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This past May, the MLA had our annual meeting at the Copper King hotel in Butte. With that meeting, it marks halfway through my presidential term. I can't believe how fast the year has gone. With that being said, I would like to thank the sponsors again for supporting the events and the MLA. Because the MLA generously donates to the Shodair Children’s Hospital, Keith Meyer along with Alana Listoe from Shodair, brought one of their success stories, Brooke, to share her story of how Shodair helped bring her out of a difficult time in her life. Everyone even got to take home a box of Cinnamon Toast Crunch with Brooke’s picture on the box. You can support Shodair by purchasing a box at Costco stores. On Saturday night, Northwest Montana Hoo Hoo #187 presented awards to Sean Steinbach and Charlie Parke. Congratulations to both men, two great guys who both deserve those awards.
At the beginning of May, my family and I headed out west to the town of Coquille, Oregon for a special event honoring my grandpa on my mom’s side, George Johnson, who passed away seven years ago. The gym at Coquille High School was dedicated to him and will be renamed, “George Johnson Court”. George was a teacher, principal, and coach who would spend recess outside with the kids, playing basketball and setting up tournaments with the students that eventually spread to surrounding communities, a fun fact that I learned while we were visiting Oregon. He was also involved in the local community, being a part of the local Kiwanis and even helping the high school build a fish hatchery in his retirement. He left an amazing legacy that I hope I can follow in my life.
I want to wish all the mothers a Happy Belated Mother’s Day and especially my wife and mom, who without them, this article wouldn’t happen. Thank you to all the mothers who do so much for all of us and love unconditionally. Teacher Appreciation Week was the week of May 6 - May 10, which with my wife being a teacher, I understand how difficult and rewarding teaching can be. I want to thank all the teachers who have not only impacted my life, but the ones that continue to teach our children who are the future of this world and hopefully some future loggers.
With spring breakup coming to an end, we are finally getting all the crews back up and running. During breakup, we were working on all the machines in our new yard while starting to build our shop for our company. Building a shop is an interesting process that I’ve never been around, so it has been fun to watch the bits and pieces come together. Unfortunately, we have had to work outside during the inclement weather while watching the shop start to take shape, so I am looking forward to the day when we will be able to work inside our shop.
With it being June now, I want to say happy Father’s Day to all the dads. Thank you especially to my dad, who has helped mold me to the person I am today and guided me to the profession called logging. To all the other dads, thank you for your influence on our lives and the sacrifices you have made along the way.
Until next time,
Karl Kanduch