By Robert Lucke
People who use Camp Kiwanis in Beaver Creek Park owe a big thanks to many volunteers who have done things to the camp that Hill County could not have afforded to do for some time. At least that is the feeling of Beaver Creek Park officials, Bernie and Donna Golie.
Even though volunteerism has been going strong for years in Beaver Creek Park, the move to make Camp Kiwanis more handicapped accessible really started with the news that Camp Kiwanis could host a MDA camp in the spring of 1998. Many groups in Havre banded together to make the camp at least handicapped friendly.
"At the same time, we were building a new shop that spring and the volunteers even helped with that," said Donna Golie.
"You know we had just torn down the old shop and when you tear something down, you have to replace it right away," said Bernie Golie, laughing.
"And people should know that there are always plenty of unsung heroes out here," added Donna Golie. "We look good, but they make us look better. Someone is always repairing an outhouse or picking up litter beside the road."
"Really, the Park Board too wants to thank all these volunteers out here for what they have done," said Bernie Golie. "Without them we would never have gotten done."
"We wish to take this opportunity to thank the volunteers who helped us with the handicapped accessible projects at Camp Kiwanis. Thanks to all of you who donated time and money. Thanks also to the members of the Hill County Park Board and the Hill County Commissioners who supported and encouraged us to get the job done," said Bernie Golie.
Both Golies reminded that the list here, while lengthy, is by no means complete. If your name is forgotten, your work was not.
Working on the new shop and Beaver Lodge were Vic Kepper, Dick Greene, Kiwanis Camp members, Havre Fire Department members, Pete Golden, Jim Bachini, Jack Sommers, Jack Brady, Mel Gomke, Matt Gomke, Jim Brough, Joe Brough, Duane Johnston, Butch Albertson and son, Clarence Lohse, Dave Lohse, Don Brostrom Jr. and Brian Evans.
Doing landscaping at the camp were Richard Smith and Company, Gary Shaub and the city shop and Jack Norman who loaned his bobcat.
Trees and shrubs were Bob Keeler, the Holsapple family who donated money and supplies. Gardeners, park employees, members of the Havre Fire Department and FWP game warden, Shane Reno.
Construction of a new sidewalk was done by Havre Sand and Gravel, park employees and members of the Havre Fire Department.
Handrails for the new sidewalk was done by Jack Spinner and employees with rail donated by Charles Manual and Ocean Energy.
Bathhouse workers included Pete Golden, Jim Bachini, Jack Sommers, Allan Lipp, Holt Plumbers, Shawn Bickford, Loren Scholtfeldt, Gail Scholtfeldt, and Larry Schubert.
Painting around the camp was done by park employees, Charles and Robin Freeman and Phil Howard.
And a thank you to business people who donated food on the first day of the project.
And the volunteerism continues into the spring of 2001.
"The Havre Fire Department has applied for a grant to extend the sidewalk from the bottom of the hill (below Beaver Lodge) by the cabins and past the recreation hall and bathhouse. It will be a wide sidewalk and really nice," said Donna Golie.
Both Donna and Bernie Golie repeated their thanks one more time.
"Together we have made a special place better for some very special people."
