Betty Baldwin, a third-generation native of Whitefish, is a daughter of railroader Ray Nelson and his wife Fern. She married her husband Bill 57 years ago, and they have five children, 13 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren.

Her life has been busy and interesting. She recalls as a child during World War II "helping make sandwiches like crazy" for the canteen to serve to service men and women going through Whitefish on troop trains.

Her work history includes being a waitress at Frenchy's Chinese Gardens, serving as telegrapher for the Great Northern Railroad and driving support truck on forest fires.

She has always enjoyed the outdoors. She was an avid skier and was on the ski patrol. She loved hunting and fishing and confides that "I could beat most men when it came to dressing out an elk or a deer."

She looks forward to her trip to Kodiak, Alaska, where she and Bill go every other year to fish and visit family. She particularly enjoys knitting, sewing, cooking and being surrounded by family on holidays.

For about 30 years, Betty has been a regular volunteer at North Valley Food Bank, where she still devotes an average of 10 hours per week. She does "anything there is to do" toward helping the all-volunteer group in gathering, processing, packaging and distributing food for up to 150 families each week.

She likes volunteering at the food bank because she recognizes that she is helping to fill a need. In her words, "I may get tired, but when I get home, I feel like I've accomplished something."

Betty, you truly have "accomplished something." Your efforts have materially improved the lives of untold numbers of our needy persons, and your community thanks you.

— Jake Heckathorn

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].