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Wednesday, March 7, 2007 Valley News at a GlanceCorvallis Canal Bridge dedication heldOur Savior Lutheran Preschool studies Chinese New YearLocal mayors attend mayors' forumBark beetle repellant capsules availableCultural parksCommunity garden plots availableTour of Homes call for entriesStevensville Science Fair resultsBirthsObituariesCorvallis Canal Bridge dedication heldA ribbon cutting and dedication of the new pedestrian bridge across the Corvallis Canal was held Tuesday, January 30. With the completion just before Christmas of a pedestrian bridge across the Corvallis Canal, the Corvallis Civic Club is celebrating another milestone in providing safe pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure in the Corvallis area. The new bridge is a 10-foot wide, 35-foot engineered steel span with concrete decking and foundations. It is connected to existing county roads on either side of the canal by 150 feet of asphalt surface path. The bridge connects South East Street on the south side of the Corvallis Canal with East Street on the north side, creating a pedestrian link between new residential developments along Willow Creek Road and the older parts of Corvallis north and west of the irrigation canal. "People of all ages will enjoy this bridge, but we are especially pleased that it provides a safe crossing for children walking or biking to and from the Corvallis schools," said Tonia Bloom, Corvallis Civic Club Secretary. The Corvallis Civic Club identified the construction of a bridge across the canal as a priority in 2003. In 2004, the Ravalli County Commissioners agreed to submit the bridge project for funding by the CTEP Program, which allocates federal funds to the county for non-motorized transportation enhancements. The CTEP Program funds 86.58% of the costs of approved projects, with 13.42% to be funded locally. In the fall of 2004, the Corvallis Civic Club began a fund drive to raise the local matching funds, then estimated at $7,730. The fundraising was largely completed by the summer of 2005 and the county began the process of hiring a construction engineer, submitting final plans to the state for approval, and bidding out the project. Landworks Consulting was selected as the engineer for the project and in August, 2006, Gregston Construction was awarded the contract to complete the work. "There are a lot of people to thank for helping to make this project a reality," Bloom said. Contributors to the fund drive include the Corvallis Canal and Water Company, the Corvallis School District, Curtiss Construction/Centennial Subdivision, Citizens State Bank, Ravalli County Bank, Schrock Construction, Stewart Excavating, Northwestern Energy, and Terry Nobles. Assistance with site preparation was provided by NorthWestern Energy, Bresnan Communications and the Ravalli County Road Department. Corvallis Civic Club members who worked on the bridge project were John Horat, Tonia Bloom and Carol Peterson. The Corvallis Canal Pedestrian Bridge is the second major CTEP project initiated by the Corvallis Civic Club. In 1998 the group began working to raise local matching funds for the Corvallis to Woodside Pedestrian/Bike Path. That project was completed in 2003. The Corvallis Civic Club is dedicated to helping the Corvallis community meet the challenges of growth and has a special concern for pedestrian and bicycle safety in the rapidly growing area. "Growth is a fact of life in Corvallis," said Bloom. "The real question is whether we will have the amenities such as safe pedestrian facilities and bike paths that will ensure that the community remains a safe and healthy place to live. When we raise money for these projects we are reminded over and over again how much people truly appreciate the things that will help us maintain the quality of life in Corvallis. The Corvallis Canal Bridge may seem like a small thing, but these pedestrian connections make a big difference to the people in a community." Our Savior Lutheran Preschool studies Chinese New YearThe children of Our Savior Lutheran Preschool have spent the learning year profitably. They've worked on colors, shapes, letters and numbers. They've learned about seasons, holidays, animals, songs and games. Their latest science studies have concentrated on an in-depth study of weather and a unit on tooth care. They've studied fire safety, shared valentines and accomplished much more. On Wednesday, February 21, they hit a new milestone with a cultural study of Chinese New Year, the auspicious Year of the Golden Pig, which started February 18, 2007. When the Year of the Pig coincides with a year of gold on the Chinese zodiac, only about every sixty years, luck is compounded. In China and at the Preschool, this year's observation of the New Year was especially joyous. However, the Montana children concentrated on customs and culture in the Chinese celebration rather than in the superstitions behind them. In celebration with their Asian counterparts the children prepared for the day by hunting hidden red good luck envelopes holding yummy chocolate money. They made Chinese lanterns and inflated personal dragon balloons, all the while working under the Chinese versions of their names. A New Year's banquet of noodles, rice, fruit, Chinese sweets and fortune cookies was enjoyed by parents and children. The children consumed their meals by stabbing, spearing, cajoling, slurping and bullying food from plate to mouth via chopsticks. Most