Volume XX, Number 45

Wednesday, June 8, 2005

Defending conference champs gear up for camp

Carroll College Head Men's Basketball Coach Gary Turcott has announced that there are still spots available for the 32nd Annual Carroll College Boys Basketball Camp.

The 32nd annual boys camp will be coordinated by Frontier Conference Coach of the Year Gary Turcott and staff, in addition to members of the 2004-05 Frontier Conference Champion/NAIA Fab Four Carroll College Fighting Saints.

Camp will run during the weeks of June 20-24 (Monday-Friday) and June 27-July 1 (Monday-Friday). Boy's grades 5th-12th are eligible for the camp. For additional information and camp brochures visit the 2005 boys camp link at www.carroll.edu/athletics or contact Gary Turcott at 447-4486 or 442-1317.

Victor used book sale

Umbrella For the Arts, a branch of the Victor School Foundation, is having its third annual used book sale in July, and help is needed in the form of donations of used books, tapes, videos, etc. Monies from the sale goes to enhance the art, speech, drama and music programs at the Victor Schools. Donations are tax deductible and pick up is available. Donations can be dropped off at Victor Video (next door to Victor Merc). The sale will be July 9. For more information call Lois, 642-3236, Doris, 642-3460 or Phyllis, 642-6621.

Play With Pop Day

June 19 isn't just Father's Day... it's Play With Pop Day! SAFE (Supporters of Abuse Free Environments) is hosting a special Father's Day event at the Claudia Driscoll Park in Hamilton. Totally free to fathers and their families, there will be a barbecue, live music from the Blue Melon Band and the Missoula Parks and Rec will be on hand with super games for all to enjoy. Gifts thanking local families for developing healthy relationships in the Bitterroot will be given. So kids, bring your dads and dads, bring your kids from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 19 at Claudia Driscoll Park east of Marcus Daly Hospital for Play With Pop Day. Celebrate togetherness!

Library upgrades services

North Valley Public Library is the first Stevensville "Hot Spot" location to offer wireless internet service free to the public. This new service is being generously provided by Rocky Mountain Internet Wireless. The Library was a recipient of the Gates "Staying Connected" Grant to increase Internet connectivity making it possible to maintain more reliable and faster high speed service. The North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville. Hours of operation are Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday-Friday 11-6 pm, and Saturday 11-3 pm. Contact the library at 777-5061.

Kids First summer camps

Do you know any kids who want to have fun at camp this summer? Kids First has two different camp programs that run through out the summer: Outdoor Adventures Camps, ages 9 to 13. and Let's Pretend Camps, ages 6-12. Scholarships are available so sign-up now! All camps are open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, with before and after camp hours offered. Lunch and two snacks are provided daily. Call Kids First to register and for more information, 375-9588.

Youth art program

YouthART will offer free summer art classes for kids, ages 11-18, on Wednesdays from 2 to 5 p.m. at Westview Center, 9th and Main Street, Hamilton. A variety of classes will be offered throughout the summer by Jim Mason and guest artists. The first session, June 15, 22, and 29, youth can choose between pottery or cartooning. At the end of summer, the youth can choose to display their artwork for public viewing. These classes are sponsored by Western Montana Addiction Services and Kids First. Call Jim or Jeff to register or for more information, 363-3060.

Parenting forum

A parenting forum on "Anger Management" will be held June 16, 23, and 30 (3 parts) with Brad Boylan, M.A., LCPC at Families First in Missoula from noon to 1 p.m. Fee is $30. Call 721-7690 to preregister. Childcare available on donation basis.

Parenting forum

A parenting forum on "Divorce and Shared Parenting 1: What's Best for the Kids?" with Brad Boylan, M.A., LCPC and Chris Loken, M.A., will be held Saturday, June 18 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at Families First in Missoula. Learn methods for coping, what helps kids, how to improve family communication, and maximize quality time with your kids. Fee is $35. Call 721-7690 to preregister. Childcare is available on a donation basis.

Register now for the Bitterroot Birding and Nature Festival, June 17-19, to be held at Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge, near Stevensville.

