Wednesday, March 29, 2006

Community Calendar

Head Start accepting applications

Ravalli Head Start is taking applications for fall 2006. Do you have a child who will be 3 by September 10, 2006, but not yet eligible for kindergarten? Ravalli Head Start is a cost-free comprehensive preschool for low-income Ravalli County families. Classes are held in Lone Rock and Hamilton that may meet your familyıs needs. Last year the program was fully enrolled by mid-summer. Call Jan at 363-1217, ext. 14, to receive an application.

Veterans affairs meetings

Len Leibinger, Regional Service Officer for the Montana Veterans Affairs Division in Missoula, will be available to veterans and their dependents who have questions or need to file a claim with the Dept. of Veteran Affairs on Tuesday, April 11 at the Stevensville Town Council Chambers from 9 to 10:30 a.m. and at the Hamilton Job Service Office from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. For more information call 542-2501.

Hospice volunteer training

Join Marcus Daly Hospice to learn about the compassion, care and support provided by Hospice. A volunteer training will be held April 6 and 7 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. and April 8 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Conference Room B, Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital. Volunteers may choose to:

• visit with patients and families, provide relief to caregivers, and be available to listen and offer compassionate support when needed;
• assist families with grief and bereavement;
• help with fund raising and outreach; and/or
• assist with clerical and administrative duties.

Call Johanna, Hospice Volunteer Coordinator, at 375-4713 for more information and to reserve a place at the training. Volunteers are the heart of Hospice!

The Montana Rep Missoula is proud to partner with The Candidatos (creators of the hugely successful "I'm Sorry & I'm Sorry") to present a site-specific production of Samuel Beckett's darkly comic masterpiece "Endgame."

Lost in a world without painkillers, tides, or bicycle wheels, a bullying master, his bumbling manservant, and a pair of "accursed progenitors" attempt to outlive the apocalypse and, in so doing, make good on the claim that nothing is funnier than unhappiness.

"Endgame" will be directed by Noah Tuleja, professor of physical performance at the University of Montana, and will feature The Candidatos.

The Candidatos are Kevin Wall and Justin Rose. Based in Missoula, the company is dedicated to the creation of original, physical, fantastical, playfully tragic, unwittingly didactic, and absurdly historical popular performance that aspires to be neither traditional nor contemporary but simply "really new and good." Their first original production, "I'm Sorry & I'm Sorry," a macabre comedy, played to sold-out houses and critical acclaim in Missoula, Minneapolis, and Philadelphia, and continues to tour. In 2005, the Missoula Independent named the "launching of The Candidatos" one of the defining arts moments of the year.

"Endgame" will play in a redesigned Schreiber Gym Annex (on the UM Campus near the Mansfield Library) from April 11-27. Shows begin at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Tickets are available from the University Box Office at 243-4581.

Florence Wellness Lecture Series

The April Florence Wellness Lecture Series topic will be "Healing Emotional Trauma with EMDR." EMDR is a breakthrough psychotherapy that utilizes the brain's natural ability to rapidly heal itself from traumas and emotional pain. John Sisson, Ph.D Psychologist, and Aleta Sisson, Clinical Counselor, will discuss how the brain can be harnessed to heal and restore quality of life. This discussion will include the scientific basis of EMDR and give real case examples of how it works. There will be plenty of time for questions from the audience. The lecture will be held Wednesday, April 12 at 7 p.m. at One Source Healing Arts Center, 5549 Old Hwy. 93, Florence.

UM garage sale

Join vendors for the "World's Largest Garage Sale" at the University of Montana on Saturday, April 22.

The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. ­ rain or shine ­ on the lower level of UM's covered parking garage, located just off Campus Drive near the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library.

The semi-annual sale attracts almost 100 sellers and thousands of shoppers and offers a chance to turn all those unwanted items that just can't be thrown in the trash into cash.

For $20 vendors are assigned two parking spaces, each 9 feet by 18 feet. Additional spaces are available for $10 each. Vendor set-up begins at 7:30 a.m.

The event is a fund-raiser for the UM Advocates, a campus service organization of more than 100 members that provides volunteer labor for many University functions, including Homecoming and new-student orientation.

Registration forms are available at The Source information desk in the University Center. For more information, call 243-4636.

