Thanksgiving reflections

I recently had the pleasure of meeting two very remarkable ladies - Elsie Kessel of Libby and Hazel Walch of Troy.

Both will turn 100. Elsie's birthday is today, Nov. 22. Hazel's is Nov. 29.

These ladies have seen a lot since being born in 1906. It was a time when a loaf of bread was a nickel, a gallon of gasoline cost 6 cents, the average new car cost $500 and the average new home was $4,500.

Hazel was born in Rosebud, Mont., a town of about 300. One of 12 children, she grew up in a home without electricity or plumbing. Hazel studied by candlelight and after three months of college, earned a certificate to teach.

Her first job was at a one-room schoolhouse 15 miles from Rosebud. It took her 3 1/2 to 4 hours to walk to the school.

Elsie was born in Almira, Wash. At age 5, her family moved to a farm in Coeur D'Alene, Idaho, where she sacked potatoes, picked apples and pitched hay. She enjoyed the outdoors and having picnics with her family. Elsie delighted in catching more fish than her husband.

Today, Elise lives at Libby Care Center and was honored during an open house on Saturday, Nov. 18, at Christ Lutheran Church in Libby.

Hazel remains in her home and will be honored during a Thanksgiving dinner at 3 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 23, at Kootenai Senior Center in Troy.

Elsie and Hazel enjoy company and have great stories to share. Both are a wealth of information and worth meeting.

Happy 100th to Elsie and Hazel!

FRIDAY is known as the biggest shopping day of the year - the kickoff for the Christmas holiday.

The after-Thanksgiving Day tradition in Libby will begin as early as 6 a.m., when stores like Pamida and Sears open for shoppers hoping to take advantage of deep discounts on Christmas merchandise.

I hear the first 25 people at Sears will receive a $10 gift card for merchandise.

As a newcomer to Libby, I see plenty of opportunity to stay in town to shop that day.

I plan to be out before dawn not only to take advantage of specials but so my Polish friend Dagmara Radziuk can experience the mayhem of the day. I told her we will be sitting outside Pamida before the doors open at 6. I'll refer to advertisements and fliers in The Western News for specials offered at other stores.

So stay in town and shop. Libby has plenty to offer.

ON A FINAL NOTE. Thanksgiving Eve is traditionally a big night for going out. To those who drink, please don't drive. Have a designated driver.

Anyone going to the Red Dog Saloon for its annual party, get a ride or leave your rig behind. Harlow's Bus Service will give party-goers free rides to Libby. A grant to Safe Kids Safe Communities and Lincoln County DUI Task Force will pay the driver's wages, and Harlow's has donated the use of the bus.

Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving. — Gwen Albers