For Your Information

In a recent issue or NFR BLVD (a guide to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo) Shawn Davis, General Manager of this ten day event, has an interview by Brian Hurlburt, the editor. For 30 plus years, Shawn has revolutionized this event with one change that remains the staple of the show’s success: each performance is completed in less than two hours. Treating each night as though it is the first night is a year long process with 175 employees working throughout the year to make sure that it truly is a ‘well-oiled machine’. The list of qualified professional employees with expertise in a variety of fields is impressive and bring details that make this celebration a sold-out capacity crowd each night. Shawn also stated that 2,000 tons of dirt are hauled in for the arena and stalls and 700 head of livestock are used. Shawn’s final comment was a quote from John Wooden, “It’s the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen.” Shawn’s Mom, Mary Davis, doesn’t get to attend the NFR anymore. Her legs have slowed her down, but she does Shawn’s book work and communicates with him by phone. (I think that Mary said she was 97!) Shawn has brought pride to his home town - Cardwell. (He does have strong connections to Whitehall, too.)

Jeanien Fallows from British Columbia, has been here for the past two weeks helping her Mom, Janice Carmody, while she recovers from hip surgery.

Tracy and Peter Carne from Massachusetts, were guests of Bret and Jonie Martinell for a few days. Tracy and Bret are cousins and enjoy spending time together. While the Carnes were here, they checked out a piece of property in the Big Hole that Tracy had inherited. She wants to keep her little piece of ‘God’s Country’ with proper fencing, etc. Both Tracy and Peter are music teachers in the public schools. A refreshing evening was spent getting to know them, hearing about their family, their jobs and a very entertaining story of Peter’s bike trip from Washington state back to his home. Even though they would have liked to stay longer, a visit with Jack and Bonnie Martinell and the employment at home didn’t allow that.

The Pinochle Club has the results for this week. Patty Strozzi hosted the afternoon. Erv Hedegaard placed High; Florence Weyer, Second; Judy Simmons, Low; and Mary Gustin, Pinochle. Guests for the day were Erv, Mary and Aileen Shaw. Alice Capp will hostess next.

Two-year-old, Esther Truckle, has a baby sister. Charis Nicole Truckle was born in Billings on August 4, 2016, to Jim and Jessica Truckle. Jack and Donna Truckle of Cardwell, and Ben and Cheryl Fry, of Lewistown are grandparents. Great-grandparents include, Suzanne Truckle in Bozeman, and Don and Barb Engle of Lewistown.

School bells will soon be ringing and the students will hit the doors of the Cardwell School running. The Missoula Children’s Theatre is scheduled for the week of Sept. 18 through the 24th. The Tour Team, consisting of two, will need housing for these days. It’s a great way to be hospitable and be an active part of the production. Private bedrooms are required. If this is something that you can do, please contact Patti Hanley at 431-5993. This year’s production is “Peter and Wendy” and will involve the whole school. Consider hosting the Tour Team!

I just finished reading an incredible book “Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus” by Nabeel Qureshi. It provides understanding of Islam and gives answers to a lot of Christian doctrine. Be sure to read the epilogue.