Football decisions aren't easy

In response to the "Hats off to the Football Team" letter I'd like to know where the critism stops and the support starts. The individuals that are referred to in this letter have taken enough criticism from some people in this community.

These former players along with their families made some very hard decisions and sacrifices by letting them go elsewhere to play football. They have goals, dreams, and the drive to try and make them come true. They did not simply leave town and quit on the Bigfork football team. They know where they want their lives to go and so they took a risk and have worked very hard to make things happen for themselves. I find it unfortunate that some people here think only of themselves and do not support individuals brave enough to go into the unknown. If the opportunities that lie elsewhere were available here, then maybe they would have stayed. Personally I have continued to go to Bigfork sporting events to show my support for the students and the program.

I do hope the football program is successful and they win some games because the players work very hard and deserve it. I also wish that some people in the community could recognize the effort that these former players are putting into their future.

Karen Goode-Jorgenson

Thanks for the help

The Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation and Swan Ecosystem Center would like to thank the volunteers and businesses in western Montana for making our annual fundraising event a success. The Voices of the Wilderness, an art exhibition and silent auction to support wilderness trail work in the Bob Marshall Wilderness, Swan Range and Mission Mountains Wilderness, took place at the Hockaday Museum of Art in Kalispell on October 5th.

In addition to many other local artists. Business donors included Barney Jette Jewelry, Outfitter Supply, Walking Man Frame Shop and Gallery, Mi Casa Pottery, Montana Earth Pottery and Markle Pottery. We would also like to thank all of the individuals who donated art, other creations and services for our event.

Three people deserve special thanks. Carol Poppenga contributed a °°quick draw°± painting that was created during the event and auctioned live that evening. Beth Hodder, retired Forest Service, read from her book: °°The Ghost of Schafer Meadows.°± A big thank you also to Edd Blackler who did a great job with the live auction!

We are grateful for our financial sponsors, including Flathead Beverage Company, Glacier Bank, Brett Thuma Gallery, Bruce Boody Landscape Architect and Lookout Ridge LLC. Food and beverage sponsors include Simple Chef Catering, Rocky Mountain Wine, The Knead Caf¨- and Big Sky Brewery.

Finally, we would like to thank everyone who attended our event as well as the Hockaday Museum of Art for providing the location and assistance.

Thanks again to the generous people and businesses that have donated both their time and money to support wilderness!

Carla Cline Belski, Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation

Anne Dahl, Swan Ecosystem Center