Sandie Carpenter and husband Russ visited Whitefish on a ski vacation from their Connecticut home in 1991. They fell in love with the area and were impressed by the many projects undertaken and completed by the community. After repeated visits, and liking the available life style, they decided to make this their home. In 2001, they purchased a home on Big Mountain from which they indulge their passion for skiing.

A retired elementary school teacher, Sandie's love of teaching prompted her to become a substitute teacher at Whitefish High School, which she has done for the past nine years. A natural volunteer, her many interests include the Humane Society, where she helps raise funds and coordinates the Pet Bank Program.

She also serves as secretary of the Big Mountain Water and Sewer Company and is on the board of the Tamarack homeowners association. She assisted in establishing the Hugh Rogers Wag Park and serves as its vice president. Her love of gardening led her to the Whitefish Community Garden, where she serves on the board as secretary and is involved in fundraising, publicity and helping less experienced gardeners.

In Connecticut, Sandie had belonged to a walking club, and finding none locally, she put an ad in the Whitefish Pilot. Eight people showed up and formed the nucleus of what is now a 62-member walking club. When not volunteering, skiing, hiking or traveling, she enjoys visits from her nieces, gardening, photography and movies. As an avid reader, she wants to "put in a little plug" for the Big Mountain Ladies Book Club.

Sandie volunteers because, she says, "it makes me feel good — I love it." She is enthusiastic about the friends she has made through volunteering and refers to them as her extended family.

Sandie, you have established yourself as a valuable member of our community and we appreciate all you do.

— 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].