We've Got The County Covered
We've Got The County Covered
Sam French (at left of photo in front of the flag) recently presented plans for an oral history collection for Blaine County. She will be recruiting volunteer interviewers for training by the end of January and hopes to begin interviews in early February. Anyone interested being an interviewer can all the museum for more information: 357-2590. You can also drop by the Museum, 10am-6pm, Monday to Friday. Each interviewer will select and schedule the person(s) for their conversation.
The Chinook Lions Club held its monthly meeting last Tuesday in the community room of the Grande Villa. President Jay Eslick presided. Despite the frigid weather and a brewing snow storm, 15 of the 27 regular members of the club were present. The Club heard updates on a number of projects and approved funding for several existing programs.
Members learned that for the first time in many years the number of members with less than 10 years of membership are now a majority of the 27 current members. Richard Cronk, president of the Club several years ago had a goal to increase the numbers of members in the club, and he did. His successor for two years, Steve Edwards, also wanted to increase numbers with a focus on adding more women members and younger members as well. Both Cronk and Edwards were recognized for their work with awards from Lions International for adding new members.
The Club approved donations to P.A.W.S., the local animal shelter in Chinook, and to Sweet Memorial Nursing Home, in memory of recently deceased member Lion Jim Inman. President Eslick, and other members, gave a report of pronto pup sales at the Parade of Lights held at the end November in Chinook. It was the one of the first major events where the Club used a new portable cooker to prepare the local favorite "dog on a stick" normally only available during the fair at the pronto pup stand. Those working the event said it was very successful and they learned a few things they will tweak for the next outing. The Club plans to sell pronto pups at other events in the area, using the new portable cooker.
A request was also approved to help a local person purchase hearing aids. President Eslick explained how requests for hearing aids and glasses go to the Montana Lions Sight and Hearing Foundation, a state level organization, for review. When a request is approved the local Club will pay a set amount toward the hearing devices and the Foundation underwrites the rest of the cost. This was the first request for hearing aids that members could recall. The application for Lions supported purchase of eyeglasses or hearing aids can be found online: mtlionsshfnd.org.
There was also a discussion about another international Lions' project regarding help for those with failing or lost eye sight. Each year the local Lions Club collects about 250 pairs of prescription glasses that are refurbished at recycling centers operated by the Lions in the U.S. and distributed in underdeveloped countries. Local optometrist Dr. Larry Obie, also a Chinook Lion member, collects about 100 pairs per year. At Finley's Food Farm there is a collection box near the checkout lanes in the store. About 150 pairs come locally from that source including some given directly to local Lions members for recycling. The online application process for eyeglasses is similar to the one described above about the recently approved request for hearing aids.
The Club also discussed the upcoming Montana Lions Convention to be held this coming April in Havre. The site for the annual event moves around the state each year. President Eslick also talked about his desire to open discussions about "how the Chinook Lions are doing, how we can do better and how we can serve our community better." Club members will be sharing ideas throughout the coming year on ways to tweak the work of the Club. The third oldest Lions Club in Montana, the Club will celebrate its 100th year as a local club in May, 2025.
Sam French, the Director of the Blaine County Museum, made a presentation about the upcoming oral history collection she has planned for the county. Interviewers will be trained, then equipped with recording devices. Interviewers will seek their own locals to interview with an eye to the knowledge a person can add to the history of Blaine County. French hopes to schedule interviewer training by the end of January and begin interviews as soon as possible. The museum director is optimistic the entire process can be completed by early summer "when folks get more involved in activities and it gets harder to schedule interviews. Winter seems an easier time to connect with potential interviewees." See additional story about the oral history project in this week's Journal.
