Gary and Mary Sloan are native Montanans. He hails from Troy and she from Superior. Each gravitated to Whitefish, he for the elk hunting and she for the skiing. Although they had not known each other, they met, married and retired from the Whitefish school system, he as an English instructor and she as a Home Economics teacher.

Together, they have enjoyed a long and interesting history of volunteering. For 10 years, they monitored the comings and goings of loons on Stillwater Lake, becoming acquainted with a momma loon who regularly wintered in California and summered in Montana, taking three days for the trip.

In 1995, with photographs, they established a panoramic view of the Little Wolf fire area, which until last year they regularly updated to show the reproduction of the various tree species.

They have also volunteered at the Whitefish Library since construction of the new building. Mary designs things like benches, tables, book stands and storage units and Gary builds them. Their work is described as "beautiful, much needed and appreciated."

Botany is one of their hobbies, and in addition to providing the "plant of the month," they have created a herbarium for the library, which was recognized by National Geographic in its Crown of the Continent publication.

When asked why they volunteer, Mary promptly replies, "Because of Joey Kositzky and her staff." They add, "You just can't say enough good about her." They cite the beauty, the aura of friendship and respect, and the overwhelming support of the community as reasons they volunteer at the library.

Gary and Mary you have helped in so many ways to make our surroundings a better place. We, too, "can't say enough" about you, but we want you to know that your community appreciates what you do, and we thank 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].