Volume XXI, Number 26

Wednesday, February 1, 2006

Great Backyard Bird Count scheduled

The ninth annual Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) is taking place February 17-20, with a special opportunity to "Count Birds with a Buddy!" The National Audubon Society and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology are asking birders to share their passion with someone new to this wonderful pastime. At the same time, every participant contributes to scientific knowledge by joining the only count that creates a mid-winter snapshot of what the birds are doing across North America. No fee or advance registration is necessary, and participants can count birds for as little or as long as they wish. They note the highest number of each species they see at any one time and enter their sightings online at www.birdsource.org/gbbc. The web site also includes instructions and bird watching tips. The count is run by the National Audubon Society and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, with sponsorship by Wild Birds Unlimited.

In 2005, birders sent in more than 52,000 checklists, with a record-breaking 613 species and more than 6.5 million birds counted. By visiting the results pages at www.birdsource.org/gbbc, participants can see what was reported in their own towns or across the continent, and read what scientists found about the changing numbers and distributions of birds. This year's information could help show how birds may have been affected in areas stricken by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, as well as update what we know about declining species such as Rusty Blackbird and Painted Bunting.

Something new for bird watchers this year: the first-ever GBBC contest will generate some friendly competition. Awards will be given to states, provinces, and localities that submit the most checklists. Participants can also enter a photo contest by taking pictures of birds during the event and sending them for posting on the GBBC online photo gallery.

For more information, contact the Cornell Lab of Ornithology at 800/843-2473, 159 Sapsucker Woods Road, Ithaca, New York 14850, cornellbirds@cornell.edu, or the National Audubon Society at citizenscience@audubon.org , 215/355-9588, ext 16, Audubon Science Office, 545 Almshouse Road, Ivyland, PA 18974, www.audubon.org.

SAFE poster contest

SAFE (Supporters of Abuse Free Environments) announces the Love Without Fear Poster Contest 2006. This art contest is open to young people in Ravalli County who are high-school aged. The theme of this year's contest is "Love's Light Shines on Respectful Hearts." Entry form are available through your art teacher or from SAFE. The winner of the contest receives a $45 gift certificate and their art is published throughout the Bitterroot Valley. There are prizes for second and third place as well as a People's Choice Award to be awarded at the public showing of all entries on February 17 at the Westview Center in Hamilton. The deadline for the contest is February 6. Show your support of a world free from hurt by creating art that reflects healthy relationships. Check the SAFE website, www.safeinthebitterroot.com or call 363-2793 and ask for Faylee for further information.

Community fellowship coffees

The public is invited to come and enjoy a cup of coffee and something to eat at the four fellowship coffee hours during the month of February at the Stevensville United Methodist Church, 216 College Street. Coffee begins at 10 a.m. on February 17, 24 and 28. Men and women are welcome and donations will go toward a new stove for the church kitchen. For more information call 777-5443.

Trying to plan the perfect romantic evening right before Valentine's Day? The Hamilton Players have the evening for you. Let the Players entertain you with a performance of Highway 101 at The Exchange on Main Street in Hamilton on Friday and Saturday, February 10 and 11. Directed by Denise Rose, this light, romantic musical ensemble of scene and song will "put you in the mood." An elegant dinner and dessert will be provided by The Banque Club. A no-host bar begins at 6 p.m. with dinner and the show beginning at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $40.00 reserved seating and are available at the Hamilton Playhouse box office (located at 100 Ricketts Road). Box office hours are Monday-Friday, 2-6 p.m. Proceeds from this event will go to support the Hamilton Players, Hamilton's non-profit community theater. Due to limited seating, advanced ticket purchases are highly recommended. For more information or to purchase tickets over the phone with a credit card, call 375-9050 during box office hours.

Stevi Al-Anon

The 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.

First aid courses offered at Teller

A Wilderness First Aid Course for Fishing Guides and Outfitters will be held February 25, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Teller Wildlife Refuge, Corvallis.

Aerie Backcountry Medicine will offer a Wilderness First Aid Course specifically designed for fishing guides and outfitters. The 8-hour class meets Montana and Idaho Board of Outfitters first aid requirements for guides. Course topics will include injury and illness prevention, patient assessment, injury management, improvised splint construction and environmental emergencies.

The course will be taught by Wilderness EMT and local fishing Outfitter Eddie Olwell. Cost is $50 and preregistration is required. Register early, as space is limited.

Aerie Backcountry Medicine will also offer an American Heart Association Heart Saver CPR class CPR course on Friday, February 24, at the TWR Education Center in Corvallis. Times are 6 to 9 p.m. Students will receive a two-year certification. The course cost is $35.

For more information or to register, contact Aerie Backcountry Medicine, 542-9972, www.aeriemed.com.