parents used forks. The special morning ended with a dragon parade through the playground and sparklers in the parking lot. Welcoming in the Year of the Golden Pig, whether or not it turns out to be exceedingly lucky, was especially fun. Our Savior Lutheran Church and Preschool is affiliated with the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. The church and preschool are both located at 184 Pine Hollow Road, south and east of Stevensville. Local mayors attend mayors' forumThirty-eight Montana mayors attended the Montana Mayors' Forum held Feb. 22-23 in Helena. The MSU Local Government and the Montana Municipal Insurance Authority conducted the forum. Participating mayors received instruction on leadership, conflict management, the role of the city attorney, land use management and growth policy requirements, and law enforcement administration. Alec Hansen, executive director of the Montana League of Cities and Towns, provided a legislative update and Governor Brian Schweitzer gave a presentation on the legislature, the Montana economy, and energy development proposals. Participating mayors included Jessica Randazzo of Hamilton and Bill Meisner of Stevensville. Bark beetle repellant capsules availableCapsules of a natural bark beetle repellant, called MCH, can be stapled to Douglas-fir trees and are an effective and affordable way for landowners to protect against bark beetle attacks. Usually 2-4 capsules will protect a single tree or 30-40 capsules can protect an acre of Douglas-fir. In cooperation with the Bitter Root Resource Conservation and Development (BRC&D) and the Bitterroot National Forest, the Dept. of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) office in Hamilton will once again take orders for MCH. Through bulk purchasing the agencies hope to keep the cost down to between $1.00 and $1.50 per capsule. Orders should be placed by March 16, 2007. To order and/or for more information contact the Hamilton DNRC office at 375-0412 or DNRC entomologist, Amy Gannon, at 542-4283. Cultural parksThe interpretive staff of Montana State Parks in Missoula is in the process of organizing events for the interpretive season. They are looking for opportunities throughout the spring and summer to share the rich history of Fort Owen and Council Grove State Park to all those who might be interested. Fort Owen's adobe and log remains preserve the site of the first permanent white settlement in Montana. Major John Owen established the fort as a regional trade center in 1850 and period furnishings and artifacts are displayed in the restored rooms of the east barracks. In 30 minutes you can browse through a small museum housed in preserved and partially reconstructed structures. This site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The park is located on the Stevensville Cut-off Road. Council Grove State Park marks the site of the 1855 council between Isaac Stevens and the Flathead, Kootenai, and Pend d'Oreille Indians. Here the Indians signed the Hellgate Treaty and relinquished their ancestral hunting grounds in exchange for a reservation in the Mission Valley. Come enjoy the natural features and solitude of this day-use-only park for reflection on these historical events. The park, located seven miles west of Missoula on Mullan Road, is designated "Primitive" so there are no fees to enter and it is a pack-in/pack-out site. If you or your organization, school group, business, etc., is interested in learning more about the history of these state parks, call 542 5533. Or email vcarroll@mt.gov. Community garden plots availableRegister now for your own garden plot in Hamilton's Daly School Community Garden! For $20 you will receive a 15' by 15' garden plot with an automatic watering system, aged manure and mulch, and access to a garden shed stocked with basic tools. Plots are available on a first come, first served basis, so call Ellie Currey, Community Gardens Coordinator for the Bitter Root Land Trust, at 375-0956 to register or for more information. Tour of Homes call for entriesAttention, all builders! The Bitterroot Building Association's Tour of Homes committee is gearing up for the 13th annual tour to be held August 17-19. Call the Bitterroot Building Association at 375-9411 to request a letter of intent to place your home on this year's tour. Stevensville Science Fair resultsThe Stevensville Science Fair was held on February 27. There were 59 junior high and high school projects presented for judging. The following Junior High students received Blue Ribbons: 8th Grade 7th Grade Selway Corporation donated scientific calculators to the following top 7th and 8th grade project winners: Mr. Rosin thanked the community members that judged the Science Fair. BirthsBirths at Marcus Daly Hospital, Hamilton 2-24-07 2-27-07
