Memorial Day weekend visitors stopped in from Malta, Havre and Great Falls.
They enjoyed watching our popular video of the Montana Picnic in New York’s Central Park, took our “tour,” and found books and records in our big collection.
A few personal words about this newspaper.T he Mountaineer has been a vital part of our local culture since 1911. One seldom recognized service is the space provided or people to express best wishes and “Thank You” notices of all kinds.
“I Wonder” if our children (among others) should be encouraged to give thanks for gifts or assistance received. Sometimes invitations and other “gifts” may be accepted but gratitude is ignored.
I was reminded of the Christmas in my childhood when, at a big family gathering presents were exchanged, and my Grandma Giebel gave me a package that I eagerly unwrapped. Then with great disappointment I loudly said, “Oh, UNDERWEAR!”Grandma justifiably admonished me, “Now Douglas” she said. I was shamed and realized I’d goofed up.
This weekend, I was generously gifted when the Center’s car stopped working and I needed help. Nathan tried to jump start, but it didn’t work. Former student Moses came from Great Falls with a battery -- but still no start. Borrowing a tow strap from Adam, Moses towed me to O’Reilly’s in Havre, open on Sunday until eight. Near Havre, the strap came loose, snapped forward and broke metal fluid line under the car. At O’Reilly’s, the two employees were helpful, and a guy with apparent car expertise said we’d broken the power steering line. We were preparing to fix the power steering break when by grand coincidence, Nick from Big Sandy drove up with his old car full of tools and expertise.
Nick said it was the transmission fluid line, not power steering, that was broken, and he was right. Nick and Moses fixed the line, installed a new starter, and I was on my way home as the sun went down.
So a big Thank You to those guys, though words are not enough.
We created the Cultural Fund and Center to serve and give back to our town. Without the help of people like my rescuers, it wouldn’t be possible.
Stop in sometime.