Gold and Treasure Show

Montana's 1st Gold and Treasure Show can be found in Butte April 8-9 at the Red Lion Hotel. Admission is $4.00 with 12 and under free.

The vendor booths will feature metal detectors and prospecting supplies, prospecting clubs, recreational mining equipment, placer gold and gold nugget jewelry and raffles.

On Saturday there will be two seminars by geologist Dick Burg and mine engineer Robin McCullough, both from the Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology. Doors will open at 9 a.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. Sunday with hourly door prizes. For more info contact Allen at 406-676-0063.

Girl Scout Summer Camps

Summer is a time to grow and explore life. Girl Scout summer camps are very special places where trained staff help girls feel good about themselves while learning new things, making new friends, and creating memories.

Last year 402 girls, ages 5 to 17 years, grades 2 to 12, explored the backcountry of Montana, sailed, hiked and had numerous other fascinating learning adventures through Girl Scouts of Big Sky Council's summer camps. This year's summer camps provide exceptional opportunities for girls to explore, expand their abilities, and discover their world in new ways. Girl Scouts of Big Sky Council summer camps have age-appropriate settings for everyone ­ whether day campers, first timers away from home or old pros at week long camps ­ where girls enjoy supervised canoeing, pottery, hiking, horseback riding, and many more activities.

Since 1912, Girl Scouting has been a leader in providing girls and young women with confidence building activities, and educational opportunities.

Girl Scouts of Big Sky Council's summer camps are open to girls whether they are Girl Scouts or not. For more information about the summer camps or Girl Scouts call Mark Herndon at 1-800-823-4475.

Health professionals seminar

The National Association of Social Workers, Montana Chapter, is offering a presentation, "Clinician Heal Thyself: Assessing and Addressing Vicarious Traumatization," presented by Professor Lopez, as part of its annual conference "Social Workers: Help Starts Here," April 6-8. All helping professionals are invited to attend and receive training in self-care tactics and approaches to guard against the effects of vicarious traumatization and increase their effectiveness in helping clients.

In addition to the special presentation, participants can attend workshops on ethics, mental health, aging, health care, and child welfare topics. For a program with workshop descriptions, visit www.naswmt.com or call (406) 449-6208.

RML Community Liaison Group to meet

The Rocky Mountain Laboratories Community Liaison Group (RML CLG) is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, April 5. The meeting will be from 7 to 9 p.m. in Conference Rooms B-C at Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital, 1200 Westwood Drive, Hamilton.

The RML CLG includes representatives from local government, education, business, medical and emergency services, and community and civic groups. According to RML Associate Director Marshall Bloom, M.D., the RML CLG represents a long-term commitment to more structured interactions with the community.

Tentative agenda items include an overview by Gary Christianson of the expansion plans at GlaxoSmithKline/Bio (formerly Corixa Corp.), an update of RML construction projects, and a report on RML environmental monitoring.

The public is invited to attend and participate in the meeting.

Workshops for Artists

Art in the Bitterroot in Stevensville is taking applications for its July workshops for artists. On tap for this summer are three classes for artists and would-be artists.

Rae Porter, Artistic Director, says "We are featuring two well-known regional artist-teachers, Bob Phinney and Len McCann. A new addition, Ron Stewart, is a successful artist in Scottsdale. He will teach how he captures mood and atmosphere with his distinctive western style using watercolors."

Bob Phinney is teaching Landscapes en plein-air July 7­9 and will take advantage of many suitable locations close to Stevensville. Ron Stewart's class, Western Watercolor Painting, will also be held July 7­9. Len McCann's popular class called "Sculpting the Horse from the Inside Out" is returning July 10­14 after a successful premier last year. Kathie Hackler of Danville, California says, "I learned more from Len in one week than twice weekly classes for the last two years at home."

According to Pam Cote, Executive Director, there is an "Early Registration Discount" being offered through April 15. For more information or to sign up, visit the website at www.artinthebitterroot.com.

Art in the Bitterroot produces organized workshops for emerging and professional artists. These workshops are aimed at the thriving local artist community and the would-be artist, no matter the age or home base. Workshops are taught by professional artists and teachers in a beautiful setting known for its outstanding scenery and recreational opportunities.

