Community saddened by recent losses

“Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer’s day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time.” – John Lubbock
Technology is a wonderful thing, until it isn’t.  I missed last month’s column because my trusty old laptop decided it wasn’t going to stay on task. But it has been replaced and here we are on the first day of August.
Shell Valley Women’s Coffee is being held today (Thursday, Aug. 1) at the home of Mary Whaley, 3749 Lane 32-1/2. Watch for green kid warning figures with orange flags marking the property entrance. The coffee begins at 9:30 a.m. and ends about 11 a.m. If you would like to, bring a small treat to share. Hope you can make it so we can all catch up on our summer happenings.
The Wild Roses Garden Club will meet on Thursday, Aug. 8 at the home of Sandy and Walt Rivers. There will be a barbecue of hamburgers and brats provided by the Rivers. Those attending are encouraged to bring a salad or dessert to share. The meeting begins at 2 p.m., and everyone will have the opportunity to see some of their new spiral rock flower garden, as well as have a chance to share gardening experiences this summer. The Rivers’ live on the Greybull Heights, 3459 Rimrock Road. For more information, give Sandy a call at 503-333-3335.
This is Big Horn County Fair week in Basin and I hope you will find time to attend some of the events. Our 4-H and FFA kids have worked long and hard on their projects and I know they appreciate the support.
The Shell Valley Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary will have table at the fairgrounds during the circuit rodeo on Saturday, Aug. 3. They will be selling tickets for their 50/50 raffle to be held during Margaritaville at the Shell Community Hall on Sept. 14. Tickets are $20 each. All purchases help fund the fire hall and its operations.
These past couple of months have been saddened by the deaths of several members of our community. The passing of Karyne Dunbar, after a brave battle with cancer, came on July 1. Karyne gave so much to our community, and the events at her unique Art Shelter are not to be forgotten. Remember to keep her life partner, James Johnson, and the families of her sons, Sean and Shane, in your prayers.
A memorial service celebrating the life of Gail Lander, owner of the Kedesh Ranch east of Shell, was held by her family at the ranch on Wednesday, July 10. Still another loss to our community. Condolences to Gail’s family during this difficult time.
We also lost Mike Weiner suddenly on July 19, one day after his 87th birthday. Mike and Pat have been such wonderful additions to our Shell Valley. I can’t remember ever seeing Mike without a smile. Love and prayers to Pat and their families.     
The storms lately have really caused some damage around the area, and it has been especially hard on folks around Shell. As we get into the last month of summer, be on the lookout for rattlesnakes that have been washed down with the flooding. My son and daughter-in-law’s Siberian Husky was bitten early one evening and not being able to find a veterinarian close by they had to take her to Billings. She had her rattlesnake shots and was able to make it until they got there. The snake bit her on the nose and didn’t rattle till after she was struck.  Thankfully she was treated and is home and doing well, but we got quite a scare. So, watch where you walk and what you reach into and be aware.  
If you have any events coming up in the Shell area, or have other news you would like to have in my column, please email me at jade.trapper75@gmail.com or call 765-9239 and leave a message.