Nine years ago, Barbara Leverenz with husband Jack came to Whitefish from Illinois. Their love of the West and previous contacts with Whitefish convinced them that this was where they wanted to spend their retirement years.

Barbara, disclaiming athletic prowess, says she gave up skiing in college and describes her golf as "bad, bad, bad." Nevertheless, she was busy leading the good life of retirement, enjoying her three daughters and six grandchildren, traveling, gardening and generally enjoying the area, but felt a need to contribute to the community.

She volunteered at North Valley Hospital, which she feels provides the perfect outlet because of the beautiful surroundings and the atmosphere of helping others. Her responsibilities are varied, including coordinating other volunteers, distributing mail, helping patients find their way to their destinations, stuffing envelopes and "anything else there is to do."

Barbara volunteers because "our family has been extremely lucky, and it makes me feel good to know that I'm giving something back."

She can't say enough about the hospital and those with whom she works. In her words "they are just a wonderful group of people, I love coming to work, I love the people, I love the sociability — it's just a good feeling."

Her co-workers feel the same about her. They describe her in equally glowing terms and emphasize her reliability and the importance of her work to the hospital. Barbara, because of you, our community is a better place, and we thank you.

This column is dedicated to those who give freely of their time and energy to worthwhile community projects, but whose efforts often go unnoticed. If you know such a person, please e-mail [email protected].