While in many ways the county’s South Campus building project has been a win-win for everyone involved, there was one thorn that stung the county’s senior citizens.

Because the original design for the South Campus ran a little over budget, the Flathead County commissioners trimmed some expenses, including money for an outdoor patio outside the senior center that will be housed in the new building.

We are happy that local citizens took the initiative and started a private fundraising campaign to bring in $35,500 to make the patio a reality. Visitors to the Agency and Aging and the Kalispell Senior Center will be able to use the patio, along with county employees and the general public.

Diane Queen Miller deserves everyone’s thanks for taking the initiative to get this project started. For more information about how to donate, write to Miller via email at southcampuspatioproject@gmail.com.

 Valley loses Special advocate

The Flathead Valley has lost a champion for those with disabilities.

Gay Moddrell, the longtime director of the Special Friends Advocacy Program, died March 8 at age 74 after a short illness. She was involved in every aspect of the organization that advocates for people with developmental disabilities.

If you’ve seen the Special Friends folks selling fry bread at summer festivals and gatherings such as the Picnic in the Park, chances are Moddrell was there, too, somewhere in the background making it all happen.

During an interview with the Inter Lake in 2013, she said her experience in working with differently abled people made her appreciate the value of diversity. Many may not know she worked in a volunteer capacity for Special Friends.

Earlier in her life Moddrell was a foster mother to two children with Down syndrome. She also worked at Flathead Industries for a time. It’s not an understatement to say the world needs more compassionate souls like Moddrell.