Volume XXI, Number 6

Wednesday, September 8, 2005

Lewis & Clark musical presentation

Stevensville Main Street Association will present "Lewis & Clark West for America," a musical anthology performed by David Walburn, Saturday September 24 at Chantilly Theatre, 319 Main Street in Stevensville. Doors will open at 7 p.m. with the concert at 7:30 p.m. Cost for adults is $20.00, students 12-18 are $10.00 and children 11 and under, $6.00. Refreshments will be served.

Reservations may be made by calling the Main Street office at 777-3773 by September 21.

The event is to celebrate Lewis & Clark's passing through the Stevensville area in September and to raise funds for the Main Street Association. The entertainment is sponsored by VDV Inc.

The Stevensville Main Street Association is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Its mission is to revitalize the Main Street business district, preserve Stevensville's historic nature, improve economic vitality and enhance and preserve the Main Street environment.

Genealogical Society Conference

"Out on a Limb," the 16th annual Montana State Genealogical Society Conference, will be held in Missoula Friday and Saturday, September 16-17. The conference will be at Ruby's Inn, 4825 N. Reserve St., with registration at 7:30 a.m.

Speakers are J. Mark Lowe, Robert Cummings, Richard H. Fretheim and Dr. Herbert M. Swick. Lowe is a full time professional genealogist, author and lecture specializing in regional federal records. He is vice president of the Federation of Genealogical Societies and the Association of Professional Genealogists.

Cummings is president of the Montana State Genealogy Society. A fourth-generation Montanan, he has worked for the Montana Department of Transportation for the last 21 years. He has been researching his family history since he was 18. He also is president of the Lewis and Clark Genealogical Society.

Swick is the executive director of the Institute of Medicine and Humanities at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula. He teaches at the Davidson Honors College at the University of Montana and holds clinical faculty appointment through the WWAMI program at the University of Washington. He has written more than 100 articles in professional journals.

In addition to classes, other events will include "Stories and Stones" during the Friday evening banquet and the Bookworm Frolic, a silent auction fundraiser. Bring annuals, city directories, histories, family histories, genealogy books, tapes or videos to be auctioned.

Registration can be made not only Friday morning, but also Thursday, Sept. 15, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Ruby's. The conference is $60 for MSGS members and $70 for non members. For more information and a copy of the conference bulletin, do a keyword search for Montana State Genealogical Society.

The event is hosted by the Western Montana Genealogical Society, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary.

Country music concerts begin

Down Right Country is back again, ready to start a new season, with a new format, and a new "slant" on old country music, and a new member of the group!

The "new" format is a once a month, foot stompin', sit-down-and-enjoy-the-music, fun evening, starting on Sunday, September 11, and after that, it will be on the first Sunday of each month. Shows start at 7 p.m. at the Hamilton Senior Center, 820 N. 4th. Admission is $4.00.

Down Right Country is a four-member group made up of Firp Redman on rhythm guitar and lead vocals, Mark Dickerson on banjo and guitar (and famous for his "Kountry Korn" jokes!), Char Steele on standup bass fiddle and lead and harmony vocals, and the "new guy" in the group, Del Olson, lead guitarist and vocals. The shows are patterned after one that Redman did in his home town in Herrick, Illinois, and after the Grand Ol' Opry style.

Del Olson is a well-known musician in the Bitterroot Valley, coming from a musical family with a rich heritage of music from the Victor area. Del's father, Henry Olson, and several of his brothers built the Pine Ridge Dance Hall, located three miles west of Victor, which operated for about 10 years in the mid-1930's and early Œ40's. Mostly family members made up the bands that played old time dance music, with banjo, fiddles, guitar, accordions and piano. Folks would come from the surrounding area, break for a lunch at midnight, dance until 2 a.m., and even later as the hat was passed for more funds to keep the musicians playing! The octagonal-shaped building still exists in the Gash Creek area, and has been used as a residence for many years. It was the residence that Del Olson grew up in, starting to do music at age six. His father wanted him to learn tenor banjo, but Del's secret dream was to learn to play the guitar so he could play rock and roll at school. So he would sneak his father's guitar out when Dad was gone, and he taught himself to play. Del's first public appearance was at an REA banquet, when he was 12, and his family played for the entertainment of the evening. (Dad played fiddle, Mom played Hawaiian guitar, brother Bob played accordian, and sister Lilly played the piano.)

Del Olson's first guitar was a Montgomery Ward model which he played for 30 years, until someone stole it when he was playing a dance at the Eagles Club. He has played in various dance bands around the Bitterroot Valley, including the "Ramblers", "Them Guys" at the Riverside,and The "Gateways Band", and is currently playing with Country Gold, for dances at the Eagles Club twice a month on Friday evenings. Olson plays many different styles of music, from oldies dance tunes, to rock and roll styles, a mix of old country with some newer tunes, and some just plain fun-type songs. He has his own unique style of playing rhythm and lead same time!

