Family didn't approve donation jars
To the editor,
On June 14, 2008, our son, Michael Robert Willcut, was killed in a tragic car accident east of West Glacier. This past Saturday, we were informed that jars with his picture and name were placed in a few businesses in Columbia Falls, soliciting donations because "Mike's family and friends need your help." We investigated and found jars at two businesses.
One jar had donations from two of the workers, so we returned the money to them. The other jar looked to have at least $15. The cashier emptied the jar and placed that money in another container asking for donations for a worthy cause.
We want to make clear that we did not authorize this fundraising whatsoever, did not keep any of the money, and are upset that our son's death and our family were linked to this scheme. It is unfortunate that the kindness exhibited by the donors could be abused in this fashion.
On a positive note, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all of the wonderful people who have helped and supported us through this sad time. We held his memorial service at Marantette Park in Columbia Falls and we wish to thank the city for allowing us to use the bandshell. A special note of thanks is due to Reverand Jerry Buchanan of the First Baptist Church in Columbia Falls. He gave a wonderful and compassionate service and then refused our offer of gratuity. Thanks to all who gave us food, hugs, and help with the costs and setup of the service and in the days leading up to and following the service.
Roger and Elizabeth Willcut
Donate blood, become organ donor
To the editor,
For eight years, our son, Lee Samblanet depended on strangers in order to stay alive. From the age of 16, he withstood the pain of cancer and diabetes like a true soldier; but he realized that the ammunition for his battles was supplied by people whom he would never meet.
On June 27, 2007, Lee was called home by God. As we reflect on all of the surgeries, treatments, and procedures he endured in his life, we realize that there were many unseen heroes in our midst. During a fifteen-hour surgery in Pittsburgh, a donor's heart tissue was used to patch the lining of Lee's brain. During the three months he was treated in Loma Linda, California, he was given countless blood transfusions, as his body fought to withstand intensive proton radiation. He required hundreds of units of blood and platelets throughout his eight years of treatment at Akron Children's Hospital, especially during the three months he was hospitalized fir a stem cell transplant. During that period, bags of blood and platelets hung next to his bed, daily they sustained him. Many unknown individuals carried him through those years. If you are a donor, we thank you so very much; perhaps you are one of Lee's special angels. He lived each day that you gave him to the best of his ability, and we are grateful for each day and memory. He would not have lived one more day had someone given him a million dollars instead of their time and blood.
We have thought long and hard about Lee's legacy. What is left of him to carry on, since his precious organs are too diseased to share with others? On Lee's behalf, we urge others to donate blood, platelets and to designate themselves organ donors. Many in our family have done these things; it is the ultimate living tribute to a young man who strived to live.
We said our final good-byes last year and now it's time to insure that his twenty -four years on earth have meaning beyond what he envisioned. As Lee's parents, we issue a call to people everywhere, for the vital need of blood, platelets and organ donations. We feel that Lee's life can be instrumental on bringing forth those who have never thought about the priceless gift they carry inside themselves. Since blood has several components, one donation helps a number of patients, and a healthy body will replenish blood in a matter of hours. Giving blood requires an hour of your time; won't you spend an hour helping someone that is counting on you?
If you decide to answer our call, please let us know. Send a note or picture to The Samblanet Family, 5617 Bayard Rd. Homeworth, Ohio 44634. His legacy isn't bigger than life, HIS LEGACY IS LIFE. Please help us spread the word, as Lee would say, "Help supply the ammo needed for the next person's battle."
Thomas and Brenda Samblanet
Homeworth, Ohio
Remedy for dust problem in Flathead County
Letter to the editor,
Attention people of the Flathead Valley: Are you concerned about road dust? I found a company just over our border in Canada who can help the Flathead Valley's problem with dust. Cypher International Ltd is an expert in road dust control. Their products are environmentally safe, easy to apply and the president of the company, Norm Burns, says he is interested in giving the county a quote for the job. If asked I am sure he would come here to talk to us about it. On Cypher's Web site (cypherltd.com) there is also a convenient calculator for the Dust Stop product, so you can estimate what the cost will be. Perhaps the county could identify a few roads with the heaviest traffic, and receive a quoted for that.
Dust Stop is a starch solution that is mixed with water and spread on the road. It will not harm our water supply, as it is a natural product. It helps to deter rodents, and if applied with a citronella scent (yes, it comes in this scent), it can alleviate our growing mosquito problem.
It was easy for me to find on the Internet a reputable company with a proven product to solve our dust problem. In a recent article in the paper, the University of Montana clearly demonstrated the ill effects of road dust on humans, and used the North Fork Road as test to prove their point.
We all know dusty roads are a health hazard, and if Flathead County is serious about solving the dust problem (perhaps the mosquito problem as well) then go to Cypher International Web site and read how they can help.
Catherine Richter
West Glacier
Volunteers needed in the Bob Marshall
Spring and summer finally arrived poste-haste in the Big Sky country. As many Montanans prepare to launch their first multi-day outdoor adventures, we're all wondering how long these cyan blue skies and fragrant evenings will prevail over hazy sunsets and sore throats. After a 2007 fire season that cost approximately $40 million dollars and required a special session of the state legislature last September, a bit of cynicism among outdoorsmen and women is understandable.
As the trend toward higher temperatures and hotter fires gathers momentum so do concerns about the future of the Treasure State's greatest wealth: our public lands. With summer just around the corner, recreationists are clamoring for answers to some difficult questions. How should communities grow to better mitigate the dangers of wild fire? Who should pay for fire management in years to come, and how? A productive dialogue on these and other related questions depends upon the inclusion of many different perspectives and experiences within communities across Montana. For this reason, the Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation and the Montana Wilderness Association are teaming up to tackle one of the most difficult challenges that wild fire poses to lovers of wild country: access.
Last year, fires burned especially long in Montana's premier backcountry destination, the Bob Marshall Country. Three of these fires — the Ahorn, Fool Creek, and Skyland — burned over 160,000 acres, reaching beyond the eastern boundaries of the Bob and into the incomparable Rocky Mountain Front. A primary concern of outfitters, hikers, horsemen, and sportsmen, who access the Bob from trailheads along the Front, is the condition of routes through areas impacted by wild fire. After a wild fire, fallen timber and erosion can cause major obstacles for backcountry travelers. While there is not much that we can do in the near term to end years of drought and prevent record high temperatures in July, there is something we can do right now to remove these obstacles along the beloved Rocky Mountain Front.
This summer, the Montana Wilderness Association will fund three weeklong backcountry work trips under the direction of the Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation to 'fix up the Front'. These trips will focus on erosion control to maintain healthy watersheds, as well as trail maintenance and restoration to keep trails safe for hikers and stock. Each trip will be organized and executed by an experienced crew leader from the Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation with volunteer co-leaders from the Montana Wilderness Association. Each trip will constitute more than 400 work hours for a total of over 1200 total work hours along three popular backcountry routes.
Volunteers are still needed to make these projects a success. Participating on a volunteer project will give you the chance to explore new areas and meet new people. You'll also learn the timeless skills of trail maintenance and restoration work using primitive tools. Best of all, you'll finish the day knowing that you've helped meet the challenge of wild fire by keeping some of our last best places open and accessible. For specific dates, project descriptions and more information visit the Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation online at www.bmwf.org or call (406) 387-3808.
One day on the Front is enough to persuade anyone that Montana's public lands are her greatest resource. This summer, we invite you to join the Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation and the Montana Wilderness Association for a week in this remarkable landscape, to help restore the Rocky Mountain Front for all of us to enjoy.
Submitted by the Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation.