Thursday, Nov 19, 2009
Teton Valley News
Why is it that we find it so much easier to think about what’s wrong, what we don’t have, how things could - should - would be better?
We complain about the ski resort, the new courthouse, the school system, the roads, etc. I guess it is our way of coping when times are tough, but it’s the classic case of the glass being half empty. In the whole scheme of things, we have it pretty good.
Grand Targhee not only provides jobs, but we live within a half hour drive to it. That’s better than I ever had when I lived in Chicago, Moscow or even Estes Park or Durango, CO. We have a new courthouse that we don’t have to shovel coal into basement. We have a school system that is accessible and open, where we know the teachers and administrators and can actually get involved and make a difference. We have a road and bridge department that gets out at 3 a.m. to plow us out, grade the washboard and pot holes, and repair blown out bridges and culverts all within a very limited budget.
Recently I had the opportunity to play on the Teton Titans vs. the Harlem Ambassadors in the Rotary’s fundraiser for the food bank. It was yet another incredible example of what an amazing community we have. The high school gym was packed with our diverse community enjoying a fun, family event for a good cause. Thanks Maren Erickson and the Rotarians for making it happen and the Felchles for their sponsorship.
The Rotary event is just one example of many. Teton Valley rallies around our neighbors. Those who get sick, injured or down on their luck, we always circle the wagons to help them out. Our non-profits consistently meet the needs of our community where government cannot or does not, whether it is for social services, conservation, recreation, art and culture. My thanks go out to the many residents in our community who try to be part of the solution and tirelessly give their time, energy and money to make a difference without much gratitude or recognition but for the sheer effort of making our community better.
JFK said, “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” I hope that during this holiday season we take more than just the holidays to show our gratitude, but that we carry that appreciation throughout our lives. Teton Valley is a very special place and I feel lucky to call it home.
