Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Valley News at a Glance

Bell Family Ranch approved for open space bond - By Michael Howell

GSK’s Orange Day program helps out local non-profits

Info and referral service available

Donations sought for Community Resource Fair

Special aprons wanted

Shriners screening clinic

Donations sought for art and jewelry sale

Obituaries

On Monday, the Ravalli County Commissioners unanimously approved use of Open Lands Bond Program funds to pay the cost of placing conservation easements on 144 acres of land in two different areas of the valley belonging to Marvin and Agnes Bell.

One property, consisting of 98 acres, called the “Skalkaho Confluence Property,” includes the mouth of Skalkaho Creek and two channels of the Bitterroot River. It is located one half mile south of Hamilton on Highway 93 and is actually composed of three separate parcels of land. The first parcel borders Highway 93 and stretches to the west encompassing a large pond. The adjoining two parcels to the west, which include portions of Skalkaho Creek and two branches of the river, are also to be included in the conservation easement.

Another property to be included in the easements is comprised of 46 acres of land, currently in agricultural production, located off of Sleeping Child Road. This land is actually composed of two separate legal parcels and is referred to as the “Bell Family Ranch.”

The official road to commissioner approval began back in early December 2008 with a pre-submission meeting. A full and complete application was accepted on January 16, 2009. The Conservation Committee of the Open Lands Board conducted a site visit on February 9, 2009. The Open Lands Board held a public meeting on February 19, to consider the matter and continued it at a meeting on March 19. Following the unanimous recommendation of the subcommittee, the Open Lands Board passed a unanimous recommendation of approval on to the County Commissioners.

The intent of the conservation easements, worked out by the Bells with the Bitterroot Land Trust, is to protect the agricultural open space as well as the critical fish and wildlife habitat on the properties.

The easements do not preclude all future development. There are currently no structures on the Skalkaho Confluence Property, but the Bells retain the right to build a home and a guest home on the property in certain pre-designated spots away from the creek and the river. The easement on the 44-acre Bell Family Ranch, which includes the Bell’s home, prohibits any additional residences.

“Our family believes land stewardship is the key and hope to conserve these properties as open land… Keeping these properties in agricultural use, not subdivided or developed, is the vision we share and we are looking forward to working with the Bitterroot Land Trust to ensure our family and others enjoy this space for generations,” wrote Marvin Bell in the original application.

Unlike the only other previously approved Open Land Bond recipient so far, the Wood Family Ranch, the Bells are not seeking any compensation for the diminished value of the property once development restrictions are placed upon it, called the takedown value. The Bells asked only that the cost of placing the conservation easements on the property be paid through the public bond program.

Total cost of placing the easements was estimated at $46,800. Matching contributions, such as the cost of the baseline study donated by the Bitterroot Land Trust, reduce the cost to be paid by the bond to about $39,900. Once the takedown value is calculated and donated back by the Bells, the actual cost to the bond program will be even less.

The applicants argued successfully that there are few properties in the valley that provide scenic open space to as many local residents and visitors on a daily basis as the Bells’ Skalkaho Confluence Property. It is seen easily by motorists traveling U.S. Highway 93. Cyclists, runners and walkers share the same wonderful view as they use the associated bike path. Fishermen float and wade through the property daily in spring, summer and fall, on the two river channels. Likewise, protecting the property up Sleeping Child Road also protects Sleeping Child Creek, another critical Bitterroot River tributary home to many westslope cutthroat trout.

Commissioner Jim Rokosch, who presided over the meeting in the absence of Chairperson Carlotta Grandstaff who is on vacation, said that the value to the public in terms of the criteria established for the Open Land Bond Program was obvious to everyone.

“That’s why the decisions for recommendation made by the subcommittee and the Open Land Board and our decision as well were all unanimous,” said Rokosch.

But the money doesn’t simply change hands, according to Rokosch. There are many more details to be finalized before that can happen. Documentation must be provided concerning the conservation easement and the Baseline Documentation Report. Title issues must be resolved. A final appraisal needs to be made and a purchase agreement finalized. An Environmental Hazard Survey must be conducted. A mineral right statement must be made. And an agreement must be made between the county and sponsoring entity regarding joint responsibilities. A narrative describing the Closing Agreement is also required.

It is only following the completion of all that documentation that the money can finally be transferred. When that happens, according to Rokosch, the deal still won’t precipitate selling a public bond. Instead the money will come immediately from an Intercap loan at about 3 and one half percent. When the amount of Open Land Bond funds awarded reaches a cumulative total of $2 to $3 million, he said, then an actual public bond will be initiated and the loans paid off. This will save money, according to Rokosch, because the costs of initiating a bond are significant.

Nearly 100 volunteers from GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals’ Hamilton site recently took part in GSK’s Orange Day program. The spirit of Orange Day is about making a difference in the community where we live and work by giving employees time to support local non-profit organizations. Each GSK employee is allocated one volunteer day per year to give back to their community. Orange Day initiatives are kicked off by giving employees the choice of numerous local charities to donate their time and energy. Team leaders are then assigned to each project to coordinate volunteer activities with each organization.

