Criticism of Jarecki unfounded
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Editor,
I have known Penny Jarecki since I was a 10-year-old living just west of Polson in Irvine Flats. Our family’s ranch bordered that of Penny and her husband Chuck’s ranch. Three years ago, I returned to Polson from Seattle so my kids could grow up in a smaller, more caring community. I reconnected with Penny at a Polson Chamber of Commerce luncheon where she spoke about the Greater Polson Community Foundation, an organization that dedicates itself to helping local nonprofits and the community at large in the greater Polson area. Penny has proven herself a dedicated, caring and positive community member throughout her life here.
After reading Ms. Speer’s comments in her letter to the editor on Dec. 12, I feel compelled to speak out. Ms. Speer implies that Penny and her work associated with the groups she is involved with are questionable. Nothing could be further from the truth. Penny is a rare breed of person these days who gives so much to her community and asks nothing in return. Penny and Chuck have been members of the Polson community some 40-plus years. Penny has given innumerable volunteer hours to organizations throughout Polson. That’s just Penny — giving, giving, giving.
The Polson Chamber of Commerce has recognized Penny for her volunteer efforts by awarding her “volunteer of the year” and “citizen of the year” as well as “citizen of the year” from the Polson Elks Club.
Penny and Chuck tirelessly give their time and contribute financially to help this community. To state that Penny is self-appointed and pushing an unwanted vision for our community is an insult to Penny, Chuck and the community they support. Our community deserves better than the negative voices and false accusations that are continually voiced in our local newspapers, phone campaigns and public forums by people with their own personal agendas who are critical of someone who is trying to make a difference in our community as a whole.
Thank you, Penny, for your tireless efforts in serving the greater Polson community and helping make the place we call home a better place for current residents and future generations.
Daniel Smith
Polson
