Wonderful 'ambassador' is a prized area jewel

It was both fitting and proper to declare March 26 Hazel Hall day today for no one represents the spirit of Sandpoint better than Hazel. Like most of us who were not privileged to be born here, Hazel was “called” to Sandpoint in 1932 by the love of her life, Ross Hall. She and Ross were greeted at the train station by a small group of friends bearing flowers in honor of their recent marriage. That warm gesture of friendship became Hazel's personal baton that she has never stopped paying forward.

When you meet Hazel you are greeted by an unconditional showering of love and attention. Much can be written about her prodigious contributions to her community, church, and many friends. But it's not the number of committees she has served or organizations she has supported.

What makes her the unofficial mayor of Sandpoint is her kind and generous heart that she so unsparingly shares. To meet Hazel is to become her friend. Not an acquaintance, her new best friend. You become the most interesting and valued person in her life and you come away all the richer for it.

Sandpoint has no greater ambassador than Hazel Hall. She is the embodiment of its character; fun, friendly, kind, generous, full of spirit and most of all authentic. To meet her is to love her. Hazel Hall is a prized jewel. Just like Sandpoint. Thank you, Hazel, for being our best friend.

JEANELLE SHIELDS

Hope