November 3, 2026
Greetings Everyone,
I’m resisting the temptation to comment on the election; or to urge you to vote; or to make any predictions about the turnout, the results or the outcomes. Just thank a poll worker/election judge if you know one or happen to see one of them today.
From time to time we invite Helena’s new leaders to Hometown and introduce them to our great group. This week will be one of those opportunities. We’ve invited Eric Kroeger, the Director of Good Samaritan Ministries, and Steve Garrison, the Chair of Montana Joining Community Forces to join us this week so you can get to know each of them a little better.
“Eric Kroeger brings an unconventional background to nonprofit leadership. Having spent most of his adult life working in land management, his experience includes wilderness trail work, vegetation management, historic preservation carpentry, and wildland firefighting.
Immediately before joining Good Samaritan Ministries, he worked in forestry and wildfire mitigation at the Diocese of Helena's contemplative prayer retreat center in the Swan Valley.
He began transitioning into leadership at Good Samaritan Ministries in January 2026, officially assuming the Executive Director role in July 2026.
Beyond his professional work, Eric has a deep appreciation for farming and gardening, finding satisfaction in working with his hands and seeing the fruits of patient, purposeful labor.
Although nonprofit leadership and human services are relatively new fields for him, his background has fostered a strong appreciation for stewardship, practical service, and the dignity of meaningful work. He brings these values to his current role, where his focus has shifted from caring for the land to cultivating opportunities for people and communities to flourish.”
“Steve Garrison is a 30-year Army retiree and a 30-year employee of the State Department of Transportation and Lewis & Clark County. He’s been a Montana attorney for 51 years, and has limited himself to free legal work for Veterans and their families for the last 10-12 years. He’s been JCF’s Chair since it began 12 years ago.
Montana Joining Community Forces is a non-profit organization that seeks to improve the overall health and well-being of service members, veterans and their families.
We strive to bring together community resources, streamline delivery of services and reduce duplication of efforts.
We strive to educate the community on relevant veteran issues and connect families to the resources and services they need to overcome challenges and be empowered.”
We’re looking forward to meeting these gentlemen this week at Hometown Helena. Please c’mon down to Helena College on Thursday morning, and give them a warm welcome them to town. Or, Zoom into the meeting courtesy Aja Rail and her colleagues at LCVista.
Jim Smith
Photo: “Trick or Treat at Helena College, The Lion Building (new market concept downtown!), Celebrate Montana Statehood Day Monday at the Helena College Library Learning Hub, HICA Series: Health — A Great Message in Climate Action Webnesday (Nov 4, 12:30- 1:30 pm) at L & C Library.
Hometown’s candidate forums and election information are linked here at the Hometown Helena blog.
Lewis & Clark County and City of Helena Board Openings