The festival features 38 field trips and workshops and a keynote speech by John Acorn, Canadian naturalist known for hosting the award-winning television series, "The Nature Nut."

This year's festival celebrates the debut of the Bitterroot Birding and Nature Trail that highlights 25 prime viewing sites from Lolo Pass to Lost Trail. The state's pilot birding trail now joins a network of such trails throughout the country that are enhancing local economies and meeting demands for the fastest-growing form of outdoor recreation - bird watching. The full-color brochure and map will be available for the first time at the festival.

"The festival has something for everybody, from serious birdwatchers to casual wildlife viewers and families," said Bob Danley, Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge. "We're pleased to host what will become an annual event, made possible by our many partners."

The dates for the festival coincide with the peak of birding season and Western Heritage Days in Stevensville (June 17-18). The two events are coordinated to offer participants a sampling of both nature and local culture. Heritage Days offers a barbecue, dance, parade, rodeo, and Lewis & Clark reenactment.

The Montana Natural History Center coordinated the impressive selection of field trips and workshops. Experienced trip leaders will take participants on adventures in search of peregrine falcons, butterflies, wildflowers, otters, bats, flycatchers and black-backed woodpeckers. Montana River Guides is offering special birding floats on the Bitterroot River. People can choose from driving tours to hikes up hillsides in search of bighorn sheep or to the top of St. Mary's peak to study alpine ecology. Workshops include field sketching, digital photography, flycatcher identification, bird watching 101 and birding basics for kids.

Two live wild animal presentations are on tap as well. Pat Tucker and Bruce Weide of Wild Sentry will bring Koani the wolf to the Refuge Friday, June 17 at 7 p.m. for a show that delves into the science and myth of wolves. Then, join Kate Davis of Raptors of the Rockies on Saturday, June 18 at 2 p.m.

The registration fee is a modest $20, and includes the keynote talk by John Acorn and presentations by Wild Sentry and Raptors of the Rockies. Workshops and field trips have additional nominal fees to cover materials and transportation costs. You can print out registration forms online at www.bitterrootbirdfest.com or call Lee Metcalf NWR for more information at 777-5552.

Bowhunter education class

A Bowhunter Education class will be held in Hamilton at the National Guard Armory, 910 West Main, on June 15, 6 to 9:30 p.m.; June 16, 6 to 9:30 p.m.; and June 18, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The class is offered on a first come, first served basis and up to 33 students will be accepted. No preregistration and there is no fee to take the course. For more information contact Fish, Wildlife and Parks at 542-5500.

Bitterroot Quilt Guild Show

The public is invited to the Bitterroot Quilt Guild's presentation of "A Quilter's Garden" biannual quilt show on Saturday and Sunday, June 25 and 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Located at the Corvallis High School, 1045 Main St, Corvallis. The featured quilt artist, Susan Wetzsteon, will be there displaying her talented style and inspirational quilts. Come and enjoy the beauty of style, color, originality and workmanship from quilters of the area. There will be a special tribute to two members who have passed away, Marg Ahlgren and Ursula Searles, honoring their lives in quilts. Among the 300 quilts for your enjoyment, a raffle quilt, door prices, quilts for sale, demonstrations, door prizes, food concession and numerous venders are available. Admission at the door is $3.00.

Astrology conference

The Montana Big Sky Chapter of the National Council for Geocosmic Research (NCGR) will be hosting its statewide 2nd Annual Astrology Conference. This year, the featured speaker is Paul Hewitt from Calgary, Alberta. Other speakers will be Montana's own MoonCat! Melissa Mason, Albert Stevens, Karen Drye, Emily Coleman and Lisa Allen.

The conference will be held Friday, September 16 through Sunday, September 18 at 247 Daly Avenue, Hamilton (near Golf Course Road). Admission is $50 before July 31, $60 before September 10, and $70 after September 10. Members save even more.

For more information on topics discussed, schedule, details about the lecturers, etc., visit www.geocosmic.org or call 406-552-4477.

