Plenty of good news to share

Several of us were discussing news in general with so many stories centering around fights, thefts, vandalism and horrid situations which seem so prevalent today.

So, it occurred to me there are several happy stories to share.

One centers around the granddaughter of Marion and the late Teddy Andrew. Kory, nickname for Koren, Bloom. She's the daughter of Shirley (Andrew) and John Collins. Kory's husband is Jeff, and her daughter, Jessica, is 14 years old. They all reside in Billings.

Kory, nominated by coworkers of American Medical Response in Billings, is 2008 recipient of the prestigious Star of Light award. There are more than 18,000 employees of the American Medical Response in the United States. She was one of only 30 members earning the annual award. It will be presented in Washington, D.C., in May. Star of Life competition is sponsored by the American Ambulance Association.

She's been an E.M.T./paramedic for 15 years and trained in Virginia and Billings. Kory is safety coordinator for Yellowstone County Safe Kids Chapter. Program is focused on youths 14 years of age and under with schools, police and fire departments and members of other volunteer programs assisting. Injury prevention of all types is stressed, Kory said.

I enjoyed my telephone conversation with Kory several weeks ago. A leprechaun spilled coffee on my computer keyboard, March 16, so I could not write her story sooner.

Flathead Valley Jazz Society is an fun organization with members throughout the state. Next big event takes place Sunday, April 13, at the Kalispell Eagles Club. Swingin' on High will play from 4 until 7 as a benefit for the Glacier Jazz Stampede. Admission is $10 per person with door prizes, raffles to be awarded throughout the affair. List includes a round of golf with a cart, and NFL and Budweiser NASCAR memorabilia.

Glacier Jazz Stampede takes place Oct. 2-5 in Kalispell. All-Events badges are $55 until June 1 when the price goes to $65. Badges are $60 after Oct. 1. John Van is president, and Gary Fischer, vice president, co-chairmen with Florine Van and Lorrie Fischer assisting.

Members of Ladies Auxiliary to VFW Post 5650 are preparing first aid supplies for Kacey Thomas, R.N., serving with the army in Iraq. These will be used for Iraqi children, ill or hospitalized. Gifts can also include towels, wash cloths, candy and small stuffed toys.

Kacey also wondered if letters could be sent to Brad Hogan, serving in Iraq with the Army. She said he has not received any mail or packages.

Carol Torpen can be contacted for more details.

Auxiliary members attending District 1 sessions in Kalispell Sunday were Mary Parkhill, vice president; Linda Sieler, secretary; MaryBeth Arnold, local and state treasurer; Lavern Johnson; Irene Barnhart; and Gladys Shay, president.

The Auxiliary purchased $182.34 worth of school supplies given to Ruder Elementary School in September. These included pencils, erasers, folders, blue, lunch boxes, back packs, scissors and markers which were among items listed as school supplies required for first graders.

A POW/MIA flag will be presented to the Columbia Falls Lions Club for the Don Lawrence Amphitheater in Marantette Park. The VFW Auxiliary gave an American flag for the amphitheater to the Lions Club last year.

Concerts in the park sponsored by the Lions will be underway in June. It's the 10th year for the popular Thursday night concerts.

Gladys Shay is a longtime resident and columnist for the Hungry Horse News.