Carol Newbury, daughter of Vernon and Edena Hedman, and granddaughter of Peter and Freda Hedman, is a third-generation resident of Whitefish. Her dad’s job with Glacier National Park required that he be present full time, so from age one through 10, she lived in the Park.

She has many happy memories of things that were exciting to a young girl — crossing the river in a cable car, seeing wild animals and skiing on skis made by her dad. She is assured by her elders that at age one, she waved at President Roosevelt. After the Park, she moved with the family to their farm on Blanchard Lake Road, where she lived until she met and married her former husband, Frank. She has two daughters, Jeanne Vriette and Gail Ellis, two sons, Russ and Ron, 13 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

Carol has held several jobs in the area — print setter at the Whitefish Pilot, teacher’s aid at the Muldown and Middle schools, and 13 years at Haines Drug.

She began her life of volunteering at the school, doing playground duty and assisting with the band. She is from a musical family and is best known for her skills at the accordion and piano — skills which she has generously shared over the years. Aside from friends, groups and her church, she regularly entertains at the Montana Veterans Home and The Springs At Whitefish and plays piano for the annual style show at the Whitefish Community Center.

Carol’s volunteering is not confined to music. Always active in community affairs, she was the long-time site manager of the Golden Agers. She volunteers regularly at the Stumptown Museum, which holds a special interest for her in that pictures of her family are portrayed. When asked why she volunteers she readily responds, “I just get so much pleasure from it — I really enjoy it.”

Carol, your contributions to our community have brought joy and comfort to many, and we appreciate it.

— 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].