Former mayor Jenson named Spirit of Whitefish recipient

Whitefish native and former mayor Mike Jenson has been honored by the Whitefish Rotary Club with the sixth annual Spirit of Whitefish award.

Jenson will receive the award during a ceremony at The Lodge at Whitefish Lake on Saturday, Nov. 9.

The Spirit of Whitefish award goes to a person outside of the club who exhibits energy, dedication, hard work and compassion toward the community.

“We could not be more pleased that Mike Jenson will receive our award this year as he is surely one of the unsung heroes of our community,” club president Kent Morrison said.

Jenson is well known as former mayor and one of the founders of the Whitefish Community Foundation. Mike has successfully served for years on the Whitefish Mountain Resort board, and in that capacity has helped to make the mountain a vital part of the community’s economy.

A ceramic artist by profession, Jenson has served on the board of the Helena-based Archie Bray Foundation for the ceramic arts. The nonprofit educational institution provides a creative place to work for those interested in ceramics.

Jenson served on the Flathead Valley Community College board for nine years when the hard-fought expansion was approved and built. That expansion resulted in significant opportunities for both degree-seeking and continuing education interests and for students of all ages.

Whitefish Legacy Partners is where Jenson currently spends a lot of his time. As leader of the fundraising arm he works tirelessly for the benefit of future generations.

All this is in line with many of the things Jenson has worked for during his career. In this case, to enhance public recreational opportunities and to protect and preserve public access to the scenic wild lands around Whitefish.

Friends and associates of Jenson are welcome to attend the Nov. 9 celebration by purchasing dinner tickets or tables, buying raffle tickets, and donating auction items to the event. Please contact Michele Reese at 862-8746.