Olson will bring a lively new beat and sound to Down Right Country's concerts, so come on out and be ready for a fun evening of entertainment and good music.

Women Stepping Forward for Agriculture Symposium

If you are interested in increasing your awareness of current agricultural issues, USDA program benefits and having a little fun as well, plan to attend the fifth annual Women Stepping Forward for Agriculture Symposium October 11-12. Registration is drawing near for this year's symposium which will be held at the GranTree Inn in Bozeman. The cost to attend, which includes registration, meals and materials, is $35 prior to September 13 and $45 following September 13.

The Women Stepping Forward for Agriculture Symposium is a collaborative effort between USDA, the Montana Agri-Woman, Montana Farm Bureau Woman, Women Involved in Farm Economics (WIFE) and the Montana Cattlewoman to provide Montana's women agriculturalist information on current issues facing Montana agriculture and provide a mechanism for women involved in agriculture across the state to participate in a symposium designed to address their needs.

The first day of this year's event features current issues facing Montana agriculture, the keynote luncheon address by Nancy Peterson, Director of the Montana Department of Agriculture, an update on USDA program benefits and a panel discussion on the 2007 Farm Bill.

During the evening social, wine and cheese will be provided courtesy of WIFE and the 4-H poetry winners will be providing the eveningšs entertainment.

The second day will kick off with Pat Stackhouse and Martha Laumann, motivational speakers enlightening the participants with their wit and inspiration. Following that, the business session will feature presentations on current research at MSU, conservation easements, and a look at how meth labs are affecting Montana agriculture. During the working lunch, Renee Daniels-Mantel will be sharing her success story with the participants. The afternoon session will provide a presentation on health issues affecting rural Montanan's and a spa treatment offered by the Sage Spa.

Registration will begin at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, October 11 with opening comments beginning at 9 a.m. Adjournment of the symposium will be at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 12.

A block of rooms has been reserved at the GranTree Inn. When making room reservations refer to group number 803087. Reservations may be made by calling 1-800-624-5865 and must be made by September 10 to ensure the group rate.

Scholarships are available for those needing financial assistance to attend the symposium.

For further information, to obtain a registration form or scholarship application, contact Heidi Brewer, FSA Public Affairs Specialist/Outreach Coordinator at 406-587-6905, your local USDA Service Center or by logging on to the Montana FSA web site at www.fsa.usda.gov/mt.

American Legion District Meeting

John S. Angwin, Commander of American Legion Post 27 in Missoula, said about 100 Legionnaires and members of the Auxiliary are expected to attend the fall meeting of District No. 5 on Sunday, September 11.

Angwin said there are about 1,500 Legionnaires in District No. 5 with Posts located in Saint Regis, Missoula (3), Darby, Hamilton, Condon, Corvallis, Stevensville, Arlee, Frenchtown, Drummond, Alberton, Florence and Lolo.

Registration will begin at 9 a.m. at the American Legion Post 27 located at 825 Ronan. At 10 a.m. the Adjutants, Commanders, and Membership workshops will begin, all to run consecutively. At 11 a.m. the Veterans Benefits Workshop will begin.

A joint banquet will begin at 12 noon with Department Vice Commander Merv Gunderson of Belgrade as guest speaker.

The business meetings will begin at 1:30 p.m. with District Commander Elmer Palmer of Lolo conducting the Legion meeting. District President Deanna Smith of Frenchtown will conduct the Auxiliary meeting.

Al-Anon

Stevensville Al-Anon meets Thursdays from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at the North Valley Public Library meeting room (new location). All who have a problem dealing with someone else's drinking are welcome. For more information call 777-3755.

Cooking class

The University of Montana's College of Technology is offering a cooking class that is open to the public. "Fundamentals of Cooking - Tips from the Pros" will meet on Thursday evenings beginning September 15. Come and learn the essentials of cooking from a professional chef. This is the first of many culinary classes the College of Technology will be offering that will be open to the public or for college credit. For more information call 243-7812.

Writer's Group

A Writers' Group meets in the Community Room of the North Valley Public Library every two weeks on Thursday afternoon at 2 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 22. Anyone with an interest in writing and having their work listened to by other writers is welcome to attend. The group will reflect on what the writer is saying and respond. This is not a critique group but rather a safe place to get feedback. All genre of writing ­ fiction, non-fiction, poetry, drama ­ are encouraged. For further information call Dorothy at 777-3209 or Kim at 777-3115.

MSU Family Business Day

The Montana State University College of Business will host its 12th annual Family Business Day set on Friday, September 23 from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Gallatin Gateway Inn.

