The March of Dimes Montana, Big Sky Chapter, has released the RFP (request for proposals) for grants to be awarded in 2007. The Montana Big Sky Chapter is looking for grants in Montana that will address unmet maternal and child health needs. "These grants address significant maternal and child health issues such as smoking cessation, access to care in rural areas, increased opportunity for folic acid education, or increasing availability of preventive services that are of concern in our community," said Debbie Donovan, March of Dimes Program Services Director. These grants are one way the March of Dimes pursues its mission of preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.

The grant application packet can be accessed by calling the March of Dimes at 406-252-7480 or downloading the materials from www.marchofdimes.com. Enter the zip code of Montana and the Montana web page will offer information on the grant application forms.

The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services, education, and advocacy to save babies and in 2003 launched a campaign to address the increasing rate of premature birth. For more information, visit the March of Dimes Web site at www.marchofdimes.com or its Spanish language Web site at www.nacersano.org.

Bitterroot students earn UM Business School scholarships

Two Bitterroot Valley students received scholarships during the School of Business Administration's 59th Annual Donor Recognition and Scholarship Awards Banquet, held spring semester at the University of Montana. The students are:

• Daniel Browder, a graduate student in business administration, who received the $1,000 Josh Hyland Memorial Scholarship. He has lived in Victor since 1991.
• Aaron Curtis, a junior in marketing and management, who took home the $800 Tractor & Equipment Company Scholarship and the $1,500 O'Leary/Cardinal Family Scholarship. He is a 2003 graduate of Stevensville High School.

More than 70 scholarships and awards, together valued at nearly $140,000, were presented at the banquet in the University Center Ballroom.

Info/referral service available

Need help locating assistance with food, housing, daycare, support groups or other human services? Call 211/First Call For Help.

211/First Call For Help is a telephone Information and referral service. Trained staff can analyze your unique problems and provide information or refer you to the social services designed to meet your needs.

Call 211/First Call For Help between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. 211/First Call For Help is a service of the Human Resource Council and United Way of Missoula County.

Stevensville Notes

Christopher Bissell, son of Stevensville attorney Ron Bissell, recently sang at Carnegie Hall with the Lee University Chorale. The concert featured Brahm's "German Requiem" and was led by noted composer/conductor John Rutter. The Lee University Chorale in an ensemble of 41 students, selected by audition. Christopher is in his third year at Lee University.

Soroptimist award winners announced

Soroptimist International of Hamilton announces the selection of four awards and scholarships to local recipients by the club this spring.

Marnie Craig was awarded the $2000 Women�s Opportunity Award, a scholarship for women attending college or a training program to further their career opportunities. Marnie is studying plastering and faux finishing at the School of Applied Arts in Denver.

Kim Brown, of Florence, received the $1000 Fellowship Award. This award is for female heads of households who are enrolled in vocational/skills training program or pursuing a degree. Kim is attending the University of Montana studying for a Masters Degree in Social Work.

The Violet Richardson Award was presented to two area high school students who are active in volunteer organizations. Hillary Liston, from Stevensville and Kari Lyn Dowling of Hamilton received this award to recognize their commitment to service in their communities. Both young women received $400 and their chosen philanthropies were each awarded $250.

The Professional-Technical Award is for students attending a vocational or technical program. The award for $1000 was presented to Beth Ziesak of Corvallis who is currently attending the University of Montana Vo-Tech and studying to become a Respiratory Technician.

These awards fulfill the Education Area of Service for Soroptimist, and represent approximately 23% of the annual donations to the community in 2005-2006. Funds for these awards and other community donations are earned through the many Soroptimist fund raising activities including the sale of Sees Candies, the Banana Booth at the Fair, Winter Golf and concessions at the Hamilton Players Playhouse.

Bitterroot Library wins 'Library of Year' award

A group of six Montana libraries including the Bitterroot Public Library in Hamilton, which share everything in their libraries from books to DVDs to patrons, won the Montana Library Association's "Library of the Year" award including the Bitterroot Public Library in Hamilton.

"These Montana libraries are using everything from the latest technology to busses to better serve their patrons," said Darlene Staffeldt, Montana State Librarian. "Their partnership sets a new gold standard in helping Montanans find and get exactly what they want or need, whether its research on a terminal disease or a new bestseller to read over the weekend."

The six libraries, known as the Partner Libraries, are: Missoula Public Library, Flathead County Library, Bitterroot Public Library in Hamilton, Hearst Free Library in Anaconda, Drummond School and Community Library, and Polson City Library. Together, the Partner Libraries share a collection of over 650,000 items, which includes books, movies, audiotapes, magazines, and journals.

"Providing immediate direct access to over 650,000 items is unprecedented in Montana," said Sarah McHugh, Director of the Montana Shared Catalog, which provides the Partner Libraries with the technology to access one another's collections easily. "What these six libraries are doing is opening up the world to their patrons."