Birding Institute

The Montana Natural History Center will hold a Birding Institute June 23-25, featuring three days of birding field trips, special presentations, and fun! Learn tips to improve you field identification skills. Visit birding sites not open to the public. Experience the beauty and diversity of Montana's birds. Join staff naturalists for this exciting three-day workshop that includes morning and evening birdwalks, behind the scenes tours and lots of fascinating avian information.

Space is limited, so register soon. Cost is $180 per person (no lunch provided) or $200 per person for lunch-included option.

Register on line at www.MontanaNaturalist.org or call 327-0405 to learn more.

Montana Shakespeare in the Parks

Montana Shakespeare in the Parks begins its 32nd season of providing entertainment throughout the region with William Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew" and "Cymbeline." The nine-week tour that begins in Bozeman will offer nearly 70 performances in 50 communities in Montana, Wyoming and Idaho this summer.

One of The Bard's most enduring comedies, "The Taming of the Shrew," takes audiences on a riotous sortie in an Elizabethan battle of the sexes, pitting Kate, Padua's most defiant, witty and independent young woman, against Petruchio, Verona's determined, witty and equally headstrong young man. The sparks fly when Petruchio begins his quest to "tame" Kate and secure a large dowry in the process.

Shakespeare transcends the ages and enthralls audiences with a timeless tale that continues to spark debate, both heated and comical, about society's perceptions of male and female roles, all the while providing an entertaining way to spend a summer's evening outdoors.

"The Taming of the Shrew" is directed by Joel Jahnke, Montana Shakespeare in the Parks' artistic director.

On the opposite end of the theatrical spectrum is the second play in the 2005 repertory, Shakespeare's oft-overlooked fantasy romance, "Cymbeline." One of the prototypes for what is now called a fairy tale, "Cymbeline" tells the story of a weak-willed king, his overbearing second wife and his beautiful daughter, Imogen. The play takes audiences on an adventure of twists and turns that are sure to delight any lover of theatrical fantasy.

While "Cymbeline" may be unfamiliar to audiences, Jahnke urges audience members to give it a try.

"I had never read the play until a few years ago," he admits, "but when I did, I was smitten with this uplifting, adventurous fairy tale. I love all the characters in this play, but I particularly love (the young heroine) Imogen, who is both vulnerable and brave. What a delightful discovery 'Cymbeline' has been."

"Cymbeline" is directed by William Brown, who has directed many Montana Shakespeare in the Parks productions.

Montana Shakespeare in the Parks, based at Montana State University, brings professional productions to communities throughout Montana, northern Wyoming, and eastern Idaho. The touring company features 11 professional actors, supported by a variety of designers and technicians, who bring theatre to communities that may otherwise not have access to it.

All performances are free, and tickets are not needed for admission. Audiences should arrive prior to the appointed curtain time with chairs, blankets, a picnic supper and plenty of friends and family.

"The Taming of the Shrew," will be presented on July 28 at 6 p.m. in Hamilton at a location to be announced and on July 30 in Missoula at 6 p.m. at the UM Oval. "Cymbeline," will be presented July 31 at 6 p.m. at the UM Oval.

For more information, see www.montana.edu/shakespeare or contact Kathy Jahnke at 994-1220 or kjahnke@montana.edu.

Music Camp application deadline extended

The deadline for campers to apply for the Yellowstone Summer Music Camp, June 19-24, has been extended. Openings in all areas of the camp still remain. If you have been thinking of attending a music camp this summer now is your opportunity to apply.

The Yellowstone Summer Music Camp is for middle and high school band and choir musicians. There are many scholarship opportunities still available. All the information is on the camp website at www.northwestmusic.org.

Campers at the Yellowstone Summer Music Camp will spend the week working with outstanding conductors and teachers from across the country. The camp is held on the Northwest College campus in Powell.

Conducting the camp high school band is Mack McGrannahan from the University of Nevada, Reno. His wife, Earlinne, will conduct the camp junior high band. She is the director of bands at Spanish Springs High School in Sparks, Nev. The camp choirs will be conducted by Cody music directors Larry Munari and Gerry Scott.

For more information about the camps, (including application forms, scholarship applications and camp schedules), follow the camps link at www.northwestmusic.org or contact Neil Hansen, camp director, at (800) 560-4692, ext. 6427, or 307-754-6427.

