McCrossin wins Spirit of Community Award
Thirteen-year-old Alyssa McCrossin of Hamilton was one of two Montana students who were honored in the nation’s capital recently for their outstanding volunteer work during the presentation of The 2011 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. McCrossin and Kelsey Weyerbacher, 18, of Kinsey – along with 100 other top youth volunteers from across the country – received $1,000 awards as well as personal congratulations from Academy Award-winning actress Susan Sarandon at the 16th annual award ceremony and gala dinner reception, held at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History.
Kelsey and Alyssa were named the top high school and middle level youth volunteers in Montana last February. In addition to their cash awards, they received engraved silver medallions and an all-expense-paid trip with their parents to Washington, D.C., for the recognition events.
“The Prudential Spirit of Community honorees have seen problems in their communities and around the world and have taken action,” said Sarandon. “Their compassion to help others should give us all a lot of hope for the future.”
Alyssa McCrossin, a member of Ravalli County 4-H and a homeschooled eighth-grader from Hamilton, is the recipient of a Prudential Spirit of Community Award.
McCrossin volunteered for a weekly cooking program for teens that provides a free meal to needy members of the community, encourages families to eat together, and teaches teens cooking skills and healthy eating habits. The Community Cooking Connections program has served more than 1,600 meals to residents of her community. Each week, teen volunteers work at least four hours preparing and serving a meal to about 60 people. “One of the biggest benefits of the program is the economical advantage it brings to the community,” said Alyssa. “Not only do we provide clean and healthy meals, but they are also free. With our country and community in a struggling economy, every little bit helps, and this is our contribution.”
As a volunteer, Alyssa’s duties included creating a weekly menu, helping to prepare the meal, teaching other teens about food preparation, escorting diners to their seats, serving food, and cleaning up. She also created a special salad dressing, which she then taught others how to make. Once people were seated, Alyssa gave a presentation on the nutritional value of the meal and how it was prepared. “What would I tell other teens about my experience? I would tell them that volunteering our time is one of the gifts that we can give our family, friends, community, and our world,” said Alyssa.
Kelsey, a senior at Custer County District High School in Miles City, played a leading role in the formation of a student-run group, “PRIDE,” that promotes school spirit, provides positive teen role models, and bolsters morale in an area that has one of the highest suicide rates in the nation.
More than 29,000 young people participated in the 2011 Prudential awards program last fall through schools, Girl Scout councils, county 4-H organizations, American Red Cross chapters, YMCAs and affiliates of the Points of Light Institute’s HandsOn Network. The top middle level and high school applicants in each state were selected in February, and were flown to Washington with their parents for four days of special recognition events.
Conducted in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards were created 16 years ago by Prudential Financial to encourage youth volunteerism and to identify and reward young role models.
“The young women and men in America’s schools are nothing short of amazing, and nowhere is this more evident than amongst this year’s award recipients,” said NASSP President Jana Frieler. “They possess a keen intellect, servant hearts, capable leadership skills, and are filled with energy and ambition. NASSP and Prudential are honored to recognize them.”
“Kelsey and Alyssa represent young Americans who have a strong sense of community and who are dedicated to improving our neighborhoods, our nation and our world,” said John R. Strangfeld, chairman and CEO of Prudential Financial, Inc. “With great anticipation, we look forward to their future achievements as they continue to spread the spirit of community.”
More information about The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards and this year’s honorees can be found at http://spirit.prudential.com or www.nassp.org/spirit.
Local author’s book reprinted
“How to Shit in the Woods” by Kathleen Meyer of Victor has recently been reprinted due to the continuing popularity of this classic outdoor guide.
Beloved by outdoor enthusiasts around the world, “How to Shit in the Woods” is the backcountry bible on how to “answer the call when nature calls.” It has been a training aid for scout troops, outdoor schools, and inner city wilderness programs; for rangers with the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, and Bureau of Land Management; for white water rafting guides; and for members of the military. With more than 2.5 million copies sold and translated into seven languages, this essential guide is not only a recognized authority on how to relieve oneself without harming the planet in various seasons, climates, and terrains, but also an important step towards answering a more desperate cry from Nature about the need for environmental precautions and the impact of too much crap (organic and otherwise) on our ever-shrinking wide-open spaces
What seems like the most natural task for hikers, campers, backpackers, and all lovers of the great outdoors, is actually a skill to be mastered if we are to protect and enjoy the world’s last remaining pristine places.