The Partner Libraries have made accessing the 650,000 items easy for patrons as well. Their patrons use the Montana Shared Catalog, with its easy-to-use interface, to search all of the Partner Library collections. If a patron finds something owned by another Partner library, the patron simply requests it through the Catalog. The Partner Libraries check these reservations on a daily basis, retrieve the requested item from their shelves and put it in a box, which is then bussed to the library that has requested the item. Patrons generally receive their requested item within a day or two. Since July 2004, the Partner Libraries have shared over 140,000 items.

"Patrons used to be happy with what they could get from their own library's shelves," said McHugh. "Computers and the Internet have changed all of that. Today, people know of all types of resources that are available and the hugely successful Partner Libraries' program demonstrates that libraries can still be the place to access the information people want or need."

For more information contact Nansu Roddy, Public Services Librarian at the Bitterroot Public Library, 363-1670.

Mini grants available for water quality education

The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking applicants for "mini" grants of up to $1,500 to fund local education and outreach efforts that address water quality issues.

The DEQ has $20,000 of federal Clean Water Act Section 319 funding available for local groups working on water quality and nonpoint source pollution projects. Focusing on education and outreach, the grants provide a mechanism to increase awareness of local nonpoint source pollution issues and to improve water quality through educational activities.

Successful projects will focus on an activity addressing water resource needs. Examples of projects include workshops, conferences, training, videos, or brochures. Projects must address larger watershed efforts in the applicant's region. The project applicant can be a local watershed group (if a legal entity), conservation district, county extension service, school, etc. and must have the ability to manage federal funding. The DEQ encourages not only entities that have previously used this program, but also newcomers.

Successful applicants must demonstrate effective use of grant money through projects that highlight water quality and nonpoint source pollution topics in their area. Applicants must also provide a minimum 40% local non-federal in-kind or cash match. Each application will be reviewed and approved for funding by a panel from the Montana Watershed Coordination Council's Education & Outreach subcommittee that includes individuals from a range of organizations.

Applications will be accepted during two rounds in 2006-2007, with approximately $10,000 available during each round. The first round began on June 1, 2006 and applications for this round must be received by July 1, 2006. The second round will begin on January 1, 2007 with application due by February 1, 2007.

For more information on the mini-grants, application forms or for assistance in preparing the grant application, contact: Andrew Jakes, Nonpoint Source Education and Outreach Coordinator, DEQ Watershed Protection Section, at (406) 444-7425 or by e-mail at ajakes@mt.gov or visit the DEQ website at www.deq.mt.us.

Hot temperatures take bite out of snowpack; rivers peak early

According to information released by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), most streams and rivers have reached their snow melt peaks for this year and will not crest higher without significant rain.

Mid-May temperatures were well above average and caused early rapid snowmelt. Remaining mountain snowpack was well below average for June 1, but well above last year. Snowpack west of the Continental Divide was below average, but more than twice last year's level. Snowpack east of the Divide was well below average and slightly below last year.

May was generally warm with below average precipitation. Mountain precipitation in the Columbia River Basin was 76 percent of average and 71 percent of last year; Missouri River Basin was 58 percent of average and 55 percent of last year; and Yellowstone River Basin was 57 percent of average and 42 percent of last year.

Mountain precipitation in the Bitterroot River Basin was 53 percent of average. Statewide, streamflow forecasts average between 56 and 72 percent. West of the Continental Divide, streamflow forecasts average between 63 and 73 percent and east of the Divide, streamflow forecasts average between 52 and 71 percent.

"June rain will be the key to late spring and summer flows," said Roy Kaiser, NRCS water supply specialist. "Unregulated streams will be most affected without timely June rains."

Streams and rivers that have reached their snowmelt peaks in the Columbia River Basin were 53 percent of average and 185 percent of last year; Missouri River Basin were 56 percent of average and 116 percent of last year; Saskatchewan River Basin were 62 percent of average and 155 percent of last year; and Yellowstone River Basin were 55 percent of average and 63 percent of last year. Snowmelt peak dates were generally from May 20 to May 23. Typically, average peak dates occur the last week of May to mid June.

Repairs slated for West Fork Road

The Montana Department of Transportation is currently working on a long-term solution to repair damages on secondary 473 (West Fork Road), near Connor.

The road was closed Friday, May 26 after the roadway dropped approximately one foot vertically and was deemed unstable. The West Fork of the Bitterroot River eroded the roadway embankment and moisture caused the roadway to slough.

The West Fork Road is closed for the first three miles. A detour is in place near Connor, routing vehicles three miles on US 93, one mile on Connor Cutoff roadway, and three miles back along S-473 in order for affected persons to access residences.

This road is under the jurisdiction of MDT, and Ravalli County is under contract to perform maintenance on the road. Currently, MDT is in the process of identifying repairs and funding for the project, with the goal of reopening the road later this year.

MDT's aim is to maintain public awareness and to expedite this project. MDT apologizes for any inconveniences this road closure may cause.

For more information, contact Doug Moeller or Gary Hornseth at (406) 523-5800.

Safety improvements to be made on Old Highway 93

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is planning to update 1.5 miles of Old US Highway 93, just north of Florence. The project will begin at the junction of US Highway 93 and Old US Highway 93 and extend north to County Line Road.

