Serving Proudly As The Voice Of Valley County Since 1913
Thinking of Home
Dear Editor,
It’s been almost six years since I wrote my last piece for The Courier and even longer since my first guest column in 1991. I have always enjoyed returning to my hometown. Last year was especially fun as I was able to show off Glasgow and Ft Peck to a few dozen of my visiting Norwegian relatives prior to our historic 150th family reunion in Scobey. You may have seen photos and read about the pre-reunion tour in a July 2019 Courier story. My relatives told me I could be a local tour guide and possibly work for the Montana tourism industry when I retire. I’m not sure if that is true, though I really do enjoy promoting Montana and sharing our local Valley County history.
Even though life continues to speed by it always seems when I return to Glasgow somethings never change, some people seem to age very little and so many of the wonderful characteristics of my hometown remain constant.
The occasion for my recent visit involved catching up with family, friends and patients since my last visit was pre-Covid. Of course, I was also able to watch the Scotties win a big playoff football game too. Admittedly the latter was a big factor in scheduling my fall visit. During the game, I sat between two people with the same first name (a little Glasgow trivia for you) who I had probably first met 40 plus year ago in my youth. They seemed to have changed very little and not surprisingly continue to be big Scottie boosters long after their own children have grown. Equally fun for a former Glasgow teacher, coach and alumni was to see students I taught and coached nearly three decades ago in 1992. Some who now have children playing on Scotty teams.
During my visit back to the “Middle of Nowhere” I was impressed with the new art mural downtown, curious about a recent campaign poster for and against chickens and many reminders of our agricultural roots in NE Montana. I was fortunate to get out of town right before the blizzard and cold weather hit. Can’t say I miss the cold weather in Montana as I remember nearly freezing prior to a few football games in the 80’s. Most people can’t truly understand how you can go from weather in the high 70’s to -20 wind chill in one week. Since I’m spending more time in Montana now, I decided to pick up a pair of winter boots and wool socks at my favorite sporting store, D & G Sports and Western. The same store where my Norwegian family bought cowboy hats among other souvenirs. I always enjoy buying locally or when in my hometown visiting and especially since the pandemic.
Neither small or big towns are immune from controversy, be it relating to chickens or racial issues. Believe me when I say we have a lot going on in Portland where I’ve lived for most of the past fifteen years. Recently I’ve received numerous posts, emails, texts and phone calls from friends around the world worried about my safety. My reply is often reassuring as I try to explain my perspective which is too long for this letter. I think everyone can agree the media can run with a story and exaggerate and sensationalize the complexity of any issue. Don’t get me wrong, we have some serious issues to deal with in Portland and I certainly don’t have all the answers. Among many things, schools are still closed and as a result our youngest daughter is finishing high school in Kalispell, Montana where I have my Montana clinic. I’m impressed with how her school is managing to keep her safe with basic precautions which is allowing her to be in activities and sports too. Nice to see Glasgow is doing the same for their students and athletes. What I do know is all communities deal with big and small issues and just like with your health the symptoms or problems are often signs something is wrong and subsequent reflection and change can lead to improvement. Sometimes people think big issues are really small issues or small issues are really big issues. My purpose is not to debate any particular issue relating to Covid, politics, chickens or race relations. Regardless of what side I find myself, issues are issues and they often need to be addressed with subsequent steps taken to improve the community for everyone. I know I am very fortunate and blessed while others are not as fortunate often no fault of their own. I try to thank many of the people who helped me in my youth every time I return to Glasgow. For my part, I know I can do more by examining things I may have missed from my own life experience which I now realize wasn’t just due to work ethic. I wonder now if I ignored some issues growing up because I was too busy to pay close attention or not personally affected.
As much enjoyment as I have for returning to my hometown, I realize my experience growing up in Glasgow and returning for visits isn’t always the case for others. Recently I’ve heard from a number of people contacting me, not about my safety in Portland but instead highlighting some of the negative publicity about my hometown. Ouch. As a proud native son, I could become defensive, rationalize or marginalize these concerns. Instead I decided to write this piece and share it with you. I’m confident the community that was so influential in supporting me while growing up will examine any past, current or future controversy as a community. Lessons can always be learned when a community continues to work towards making the Glasgow experience positive for everyone. Looking forward to returning for another visit soon. Be safe Glasgow!
Chip Halverson
Kalispell, Montana
Reader Comments(0)