Gary Moses a shining symbol of Glacier Park

To the editor,

We recently received the article that was in the Hungry Horse News about Gary Moses, the National Park Ranger in Glacier National Park. I would like to send you a little story about Gary.

Several years ago, my husband and I were in Glacier staying at the small motel in Apgar Village. My husband was not feeling well, and I became concerned and asked the manager where the nearest doctor was. She called the Park Service and within 10 minutes Gary Moses appeared at our door.

Gary took my husband's pulse, listened to his heart and asked him a number of questions. When he found out that my husband was a retired naval officer, they talked about his service. (My husband had served during World War II, Korea and Vietnam.) Upon leaving, Gary said that he wanted to thank my husband for serving all those years, that he truly appreciated his service. That was the first time that anyone had ever thanked him for serving his country.

A few years later, when my husband retired, we volunteered as campground hosts and served over the years in all four campgrounds — Fish Creek, Apgar, Avalanche and Sprague. We got to know Gary, as he stopped often to check to see if we needed anything.

Once when hosting, we had a group of noisy young men in a campsite. They were disturbing other campers and had been asked to quiet down several times. Finally, after the third time, we called the ranger on duty. It happened to be Gary Moses. He was very professional — went over and talked to the boys and told them they had been warned three times, to pack up their gear and that he was escorting them out of the Park. Which he did.

Once when hosting at Avalanche, a father had come to us for help with a sick child. We called headquarters and asked for someone qualified to check the child, who appeared to be very ill. Gary appeared, checked the child and then escorted the family into town to the hospital. Escorted them because that was the quickest way to get help.

Another time when we were just visiting, passing through and staying at the motel on the lake, Gary made a special visit to come and see us. This man is truly a special, caring person and we were very happy to learn of his receiving the award that he so well deserved.

Gary, who to us is Glacier National Park, will remain in our heats forever.

Gene and Midge Wigington

Pawley's Island, S.C.

Qunell thanks voters

To the editor,

I want to say thanks to all of the 7,708 voters who turned out to vote for me in the primary. It's truly exciting that so many folks support a new direction in county politics; a direction away from the politics of the past and toward a vision for the future that respects everyone's rights while taking care of this place we call home.

Some of the issues that will take center stage during the coming months will include property rights, growth that is fiscally responsible, and economic vitality. All of these issues are directly related to planning for our future and I look forward to discussing these issues in public over the summer and into the fall.

I know growth is on many peoples' minds because I've been listening to you. Impacts from traffic congestion, road dust, unsafe intersections, degraded water quality, rising taxes and decreasing services will continue to affect us all unless our county government begins to plan for the future. Our county leaders must start looking out for the best interests of the people who live right here in Flathead County and not just those looking for a quick and short-term profit.

To reasonably plan for our future, we need county leadership that encompasses a wide perspective. Jim deserves credit for his service as sheriff in the past, but the commissioner's office requires a much broader focus that includes a long-term plan for the future.

I am the candidate for Flathead County Commissioner who will bring this wide perspective to office next January. I will work hard every day to make sure that the Flathead remains a quality place to live and raise our families because I believe we have a duty to our kids to leave this place as special for them as it has been for us. Now more than ever we need to focus on the long term and I'm the candidate with the energy and the vision to meet the challenges ahead.

In November you will have a clear choice between short-term vision that served us in the past and long-term vision that will carry us into the future. I encourage everyone to look closely at the issues and choose wisely. Our children's inheritance depends on it.

Feel free to call or e-mail me anytime, or visit my Web site www.stevequnell.com.

A quality future for Flathead County includes you.

Steve Qunell

Democratic candidate for Flathead County Commissioner

Estenson remains House District 11 candidate

To the editor,

After reconsideration of my situation, I have decided to continue my campaign to be elected as Representative for House District 11. I have a strong commitment to people having a choice of a Representative. As a result I will actively participate in this nomination process.

Pat Estenson

Democratic candidate for House District 11

Exchange students need local homes

To the editor,

You and your family can practice the values of compassion and service each and every day when you host an international exchange student in your home. Join EF Foundation for Foreign Study and take the lead in promoting global understanding and cross cultural awareness, all while invigorating your community and its local schools. Students are between 15 and 18 years old and come with their own spending money and insurance. Host families provide room, board and a caring environment. Families work with a local coordinator to select a student whose interests match their own.

Since 1979, EF Foundation's dedicated team of local coordinators, volunteers and staff has helped over 100,000 students from nearly 40 countries live and learn in America. EF Foundation's unique combination of local support and global reach has made it the largest facilitator of high school exchange for students coming to the United States.

To learn more about hosting an exchange student, please contact us at (406) 887-2760 or e-mail matson@centurytel.net or visit www.effoundation.org.

Brent and Chellie Matson

Regional Coordinator Montana

EF Foundation for Foreign Study

Open house successful

To the editor,

Thank you to all of our wonderful members for making our first open house a success. We are excited to be the new owners of Curves in Columbia Falls. What an experience. We appreciate all of our friends that come in to shape up, tone their bodies and have a great time.

We feel that we are a compliment to Iron Fitness and The Moving Image. Our place is for women only to come as you are and be comfortable, workout at your pace to reach your personal goals. We look forward to meeting new women and helping you attain those goals.

Come in and see what we have to offer and meet our great members. Again, thank you to our members for a memorable open house.

Tammy and Fl

Curves in Columbia Falls

Canyon says thank you

To the editor,

Canyon Elementary would like to thank the following businesses and individuals for their continued support of our perfect attendance awards. We are very grateful for their commitment to our students! The sponsors are:

Sportsman and Ski Haus, Fast-Toys, Flathead Electric Co-op, Plum Creek Evergreen Plywood, Mini Golden Inns, Noble Excavating, Cutting Edge Excavating, Park Side Credit Union, Plum Creek Columbia Falls Plywood, Huckleberry Patch, Kiwanis, Big Sky Waterslides, Glacier Bank, Penco Power Products, Western States Equipment Rentals and Amazing Fun Center (The Maze).

Brenda Hoerner

Canyon Elementary Principal