The purpose of the project is to enhance the safety of the highway. MDT intends to install delineators and new signs, and restripe the road.

The project is tentatively scheduled for construction in 2007, depending on completion of all project development activities and availability of funding. MDT anticipates no property acquisition or utility relocation for this project.

For more information, contact Shane Stack, District Engineering Services Supervisor, (406) 523-5830 or (888) 231-5819, or Ivan Ulberg, Traffic Project Engineer, (406) 444-6217.

Written comments on this project may be submitted to the Montana Department of Transportation, PO Box 7030, Missoula MT 59807-7039, or online at www.mdt.mt.gov/mdt/comment_form.shtml, noting comments are for project CN 5863.

Search for Montana Marines

Montana Marines past and present, stand and be counted! The honor roll of Big Sky Country Marines will be presented at the grand opening of the National Museum of the Marine Corps adjacent to MCB Quantico, Virginia on November 10, 2006. Information needed is: name, service dates, and stories related to your Marine service (optional). Families of deceased Marines are also encouraged to send their Marine's information. Send responses to RWSMCL, PO Box 494, East Helena MT 59635.

Campbell wins Fire Management Award

Dave Campbell, West Fork District Ranger, has been recognized as the first recipient of the National Wilderness Fire Management Award. The purpose of this new award is to recognize those who have demonstrated outstanding achievement, innovation and creativity in managing wildland fire within wilderness areas to promote the preservation and/or restoration of the role of fire in the natural wilderness system. Campbell was selected due to his "leadership in application of wildland fire use on both the Selway Bitterroot Wilderness and Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness." Campbell noted he was very honored by the award and wanted to share the credit with many current and former Forest Service employees.

"I can't accept this award without remembering that the real pioneers in wilderness fire made the program possible," said Campbell. "Without the vision of Bob Mutch, Dave Aldrich, Bud Moore, Bill Worf and Orville Daniels, I wouldn't be in the position to carry on the tradition of wilderness fire...The next real challenge in fire management is applying what we have learned in 34 years of wilderness fire to the forests outside the wilderness where we can restore fire to the ecosystem. The Bitterroot Forest Plan is currently being revised and frames that vision. I'm excited to be a part of the next significant step in managing fire dependent ecosystems."

Citizen of year nominations sought

The Stevensville Civic Club is seeking nominations for Stevensville Citizen of the Year, Teen of the Year, Business of the Year, and Organization of the Year. Nominations describing the accomplishments of the nominee can be dropped off at Farmers State Bank in Stevensville. Recipients are recognized during the week of Creamery Picnic. For more information contact Dianne Snedigar at 777-7201.

Births

Births at Marcus Daly Hospital, Hamilton

5-31-06
Girl, 5 lbs., 15 oz., 18-3/4 inches, to Justin and Krista Pierce, Hamilton

6-2-06
Girl, 6 lbs., 8 oz., 19 inches, to Tyler O�Connell and Jennifer Paddock, Corvallis.

Obituaries

Mildred Parker
1912-2006

Mildred L. (Woolsey) Parker, 93, of Hamilton, died at Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital in Hamilton on Monday, June 5, 2006.

She was born on December 16, 1912, near Stevensville in a two-story log cabin. She was the daughter of Herbert R. and Georgia (Hayden) Woolsey. Midge was one of eleven children.

She attended school at Ambrose, Lower Three Mile, Lone Rock and Stevensville High School. She worked at the Arcadian Rest Home in Stevensville several years and at Marcus Daly Hospital in Hamilton. She also did a lot of babysitting throughout the valley.

She married Bert Parker in Hamilton on September 2, 1930. Mildred moved to Hamilton in November, 1966. She joined the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Hamilton on June 14, 1969.

Her foremost love was her family, cooking, sewing, quilting, taking pictures, hunting, fishing and camping. She loved to make people happy. Sometimes it was a batch of cookies, sometimes a piece of pie, sometimes a phone call, but always a smile accompanied these little remembrances. Mildred said at one time that she always loved people, and that her family was always very dear and always first with her.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Harriet Shaw, Virginia Makowski, Blanche Hubbel, Dorothy Probert and brothers Herb Woolsey and Bob Woolsey, and her husband Bert on October 15, 1965.

Mildred is survived by her daughter Freida (Bill) Harris of Three Forks; foster daughter Judy Geer Allen of Missoula; four grandchildren: Arthur (Patti) Harris, New Island, NY, Gregory (Diana) Harris, Las Vegas, NV, Peggy and (Terry) Treutel, St. Maries, ID, Cheryl Harris, Richmond, Virginia; seven great grandchildren; and sisters Grace Resler and Viola (Rex) Overton, both of Hamilton, Iris (Homer) Holland, Stevensville and a brother Harry (Bobbi) Woolsey of Ronan, numerous nieces and nephews and many friends.

Memorial services were held at the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Hamilton on Thursday, June 8 with Pastor Barry Curtis officiating.

Memorials are asked to charity of donor's choice.

The Whitesitt Funeral Home in Stevensville is in charge of arrangements.

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