For 20-plus years, the book’s core message has been embraced and, luckily, squatting down to unload in the woods hasn’t been the same. But we still have a lot to learn. This fully updated edition offers the latest innovative technology (some low-tech, some high-tech) designed to help our wild places survive our most basic functions. All new information addresses current health risks, new laws and regulations, the special challenges for women in the wild, plus hilarious mishaps for comic relief.
Several seasons of rowing city folks down whitewater rivers both sharpened author Kathleen Meyer’s squatting skills and assured her that she wasn’t alone in the need for a how-to manual. Beyond a desire to protect the environment, she knew one thing was certain: Finesse at relieving oneself in the woods – or anywhere else, for that matter – is learned, not innate. It is an acquired skill (an art form, if you will) all but lost to the bulk of the population. If you are not familiar with “How to Shit in the Woods,” let this trusted resource be your guide to reclaim that throne.
Kathleen Meyer is a graduate of San Francisco State University and a longtime environmental activist. She was the founding editor of Headwaters, published by Friends of the River; her travel essays have appeared in the Travelers’ Tales anthologies; and her adventure memoir “Barefoot Hearted: A Wild Life Among the Wildlife” was released by Villard in 2001. A sailor, sea kayaker, and whitewater rafting enthusiast, Meyer has also traversed three Rocky Mountain states in a restored horse-drawn covered wagon. She lives in a former dairy barn and is available for interviews. Visit her website at KathleenintheWoods.com.
Post 134 change of command ceremony held
The District 5 Commander of the Montana American Legion, Rod George of Huson, presided over the change-of-command ceremony held April 4 by Florence Post 134 at the Florence Fire Hall. Jim Hamilton of Florence succeeded Claud Nichols as commander of the unit and Terry Wahl of 8-mile replaced Harry LaFriniere as the post service officer. Outgoing commander Nichols was honored for his many years of service to the organization. Hamilton and Wahl are both veterans and Hamilton is also a member of the Montana Chapter XXVIII Special Forces Association and the Western Montana Military Officers Association (WMMOA). Post 134 invites any and all veterans in the Florence area to join the Montana American Legion for continued service to their country.
Nominations being accepting for Stevensville outstanding citizens
In Stevensville each year, prior to the annual Creamery Picnic, the Garden Party is held to honor the outstanding citizens in the community. The Creamery Picnic Garden Party Committee is now accepting nominations for the following categories: Citizen of the Year; Volunteer of the Year; Business of the Year; Organization of the Year; Humanitarian of the Year; Ambassador of the Year, and Good Neighbor of the Year. Nominations should be limited to one page, double spaced and can be submitted via email to rholcomb@rmbank.com or amyling@northvalleylibrary.org. Nominations can also be dropped off at the Rocky Mountain Bank or the North Valley Public Library, both on Main Street, Stevensville. Nominations must be received by no later than June 30th – no exceptions.
Call for artists
The First Friday Art Walk series will run through October on the First Friday of every month in downtown Stevensville. Participating Stevensville businesses will host the artists and accommodate them with space to display their work and actively be performing their particular art talent so that visitors can observe the art in motion.
If you are an artist and interested in this opportunity, contact the Stevensville Main Street Association at 777-3773 to be paired with a host business. The opportunity is for the First Friday event that runs from 5:30 to 9 p.m. and months available are from May to October.
If you are an artist and would like an opportunity to display your work, sell your work and demonstrate your talent, contact the Stevensville Main Street Association at 777-3773.
Volunteer opportunity
South Valley Child and Family Center is looking for high school students and adults comfortable with mentoring kids 6-11 years for 1-2 hours as part of SVCFC’s Summertime Program. Mentors with the following abilities are especially needed: Skateboarding, Biking, Pottery–Wheel, Pottery–Pinch pots, Unicycle, Digital photography, Drawing, Mural Artist (this involves more time). By donating 1-2 hours of your time you can help a kid have a great summer! All materials will be provided. Call Faylee at 363-3450 for further info by June 2.
