Letters to the editorWater wars

Well it has almost been a year since the annual water war between the metropolises of Big Arm and Polson with Polson winning in 2008 four water wars to Big Arm's two. Some of you may recall while we in Big Arm were suffering through the loss of our magnificent 42-inch walnut and silver bowl traveling trophy that was filled with jelly beans, I promised to not talk smack about the 2009 water war until next June. Well next June is here and I am still not going to talk smack I am only going to talk facts.

Here are a few facts, on June 27 the Big Arm Association and community will host our annual Big Arm celebration 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. which will coincide with the Big Arm Fire Company's 30th anniversary burger fry. Everyone in Big Arm, Polson and the surrounding areas are invited to share in the fun and show our support for the fire department. Tickets will be sold in advance for the burger fry and can be purchased on site as well. Any proceeds from the burger fry will go to support the Big Arm Fire company.

More facts: The Big Arm Association will have a kids carnival, magic show, bounce house, a huge yard sale 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and the ever famous water war between our two cities. Tickets for all activities will be sold on site with the proceeds going to support the restoration of the Big Arm School which was built in 1913. Water cannons will be rented for each water battle so bring out your army and lets have at it. There are many betting in Big Arm that Polson will not show because revenge can get real ugly. Why just a couple of weeks ago Polson lost three combatants as the Stinnetts left town. I think they knew what is going to happen on the 27th and they did not want to witness the carnage or be part of it. We will all see how tough Gatlin Schiele in now that Noah got out of town before the big war. Gatlin, I heard you cancelled your wet suit and ordered a diving suit so you can have a chance to see and breathe while being drowned by Big Arm combatants.

All of us in Big Arm are looking forward to welcoming you to our celebration. Plan on coming to have a good time.

Paulus Maurerus

Self-appointed Dictator and Mayor of Big Arm

Lakeside plan

comments due June 19

There is an important process in action right now which could significantly impact the community of Lakeside. The first draft of the Lakeside Neighborhood Plan is available for initial public comment until June 19 and then it (and the comments' goes to the county commissioners.

I have looked through the draft of the Lakeside Neighborhood Plan and am very impressed with the amount of research that the committee has done. The draft is well organized and unintimidating for the layperson. The issues are clearly outlined and the opportunities are reasonable suggestions. The topics this plan covers are critical for our community to face in a thoughtful and thorough manner. I believe the committee has done a diligent job with the highest intentions for positive outcome for our community as a whole.

Unfortunately the voice of approval is often less demonstrated than the opposition. I believe that most of us are silent only because we trust in the process and believe that conscientious work will be positively acknowledged by the "powers that be." But in this case, in this process, the vocal hold the power. Now is the time for the "masses" to speak up! If you appreciate what the Lakeside Plan Committee has done, write a note to say what and why you like it. If you have not seen the draft but believe in the positive intent and the potential benefit for your community, please drop an e-mail to express your support.

It is the nature of community service that those who have the commitment and passion (and are willing to make the time), get the WORK done; while the majority watches the process and are silently grateful SOMEONE is doing the work on their behalf. This time, let's voice our approval. Take a moment and send an e-mail to lakesideplancommittee@bresnan.net. They need to hear from you by June 19. I support this neighborhood plan and am grateful to the volunteers who have done this important work on behalf of our community.

Tina Jo Lerum

Lakeside

Big Arm vendors

wanted

We invite you to sell, buy or donate items to the cause!

On June 27, Big Arm will hold a community Flea Market/Garage Sale from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. to raise funds to help restore the Historic School. Please call Alison at 849-6628 to make arrangements for a space or delivery.

On the same day the Big Arm firefighters will celebrate their 30th Anniversary and will be cooking gourmet hamburgers from 11 a.m. -3 p.m., there will be live music and raffles. Please call Ron Friez for tickets at 849-5323. The proceeds will benefit the Big Arm Fire Company.

To add to the fun Big Arm's Despot Dictator Paulus Maurerus will be recruiting combatants to fight in the water wars. Come rent water cannons and be prepared to get wet. Call Paulus at 849-5131 to register your warriors.

A kid's carnival will be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and if all of that was not enough we are delighted to announce that Ken Avison will present his famous magic show at 1pm.

Please put the date on your calendar! June 27 at the Big Arm Fire Station and Historic School, Highway 93 mile-marker 73 1/4.

Alison Meslin

Big Arm Association