ObituariesMagdalena Helen Rehberg Magdalena Helen Rehberg, 96, passed away on February 21, 2007 in Rancho Mirage, California, at Eisenhower Medical Center of natural causes. Helen was born November 4, 1910 in Pancsova, Austria/Hungary into the Berko family and traveled as an immigrant on the ship "Camerania" to the United States when she was one year old. The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island welcomed her and her family of seven brothers and sisters as U.S. citizens in 1911. Out of New York, the family's first stop was Hebron, North Dakota. Later, the family moved to Stevensville, Montana. Helen met Henry Rehberg, also a first generation immigrant from Germany, in the Bitterroot and they married. They purchased farm land in the Three Mile area and toiled the land together until Henry became ill. Helen, independently, continued to run the farm and raise their son and daughter. She took pride in her community and was a member of the Three Mile Garden Club, Bitterroot Guild, and Three Mile Booster Club. Later in life Helen had a strong desire to further her education. She enrolled and graduated from St. Joseph's School of Practical Nursing, Lewiston, Montana in 1960 and continued her education at the VA Wadsworth Hospital in Los Angeles. Helen had several nursing positions in Montana and eventually accepted a position with the Veterans Administration Hospital System in Fort Harrison. She transferred to the VA Hospital in Los Angeles. While on staff she was awarded a special commendation by the Administration for saving an ailing veteran's life under difficult circumstances. This demonstrated her quick thinking, dedication to caring for patients, and passion for her work. After twenty years working in the VA system, Helen retired and moved to San Diego, California and lived there until 2003. For the past four years, she has lived at Brighton Gardens Assisted Living in Rancho Mirage, California to be close to her daughter, Shirley. One of Helen's greatest blessings was being a descendent of Sister Francoise Therese Martin of Lisieux, France who entered the Carmelite convent in Lisieux at the age of 15 and died at the age of 24. Her inspiration and powerful presence from the Lord touched many people quickly. She was canonized by Pope Pius XI on May 17, 1925. Saint Therese's message was one of eternal love, mercy, and forgiveness. Helen spent hours reading about Saint Therese and spoke of her often. Helen was inspired and tried to use her teaching as a model for daily living. Helen is survived by her son, William "Bill" and Pat Rehberg of Missoula; her daughter, Shirley Ann and Higgins D. Bailey of Palm Desert, California, seven grandchildren and 13 greatgrandchildren. She has two surviving sisters, Ann Bass of Hamilton and Elizabeth Bosket of Dallas, Oregon. Her family is grateful for the many years of loving memories and her spirit will live forever in their hearts. Funeral services were at the Whitesitt Funeral Home on Tuesday, February 27 with Pastor Tom King officiating. Burial followed at Riverside Cemetery in Stevensville. Contributions can be made to the Barbara Sinatra Children's Center at Eisenhower Medical Center, 39000 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage CA 92270-3235, 760-340-2336. Ronald Lee Grafft Ronald Lee Grafft 70, of Missoula died at the Village Health Care Center on Saturday, February 24, 2007. He was born on March 7, 1936 in Watertown, South Dakota. He entered the U.S. Marine Corps in 1956 was honorably discharged in 1962. He married Kaleigh L. Aster in 1980. The couple was later divorced. He is survived by his son Chris Grafft, brothers Eugene (Bette) Grafft, St. Cloud, MN, Dan (Arlette) Grafft, Sun City, AZ and a sister Theresa Thompson, also of Sun City, AZ. No formal services are scheduled at this time. The Whitesitt Funeral Home in Stevensville is in charge of cremation arrangements. Fern Erma Garding Fern Erma Garding, 81, of Stevensville, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, March 3, 2007 at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula. She was born Fern Erma Nefzger on October 13, 1925 to Charles Henry and Katherine "Katie" (McFarlane) Nefzger in Wolf Point, MT. Fern grew up on a homestead near Vida, MT. She graduated from Wolf Point High School and attended Northern Montana College in Havre. She moved to the Cottonwood community, north of Havre, where she taught at the rural school. She met Adolph Garding and the couple married in Havre on February 14, 1946. Fern and Adolph owned and operated Garding's Campground near Fort Assinaboine south of Havre for several years. Fern raised her children, sold homemade baked goods and eventually worked as a store clerk and retired from JC Penney. She was active with the Catholic Daughters, the VFW Auxiliary and was a member of the Eagles Lodge in Havre. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting and sewing, especially if it was for one of her loved ones. Fern was preceded by Adolph Joseph Garding on May 2, 1992; sons Richard Darwin and Patrick Allen, daughter Shirley Ann; siblings siblings Leta, Boyd, Homer, Iva, Geneva, Brenda, Ruth, Zella, Beulah and Dean. Fern and Adolph had eight children including Joseph Rae (Lily) Garding of Maricopa, AZ, Jerry Lee Garding of Whitefish, David Charles (Mary Beth) Garding of Helena, Robert John (Lori) Garding of Stevensville, and Phillip Dean (Dianne) Garding of North Bend, WA. She is also survived by brother Bobbie James of Vida, MT, 14 grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Rosary will be recited at the Whitesitt Funeral Home in Stevensville on Thursday, March 8, 2007 at 7 p.m. A second Rosary will be recited at the Holland and Bonine Funeral Home in Havre, on Friday, March 9, 2007 at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Jude's Catholic Church in Havre on Saturday, March 10 at 9:30 a.m. followed by graveside services at Highland Park Cemetery. A luncheon will be at St. Jude's Social Hall in Havre. Memorials are asked to Ravalli County Council on Aging, 310 Old Corvallis Rd., Hamilton MT 59840. The Whitesitt Funeral Home in Stevensville is in charge of arrangements. |
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