Volume XXI, Number 15

Wednesday, November 16, 2005

Missoula Art Museum (MAM) events

All events are free, open to the public and held at MAM's Temporary Contemporary, 111 N. Higgins, Missoula, unless noted. Contact MAM for more details and images, 728-0447, museum@missoulaartmuseum.org. To register for classes online go to www.missoulaartmuseum.org/registration.

Saturday, November 26, 12:30 p.m., Gallery Tour. All ages welcome. Free.

Wednesday, November 30, 7-9 p.m., Life Drawing class, ages 18+ welcome. Cost: $5/person.

Thursday, December 1, 5-7 p.m., MAM Member Night & Artist Talk. A special preview opening of Mahjong All Day Long for MAM members only. Artist Beth Lo will present a talk at 6:30. New members welcome to come and sign up!

Friday, December 2, 5-8 p.m., ARTWALK Reception & Book Signing (6:30-7:30 p.m.). The official opening celebration of Mahjong All Day Long, an exhibit of porcelain ceramic sculpture, vessels and illustrated plates by Beth Lo. The exhibit is inspired by the book "Mahjong All Day Long," written by Ginnie Lo, and illustrated by Beth Lo and her aunts, calligraphers Kiahsuang Shen Lo and Luo Hui Yan. Several family members will be available to sign books from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Mahjong games will be available for public play.

Saturday, December 3, 12:30 p.m., Gallery Tour, all ages welcome. Free.

NRCS TSP orientation meetings

In an effort to further develop the Technical Service Provider (TSP) program, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is hosting meetings across Montana to provide information about the program to current and potential TSPs.

"These meetings will provide valuable information to anyone interested in becoming a TSP," said Dave White, NRCS state conservationist. "The meetings will also be a forum for current TSPs to provide feedback on ways to improve the performance and effectiveness of the program in Montana."

Topics presented will include how to become a registered TSP, payment rates, accessing NRCS technical documents, NRCS conservation practices and deliverable requirements, and the payment process. The meetings have been scheduled at the following times and locations:

Monday, November 28, 1 p.m., USDA Service Center conference room, 3710 Fallon Street, Bozeman

Tuesday, November 29, 1 p.m., USDA Service Center conference room, 1629 Ave. D, Building A, Suite 4, Billings

Wednesday, November 30, 1 p.m., USDA-ARS Northern Plains Research Lab, conference room, 1500 N. Central Ave., Sidney

Wednesday, December 7, 1 p.m., Mountain West Bank Building, basement conference room, 12 3rd Street NW, Great Falls

Thursday, December 8, 1 p.m., USDA-NRCS offices, 3550 Mullan Road, Suite 106, Missoula.

"In the future, participation in an orientation forum will be a required element of the TSP certification process, so this is an opportunity for participants to fulfill that requirement," said White.

TSPs are conservation professionals from the private sector, non-profit organizations, and public agencies that can provide direct technical assistance on behalf of NRCS. Technical assistance includes conservation planning and design, layout, installation, and checkout of approved conservation practices. NRCS and conservation districts have traditionally provided these technical services, and will continue to do so. As authorized in the 2002 farm bill, USDA will now reimburse producers for technical assistance provided by certified TSPs.

For more information about the orientation meetings or the Technical Service Provider program, contact your local NRCS office. Information is also available on the web at http://www.mt.nrcs.usda.gov/ or on the Technical Service Provider Registry at http://techreg.usda.gov/.

The Stevensville Community Foundation announced that the 11th Annual Festival of Trees and Annual Dinner Gala, "Christmas in the Park," will be held on Friday and Saturday, December 2 and 3, at St. Mary's Family Center in Stevensville. On Friday, the Senior Social will begin at 1 p.m., followed by the Community Open House at 3 p.m. and will extend through the Family Night's events which are free and feature Santa's arrival at 7:30 p.m. so that children can visit with him and have their photos taken courtesy of Stevensville Feed & Farm in addition to refreshments and games. Chances may be purchased on a variety of wonderful raffle items. Barb Ross and Julie Mathison are again co-chairing this event.

Diners at Saturday's Gala will enter a park-like setting at 6 p.m. to enjoy a champagne and hors d'oeuvres reception while viewing almost 40 unique items featured in the silent auction. The Olde Coffee Mill and Riversong Guide & Gourmet are presenting one of their renowned buffets, featuring beef tenderloin and chicken florentine as well as a choice of desserts. Complementing the setting this year will be round tables for eight to ten diners, allowing for a more social atmosphere. Throughout the evening, Lori Conner and Joseph Armetta will present romantic jazz love songs of the '20s through '40s as well as Brazilian Bossa Nova from the '60s.

