Weber named grand marshal

Each year, The Frontier Days Parade honors an individual who exemplifies service to the community. The Grand Marshal is nominated by The Whitehall Chamber Frontier Days Committee and is recognized on parade day. Arlene Weber graciously accepted the nomination this year, and we are proud to announce her as our honoree.

Arlene was born at the St. James Hospital in Butte and has lived in Whitehall for 61 years. Her grandparents moved to the valley in 1911 and homesteaded on the Parrot Bench next to the John May homestead. Charles Weber, Arlene’s father, was a carpenter and miner in the area who’s work can still be seen at the Methodist Church, Cardwell Gym, Senior Center, and former Rice Ford building. She has an extensive family history of entrepreneurs and businessmen in Whitehall that have set an example of how volunteerism can build and strengthen community.

Arlene is a graduate of Whitehall High School, Class of 1972, and then attended Montana Tech in Butte where she was one of the first three people to earn a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Safety & Health. She spent her college summers working as a guide at the Lewis & Clark Caverns, and as a carpenter’s apprentice for her Father. Afterwards, Arlene worked at Trident Cement Plant for 23 years as the Safety & Human Resources Manager. Upon retirement in 2002 she worked for an additional six years doing mine safety training, audiometric and pulmonary function testing.

The Whitehall Rotary Club has been a long standing passion and commitment for Arlene since she joined in 2000. She was the club president in 2002-2003, has served as the club treasurer and public relations chair, and was the Rotary District Governor for Montana in 2011-2012. Administering the Rotary District 5390 website is among her current duties, as well as serving as the Director for the Rotary Youth Leadership Academy and the Administrator for Rotary High Country PETS. Outside of Rotary Club, Arlene volunteers regularly at the Jefferson Valley Museum and has been, and currently is involved, in orchestrating many Whitehall area events and activities.

The first Whitehall Earth Day Clean Up in 1970, laying tiles at the fish pond, casino nights, Rotary’s International Dinner and Fall Harvest Dance, highway clean up, aide to WHS Interact Club, and Whitehall Historic Tours are just the beginning of what this fine lady has contributed to our town.

It is truly amazing that Arlene can still have hobbies like photography and travel (she’s visited five continents and 27 countries!) when you see her volunteer resume.

Arlene Weber has more than earned her place in Whitehall’s history and the recognition as Frontier Days Grand Marshal. Thank you Arlene for your selfless service to this community.