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Wednesday, December 17, 2008 Community CalendarHamilton Senior Center activities Monday - noon lunch, cloggers at 1:30 p.m.; bingo on 1st & 3rd weeks, pinochle on 2nd week, 7 p.m.
Stevi Senior Center activities
Monday-Friday - Lunch, 11:30 a.m.
Victor Senior Center activitiesSundays - AA meeting, 7 p.m.
Al-AnonThe Stevensville Al-Anon Group meets each Thursday from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at the North Valley Public Library. Anyone who is affected by the compulsive drinking of a relative or friend is invited. For more information call 375-9996.
Gamblers AnonymousGamblers Anonymous classes are held at Community Baptist Church, 409 Buck St., Stevensville, on Mondays and Thursdays from 7 to 8 p.m. Ask yourself these questions:
1) Have you ever felt remorse after gambling? If you answered yes to any of these questions this class might be good for you. For more information call 777-3897. Narcotics AnonymousNarcotics Anonymous meets every Monday at 6:45 p.m. in the basement of Florence-Carlton Community Church and every Thursday at 7 p.m. at First Baptist Church, corner of 4th and Church in Stevensville. For more information call 529-4542.
TOPS meetingTOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Chapter 343, meets every Thursday morning at 9 a.m. in the Community Baptist Church, 409 Buck St., Stevensville. TOPS is a non profit weight loss support group Guests and new members are welcome. For more information call Jerry Sue at 777-5355.
VFW meetingsVFW Post 1430 meets the first Monday of every month at 8 p.m. at the American Legion Hall in Hamilton. Starting in November, the Women's Auxiliary will meet the first Monday of every month at 7 p.m. at 649 Grantsdale Road. For more information call 363-3889.
Overeaters AnonymousOvereaters Anonymous is a Twelve Step program that deals with eating behaviors. Is one of your goals to reach a healthy weight? This program offers a solution within reach of all those who want to find relief from an obsession with food. It meets weekly on Wednesdays at 10 a.m. at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 203 Main Street, Stevensville, as well as on Saturdays at 10 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 1220 W. Main St., Hamilton. For information, call 777-7160.
Golden AgersThe Golden Age group meets every Friday from 8 to 10:30 p.m. at 727 S. 5th in Hamilton. If you are a senior citizen and are bored, looking for fun or just want something new to experience, attend and enjoy good food, live music, dancing and fellowship. Cost is $5. Snacks are potluck.
Florence American LegionThe Florence American Legion Post 134 meetings are held the second Thursday of each month at the IOOF hall in Florence at 7 p.m.
Stevensville American LegionThe Stevensville American Legion Post 94 meets on the third Tuesday of every month at 7:30 p.m. at the Post Home on Middle Burnt Fork Road. For more information contact Jerry Esmay, 777-5517.
Waldorf Play GroupThe Waldorf Play Group meets every Tuesday at Common Ground in Hamilton, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. with snack provided. Parents are encouraged to attend with their young children (ages 1 to 5) to explore imagination play, with fairy tales, songs, and seasonal creative activities. All are welcome. Contact Kim Delvo at 369-0213 for more information.
Suicide Loss SupportSuicide Loss Support holds informal meetings the second Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at the community room of the North Valley Public Library, 208 Main and the fourth Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at Aspen Hospice, 230 Marcus St. in Hamilton. When you suffer a loss due to suicide the grief is overwhelming. Most people don't know "just how you feel." What you can expect from SLS is someone who has experienced a loss from suicide to listen to you privately, or in a group setting. You may choose to be present but it is ok not to speak if you are not ready. SLS cares. Your loss matters and your grief is very real. SLS will support you in every way possible. Contact Barbara Jo Burditt, 777-3853, or Brian Cherry, Ravalli County Youth Suicide Prevention Coordinator, 360-2708.