One of these projects was the removal of an old playground from SAFE’s housing area and creation of an entirely new play area. The old playset was removed along with 144 cubic yards of existing soil, which was then replaced with pea gravel. A new play area was then constructed, including a swing set and teeter-totters. Said GSK event sponsor Dave Bryan, "I am very proud of all the effort put forth by our volunteers and thankful for the help and expertise of Walt Stewart Construction. The plans for this playground have been in the works for several weeks, and it is just amazing to watch everyone come together to complete this project for SAFE."

SAFE serves over 60 kids annually, according to director Stacy Umhey, and the previous playground was not meant to handle that number. “This is allowing us to upgrade and have a play yard that is more appropriate for the number of kids who use this daily,” Umhey said. “This is such a huge expense and a huge process to carry something like this off, that without GSK’s help this would not have happened. In addition, having something for the kids to play on and expend energy when their families are in crisis, is a great way for them to work through some of that stuff in a healthy manner.”

Other non-profits involved in the first GSK Orange Day included AniMeals, the Bitter Root Land Trust Community Garden, the Daly Mansion, Habitat for Humanity, Haven House, Head Start, the Humane Society, Pantry Partners, and the Teller Wildlife Refuge. GSK Orange Day Coordinator Christian Pruitt explained, “Orange Day really encourages employees to take an active role in supporting the local charities and non-profits they are passionate about. It’s exciting to see such a high level of commitment to this community and the wide array of non-profit organizations. I want to thank the volunteers, both from GSK and from the organizations, for making this a possibility." There will be one more GSK Orange Day this year, currently scheduled for mid-September.

Activities such as this are run by GSK employees across the world, as part of their commitment to being involved in their local communities.

GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals (GSK Biologicals), GlaxoSmithKline’s vaccines business, is one of the world’s leading vaccine companies and a leader in innovation. The company is active in the fields of vaccine research, development and production with over 30 vaccines approved for marketing and 20 more in development. Headquartered in Belgium, GSK Biologicals has 13 manufacturing sites strategically positioned around the globe. In 2008 GSK Biologicals distributed 1.1 billion doses of vaccines to 176 countries in both the developed and the developing world – an average of 3 million doses a day.

Need help locating assistance with food, housing, daycare, support groups or other human services? Call 211/First Call For Help. Call 211 or 549-5555. 211/First Call For Help is a telephone information and referral service. Trained staff can analyze your unique problems and provide information or refer you to the social services designed to meet your needs. 211/First Call For Help is a service of the Human Resource Council and United Way of Missoula County.

The Stevensville Community Resource Fair, a project of the Horizons Program, is seeking donations of professional clothing. Clothing should be in good condition. The clothing received will be used to provide people in the Stevensville community appropriate clothing for job interviews and once hired, to wear to work. Donations may be dropped off at Super One, Missoula Federal Credit Union or Farmers State Bank in Stevensville. For more information call Beth Perkins at 207-5748.

As part of their annual Mother’s Day Tea celebration on Saturday, May 9, the Daly Mansion will be displaying antique and vintage aprons (Aprons From The Past) throughout the Mansion and is requesting community participation. Aprons are being sought for the display. If you have apron(s) that you can lend, contact Nancy Foisy at 363-4232 or the Daly Mansion at 363-6004, ext. 3#. The aprons will be on display May 9-May 19.

A free screening clinic will be held to identify children who may benefit from the expert pediatric specialty care provided by Shriners Hospitals for Children on Saturday, April 18 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at Valley Physical Therapy, 3802 Eastside Highway Stevensville. Shriners Hospitals for Children is the nation's largest pediatric specialty care hospital system providing expert care, innovative research and teaching programs in the treatment of children ages 0 to 18 years with orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injury and cleft lip and palate. The clinic and all hospital care are provided at no charge, regardless of financial need and generously provided through the donations of Shriners and other public donations. If you know of a child that might need help, bring them to the free screening clinic. Appointments are preferred but drop-ins are welcome. To make an appointment or for more information, contact Bob Anderson at 777-2270 or Wayne Jones at 363-5192.

The Stevensville Historical Museum will be holding its annual Used Art & Jewelry sale on May 1 and 2 at the Community Room next door to the North Valley Public Library, 208 Main St., Stevensville. Hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. On Thursday, April 30 from 7 to 9 p.m., the museum will acknowledge donors of sale items with a "Donors Only Party." Refreshments will be served. Items to be donated can be dropped off at the Bitterroot Star, 215 Main in Stevensville, or call Dora Dilts at 777-3239, Bill Lyon at 777-2269 or Ronn Alexander at 777-7408.

Vivian Jeanne Franz
1945-2009

Vivian Jeanne Franz passed away the afternoon of April 5th, 2009. Her death resulted from complications from multiple sclerosis.

Vivian was born in Sheridan, Wyoming on October 18, 1945 to Francis and Eva (Mann) Donegon. She has an identical twin sister, Virginia Anne. The Donegon family moved from Biddle, Montana to Stevensville, Montana when the girls were ready to begin school.

