Ledger Looking Back 25 Years: December 26, 1999

DECEMBER 26, 1996

More than two dozen Whitehall area residents joined their voices in song December 15 at the community Christmas Cantata, “Christmas is Love.” Under the direction of Norm Tebay and accompanied by Mary Brazill, the cantata benefitted the Whitehall library. Soloists were Judy Cox, Cori Choquette, Michelle Tebay, Amy Weldon and Nichole Howard.

For most people, the holidays are a special time to give, but for many the giving ends with the ringing in of the new year. One group of Whitehall residents, though, extend their giving year round. Those volunteers work in two programs which are part of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) – the Foster Grandparent Program and the Senior Companion Program. Five volunteers serve at the Tia Kober Elementary School, helping students to get special attention that might otherwise be missed.

“Our Foster Grandparent volunteers, Ellen Gillespie, Dorothy Weaver, Nonie Sacry, Maxine Hemund and Betty Simonich, give the greatest gift of all – themselves,” says Project Director Linda Nolan. “They give their skills, their experience and their spirit to the Whitehall community throughout the school year.”

Those holiday blues that drive joy out of life for a lot of older folks this time of year can be foiled with a few tips from a University of Montana/Missoula faculty member with expertise in gerontology. Social work Associate Professor Cindy Garthwait reached into her black bag of blues antidotes for these suggestions gleaned from her experience as a nursing home social worker, private counselor in gerontology and teacher of courses in adult development and aging:

• Take the initiative and invite others to your home, especially if you would otherwise be alone.

• Don’t expect holidays to magically patch up family conflicts and improve relationships.

• If you can’t communicate now, the holidays won’t help.

• Having your expectations too high can lead to disappointment.

• Give gifts with meaning to those you love. A letter telling them how much they have meant to you over the years or some old photographs they could treasure will be much more meaningful than cash or an expensive gift.

• Find way to help someone in need that you don’t know personally. Many organizations and churches provide opportunities to be of service. This will remind you of how much you have.

• Don’t forget the spiritual meaning of the holidays, no matter your faith. Use this time to recommit to a life of sharing. It will help put your life and challenges into perspective.

Trojan Educator of the Week is art teacher Mike Battaiola. He has been in the education field 19 years. Mike was nominated by Barb Thronson because he provides many avenues of success for all students in art. He also provides many opportunities for students to excel in sports and teaches leadership skills.

Trojan Athlete of the Week is senior Clinton Paquin. He was nominated by Jeff Kreis because he scored 24 points this weekend and is good in defense in basketball. He is the son of Butch and Kathy Paquin.

Trojan Student of the Week is freshman Betsy Wilkinson. She was chosen by Tom Wheeler for her creativity in photography projects. She is the daughter of W.D. and Theresa Wilkinson.

Dr. Douglas Creger, O.D., and his wife Debbie are all smiles in their new shop in Whitehall. The office, open on Wednesdays, offers full eye exams, glasses and contacts for sale or repair, and other services.