SAFE support groupsSAFE, Supporters of Abuse Free Environments, hosts weekly ongoing support groups for women and children. Women’s groups focus on healing from domestic and sexual violence, building self-esteem, inner reflection, creative expression and other topics of interest to women. Come as often or as little as you want. Groups are held weekly on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Children’s Groups are held on Tuesday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Children work on self-exploration, boundaries, and conflict resolution. This group is for ages 5 to 12. Teen Group is held every Thursday from 4 to 5:30 p.m. This group is for ages 13-18 and focuses on teen issues, dating and healthy relationships. Groups are held at SAFE in the Community Resource Building, 150 Morning Star Way, Hamilton. Free childcare is available. For more information contact SAFE, 363-2793.
Caregiver coffee breakAre you one of the millions of Americans who help someone else by providing companionship, preparing meals, running errands, driving to doctors appointments or by simply doing whatever needs to be done to assist someone who is ill or homebound? Aspen Hospice recognizes the complexity of caregiving and offers a time of respite. Whether or not the person you care for receives services from Aspen Hospice, you, as a caregiver, can find encouragement, support and information at the Caregiver Coffee Break every Wednesday from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at 230 Marcus Street in Hamilton. Stop in anytime and stay as long as you like. Reservations are not required and coffee breaks are provided at no charge. For additional information, contact Elizabeth at 777-5009.
Singing Lilies groupAny women who enjoy singing two- and three-part harmony to a wide variety of piano-accompanied music are invited to join Lilies of the Valley singing group. No auditions are required for participation. Have fun sharing your time and talent under the direction of Thelma Laws. The group meets Thursdays from 7 to 9 p.m. at 211 N. 6th in Hamilton. For more information call Lola, 363-4633.
WIC clinicsA WIC clinic is offered the first through the fourth Wednesdays of each month at the United Methodist Church in Stevensville, the second Monday of each month at the Church of the Nazarene in Victor, and the third Monday of each month at the Darby Clubhouse. WIC eligibility guidelines are: yearly gross of $19,240 for family of 1 (including unborn child; $25,900 for 2; $32,560 for 3; $39,220 for 4: $45,880 for 5; $52,540 for 6. For each additional member add $6,660.
Sapphire Quilt ClubThe Sapphire Quilt Club meets monthly on the second Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Stevensville Senior Center, 100 Mission Street. Teaching of short cuts and easy techniques begin at 6:30 p.m. Join this fun group of people to learn about quilting. For information, contact Linda Powell at 777-1070. Men’s Bereavement Support BreakfastFor men dealing with the death of a loved one, Marcus Daly Hospice offers a men’s breakfast support group. The Men’s Bereavement Support Breakfast meets at 9 a.m. every second and fourth Friday of the month in the Marcus Daly Hospice dining room. Breakfast is provided for a $3 donation per person. For more information or to reserve your spot, call Cathy at 375-4752.
Grief Support GroupYou are invited to learn how to deal with the grief you feel for the loss of a loved one. Marcus Daly Hospice offers a free Grief Support Group every Tuesday from 2 to 3:30 p.m., meeting in Hospice’s comfortable living room. The group is open to anyone in the community. For more information, call Cathy at 375-4752. Dancercize classes“Dancercize Around the World” is a fun, low impact class designed for adults of all ages and abilities to strengthen, tone, stretch and improve breathing while moving in a variety of music and dance styles including Latin, African, Renaissance, Modern, Improvisation and American Jazz/Bop. Classes are held Mondays and Thursdays from 10-11 a.m. For more information call Elenita Brown, 777-5956.
Library StorytimesThe North Valley Public Library in Stevensville offers story times for children ages seven and under on Wednesdays at 11 a.m. No registration is required. For more information call the library at 777-5061.
Stevensville AwanaAwana meets every Tuesday from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, 402 Church in Stevensville. Children from the ages of 3 years through 6th grade come together for a fun time of games, Bible lessons, and reciting Bible verses to earn awards. A healthy snack is provided for those coming directly from school. Awana is an international kids’ club open to any child. For more information call 777-5677. Lone Rock AwanaLone Rock Bible Church, 1142 Three Mile Creek Rd., Stevensville, invites all children from preschool (age 4) through sixth grade to come to Awana Club every Wednesday from 2:45 to 4:30 p.m. at the church. Awana is one of the largest nondenominational children's and youth ministries in the world, focused on spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ through the local church. Each week the boys and girls will learn Bible verses, have a Bible story time and play organized games. For more information call the church office, 777-2592.