Millennium Car Show

The Society for the Preservation of Horseless Carriages, a non-profit organization which promotes the activities of auto and motorcycle enthusiasts in the Helena area, is sponsoring the Fifth Annual Millennium Show on Saturday, June 25 at Hill and Women's Park in downtown Helena, across from the Civic Center. Registration is from 10 a.m. to noon with the show from 1 to 3 p.m. and awards at 3:30 p.m. The event will be benefit the Montana Hope Project, which grants the wishes of critically ill Montana children. Come see the finest display of Street Rods, Vintage Cars, Musclecars, Specialty Vehicles, Custom Motorcycles and Trucks you will find anywhere in the entire Northwest! Trophies will be awarded in 15 different classes, so if you would like to enter your ride in the show just bring it on down to the Blue Cross/Blue Shield parking lot at the 400 block of Fuller Avenue on Saturday morning, June 25. This is the event of the year for any automotive or motorcycle enthusiast.

SAFE volunteer training

Supporters of Abuse-Free Environments, Inc. (SAFE) in Hamilton is currently recruiting volunteers to assist with its 24-hour crisis hotline and support programs.

SAFE provides services for domestic and sexual violence, including a 24-hour crisis line, advocacy, adult and child support groups, emergency shelter and transitional housing for those in need.

Hotline volunteers provide information and a listening ear to victims of domestic or sexual violence and other callers. Volunteers respond to many types of calls and needs, from requests for emergency shelter to general inquiries about domestic and sexual violence.

Hotline volunteers provide non-judgmental support for victims, their families and friends. Volunteers answer SAFE's crisis line during nights and weekends. They receive support from SAFE's staff and other volunteers. In addition, volunteers complete an intensive training and screening. An individual interview and background check are required for SAFE volunteers.

SAFE is seeking special people to fill these important roles. Training for new volunteers will begin Monday, June 20, from 6 to 9 p.m. at SAFE and continues at that time on June 21, 27 and 28. In addition, there will be an all-day Saturday session on June 25 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

During training, volunteers will learn about domestic and sexual violence from a variety of perspectives through presentations by survivors, fellow volunteers, law enforcement officers, advocates and other professional service providers. In addition, volunteers will have the opportunity to practice skills such as active listening and crisis intervention techniques. Total training time is 20 hours.

For more information or an application packet, interested community members should call Jamie Ogden at SAFE, 363-2793.

Small business seminar

The Montana and Wyoming Offices of the U.S. Small Business Administration are sponsoring a one day high impact, comprehensive seminar exclusively for small business owners who have been in business for more than five years on July 14 in Billings. To qualify, your business must be located in a high unemployment, low income area, or in a designated HUBZone; or be a certified participant in the 8(a) program, a small disadvantaged business, or meet the eligibility requirements for Small Disadvantaged Business and/or 8(a) Program certification.

This one of a kind training experience for Presidents and CEOs is designed to conduct an intensive assessment of their business model and learn ways of improving their changes for success. Some of the business essentials participants will learn include:

- Techniques for conducting a thorough analysis of your business to assess how your firm can attain growth and prosperity - Improving business efficiency - Strategies for managing government contracts, acquiring growth capital and handling your company's legal affairs - Making your employees more productive - Assistance in developing a plan for strategic growth - Techniques to increase your competitiveness in the marketplace.

There will also be a networking session with contracting officials on July 15 from 8:30 a.m. to noon. The seminar will be held at MSU-B College of Business, Montana Business Incubator, 100 Poly Drive, Room 163, Billings MT 59101. Don't miss this opportunity to get a leg up on your competition. To register for the training or to obtain additional information, contact Kathleen Doherty of Strategic & Learning Services, Inc. at (866) 827-3500. You can also log onto www.sls-7j.net. There is no cost for the seminar, however, lunch will be catered on the 14th, so a cash payment will be collected at the door.