NV library district welcomes new board members
The North Valley Public Library in Stevensville welcomed two new members to its board of directors at its May meeting. Former board members Ann Marie Carbin and Julia Bell did not run for re-election at the end of their terms, and since only two people filed to be considered for the vacant positions, no election was necessary. The new board members are Jamison Starbuck and Gayle Tom. Together with the other members of the library board, the new trustees will help to raise money and plan for a new library building to be located at the library’s current address of 208 Main Street. For more information, call the library at 777-5061 or visit www.northvalleylibrary.org.
Be Alert to River Debris and Changing Conditions
High, cold water and dynamic river conditions are prompting Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials to remind anglers and floaters to exercise extreme caution if heading out on or near western Montana rivers.
“All area rivers have extremely swift currents and are carrying an increased amount of logs, tree limbs and other debris right now,” said Chet Crowser, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) Region 2 River Recreation Manager. “Some of the debris can be submerged beneath the surface of the water where they are out of view, and the water conditions are so cold and variable right now that you should think twice before launching a boat and scout ahead for river conditions.”
FWP and the US Forest Service Missoula Ranger District staff point to a debris jam across most of the width of Rock Creek near river-mile 27 (upstream of the microburst site) and another near river mile 30 (near the Hogback) that are creating dangerous situations for boaters. This area of Rock Creek has many braided channels and a history of debris and log jams that pose hazards to boaters.
This current safety concern on Rock Creek is just one example of many dangerous conditions and log jams that are present on rivers this spring. Logs and other river debris can overturn boats and trap gear and boaters beneath the water.
Crowser said boaters should not assume a river is the same as it was during a previous trip. What may be a debris-free stretch of river one day could have a dangerous log jam the next. When in doubt, always scout ahead.
“Logs and other debris are a natural component of our waterways, and conditions change so fast that there is no way to know where all the current hazards are,” said Mack Long, FWP Region 2 Supervisor. “What we can do, however, is remind boaters to be aware of the increased risks and ways to stay safe this time of year.”
Here are some tips for navigating the dangers of high water:
1.Redirect your water recreation to lakes and ponds until high water subsides;
2. If you do go, don’t boat alone;
3. Make sure someone on shore knows where you plan to put in, take out, and when you plan to return;
4. If the water is in a stage you wouldn’t choose to swim in, then don’t launch your boat;
5. And, if you do launch, wear a well-fitted life vest and, in rough waters, a helmet.
Anyone attempting to float a river during high water should be sure to have the proper clothing and equipment. Boaters should be prepared in case an accident occurs, and everyone in the party should be aware of the conditions and trained in how to respond to high water and emergency situations.
For more on boating safety go to the FWP website at fwp.mt.gov on the Recreation page and choose “Stay Safe Outdoors.
Death Notices
Gary Woodward
Missoula – Gary Woodward, 59, passed away in the afternoon, Tuesday, May 24, 2011, at the St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary.com
Pauline Poore
Hamilton – Pauline B. Poore, 91, formerly of Butte, passed away in the morning, Thursday, May 26, 2011, at her daughters home in Hamilton. Brothers Mortuary and Crematory considers it an honor to serve the family. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary.com
LaVern “Bud” Richard
Hamilton – LaVern “Bud” Richard, 87, passed away in the night, Thursday, May 26, 2011, at his home in Hamilton. Brothers Mortuary and Crematory considers it an honor to serve the family. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary.com
Janice Lee Syverson
Frenchtown – Janice Lee (Geitner) Syverson, 56, passed away in the night, Saturday, May 28, 2011, at Community Medical Center in Missoula. Brothers Mortuary and Crematory considers it an honor to serve the family. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary.com
Patricia A. Memoli
Missoula – Patricia A. (Kennedy) Memoli, 51, passed away in the night, Sunday, May 29, 2011, at the St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula. Brothers Mortuary and Crematory considers it an honor to serve the family. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary.com