WHY Whitehall?

How did you end up in Whitehall?

Whitehall has been a second home to me my entire life. My Mom (Jean Kountz Stearns) was raised here and our Harlowton family visited relatives here every Christmas & summer. I worked for my grandfather (Joe) & my aunt & uncle (Bernadette & Bill Connor) on their ranches for 7 summers, from 1962 thru 1968.

How long have you lived here?

I'm going on 12 years living in Whitehall. I moved here from Helena in December of 2005 to help my aunt Bern. In the summer of 2006, I began work as a tour guide at Lewis & Clark Caverns and just completed my 12th year there.

What is something unique about you?

I've been described as a 'non-conformist who conforms'! I'm a bit of a rebel, but in a good way. I have a crazy sense of humor.

What do you appreciate most about the community?

Having grown up in the small town of Harlo, Whitehall has been a good fit for me. I'm a small town guy at heart.

If you could give one bit of advice, what would it be?

Enjoy life and smile. We're only here for a short time so make the most of it.

Where is your favorite place to be in Whitehall?

As much as I enjoy being gregarious (out in the community and working at the Caverns), I cherish the privacy of my home with my dog & cat.

How would your friends describe you?

I think they'd say that I'm laid back, outgoing, good-natured, friendly, and a bit zany (in a good way). I hope they'd say I'm pretty down-to-earth and say, "What ya' see is what ya' get".

Who would play you in a movie?

I've thought & thought about that because I try not to idolize. I finally decided that Jim Carrey would be my choice to be Me, because I enjoy his nutty sense of humor.

What is your proudest accomplishment?

Having been a teacher & still teaching. I taught elementary school in Billings (4 years) & in Helena (29 years). When I retired, I kept saying that I'm going to miss the kids. However, I chose my second career as a tour guide and get to see kids of all ages (and of course adults as well) all the time. I've also taught religious ed. at church for several years.

What keeps you in Whitehall?

Moving here has given me the opportunity to help with settling quite a few family matters (mostly preparing to sell family land holdings). I might not stay here forever but if I do move, it probably won't be far away and I'll return to Whitehall a lot. It will always be at least a second home to me.