Stevensville Youth Softball

Practice for Stevensville Youth Softball for girls 8-15 from the Stevensville and Lone Rock areas starts in May. Games will be held the first week of June through the third week of July. Practice will be at Lewis and Clark Park in Stevensville. Girls may sign up at the school office and a coach will contact them regarding practices. Cost is $35 per player. For more information contact Vickie Vernon at 777-2386.

Beta Sigma Phi tulip sale

The Bitterroot Chapters of Beta Sigma Phi will be holding their annual Tulip Sale beginning at 9 a.m. on Good Friday, April 14. The tulips sell for $5 per 10-stem bunch and can be purchased from members at banks and various locations in Hamilton, Darby, Victor and Stevensville. Or you may purchase them in Hamilton at the old Cannery near 2nd and Cherry Streets. Net proceeds from the sale will be donated to Carpenters for Christ, a Stevensville organization that assists needy persons with home repairs. Beta Sigma Phi is a worldwide women's organization dedicated to enriching women's lives with fellowship and friendship. Local chapters support community projects and charities. For more information contact Barbara Hoag, 821-2137.

Library musical events

The North Valley Public Library is proud to present two musical events in April. On First Thursday, April 6, the Marley McKenna Ensemble will perform jazz music featuring saxophone, guitar, and vocals from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. On First Friday, April 7, the Stevensville High School Chrysolian Choir led by Sarah Ochsner will perform from 6:30 to 7 p.m. Admission is free. The North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville. For more information, call the Library at 777-5061.

Victor Easter Egg Hunt

The Victor Volunteer Fire Department will sponsor the annual Easter Egg Hunt for young children on Easter Sunday, April 16, in the Victor Park.

Montana Rockies Bluegrass Festival

The Montana Rockies Bluegrass Association will host its seventh annual spring festival on Saturday, April 8, at the Stevensville High School multipurpose room, 300 Park Street, Stevensville. Eighteen bluegrass bands from across the Northwest will offer non-stop music. Music starts at noon and lasts until 11 p.m. Admission is $5.00 for the general public and $3.00 for MRBA and Missoula Folklore Society members. Children under 12 with a paying adult have free admission. Visit www.mtbluegrass.com for more information and a complete lineup of bands.

Parenting class

Kids First is offering "The Nurturing Program" for parents raising infants, toddlers and preschoolers. This program teaches skills for raising children in a trusting and empathic household in order for children to care for themselves and transfer their caring to others. Parents will learn about effective discipline, nurturing oneself, expressing feelings and needs, age-appropriate expectations, handling stress and anger, and how to build their child's self-worth. All six sessions will be held at Stevensville Elementary School library, 300 Park Street, beginning Tuesday, April 18 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The class is $10 per family, which includes a take-home parenting book. Call Char at 777-5987 or Deb at 375-9588 to register for the class and to arrange free childcare.

Lewis and Clark presentation

The Travelers' Rest Chapter of the Lewis & Clark Trail Heritage Foundation will feature Curly Anderson with a representation about the Lewis & Clark Expeditionıs 1806 return trip home through what is now Montana. This program will be held on Thursday, April 6 at 7 p.m.

He will talk about how the Captains divided the Corps of Discovery at Travelers' Rest and about some interesting things that happened to each group as they proceeded on through Montana. He will also present some aspects of the journey that he has yet to find answers to.

Anderson, a native of Great Falls, is a self-taught historian of western history, especially that of Lewis & Clark. He has worked as a tour guide at Bannack State Park and as a park ranger for the National Park Service at the Big Hole Battlefield.

The program will be at the Lolo Community Center, located along Highway 93, immediately south of the fire station in Lolo. The program is free and open to the public.

Community Seder Dinner

A Community Seder (Passover) Dinner hosted by Corvallis United Methodist Church will be served on Thursday, April 13 at 6 p.m. Reservations are available through the Bitterroot Christian Bookstore at a cost of $8 each. Children able to sit quietly for long periods of time through instruction are welcome. Reserve your space before April 6. For more information call 961-3924 or 961-0021.