On-stage presentations will be made during dinner by the Stevensville High School Chrysolian Choir and the well-known cowboy poet, Gary Palmer.

Tickets remain at $75 per person and may be obtained by calling the Foundation at 777-5654. Complete tables may be reserved. This event is the principal fund-raiser for the Stevensville Community Foundation, which awards twice-yearly grants to organizations and projects which make Stevensville a better place to live. The Foundation will continue to support the design and future construction of the Stevensville Community Center, which is now a separate entity with its own board and organization.

Gem and bead show

The 2nd Annual Holiday Gem, Bead, and Jewelry Extravaganza will be held November 25-27 at Ruby's Inn on N. Reserve in Missoula. Admission is free donations of non-perishable food items that will be given to the Missoula Food Bank will be accepted.

UM drama production

The University of Montana Department of Drama/Dance is honored to celebrate the 101st anniversary of the tale of Captain Hook, the Darling children, the crocodile who swallowed a clock, and, of course, "the boy who wouldn't grow up," with the Royal Shakespeare Company's original adaptation of J.M. Barrie's beloved children's classic, "Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Would Not Grow Up," as the holiday selection of its 2005-2006 season. "Peter Pan" runs in the Montana Theatre of the Performing Arts and Radio/Television Center on campus November 25-26, 29-Dec. 3, 6-10 at 7:30 p.m., with matinee performances November 25, 26, and December 3 at 2 p.m.

Drawing from the original script and adapted for the stage by John Caird and Trevor Nunn, "Peter Pan" tells the tale of the Darling family, whose lives are changed forever with the arrival of Peter Pan. The Darling children ­ Wendy, John and Michael ­ travel to the Never Land, finding adventure, danger, and delight along the way, under the care of the everlasting boyhood of Peter.

Call the Drama/Dance Box Office at 243-4581 for ticket reservations and information.

SASS December Show

SASS (Stevensville Art and Sculpture Society) will hold its 2nd annual December art show at the Stevensville Hotel. "Show Your Finest" group art show will open on First Friday, December 2, and will be on display through the month of December. A First Friday reception and open house will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. at the hotel at 107 E. 3rd St. Along with the art show, this First Friday event will also include a silent auction of Christmas ornaments and birdhouses, an artists' reception and membership drive. Artwork by SASS members will also be featured on the walls of Food Fetish during December. For more information call Kiana Fecteau at 777-1160 or Robbie Springs at 777-3087.

UM Fall Dance Showcase

The UM Department of Drama Dance will present its annual Fall Dance Showcase November 15-19. Program I will Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Program II will be Wednesday and Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m. Both programs will be held in The Open Space, downstairs in the PAR/TV building on UM's campus. All tickets are $7.00. Call 243-4581 for more information.

The UM Department of Drama/Dance presents its annual production of the Fall Dance Showcase, November 15-19. The concert offers two separate programs that alternate performances each evening. All together, 14 original pieces will be performed, 13 student choreographers will be showcased, and more than 30 dancers will be featured.

This concert represents the latest work from students in the university's dance program and ranges in style from modern dance to ballet to jazz. The concert is entirely student-run, including lighting, stage management, costumes, sound design, choreography and performance. Highlights of this year's concert include:

- Original choreography by senior Brian Gerke, who spent last year training and dancing in modern dance at New York City's Hunter College. Gerke will be restaging a trio he created while on exchange in New York, titled "The Porcelain Funnel."
- An original solo choreographed and performed by senior Laura Davis. The powerful and emotional study explores the sensation of being bound, both in one's personal space and in the environment that surrounds us. Davis' solo is accompanied by music from Meredith Monk.
- Senior Laurel Wall-MacLane sets a large group piece in complete silence. MacLane's seven dancers use various forms of movements - from pedestrian, everyday actions to highly stylized dance vocabulary - in a piece titled "Surface."
- Kasi Grzebielski, another senior, brings ballet into the fold with a vibrant, bold, and celebratory piece of choreography. This classical ballet with contemporary flare is the only piece in the concert performed in pointe shoes.

Hospice Tree of Lights Ceremony

Let a light shine on the Marcus Daly Hospice Tree of Lights in remembrance of a friend or loved one. In addition to a light, you may purchase an ornament to be sent to you or your loved ones. You can also attend a special service on Thursday, December 15, at 7 p.m. in Conference Rooms B/C, Marcus Daly Hospital, to honor and remember loved ones. To assure your loved ones' names will be included in the service, submit their names by December 8. The Hospice Tree is illuminated during the Tree of Lights ceremony and will remain lit through January 1. Call Marcus Daly Hospice at 375-4707 for Tree of Light forms and for more information.

