Dear Editor: Turn and Face the Strange

Dear Editor,

Turn and face the strange... Some of your readers may recognize these words from the refrain of David Bowie's Changes. I begin in this manner because of the changes coming to our small town, both in the near and not-so-near future. Two fairly recent changes we should all be aware of by now were front-page news this past Wednesday.

First and saddest is Settings by All Things Montana closing its doors by month's end. If they haven't already, I highly encourage anyone reading this to pay Pam a visit and give her some words of appreciation. I appreciate what she's done for this town and look forward to the plans she has for her future in Whitehall!

Second is the new marijuana dispensary, or pot shop, as it has been affectionately called. Some years ago, a couple tried to bring one into town, but were prohibited to open a shop within town limits. Well, this one is outside town limits, so I guess whether some people are a bit uncomfortable with the idea or not; it's here and I think it will prosper.

There are other changes in the forecast as well, including the work which commenced about a week ago out at the old Roberts Building - now home to the Western Legacy Center. Other changes are being set into motion as we speak and I, for one, welcome them!

Change, especially for the better, is usually painful, but when it comes down to it, if we refuse to change or evolve with the times, not only will we be left in the dust, we'll stagnate & die. If we can learn to roll with the punches, though, our little town will be the better for it.

Charles Haddon Shank

Whitehall, Montana