Bereavement Support GroupThe holidays can be a challenge for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one. Share your story as you work together to get through the holidays, honoring your sorrow and remembering your joy. Call Aspen Hospice for more information, 642-3010.
Caregiver respite sessionsThe holidays can be stressful for caregivers. Treat yourself to a brief respite that can help you make your holidays as stress-free as possible. Call Aspen Hospice for more information, 642-3010.
Dance classesBig Sky International Dancers offer a free dance class every Sunday from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Masonic Temple, 115 S. 3rd in Hamilton. Learn the two-step, swing and waltz. This is an ever-expanding group of singles and couples. The program is sponsored by the Hamilton Rainbow Girls. Additional free personal dance instruction is available in Corvallis. For more information call Glory Corbett, 961-8866. SalsaGroove/Zumba WorkoutSalsaGroove/Zumba Workout classes are held Thursdays from 12 to 1 p.m. at River Street Dance, 421 N. 2nd in Hamilton and Mondays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Sapphire Dance, 217 Main in Stevensville. Improve cardiac health, strengthening and tone your body, increase core awareness and improve agility all while learning to dance basic Latin rhythms - salsa, mambo, cha-cha-cha, merengue, Beginners welcome. Attire requirements are comfortable workout clothes and workout shoes you can move in (tennis, cross trainers, running, etc). Cost is $8 per class/$28 per 1 month series of 4 classes, with a first class special of $5. For more information contact Kimberlee Carlson, 777-2579, salsagrooveworkout@mac.com. Soroptimist meetingsSoroptimist International of Hamilton meets the first three Thursdays of each month at BJ's at noon. Soroptimist is a worldwide organization for women in management and professions working through service projects to advance human rights and the status of women.
Blanket drive“Covered in Love” is a project started by a Stevensville High School student to collect blankets for the homeless. Clean, used or new blankets or money to buy material to make blankets can be turned in to Room 126 at the High School. All blankets will be distributed to homeless individuals in western Montana who are trying to struggle through the winter months without a permanent home. If you would like to arrange for a pick-up or if you have questions, call Kellie at 381-9111.
Mansion holiday toursIn celebration of the holiday season, the Daly Mansion has opened its doors for tours and a series of family events. Decorated in the theme of Toys and Trains, the Daly Mansion is beautifully decorated for the holidays and is offering self-guided tours every Friday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturdays 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. through December 20th. Friday the 12th, musicians from the Bitterroot Ragtime Society will be performing in the Trophy Room. Saturday the 13th, tour guests will be treated to entertainment provided by The Crested Hens and The Champagne Flutes starting at 3 p.m. Tour guests will also see several gingerbread houses on display made by local families and individuals. Everyone is encouraged to vote for their favorite. Refreshments will also be available. Tour prices are $8.00 for adults, $7.00 for seniors, $5.00 for children 6 years-17years, and free for children 5 years and under. For more information, call 363-6004.
Soroptimist candy saleSoroptimist Holiday See's Candy Sale provides the perfect gift for those on your Christmas list. A beautiful selection of See's candy specialties, decorated for the holidays, is available from the Soroptimist in their See's candy mobile. The See's mobile, located in First Security Bank parking lot on Main and Hwy 93 in Hamilton, will be open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. until sold out. Come early for best selection.
Rails to ChristmasThe Bitterroot Valley Model Railroaders will be operating their HO model railroad layout each Saturday until Christmas. Hours will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. In addition, the layout will be running First Friday in December from 5 to 9 p.m. The layout is in the Kohl Building, behind Valley Drug in Stevensville. Model Railroaders and Christmas go together!
Gingerbread contestA Place to Ponder, 215 Marcus in Hamilton, is holding a gingerbread contest! All welcome to enter, any age. Bring in your gingerbread creation for display at A Place to Ponder where the customers will be the judges! Contest runs through Dec. 22. Winners announced Dec. 23. For more information call 363-0080.