Rich Semenik, Dean of MSU's College of Business, will be the featured speaker at the event. Semenik is the founder and executive director of the MSU College of Business Center for Entrepreneurship for the New West. He is an expert in marketing strategy, advertising and branding and has delivered speeches and seminars on those topics across the U.S. and throughout Europe. Semenik has published more than 50 articles and 13 books on advertising and branding strategy. His most recent book, the fourth edition of "Advertising and Integrated Brand Promotion," is one of the leading texts in advertising courses in more than 500 colleges and universities in the U.S., Canada, Europe and Asia.

Semenik consults regularly with major corporations, advertising agencies and early-stage start-up companies. He also co-founded two companies and currently sits on the boards of several start-ups, including Scientific Materials, Inc., PrintingForLess.com, and InfoGears. Semenik will discuss branding strategies in family businesses, regardless of size. He will present several branding tools including the basics of brand development, usage of logos and slogans to support brands, skills to market businesses in an effective and productive manner, strategic methods and real-life applications.

The cost for the seminar and awards lunch is $25. For reservations or for more information, call (406) 994-6796 or e-mail familybusiness@montana.edu by Sept. 21.

Library used book sale

Attention all bibliophiles! The Friends of the Bitterroot Public Library Used Book Sale is coming soon in the downstairs meeting room of the library at 306 State St in Hamilton with new longer sale hours.

The sale will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 27-28 from 6 to 9 p.m., Thursday and Friday, Sept. 29-30 from 12 noon to 6 p.m., and Saturday, October 1 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. On Tuesday evening only there will be a $1 preview admission charge.

Volunteers are needed for the sale days as well as for setting up on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 24 and 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sign up to work at the library on the FOL bulletin board.

Donations of books and other materials can be brought to the Bitterroot Public Library during regular open hours. Please donšt put donations in the book return boxes.

For information contact FOBPL Chairperson Vivian Yang at 363-3198 or call the Bitterroot Public Library, 363-1670.

LWV meetings on planning

The League of Women Voters of Ravalli County will begin the League year with a series of meetings on the topics of planning and zoning.

On Thursday, September 15 at 1 p.m. in the community meeting room of the Bitterroot Public Library, John Horwich will speak on the state of planning (or lack thereof) in Ravalli County.

Horwich is a professor in the University of Montana School of Law where he teaches Environmental Law/Land use Planning Law and directs the Land Use Clinic at the School of Law. He is also the principal of Community Concepts, a consulting company assisting with land use planning.

The meeting is free and open to the public. A League business meeting will precede the speaker from 11:45 to 12:45. For information contact Vivian Yang, 363-3198, or Peggy Munoz, 363-2744.

Paratroopers meeting

The Montana All Airborne Chapter of the 82nd Airborne Division Association, Inc. will be meeting for a potluck weekend Sept. 17-18 at 4007 Stevi River Rd., Stevensville. Potluck lunch will be at noon and the business meeting will be at 2 p.m. on the 17th. Guest speaker will be Manny De Jesus, Executive Director from Fayetteville, NC. This is a non-profit organization, chartered by the U.S. Congress, whose membership presently consists of approximately 11,989 veteran troopers from virtually every Airborne/Ranger/Special Forces unit in the history of the Airborne in the United States, Canada, Egypt, Israel and Britain, as well as approximately 16,617 active-duty members of the All-American 82nd Airborne Division, at Fort Bragg, NC. This is a total of 28,606 members as of August 05. The first Charter was presented to a Chicago, IL Chapter in 1946. The Montana Chapter received its Charter at the 57th National Convention in Charleston, WV. This Chapter includes All Airborne - anyone that is jump qualified from service. If there are any questions contact Frank or Golda Hendzel, 777-3973, or Ray Grossman, 721-1796.

UM President's Lecture

The first installment of the 2005-06 President's Lecture Series at the University of Montana will feature a journalist, writer and historian who specializes in a range of security and international affairs issues.

Anatol Lieven is a senior research fellow on U.S. foreign policy at the New America Foundation in Washington, D.C. He will present "City on a Hill and Embattled Fortress: An Anatomy of American Nationalism" at 8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 12, in the University Theatre.

The event is free and open to the public. It's also UM's annual Ezio Cappadocia Memorial Lecture on Politics and History.

During his talk Lieven will examine the complex mixture that is American nationalism today, and how it led the United States into the Iraq War. He divides American nationalism into two main strands: a civic nationalist "thesis" based on the eternal values of America's democratic creed, but with a dangerous tendency toward messianism; and a chauvinist "antithesis" rooted in American and British traditions of racial and religious conflict.

Lieven joined the New America Foundation in July 2005. For five years before that, he was senior associate for foreign and security policy at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington, D.C.

