Bikes for Books winners get new set of wheels

POLSON — The Montana Masonic Foundation and Mission Valley Lodge #78 are pleased once again to participate with area schools in the “Bikes for Books” program to promote reading and public education. Public education has long been a focus for the Montana Masonic organizations and during the early days of Montana it was common for the local Masonic Lodges to construct two story buildings with the Lodge meeting on the upper floor and the lower floor provided to the community for the school. A prime example is the historic Bannack Masonic Lodge/school house at Bannack State Park.

The Bikes for Books program encourages elementary students to read, and for each book read, students earn a chance to win a new bike. One lucky boy and one lucky girl from each school won a new bike and helmet!

This is the fourth year of the program in Lake County and Mission Valley Lodge wants to extend a special thanks to Dave Tolley and Wal-Mart for their generous donations toward the purchase of the bikes and the Polson Fire Department for their donations of the helmets.

Winners are:
   Charlo: Brooklyn Foust and Aidyn Rosenbaum.
   Cherry Valley: Gator Cheff and Lauren Kimzey.
   K William Harvey: Kylie BigBow and Brandon Larios.
   Linderman: Curtis Capdeville and Lauren Lefthand.
   Pablo: Amias Redwood and LaBenza Charlo with Marcia Ganieany, librarian.
   St. Ignatius: Miranda Umphrey and Jordan Clairmont with Tony Parrazzo and Doug Olson, Mission Valley Lodge.
   Valley View: Treavor McAllister and Arena Porter.