‘Food for fines’ at libraryDuring the month of December, the North Valley Public Library will waive overdue fines in exchange for donations to the Pantry Partners, the local food bank. (Donated goods will not be accepted to pay for fees to replace damaged or lost materials.) Pantry Partners representatives stated a need for sugar-free items and "lite" canned fruit, cereal, pet food and other non-perishables. The library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville. For more information, go to www.northvalleylibrary.org or call the library at 777-5061.
Cross Country Ski Club raffleWin a gourmet dinner for four and a night at the Gordon Reese Cabin at the Chief Joseph Ski Area on Saturday, February 21. Raffle tickets are $1 each or 6 tickets for $5 (checks can be written to BXCSC). All proceeds benefit the Bitterroot Cross Country Ski Club's grooming expenses at the Chief Joseph Ski Area. Drawing will be on February 12. You do not need to be present to win. Tickets can be purchased at the Bitterroot Star office, 215 Main in Stevensville.
Stevi After-School ProgramKids First is excited to announce the opening of the Stevensville After-School Program starting in January 2009. Kids First is now taking registrations for Stevensville Students in grades kindergarten through sixth grade. For questions or to enroll call Kids First at 375-9588.
Democratic Mule Team LuncheonThe Ravalli County Democratic Mule Team will meet Friday, December 19 at the Papa Bear’s Den in the Tammany Square in Hamilton at noon for a holiday luncheon celebration. All are welcome. For reservations, call Corrine at 544-8586.
Mansion holiday toursIn celebration of the holiday season, the Daly Mansion has opened its doors for tours and a series of family events (included with the tour admission). This weekend’s events offer a special tour rate of $5.00 and children 12 and under will be admitted free. Decorated in the theme of Toys and Trains, the Daly Mansion is beautifully decorated for the holidays and is offering self-guided tours Friday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This Friday, December 19, the A Cappella Society will be performing from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. On Saturday, December 20, tour guests will be treated to a visit with Santa from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Cookie Decorating from 12 to 3 p.m. Tour guests will also see several gingerbread houses on display made by local families and individuals. Everyone is encouraged to vote for their favorite. Refreshments will also be available. For more information, call 363-6004.
Hamilton Players productionThe Hamilton Players announces “Forever Plaid Presents ‘Plaid Tidings’” runs through Sunday, December 21, at the Hamilton Playhouse, 100 Ricketts Road in Hamilton. Written by Stuart Ross and directed by April Johnson, “Plaid Tidings” is a musical revue with a straight-laced 1950’s-style "guy group" (played by Al Hill, Steve Reynolds, Jim Striebel, and Rich Thomas) who died before their big break. But now the world is crying out for peace in this holiday season, so they have been brought back from heaven to bring harmony to the world. Filled with Christmas standards, and climaxing in a 3-minute-11-second version of the Ed Sullivan Show (with the Rockettes, the Chipmunks and the Vienna Boys Choir) and a Plaid Caribbean Christmas, this a holiday treat for the whole family! Presented by special arrangement with Music Theatre International. Performances are Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $14 adults, $8 children, available at the Hamilton Players box office, 100 Ricketts Road, in person or by phone (375-9050) from 1-5 Tuesday through Friday, or one hour before show time. Tickets may also be purchased online at HYPERLINK "http://www.hamiltonplayers.com" www.hamiltonplayers.com. For more information, call the Hamilton Players at 375-9050.
Pachyderm ClubThe North Valley Pachyderm Club will meet Friday, December 19 at noon at the Frontier Cafe, U.S. 93 in Stevensville. This will be the club’s Christmas lunch with turkey and all the trimmings for $7.00; the club will pay the other half. There will be a white elephant gift exchange so bring something you wish to get rid of or whatever you like. The North Valley Pachyderm Club meets the first and third Friday of each month from noon to 1 p.m. at the Frontier Cafe. The Pachyderm Club is an educational arm of the Republican Party. For more information call Cathy Kulonis, 777-1618.
