Category: News

It’s that time of year again. All members of the NFLA are encouraged to bring or send non-perishable food items to the October meeting on the 4th. Acceptable donations include non-perishable commercially canned goods, dried foods such as rice, pasta, beans and any packaged food items not requiring refrigeration. Of particular interest is baby food. Another popular item is pancake syrup.

Items that are not acceptable include those that have been opened, are not in their original container, or are damaged in any way. Unfortunately, home canned goods are also considered unacceptable. However, items whose expiration date has passed are acceptable as long as they are not more than two years out of date.

Tax deductible contributions in the form of a check made payable to the Columbia Falls Food Bank are also welcomed.

This food drive is a way for the NFLA members to get involved in a community service project and provide others with a small share of our good fortune. Please set aside appropriate items while cleaning out and closing your North Fork homes for the season and bring them with you to the October meeting. If you aren’t closing up or don’t have these items on hand, pick them up the next time you’re shopping. And if you are not going to be here for the meeting, don’t forget to drop these items off with a friend who will be attending.

The North Fork Patrol, with the written permission of a landowner, checks a property for evidence of trespass, poaching and external physical damage. Get more information about the North Fork Patrol and download a copy of the new sign up form.

The NFLA Board of Directors voted to increase the annual dues for active members from $10 a person to $15. Dues for associate members (no voting privileges) were also increased from $5 a year to $10.  For more information about joining the NFLA and paying dues, including an updated form to fill out, see our Contact Page.

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.

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!

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

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.

On Saturday night, the North Fork Landowners Association held its first meeting of the season outside due to the refinishing of the Hall floor a few days prior to the meeting. In order to protect the newly re-finished floors, several board members walked across the new floor in their socks and handed out the chairs. Although President Karen McDonough predicted a small turnout, this was not the case and more and more chairs had to be hauled outside as people kept arriving. The meeting proceeded as planned, but it would have been better if a few less mosquitoes had not also attended the meeting.  These photos were provided by Suzanne Daniel.