Newman Riga Library Director Donna Haire remembers Chris Peterson as a "bright young man, a student who was wise beyond his years." Haire recollects how Peterson would share with her the short stories that he had written. "He could write and he actually liked to," said Haire. She knew that Peterson would accomplish great things. "One of the nicest things about working in a small-town library for many years, is knowing the young patrons well enough to eventually celebrate their finest moments as adults," Haire said. "It doesn't matter that you haven't seen them in years. They're still "in your blood" and sometimes, you find yourself celebrating their personal accomplishments almost as much as you would your own family members." A 1985 graduate of Churchville-Chili High School and a former Churchville resident, Peterson is editor at the Hungry Horse News (HHN), Montana's largest weekly newspaper. He has published a book, Glacier at a Gallop. Peterson's coffee table book is filled with photographs showcasing his work, along with the work of other HHN photographers Brian Kennedy, Tom Ulrich and former Hungry Horse News newspaper owner Mel Ruder. This book features photos from Glacier National Park in Montana, including rare photos of wolverines, owls and nesting hummingbirds. While this book, Glacier at a Gallop, illustrates the beauty of Glacier National Park, it also features over 60 years of newspaper photographic history. Peterson said his childhood fishing and hunting adventures in and around Black Creek in Churchville helped him with his career goals. "All those experiences made me come to appreciate and enjoy the natural world. Hunting and fishing also forces you to become a patient person, and you can't be a good photographer if you're not patient," said Peterson. Glacier at a Gallop sells for $32.95 and can be ordered by calling the Hungry Horse News offices at (406) 892-2151 or through the web site at www.hungryhorsenews.com. Scott Cullen, a Churchville business person, and former classmate of Chris Peterson's, will be taking orders for the book at his business, Air Affair, at 20 South Main Street, Churchville, 293-2524. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Glacier Natural History Association, non-profit agency that funds state projects. A copy of Glacier at a Gallop is also on display at Newman Riga Library, 1 Village Park, Churchville. October 30, 2005 |
