Chamber presents 12 Community Spirit Awards
Twelve persons or groups were presented 2012 Community Spirit Awards by the Columbia Falls Area Chamber of Commerce during the annual Christmas luncheon on Dec. 11.
Several people and groups were honored for their work in restoring the Children’s Holiday Village display at Marantette Park. Eight new displays were created after vandals damaged the artwork with graffiti.
Chamber executive director Carol Pike noted that because some of the artwork was based on copyrighted Walt Disney images, and because the original artists were unable to restore the work, the Chamber turned to new artists for new designs, including additional snowmen and gingerbread houses.
“The graffiti was a blessing in disguise,” she said.
Plywood was donated by Plum Creek, and the Columbia Falls High School wood shop and art club teamed up to make the displays. Helping with the painting were Judy and Rob Hedstrom and Dee Anders.
Other spirit award winners included Angie Olson, honored for a long list of contributions including offering her Angie’s Greenhouse site on the U.S. 2 strip for the Chamber’s annual garage sale, and Jamie and Mike Bone, for renovations at their Mountain Mocha business at the east end of the U.S. 2 strip. Pike credited both businesses with sprucing up the east and west entrances to the city.
Randy Bocksnick, of Randy’s Barbershop, and Dave and Sharon Brotnov, of Junction Gas and Grocery, were honored for their many years of business and community service before retiring. Crouch Jewelry was recognized for 65 years in business, and Walt and BJ Crawford were recognized for their incredible Christmas light display on North Hilltop Road.
Jenni Cheff and Ted Robson were honored for their long service on the Chamber’s board of directors. Mary Sterhan, the outgoing Chamber president, was given the 2012 Community Leader Award.
New Chamber officers for 2013 include Columbia Falls city manager Susan Nicosia, president; Northwest Healthcare vice president Jim Oliverson, vice president; Stonefly Inn co-owner Stacey Schnebel, secretary; and Glacier Bank loan officer Mark Johnson, treasurer.
New Chamber board members in addition to Johnson include Columbia Falls High School principal Scott Gaiser, Trina Hasson of Meadow Lake Resort, and Rachel Schmidt of Glacier Park Inc.
The Chamber also recognized 15 new businesses with 2012 First Buck Awards, including Bad Rock Betty Antiques & Collectibles, Basecamp Cafe, Corporate Image Outfitters, Desert Mountain Brewing Co., Express Tents & Events, Fame Dance & Theatre Arts, Hungry Horse Expresso, K-2’s Barber Shop, Kreative Kydz Pre School, My Sweetie Pies Bake Shop and Gifts, Oh Kelly’s Nail Salon, Terri’s Business Services, National Parks Realty, Outside Kids, and Subway.
The Chamber event began with traditional Christmas music provided by the Columbia Falls High School band, under the direction of Karen Ulmer, and the Sonifers, directed by recent graduate Beth Haskell. Band members formed a flute quintet and a wind group composed of a flute, clarinet, French horn, bass clarinet and piccolo.