Spring Democratic Dinner

On Saturday, April 8, Jon Tester is a featured speaker at the Democratic Jackson-Jefferson Dinner at The Banque Club (3rd and Main), Hamilton. Tester is a Big Sandy farmer, President of the Montana Senate, and is running for the U.S. Senate and the opportunity to put Conrad Burns out of work. The no-host cocktail hour and silent auction begins at 6 p.m. followed by dinner at 7:00. Tickets are $25. For reservations call Joan Daniels at 777-4114 or email her at wildwestwools@yahoo.com.

Senate candidate to speak

Jon Tester will speak about "Farming, Ranching, and Your Legacy in a Real Estate World" at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 8 at the Senior Center in Hamilton (820 N. 4th St.). He will field questions on all issues. Tester is running for the U.S. Senate and wants to share his ideas for Montana's future. The event is free and open to the public.

'Viva Las Vegas' event

Have a fun night in Las Vegas without leaving the valley. "Viva Las Vegas" is back with sparkle and pizzazz on Saturday, April 29 from 6:30 p.m. to 12 midnight at the Bitterroot River Inn Ballroom. Dress is semi-formal. There will be a silent auction, music, food, drinks, and more gaming than Lady Luck can stand. Tickets are $50.00 in advance at Citizens State Bank-Corvallis and Mikesell's Jewelers in Hamilton or $60.00 at the door. Your ticket entitles you to $500.00 of free gaming money. The extravaganza benefits the continuing efforts for the Corvallis Community Events Center. Don't miss this opportunity. For more information contact Peggy Perkins, 360-2265.

Poet Laureate featured at UM Library Banquet

Montana Poet Laureate Sandra Alcosser will receive the H.G. Merriam Award for outstanding contributions to the state's literature Wednesday, April 12, at the University of Montana.

Alcosser is the author of award-winning books of poetry and has been published in the New Yorker, the New York Times and the Paris Review. She will accept her award and speak at the Friends of the Mansfield Library 43rd Annual Spring Banquet from 6 to 9 p.m. in the University Center Ballroom.

The annual banquet serves as a library fundraiser. Tickets cost $30 if purchased before April 5 and $35 thereafter or at the door. Tickets are $25 for Friends of the Mansfield Library members, and reserved tables for 10 people cost $250. Call Julia Ludlow at 243-6800 for tickets or more information.

Alcosser earned undergraduate degrees in English literature and creative writing from Purdue University and a master's of fine arts from UM. Her professional experience includes poet in residence for the Central Park Zoo, director of the International Summer Writers Program at the University of Ireland and director of the creative writing program at San Diego State University. She also has worked for Poets House New York and Parabola Magazine.

Alcosser was named poet laureate by Gov. Brian Schweitzer last summer. Her role is to encourage appreciation of poetry and literary life in Montana by giving readings and presentations throughout the state.

Also during the banquet, D'Arcy McNickle, a Montana American Indian novelist and anthropologist, will be given a posthumous H.G. Merriam Award. McNickle (1904-77) is regarded as one of the founders of Indian literature and ethnohistory.

A prolific author from St. Ignatius, he was educated at Oxford and Grenoble in Europe before becoming the first director of the Center for American Indian History at Chicago's Newberry Library, which was later renamed in his honor. He also worked as an anthropology professor at the University of Saskatchewan.

The H.G. Merriam Award honors the memory of Harold Guy Merriam (1883-1980), the English professor who started UM's creative writing program. The awards have been presented since 1982 by the Friends of the Mansfield Library, a group that works to promote the library and enhance its holdings.

Soroptomists Options Seminar

The Soroptimists of Hamilton will be hosting an Options Seminar (the third in a series), "So You Want To Be An Entrepreneur... A Goldmine Or A Minefield," on Saturday, April 22 at the Bitterroot River Inn in Hamilton.

The seminar is for women and girls interested in starting their own businesses and to support those who seek to become financially independent while living in The Bitterroot Valley. The seminar begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m. Registration is free and daycare is available by reservation. Lunch will be provided. The registration deadline is April 20.

Twelve dynamic speakers will inform attendees about their careers. Attendees will be given the opportunity to ask questions of the panel. Valuable financial and business information will be provided including a drawing for a "You Go Girl" Scholarship to be used for entrepreneurship training opportunities.

Registration forms are available at the Bitterroot Job Service and other local businesses. Or, call St. Paul's Episcopal Church at 363-3025 to reserve your space. This event is sponsored in part by Ravalli County Bank.