Chapter One Book Store eventsFriday, Dec. 19, 5-7 p.m.: Local author Cookie Grimes will sign her new illustrated children’s book, “Jake the Cowhorse.” Extraordinary changes can happen when an animal experiences love from a human: Jake the Cow Horse and Cody find exuberant happiness in the enchanting chemistry that exists between young girls and horses. Monday, Dec. 22, 6-8 p.m.: Joe Gribnau will sign copies of his book, “Rocky Mountain Night Before Christmas.” Based on the classic Clement Moore poem, with a Rocky Mountain twist. Chapter One Book Store, Inc. is located at 252 Main, Hamilton. Call 363-5220 for more information.
Gingerbread House displayThe Daly Mansion invites everyone to participate in a Community Gingerbread House Display. Schools, families, organizations, and individuals are encouraged to take part in building gingerbread houses to display in the Daly Mansion through December 20. Those touring the Mansion during holiday tour times and the Holiday Tour of Homes will view the displays and will vote for their favorite. A grand prize winner will be announced on the final tour day, December 20. Building gingerbread houses is a time honored holiday tradition and this will be the first time that the Mansion has hosted this event. All sizes and styles of houses are encouraged. To participate, contact April at 363-6004, ext. 3.
BEAR activitiesBEAR’s Bitterroot Venture program runs activities with experienced mentors for youth aged 12-18. Upcoming on Monday, December 29 and Wednesday, December 31, hit the slopes at Lost Trail Ski Area. Then, on January 2, check out Snowbowl in Missoula! An alternative activity will be provided if conditions do not permit the scheduled trip. Fees are sliding scale from $1 to $50 for a ski/snowboard day. All equipment and transportation is provided. All skill levels welcome. Space is limited; call 375-9110 for more information and to register. BEAR’s mission is to inspire youth to connect with their own potential, their community, and the landscape through experiential and outdoor adventure programs.
Back Country HorsemenBitter Root Back Country Horsemen host their monthly meeting on Thursday, December 18, at the Corvallis School Cafeteria on Eastside Highway in Corvallis. The potluck dinner is at 6:30 p.m. and the general meeting starts about 7 p.m. There is no program speaker, but members will report on the club's participation this month with Pantry Partners and Haven House. Guests are welcome and for more information, call Karen at 961-0101 or 369-0725.
Golden Agers Christmas partyThe Golden Age Club, 727 S. Fifth in Hamilton, will hold its Christmas dinner and dance on Friday, December 19. Dinner is at 6 p.m. and is open to the public; there is $5 charge at the door. The club will furnish ham, scalloped potatoes, and rolls; those attending should bring a salad, vegetable or a dessert. A donation of an item for Haven House would also be appreciated. Dancing will follow with music by the Dick Reinbold Band. Set-up time for the dinner is Thursday, December 18 at 2 p.m.; members whose last name begins with the letter Q through Z are asked to help, and to be hosts at the dinner.
Hamilton Christmas Bird CountBirdwatchers Alert! Remember the Hamilton Christmas Bird Count this Saturday, December 20. Birders will meet at the Slack Barn at Teller Wildlife Refuge on Chaffin Lane at 7:30 a.m. to organize into groups to cover segments of the 7-1/2 mile count circle. Bring a hot drink, your warmest clothes, binoculars and a bird book and enjoy a day afield. Feeder watchers can count birds from the comfort of their living rooms; call Colleen Powell at 363-2116 for information. For more information, call John Ormiston, 363-5464.
Pancake breakfastA pancake breakfast for the public will be held Saturday, December 20 from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Hamilton Senior Center, 820 N. 4th. The menu will be pancakes, French toast, scrambled eggs, bacon, juice, fruit and coffee. Cost is $4 for adults and $2 for children 12 and under.
Christmas High Tea and Victorian Fashion ShowThe Blue Parrot Tea House will hold a Christmas Tea and Victorian Fashion Show on Saturday, December 20 at 2 p.m. at 317 Main Street in Stevensville. Step back in time as the Blue Parrot recreates a Victorian Christmas High Tea complete with dainty tea cups, silver and crystal. While guests are enjoying the refreshments, Professional Costume Designer, Gretchen Spiess will regale the guests with trivia of the era, as each gown’s features are explained and placed into the correct period. She will lecture on the history of fashions from the 1820’s to the 1940’s and feature original pieces. Guests are encouraged to wear their own vintage clothing or reproductions for the enjoyment of others. The charge for this informative and elegant Fashion Show and Tea is $25.00 per person. Reservations are necessary. For more information or to reserve tickets call 777-0520.