Breast Health Awareness Workshop

The Flathead Health Department, Essentials Day Spa and the Montana Woman Foundation (a non-profit organization) will sponsor a Breast Health Awareness Workshop on Saturday, February 11, at 1 p.m. at the Montana Woman Complex, 103 S. Main in Kalispell. Holly Jordt, R.N., from the Flathead Health Department, and Essential's Sue Holmgren, R.N., will present vital information on breast self-exam including technique demonstration and guided hands-on practice with models provided by the Flathead Health Department. Pamphlets and other written materials will be available as well as the opportunity for you to have your questions answered. Call the Montana Woman Foundation at 406-755-5753 to reserve space for yourself and the important women in your life. There is no charge for this informative and beneficial workshop.

Community folk dances

On the first and third Saturday night of every month (from October to May), enjoy live music and folk dancing fun for all ages. The dance is called Contra and is Americanized Old English Country Dance. It is fun, great exercise, and easy to learn. Every dance is taught each time. Singles, couples, groups, families, everyone welcome. This is community folk dancing at its best. Live music is provided from some of the best bands around playing traditional Irish jigs and reels and lively Appalachian mountain music. Admission is $7 for the general public, $5 for Missoula Folklore Society members, and people under age 15 get in free. The dances start with a beginners workshop from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., then dancing takes place until 11 p.m. Dances are held at the Missoula Senior Center, 705 S. Higgins (corner of Higgins and 5th by Big Dipper Ice Cream).

Saturday Science Day open to seventh-graders

The Health Careers Opportunity Program's next Saturday Science Day gives area seventh-grade students the chance to solve their own forensic case.

"CSI Missoula" is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 4 at the University of Montana.

Students who are selected to attend will learn scientific techniques used to interpret remains found at the scene of a crime. Using bones, ashes and casts, participants will learn how to distinguish the remains as male or female, human or nonhuman, as well as how to determine a victim's age, height and physical abnormalities.

The course will be taught by Garry Kerr of UM's Department of Anthropology. UM students consistently rank Kerr as a favorite teacher.

Students must fill out a short application form to be considered for "CSI Missoula." Seventh-grade students from any middle school are welcome to apply, but those from low-income households or families whose parents do not have bachelor's degrees will be selected first.

Students selected to attend will receive a $30 stipend. Those who come from outside Missoula also will be given an additional sum to help with transportation costs.

Deadline for applications for "CSI Missoula" is Friday, Feb. 17. For more information or to request an application form, call Faith Price, HCOP coordinator, at 243-4095. The application form also is available online at the HCOP Web site, http://www.umt.edu/hcop/applications.htm.

Sons of Norway

Beat the winter doldrums! Bitterrootdalen Lodge, Sons of Norway will hold a cultural day on Saturday, February 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Woodside Grange Hall, north of Hamilton. The general public is invited to join Lodge members in learning Rosemaling (flower painting), wood carving, wheat weaving, cooking Norwegian foods, and other skills. The lefse and meatballs made during the day will be part of the closing supper. There is no charge and materials will be on hand. For more information call Jackie at 961-4538.

Chantilly reception for Gretchen Spiess

Friends of the Chantilly Theatre will host a dessert reception to honor Gretchen Spiess on Valentine's Day, February 14, at 5 p.m. at St. Mary's Family Center. Spiess, founder and long-time executive director of the Chantilly Theatre, turned over the daily administration of the Theatre to a new executive director and is devoting her time and energy to the development of her tailoring business and to the advancement of her career in theatre arts and education.

The Valentine's Day reception will be an opportunity for one and all to express their appreciation and gratitude to Gretchen for her contributions to the cultural life of the community. Valley residents may express their thanks to her for providing live theatre in Stevensville for many years, and, for coaching and mentoring many young people from the valley who have gone on to become performing artists throughout the United States.

Desserts and beverages will be served, and entertainment will be provided by Ken Johnson. For reservations call Ann Marie Carbin at 777-7200 or 546-9194.

'Valentine for Missoula' concert

Eden Atwood with the David Morgenroth Trio present "On Love and Other Difficulties; A Valentine for Missoula" on Saturday, February 11 at 8 p.m. at the Montana Theatre, PAR/TV Bldg., UM campus. A Champagne and Chocolate Reception will be held in the Montana Theatre Lobby at 7 p.m. Just in time for Valentine's Day, Atwood will present a collection of jazz standards on the subject of love, in all its various permutations. Accompanying Atwood is none other than the supremely talented pianist, David Morgenroth, as well as the University of Montana's Director of Percussion Studies, Bob Ledbetter and everyone's favorite bass player, Michael Freemole.

Atwood has been seen in a variety of contexts of late, including On Center Performing Arts' original show, "To Missoula, With Love," written and directed by Atwood, her colleague Lisa Jourdonnais and MCT's Jim Caron as well as Gala for the Gulf, a benefit for survivors of Hurricane Katrina that raised over $20,000. Atwood will be seen shortly in MCT's production of "The Wiz" as Evillene.

Atwood's concert performances have been rare of late, however. The last time Atwood was seen in concert as a headliner in Missoula was 2004's First Night performance. Atwood raised over $10,000 for Tsunami Relief by selling her Montana produced CDs at the venue and donating 100% of the proceeds to the American Red Cross.