During 1988-89, Lieven was a correspondent for The Times of London in Pakistan and Afghanistan, covering the Afghan War and the Soviet withdrawal. He has visited that region several times since Sept. 11, 2001. From 1990 to 1996 he was a correspondent for The Times in the former Soviet Union and Russia. During 1997-98 he was a correspondent for the Financial Times in Central Europe, and he remains a regular columnist for that paper.

His latest book, "America Right or Wrong: An Anatomy of American Nationalism," was published in October 2004. His 1993 book, "The Baltic Revolution: Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and the Path to Independence," won the George Orwell Prize for Political Writing and the Yale University Press Governors' Award. He also authored "Chechnya: Tombstone of Russian Power," which was based on his coverage of the Chechen War of 1994-96 as a correspondent.

Lieven holds a doctorate in political science from Jesus College Cambridge in Britain, and he also studied at Jawaharlal Nehru University in Delhi, India, and Troy State University in Alabama.

World Water Monitoring Day

Did you know that we have more information about the moon than about the condition and resources of many of Montana streams? Water quality monitoring is the tool that can help fill the gap in knowledge and empower citizens to learn and share more about their local waters.

To recognize the critical role that citizen volunteers play in protecting streams, rivers, lakes and wetlands, and to attract more volunteers, Montana organizations and agencies are working with America's Clean Water Foundation and the International Water Association to observe World Water Monitoring Day on October 18. World Water Monitoring Day was created to introduce people to the importance of water monitoring, connect them with efforts to protect and preserve their local watersheds, and expand the base of information available about the health of each watershed over time.

Although no statewide activity is planned, watershed groups and school systems around the state have plans to celebrate World Water Monitoring Day locally. Visit the Montana Water Quality Monitoring Work Group's web page at: http://water.montana.edu/watersheds to learn about activities near you. Water testing kits and additional information is available through the Water Quality Monitoring Day home page at: www.worldwatermonitoringday.org. Local groups can learn how to get customized training by visiting www.mtwatercourse.org or by calling (406) 994-6671.

While professional efforts are ongoing to research Montana's surface and ground waters, those efforts don't completely meet the need for information, nor do they get communities involved. Local watershed groups, school classrooms, private landowners, and individual concerned citizens have been helping to meet this need by doing volunteer water quality monitoring on their own streams, lakes and wetlands. In Montana, the Montana Watershed Coordination Council has catalogued more than 70 such efforts, involving hundreds of streams and lakes. The Council acts as a clearinghouse for training information, establishes data repositories for monitoring results and help local watershed initiatives and volunteer monitoring activities with other support activities. For more information on the Council, visit its website at http://water.montana.edu/watersheds/mwcc.

Gospel services

Gospel services are held every Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. in the meeting room of Montana Westgate Realty in Florence and Sundays at 7 p.m. in the Spirit of Peace Hall, 506 Toole Ave., Missoula. The services offer the teachings of Christ in simplicity and brevity, and are free and open to all. For more information, call 258-6548.

Breast cancer fashion show

Herberger's, with the help of the Community Medical Center Foundation, is hosting a Breast Cancer Awareness Fashion Show on Wednesday, September 28, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Clocktower Square in Southgate Mall. Show models are breast cancer survivors and their family members. Ticket holders for the fashion show will also enjoy hors d'oeuvres, beverages, a gift bag, a discount with purchase and door prizes. A public silent auction will be held from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. All proceeds from the event benefit the Breast Center at Community Medical Center. Tickets are now available at Herberger's and the Community Medical Center Foundation for $25.

Senior Center bingo

Come play bingo at the Hamilton Senior Center, 820 N. 4th St., on the first and third Mondays of the month at 7 p.m. Refreshments will be served and prizes awarded. For more information call Cathy at 363-5181 or 375-9276.

Brain injury conference

The Missoula Brain Injury Support Group will sponsor a Montana Brain Injury conference on September 16-17 at the Red Lion Colonial Inn, Helena. The topic is "New Frontiers in Treatment." All survivors and families can request information about the conference by calling Jim Mickelson at 728-9117. Scholarships are available.

Friends of the North Valley Public Library will be hosting the first annual "Art of the Book" art show and sale on September 16 and 17 in the library community room. Twenty local artists will be showing various styles of their work during the two-day event. A reception to meet the artists will be held on Friday from 5 to 7 p.m., followed by a quick-draw and auction. Refreshments will be served. A drawing for Monte Dolack's "Hush on the Land" will also take place. Wake-up coffee will be served on Saturday morning and the public is cordially invited to attend the art show and all events. Show hours are Friday, 12 noon to 8 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Stevi School Board

The regular meeting of the Stevensville Board of Trustees will be Tuesday, September 13 at 7 p.m. in the Stevensville High School Learning Center.