Square dance clubBoots ‘n’ Calico Square Dance Club will hold a Christmas Dance on Saturday, December 20 at the Senior Citizens Center, 820 N. 4th in Hamilton. The last plus workshop for this year will start 7 p.m. All dancers are invited. Following this workshop will be the annual Christmas Dance. The dance level will be mainstream with an occasional plus tip. Rounds will be provided between tips. The entry fee for this dance will be $4.00 or a comparable (non-perishable) food donation for Haven House. All the proceeds from this evening (money or food) will be donated to Haven House. Club members will provide finger food refreshments. Callers for tonight will be Barry Bartlette and Ray Dunbar. Join in for some fun square and round dancing. For those folks that might like to learn to square dance the club will be starting a new beginners class on January 3, 2009. For more information call Dee Terrill, 961-1728 or Jeanne Burruss, 961-3468.
Celtic NightCeltic Night - Mead and Music, will be held Saturday, December 20, starting at 6 p.m. at Hidden Legend Winery in Sheafman Plaza, corner of Sheafman Ck. Rd. and Hwy. 93, just north of Hamilton. Enjoy a relaxing evening listening to traditional and original Celtic music by the Crested Hens while enjoying some snacks and that ancient Celtic brew, mead, produced right there in the winery using local ingredients.
Holiday concertThe Corvallis United Methodist Church will present a holiday concert by the Montana A Cappella Society on Sunday, December 21 at 3 p.m. Admission is free. A free-will offering will be accepted. The church is located at the corner of Eastside Highway and Cemetery Road, one mile south of Woodside Cutoff Road.
Stevi Christmas Bird CountBitterroot Audubon will sponsor the 44th annual Stevensville Christmas Bird Count on Saturday, December 27. Birders of any skill level are invited to participate, since the emphasis is on having fun and learning more about birds and their habitats, in addition to collecting valuable scientific data. The Stevensville count is typically one of the largest in Montana, both in terms of number of participants and number of bird species seen. Birders can participate in the Count in two ways. Field observers can gather in the basement conference room of the Stevensville Ranger Station (88 Main Street) between 7:30 and 7:45 a.m. on December 27 to form small teams that search portions of the count circle. This is a great way for beginners to learn about birds from experienced birders. There is a $5 voluntary participation fee. Many of us return to the Ranger Station at noon to warm up and trade stories of birds seen over the traditional bean soup potluck. Feeder watchers stay at home part or all of the day and count the birds on their own property, as long as the land is within the Count circle (a 7.5-mile radius circle centered on the Ranger Station). We are especially interested in adding new feeder watchers to replace some that have moved away over the past few years. Both groups contribute valuable data and help make the Count successful. Either way, participants can spend as much or as little time as they have available that day. Call Count organizer Dave Lockman at 777-2929 for additional information.
Veterans Services hoursBeginning Thursday, January 4, the Valley Veterans Service Center in Hamilton will close every Thursday at 12 noon. Call 363-9838 or drop by at 316 N. Third Street, Suite 160 in Hamilton’s Human Resources Building any time Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (except Thursday afternoons.)
Early childhood classesThe University of Montana Western is offering two early childhood courses during the 2009 spring semester in Hamilton. Classes offered will be: “Introduction to Early Child,” a two-credit course which includes a lab component; and “Child Growth and Development” a four credit course with a lab. These courses are designed to meet the needs of practitioners who are currently working in the early childhood field and are interested in pursuing either an associates degree or bachelors degree in early childhood education. The students will be able to complete the labs at their place of early childhood employment. Classes begin Jan. 14, 2009 and will be held Wednesday evenings from 5 to 8:30 p.m. throughout the semester at the Ravalli Head Start in Hamilton. Lab sessions will be scheduled on an individual basis. For further information, contact instructor Lucy Marose at 363-5213.
