Fair commission awards recipients

The Sanders County Fair Commission is pleased to announce that Thompson Falls couple Neil and Dixie Carman have been selected as the 2010 Sanders County Community Service Award recipients.

The Sanders County Fair Commission is pleased to announce that Thompson Falls couple Neil and Dixie Carman have been selected as the 2010 Sanders County Community Service Award recipients. The award, sponsored by the Sanders County Fair Commission, recognizes the contributions by dedicated Sanders County residents to their various communities. The recipients serve as the Grand Marshal in the annual fair parade; are honored publicly during the fair's Saturday night PRCA rodeo; and have their names engraved on a plaque, which sits at the base of the U.S. flag pole on the fairgrounds.

Neil and Dixie have contributed their time and efforts to improving the community of Thompson Falls. Neil volunteers his time every winter and ensures the business district's sidewalks are plowed of snow as well as the driveways of many elderly citizens in Thompson Falls. He's taken an interest in the city's beautification, cleaning up many lots the couple owns, removing dying trees, shrubs, garbage and other eyesores. If a neighbor needs help, Neil's there to assist.

And the same holds true for Dixie. Probably the more obvious of the two, she's dedicated years of service as a nurse, participating in the Clark Fork Valley Hospital's Home Health and Hospice program, visiting patients at their homes to ensure they're receiving the best in health care.

She visits on weekends and holidays, bringing food and medicine when the patient can't get out. She's taken blood pressure of senior citizens for free as well as assisting law enforcement by drawing blood to determine the presence of alcohol or drugs.

The Montana Highway Patrol stated her volunteerism would have cost law enforcement agencies $55.00 for each time she drew a blood sample.

Both Neil and Dixie exemplify what the Community Service Award symbolizes. Their actions have made Thompson Falls a better community in which to live. Please join the Sanders County Fair Commission in honoring the Carmans during the 2010 Sanders County Fair.