Community

Big Sky local Kathy Bouchard burst into Dr. Pete Schmieding’s office with an $800 check and the declaration that she wanted to sponsor a premature baby in Nepal. Schmieding had just made a Facebook post about the abandoned five-day-old baby who weighed well under five pounds.

I had heard tale of a mysterious group of do-gooders in Big Sky, initially thinking they were linked to another volunteer organization within the community. I was wrong. There’s no name for the group. No scheduled meetings. No 501c3 status. No minutes.

This week we would like to recognize four fifth grade students who, on their own, organized a drive to support families who were affected by the California fires. Dylan Manka, Maddy Wilcynski, Piper Carrico, and Poppy Towle showed empathy and compassion for those families who lost their homes in the devasting fires last fall.

Jacob is an impressive and amazing freshman at Lone Peak High School. He has shown maturity seldom seen in students of his age. This is evident through his kind and thoughtful actions towards his fellow classmates and LPHS staff. Jacob’s positive spirit and humbling ways have not gone unnoticed.

This week's Miner of the Week is kindergartner Norma Troxler. "Norma is a very caring student who is always willing to help her friends or classmates. She is a cheerful, kind, compassionate and loving student. She is a role model for all students and an enthusiastic learner," said her teacher Ms.

Chris Kamman spent every summer of his childhood in Big Sky, selling golf balls lost by the family home on the 17^th hole of the golf course and admiring Warren Miller’s filmmaking skills.

He never thought he would one day own his own Big Sky-based production company and travel the world shooting ski films.

Rich Stage passed away peacefully in his sleep after a brief illness at home on Anna Maria Island, Florida. Surrounded by family, he left this earth without fear or regret. This was a man who loved and lived life to the fullest. He leaves a great many stories, and fond remembrances.

Bradford Lartigue and I met to chat at Caliber Coffee. He knew everyone – every single person already there and every person who walks in.