Atwood currently serves as Director of Music at On Center Performing Arts where she teaches acting and music classes as well as private voice lessons. Atwood lives in Missoula with her young son, Ben.

Tickets are $20 and include a chocolate and champagne reception, starting at 7 p.m., featuring Eden's advanced singing students. Additionally, the galleries in the PAR/TV building will stay open through intermission. On view will be "Frances Senska: A Life in Art." Curator Barb Koostra calls it "... wonderful ceramic work, very sweet and earthy." Tickets can be purchased by calling the Montana Theatre box office at 243-4581. For further information visit www.edenatwood.com.

Bereavement Support Group

Marcus Daly Hospice is offering a Support Group for grieving family members and friends who have lost a loved one to any cause. The group will meet every Tuesday from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m. in the Hospice Center living room. The purpose of the support group is to provide information about the grief process, to share experiences and to alleviate the feeling of isolation. These sessions form a healing journey that includes information giving, exercises and activities. All sessions are led by trained Bereavement Facilitators. For information and registration, contact Cathy Palmer, Marcus Daly Hospice Bereavement Coordinator, 375-4752.

Bitterroot Business Conference

Farmers State Bank, Maverick Marketing Group, Montana Community Development Corporation and Montana Small Business Development Center will co-sponsor the second annual Bitterroot Business Conference on Tuesday, February 14, at the Bitterroot River Inn, Highway 93, Hamilton.

"Managing the Customer Experience, the Key to Business Growth" is the second in a series of presentations specifically designed to assist the Bitterroot Valley business owner. Presenters include Larry Swanson, Associate Director, O'Connor Center for the Rocky Mountain West at the University of Montana. Swanson will address the growing consumer market and general market trends. Entrepreneur Shirley Beck was instrumental in turning Philipsburg into a popular destination. Beck owns the Sapphire Gallery, the Sweet Palace and the Copper Cauldron. She will speak on meeting and exceeding customer expectations. Ross Rademacher of the Maverick Marketing Group has consulted with hundreds of companies across the U.S. and Canada. Rademacher will address customer service and referral business. Mardi Milligan, consultant, trainer and owner of Fine Tuning Solutions of Missoula, will be the keynote speaker.

Sign in for the conference is at 8:30 a.m.; the presentation will begin at 8:45. Lunch and all materials are included in the $89 per person conference fee. After February 3, the fee will be $99 per person. Proceeds fund future conferences. To register or for more information, call Montana Community Development Corporation, 728 9234; Farmers State Bank, 642-3431; or Maverick Marketing Group, 363-2390.

Bitterroot Home Expo

The Bitterroot Building Association will be hosting their 4th Annual Home Expo on March 4 at the Hamilton High School. Booth spaces are available for any business involved in the home building industry. Call Karen Thompson at 375-9411 for information.

Bitterroot River Cleanup

The annual Bitterroot River Cleanup will be held April 22. Put this date on your calendar to assist in picking up the trash that litters our river. To participate contact Phil Romans, 363-0744. The event is sponsored by Trout Unlimited and the Ravalli County Fish and Wildlife Association.

Blues concert at Chantilly

The Chantilly Theatre will present local blues band, "Skalkaho," in concert on Saturday, February 18 from 7:30 to 11 p.m. Skalkaho is a veteran, five-piece band, led by Seth Pogue on harmonica, vocals and keyboard. Joining Pogue are longtime band members Jeff Whitney on guitar, Michael English on bass, and Donald Sage on drums, and new addition Joey Rainbow on vocals and guitar.

Musically, the band performs a wide variety of authentic blues songs, interspersed with rock and roll covers by the likes of Neil Young and the Allman Brothers.

Fans of all ages are welcome, and tickets will be available in advance, from the Chantilly box office, and also at the door. Ticket price is $7. This promises to be a full evening of high-energy music, so come prepared to move and groove with some of the best blues in western Montana. For further information, contact the Chantilly Theatre at 777-2722.

Humane Assn. 'Have a Heart' event

On Tuesday, February 14, celebrate Valentine's Day by bringing your "love" (a donation of cash or dry pet food) to the Bitterroot Humane Association Adoption Center, 262 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton. Pick up a homemade heart shaped cookie. The Shelter's fuzzy friends will appreciate your generosity, and you just might get a dog or cat kiss in return. For more information call 363-5311.

'Vagina Monologues' presentation

The University of Montana Women's Center and ASUM will present a benefit performance of Eve Ensler's "The Vagina Monologues" on Tuesday, February 14 at the University Theatre. A silent auction and tabling begins at 6 p.m. with the performance at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $9 in advance ($10 at the door) and are available at the Adams Center Box Office, Worden's Market, Southgate Mall, Aaron's Sales and Lease Ownership, The Source at the University Center and www.griztix.com.

Proceeds benefit Women's Voices for the Earth GUTS! Program and Mountain Home Montana. The event is sponsored locally by the Women's Center, ASUM, Women's Studies, NARAL, Planned Parenthood, FirstSTEP, YWCA and SARC. For more information call 243-4153.