Viv’s dream of being a caregiver was realized when she graduated from the Montana State University-Bozeman four-year nursing program. Her nursing career included hospital work in CCU, ICU, and mental health. Most hospital work was performed at St. Peter’s Community Hospital in Helena. She also served as Carroll College’s health center director as a home health worker.

When working in Colorado Springs, Viv met her husband, Richard L. “Dick” Franz who was serving in the Army. Two sons resulted from this marriage, Bryan and Garrett. She was the most wonderful wife, friend, mother and caregiver to her family for almost 42 years.

Viv was a kind, loving, giving and brave person. A major hardship for Viv was watching her twin sister suffer and die from the effects of multiple sclerosis. Viv was later diagnosed with the disease but bravely continued to care for her family physically, spiritually and emotionally until her body and mind no longer could show outward support. Her heart remained focused on family, friends and her care giving for others.

Viv is survived by her husband, Dick of Helena, son, Bryan of Seattle and son, Koun Garrett and wife Tracy and grandson, Cormac, all of Anchorage. Her parents and sister preceded her in death.

A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 14, 2009 at St. Mary Catholic Community. Burial of her cremated remains will be at Resurrection Cemetery, attended by family members. If you feel comfortable making a memorial donation, please consider HomeLink/Hospice of St. Peter’s or another organization of your choice. Funeral arrangements are being made by Retz Funeral Home, Helena. To offer a condolence to Vivian's family or to share a memory of Vivian, please visit http://www.MeM.com.

Edward L. Hutton
1919-2009

Mr. Edward L. Hutton, benefactor of University of Montana students in the Bitterroot Valley, died at his home in Indian Hill, a suburb of Cincinnati, on March 3. He would have been 90-years-old in May.

Mr. Hutton was a major philanthropist in American education. Through his family foundation, he gave funding to the University of Montana Foundation for scholarships, based on financial need, for more than fifty students taking UM courses through the Hamilton Higher Education Center. The scholarships were unusual in that even students taking only one or two classes were eligible for the award; also high-school and home-school students taking University classes through the UM “Pilot Program; also teachers in Ravalli County working towards the M.Ed. degree.

By a major gift to Indiana University, his alma mater, he created the Hutton Honors College, which was dedicated this week in Bloomington. Furthermore, he created travel grants, allowing all IU Honors College students to study abroad, in advancing international understanding and good will. Mr. Hutton also endowed several Indiana University professorships.

He created the Hutton College of Business at The College of the Cumberlands, in Williamsburg, Kentucky, and was a significant supporter of this institution through scholarships. In Cincinnati, he was a benefactor of The College of Medicine, and in particular, the College of Nursing at The University of Cincinnati. Here in the Bitterroot Valley, he helped to establish “Emma’s House,” which is the Bitterroot Valley Children’s Advocacy Center.

Edward L. Hutton was born in Bedford, Indiana. Every state in our country has its natural resources; in southern Indiana, the state “treasure” was limestone. Famous “Bedford limestone” was used in many great American buildings, including the Pentagon and the Empire State Building.

But when he was a boy, “Eddie” Hutton’s family knew only stone-hard poverty. He would have a meager breakfast of thin hot cereal. However, when his teachers, concerned for him, would ask if he had any breakfast, he would assure them and make up a lavish breakfast menu -- which was amusing, if not convincing.

He excelled in schoolwork, and all his life was grateful for his school teachers and university professors’ encouragement. He attended Indiana University on a full academic scholarship. However, arriving at the Bloomington campus with only twenty dollars cash to last the semester, he knew he would need part-time jobs to support himself through college. Although he could not afford to join a fraternity (and was not inclined to), he was highly popular with classmates, and was elected President of his graduating class. He also earned an IU Masters degree, and later in life was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws.

In 1943 he joined the US Army and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in 1944. At the end of the war in Europe, he served on the staff of General Lucius D. Clay, who directed the administration of the American zone in occupied Berlin. He was honorably discharged in 1946.

Mr. Hutton declined the offer of a senior State Department position, which would have required extensive travel away from his wife and young family. Instead he accepted executive positions in New York, then Cincinnati, with particular interest in chemical industries, such as the DuBois Chemical Co., Cincinnati. DuBois became Chemed Corporation in 1970, with Mr. Hutton serving as CEO for thirty years, then Chemed President and Chairman of the Board. He was also the Founder and Chairman of the Board of Omnicare Inc., of Covington, Kentucky, a provider of pharmaceutical care for seniors.

Entirely separate from his dedication to business, Mr. Hutton had a great interest in forestry. He owned a farm in southern Indiana, where, over decades, with his friends, he planted more than 250,000 trees. When in recent years he visited this part of Montana, he greatly admired the forests.

He liked the proverb, “Anyone who plants a tree makes an agreement with the future.” He may have believed, too, that scholarships for college education were an agreement with the future.

Mr. Hutton is survived by his wife Kathryn; two sons, Edward A. Hutton, of Cincinnati; Thomas C. Hutton, of Bronxville, NY; his daughter, Jennie C. Jacoby of Wellesley, Massachusetts; a sister, Janice Inman, of Avon, Indiana; and seven grandchildren.