Montana Volleyball Academy try-outsMontana Volleyball Academy will be holding try-outs for its Bitterroot volleyball club on January 11 in the Florence Carlton High School gym from 4 to 6 p.m. MVA is a competitive volleyball program. MVA teams will begin practice February 8th. Teams will compete in AAU tournaments March through May 2009. Teams will include U12, U14, U16 and U18. For more information email questions to montanavolleyballacademy@yahoo.com. MVA requests that parents accompany players to try-outs if possible.
UM Financial Aid NightFinancial Aid Night will be held at the University of Montana on Tuesday, January 13, to provide information about assistance available for attending college or technical and trade schools. The free event will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. in the University Center Ballroom, located on the third floor of the University Center. Mick Hanson, director of UM’s Financial Aid Office, and other University personnel will be at both events to give a presentation and answer questions about college affordability, different kinds of aid and the formula for determining financial aid funds. The current economic situation will be addressed, and families looking at paying for college will learn that federal financial aid, with increased grant and loan amounts, is readily available. Hanson will discuss topics such as the recent changes for aid eligibility with the passage of the Higher Education Opportunity Act, signed in August 2008. He also will provide instructions for completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and information about how the federal government computes students’ expected family contribution. Computers will be available at the events for families to request a federal Personal Identification Number (PIN) for filing the FAFSA. Representatives from local lenders and the Student Assistance Foundation also will be present to answer questions about student loans. For more information, call the UM Financial Aid Office at 243-5373.
Lifelong Learning Institute coursesRegistration is now open for Osher Lifelong Learning Institute courses to be held in January and February. The courses, available to people 50 and older, are taught by dynamic University of Montana and community educators. An Osher Lifelong Learning Institute annual membership fee of $20 is required to register for courses. Annual memberships run from July 1 to June 30. Tuition for each course is $60. Those looking for a unique holiday gift for someone 50 or older can give either an Osher Lifelong Learning Institute membership or a course fee. Courses also are held each spring during April and May. A full description of all courses and class times, information about instructors and a registration form are online at HYPERLINK "http://www.umt.edu/ce/plus50" http://www.umt.edu/ce/plus50. For more information, call UM Continuing Education at 243-2905.
Economic outlook seminarAs the country officially enters a recession, Montanans are wondering how the local and state economies will be affected. Economic researchers and experts from throughout the Montana University System will head to nine cities in January, February and March to present the 34th annual Montana Economic Outlook Seminar. “It’s shaping up to be an economic storm that won’t skip over Montana,” BBER Director Patrick Barkey said. “It will be a challenging year for businesses, households and governments alike.” This year’s seminar theme is “Montana’s Transportation Future: Opportunities Around the Next Curve.” Sponsored by The University of Montana’s Bureau of Business and Economic Research, the seminar will feature Steve Albert, director of the Western Transportation Institute, discussing the connection between Montana’s transportation system and its economy. As in past years, BBER economist Paul Polzin will highlight the latest economic trends and explain what they mean for Montana. He also will present an economic forecast for each seminar city. “Our forecasts are particularly timely because they incorporate the most current data and analysis – some as recent at December 2008,” Polzin said. “This will make the forecasts very useful for business persons and others having to make crucial decisions for the upcoming year.” Bureau researchers and other experts will examine recent trends and the outlook for Montana’s important industries – tourism, real estate, health care, agriculture, manufacturing and forest products. The seminar series begins in Helena on Tuesday, Jan. 27, at the Best Western Great Northern Hotel. All seminars begin at 8 a.m. and end after the luncheon at about 1 p.m. Following is the schedule for other cities:
Great Falls – Jan. 28, Hampton Inn The $80 registration fee includes the seminar, a proceedings booklet, lunch and a one-year subscription to the Montana Business Quarterly, the state’s award-winning business journal (a $35 value). Continuing education credits are available for a $20 processing fee. For more information or to register, visit the BBER Web site at HYPERLINK "http://www.bber.umt.edu" http://www.bber.umt.edu or call 243-5113. |
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