Summer dance party

There will be a Summer Dance Party on Saturday, June 18, at 9 p.m. at Marianne's (downstairs at the Wilma Theater) with a $4.00 cover charge. First keg of beer is free and a no host bar is available. Rockin' good dance tunes by Tom and the Tomatoes (one guitar pickin' guy and a bunch of bass playin', dobro pickin', flute tootin', guitar strummin', harmonizin' women) will bring in the summer in a smoke-free environment. Everyone is welcome.

Kids' summer program

The Stevensville Elementary After School Program is offering a Summer Program on Wednesday, June 22, 29, July 13, 20 and 27 and Aug. 3. Field trips will be offered to students grades 1-6. Students may participate in as many or as few days as they like. Participants will meet at the elementary school at 8 a.m. and may be picked up at 6 p.m. Bus service will also be available between 6 and 6:30 p.m. Cost of the program is $5 per day or $35 for all six days. Call the elementary school office, 777-5613, to register by June 15.

County right-of-way clearing

The Ravalli County Road and Bridge Department will be conducting roadside mowing and right-of-way clearing on county roadways throughout the Bitterroot Valley during the next few months. Roadway users are encouraged to use caution and maintain safe distances when encountering the large, slow-moving tractor-mowers. Following too closely may result in damage to vehicles or personal injury from airborne debris that can be produced during the mowing process.

County operators will be focused upon cutting roadside vegetation that may restrict sight distances and that may compromise effective roadway drainage. Additionally, operators will work to reduce vegetation within the safety clear-zone adjacent to the roadway. Manual removal of identified hazard trees will be performed later in the year.

For further information on the program, contact the Ravalli County Road & Bridge Department at 244 Fairgrounds Road in Hamilton or by phone at 363-2733.

Labyrinth Solstice Walk

The Redsun Labyrinth, a walking meditation, located four miles southwest of Victor, will hold its 6th Annual Summer Solstice Open Walk on Saturday, June 25. That evening the labyrinth will be surrounded with luminaria from dusk until midnight. Everyone is welcome. If you are unable to attend this event, plan to visit another time. The labyrinth is always open to individuals or groups. A $3 donation is suggested to help defray expenses. Directions can be found at www.redsunlabyrinth.com or call 642-6675.

Library art project

Calling all kids! If you come to the North Valley Library, choose a bird picture, and color it, it will be displayed in the library's window for the month of June. You will be helping the library celebrate the Bitterroot Birding and Wildlife Festival by honoring our fine feathered friends. Be one of the first - see you there!

Pinewood Derby

There will be a new event during Daly Days/Bitterrodders Car Show this year - a Pinewood Derby. Car kits are available at the Chamber office, 105 E. Main or at Me & Mom's at 305 Main in Hamilton. Car kits are $5 and there is no age limit for this event. There will be four trophies given away: one for fastest, slowest, best decorated and most original. The race will be on Saturday, July 30 at 2 p.m. in downtown Hamilton. Only 48 car kits were purchased, so make sure you get yours early. For more information call Pat, 363-2400.

Monster truck show

The National Mud Bog and Monster Showdown will be held Saturday, June 18 at the Hamilton Fairgrounds. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. with the show at 7 p.m. Rain date is Sunday at 1:30 p.m. Advance tickets are $15 for adults and $9 for children 2-12 and can be purchased at Hamiltonšs IGA through Friday, June 17. At the gate tickets are $16 for adults and $12 for children. Stock trucks must preregister at Big Sky Toppers in Hamilton.

Valley Drug photo contest

Valley Drug is holding a photo contest with a winner chosen each month. Each month has a different theme. May's theme was Historic Stevensville and the winner was Lynn Baker with her photo of First Baptist Church. Kristina Wallace received an honorable mention. June's theme was Flowers and the winner was Grace Wilson with a photo of tulips. Steve Derocher and Gerri Baker received honorable mention.

July's theme is Patriotic. The photo contest is held the first Friday of every month, and the winner is chosen by a vote of the public. There is a list of themes for the coming year in the Photo Lab at Valley Drug. There are three categories: Youth (under 17) Adult Amateur, and Adult Professional. Enter 3-1/2" by 5" or 4" by 6" photos. Each person is allowed one entry per month. One $10 gift certificate is given each month to the winner in each category. Winning photos are displayed for the month.