with an open door and an open mind. She is there, at every basketball or volleyball game, either watching or bookkeeping the match, wearing her constant smile. Usually handing out candy from her bag, she’s always ample to share. This forever giving individual is none other than Vickie Vernon. Vickie Vernon may not look like the stereotypical hero, as a firefighter or a police officer; instead, she’s something far beyond. She is a superhero, whose power is of kindness and heart. Before she started working at Stevensville High School, she was a middle school secretary, and many people can attest that without her, they probably never would have made it past those few years. She was the kind of person one could lay their heart and troubles out on, an unofficial counselor. Vickie always helps others but never gets much credit in return; yet, she never complains and continues her relentless assistance to this very day. provided photo As a member of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, and with Vickie Vernon, selfless Stevensville Hometown Hero. her personality in general, she’s also involved with seniors and veterans. She has a very close relationship with her elder mother and hand delivered them. I felt genuinely proud and quite humand can sometimes be found taking her, as well as some of her bled to see their reactions. mother’s friends, out to lunch. The veterans truly loved the presents, and it opened my eyes, Also, Vickie Vernon plays an essential role within our school for and my heart, to see grown men and women, who had fought sending out cards to the veterans during Christmas, which not in wars, tear up because of a single thoughtful gift. However, if only affects the veterans’ lives but our lives here in Stevensville, it hadn’t been for Vickie Vernon, I would not have created and too. With the help of Key Club, she compiles a multitude of cards, delivered those presents, and I most definitely would not have made by students and staff, to deliver personally to the veterans found the selfless fulfillment of making other people happy. at the VA Hospital in Helena. So, this is where I thank Vickie Vernon, my hometown hero, for When I was still in middle school, I also participated in this pro- changing the lives of people from all walks of life, and inspiring gram; however, instead of just cards, I also packaged up some people to be the very best they can be. Giving makes a heart small stuffed animals. After their delivery, Mrs. Vernon gave me a swell with pride. Kindness is contagious, and it’s what glues a sincerely written note about how much the veterans had appreci- community together, and no one inspires selflessness more than ated them. So, the next year I did it again, only this time I went Vickie Vernon.
Ravalli Republic, Sunday, November 25, 2018 - 9
WE Salute
All Hometown Heroes
Thank You From your friends at
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Thank you To our local heroes!
Roy Mears as guest speaker at Veteran’s Day assembly earlier this year.
provided photo
Roy Mears of Darby finds many ways to serve his community
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A hometown hero is someone in a community who is kindhearted, outspoken, involved in the school system, involved in the community, and is extremely supportive. These are all characteristics of Mr. Roy Mears of Darby. There are many attributes
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needed to truly be a “Hometown hero,: and Mr. Mears has them all. Mr. Mears believes in service. At a young age, he enlisted in the military to later be sent to Vietnam. He served many months in Vietnam, fighting for our country just to come home to a different type of war zone - one filled with hatred and angst towards the men and women defending their country. While heartbreaking, it did not stop him from continuing to serve. Not long after arriving home from Vietnam, Mr. Mears joined the Los Angeles Police department, where he protected and served for many years. Eventually he retired, with his wife Elsie, to Darby Montana – a place where he would have, and raise his children, a place where he would continue his legacy of service. While many parents would send their kids to school during the day so they could go to work or catch up around the house, Mr. Mears often joined his children at Darby Elementary School. He would volunteer his time to help his wife, who was the secretary at the time, or he would volunteer in the classes. He was a constant in the daily lives of Darby students, serving them and the school in whatever capacity was needed. While walking through the campus, if you knew what to look for, you would see his fingerprints all over the school. Walking through elementary, you would notice the plaques holding names above the classroom doors, decorated with paint and characters, created by Mr. Mears. Walking between buildings, you would notice the children at recess playing hide-and-seek by the trees that he planted. If you came to school around Christmas to find Santa Claus walking the halls, you would know that it was Mr. Mears trying to make kids smile. If you happened to chat with students about the impact the HOBY Leadership Camp on their lives, you would know Mr. Mears has been a verbal and financial supporter of the program. His fingerprints are everywhere. Whether you’re looking for help, you need a friend with a tractor, you need someone to dress up as Santa Claus, you just need someone to talk to, or you are looking for someone to remind you that you’re important, Mr. Mears isn’t far away. In fact, he’ll probably be a substitute for teacher within a week, and a dang good one too. Overall, Mr. Mears’ contribution to our community and school has touched hundreds of kids and families’ lives. His legacy is everywhere, and there are many lessons to be learned from him. It is an honor to know him; anyone will tell you so. Thank you, Mr. Roy Mears, for being a hometown hero.
Ravalli Republic, Sunday, November 25, 2018 - 11
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