Author: NFLA Admin

NFLA Sondreson Hall Fall Maintenance Schedule

Members are taking advantage of the cooler weather to perform some maintenance at Sondreson Hall.  Following is the schedule:

  • Help with moving – On Wednesday, September 10th, a few folks are needed to help put the kitchen back together after the floor work in that area has been completed.  Work will begin around 4PM.
  • Minor repairs and oiling – On Tuesday, September 16th, folks are asked to come help with some minor repairs to Sondreson Hall, including flicker damage and oiling the logs on the south side.  Work with begin around noon.
  • Major work – On Friday, September 19th, a major work day has been scheduled for Sondreson Hall including starting construction on the back porch, raking gravel, and putting the stove back in place for the winter.  Work will begin a 9AM and go throughout the day.  Please bring work gloves, a rake, and your lunch.

We want to say a special thanks to all the folks who plan and supervise these work parties.  Sondreson Hall is in the best shape its been in years due to their efforts.

August BOD Election Results

The annual election of the officers took place at the Business Meeting on Saturday evening.  Here are the results:

  • President Karen McDonough
  • Vice President Donna Harrison
  • Past President Debo Powers
  • Treasurer Bonny Ogle
  • North Director Allen Chrisman
  • North Director Paul Marotz (new)
  • South Director Alan McNeil
  • South Director Carol Groebe

In addition, the following proposed bylaw change was passed:  Dissolution Clause; “Upon the dissolution of the North Fork Landowners’ Association, assets shall be distributed by action of the Board of Directors to one or more charitable organizations that qualify for the distribution by the applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code.”

The proposed by law change regarding lifetime membership was withdrawn by Bonny Ogle.

Social and square dance were great fun

Last night’s Ice Cream Social and square dance was enjoyed by everyone who came to Sondreson Hall.  Linda Pittman and Debo Powers made delicious ice cream and everyone else contributed the pies.  We had special visits from Cecily McNeil and Ray Hart who reminded us that square dances have been taking place at the hall for over 60 years – and the tradition lives on.  A special thanks to Linda for once again sponsoring this year’s Social and to Debo for her usual excellent job at calling the square dance.  We had some pretty fancy dancing going on by the end of the evening!

Don’t forget that the next square dance is scheduled for Saturday, August 16th, starting at 8PM at Sondreson Hall.  We hope to see everyone then.

North Fork Country Kitchens Cookbook update

Lois Walker reports that sale of the NFLA’s North Fork cookbook at the 4th of July parade was a tremendous success! All 400 copies of the color edition of the cookbook were sold out by 2:00 on the 4th. She sends a huge shout-out to all of the cookbook participants who marched in the Cookbook Brigade at the parade, especially to Carol Dolan-Groebe and Jan and Alice Caldwell who helped organize the marchers and Lynn Ogle and Bill Walker who helped with logistics of the sales booth.

A second printing of the cookbook is in process. This one will feature greyscale photographs in the main portion of the book, but the Heritage Section will still be in color. It will also contain a beautiful color rendition of Helen Huck Ramon’s sketch entitled “Grandma’s Kitchen.” The second edition will sell for $20 and should be available by 1 August. You can download the revised North Fork Cookbook Order Form from here.

Cook on!

New North Fork cookbook will be ready this week

Front Cover of the new cookbookIt has been forty-three years since the last North Fork Cookbook was published by Cecily McNeil in 1971.  Cecily’s North Fork Kitchens Cookbook contained recipes and memories of original homesteaders and their families.  Soon, we will have a new North Fork Cookbook which contains recipes and color photographs of nearly 100 North Fork families and individuals.  The new cookbook also includes a Heritage Section that features historic photographs and tells the stories of twenty long-time North Forkers who are no longer living.  Most of the photos in this section come from Larry Wilson’s legendary collection.

Continue reading New North Fork cookbook will be ready this week

Gardening with Native Plants Workshop

Don’t forget about the Gardening with Native Plants Workshop at Sondreson Hall led by Terry Divoky; native plants will be available for sale.  She will be joined by Andrew Beltz. This will take place on Tuesday, June 24th starting  at 10AM at Sondreson Hall.

Both Terry and Andrew will be bringing plants to the workshop to sell.   Want to preorder so that you can get just the plants you want?  Open this preorder list, make your selections, then email Andrew at andrew@forestoration.org.

Forest Reminds Users of Changing Spring Conditions

Flathead National Forest managers remind all Forest users to be prepared for changing conditions and be aware of possible hazards. Water levels remain very high and all visitors are asked to be very cautious and properly evaluate if conditions are safe enough to allow for foot or stock crossings. As crews work to clear trails they are encountering small wash-outs and some large avalanche debris areas. If anyone encounters damaged trail tread or other conditions please report it to the respective ranger district. You may encounter road work including blading, brushing and ditch cleaning. Work areas will be clearly signed and motorists are asked to use caution. All forest users should expect the unexpected. Continue reading Forest Reminds Users of Changing Spring Conditions

NFLA BoD recommendation on the organization’s name change

The NFLA BoD has written a position paper that includes some background and a recommendation on whether or not to change the NFLA’s name back to NFIA.

The BoD asks that everyone review and talk about this document (see the link below) with your neighbors over the summer. General discussion time will be on the agenda for the July and August meetings when members will decide what action to take.

Our thanks to the BoD for taking time for careful consideration of this controversial topic and writing such a well thought out response.  We all appreciate the hard work that this represents.

The complete document may be viewed by clicking  NFLA Name Change – BOD Position Paper 6.3.2014.  For those who have internet access and a printer, please make copies available for your neighbors.

Refinishing the Hall floors

Sondreson Hall will be getting a floor facelift this summer.  The main area will have the wood floors refinished from June 2nd through June 5th.  The kitchen and wood stove areas are going to get brand new tile to make them even more fireproof and easier to clean.  This work takes place between July 7th and 10th.  A special community auction was held last year to raise the money to pay for these improvements to the hall.  So thanks to everyone who donated their time and cash to make this needed upgrade possible.  You can check out the calendar for information about these dates.  Now let the square dancing begin.