Rocky Mountain Ballet 'Christmas Spectacular'

One of Missoula's favorite holiday show returns to the Wilma Theater Thanksgiving weekend and tours to the Washoe Theater in Anaconda on December 3. This new edition of Rocky Mountain Ballet Theatre's "Christmas Spectacular" will include seasonal favorites and exciting new works including a premiere from New York choreographer Kathryn Posin, "Czerny Etudes" and the luscious "Der Rosenkavalier Waltz." Show times are Saturday, November 26 at 2 and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, November 27 at 2 p.m. The Anaconda performance is at 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 3. Kick off the holidays with RMBT's eye-high kickline of synchronized dancers which includes KECI news anchor Heidi Meili. The stage will abound with leggy reindeer, frosty tap dancers, and waltzing ballerinas. More holiday fare includes "White Christmas in Montana" and a medley of Frank Sinatra for "Manhattan in Missoula." The program promises to be pure joy for everyone as well as great family entertainment.

Tickets for the Wilma Theater's "Christmas Spectacular" in Missoula are $12 for children and seniors, $17 for adults and are available at RMBT School, 2704 Brooks, 549-5155, Rockin' Rudy's, and Wordens.

Rocky Mountain Ballet Theatre has dazzled audiences by blending artistry and accessibility into a uniquely entertaining dance experience. Rocky Mountain Ballet Theatre has toured nationally and internationally and has recently returned from Rome, Italy where the company studied and worked with the prestigious Balletto di Roma. Artistic Director Charlene Campbell returns to Italy after Christmas to teach and choreograph a piece at the Korper Choreographic in Naples, Italy featuring dancers from Barcelona. The piece will be performed January 1 for the American Ambassador to Italy.

Lilies of the Valley

A ladies' ensemble in the Bitterroot Valley, known as the "Lilies of the Valley," is looking for new members to join the organization. The group consists of ladies who enjoy getting together to sing every Thursday evening at 7 p.m. at the United Methodist American Baptist Federated Church in Hamilton at 211 N. Sixth Street.

Members come from all walks of life and are directed by Thelma Laws. The types of music enjoyed include patriotic, show tunes, old standards, Broadway, humorous, sacred, classics, western, etc. The group has entertained for many organizations in the valley.

For more information, call Lola at 363-4633 or Donna at 363-1742.

Bitter Root Valley Chorus

The Bitter Root Valley Chorus will present its 33rd annual Christmas concert to the public on December 10 at 7 p.m. and December 11 at 2 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center at Hamilton High School.

Peggy Leonardi is once again the director, and the accompanists are Jeanne Hargett Howe and Trice Callaghan-Stover. Showcased will be Vivaldi's "Gloria," selections from Handel's "Christmas Messiah," and other Christmas music. A special children's choir consisting of 15 auditioned students in grades four to six from four different grammar schools will also be participating.

There is no admission charge, but donations to help cover expenses are always gratefully accepted. For more information, call Laurie Burnham at 363-5675 or Trice Callaghan-Stover at 961-1798.

Main Street application workshop

Stevensville has been selected as one of three locations across Montana to host the State Main Street Program Application Workshop required for communities interested in becoming a pilot community in the Montana Main Street program. Montana Main Street is moving forward in the community selection process. A workshop will be held in Stevensville on Friday, December 16. Interested communities should send one or more representatives to this workshop. Workshops will cover the Main Street four-point approach, eligibility, what is expected of applicants and step-by-step explanation of the application. For additional information interested communities can contact Angela Wong, Montana Main Street Coordinator, 406-841-2756 or awong@mt.gov.

Stevi Christmas concert

Start your holiday on the right note! Rekindle the spirit of Christmas in your heart by attending "Christmas in Stevensville" presented by the 60-voice Stevensville Community Choir. The concert will be held Sunday, December 4 at 6 p.m. at Stevensville High School. Bring the whole family. Admission is free, donations are appreciated. Hot beverage service will benefit "Elevate Youth."

Library storytime

The "Fall Under the Spell" Storytime Series at the Bitterroot Public Library is held every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. in the downstairs west meeting room of the library in Hamilton. The storytimes are geared toward preschool ages and last 30-45 minutes. On Wednesday, November 23, Mo Sinnott and Kristen Weese will present "Sunny & Bright." For more information call the library at 363-1670.

Toy drive brunch

On Sunday, November 27, Cantina La Cocina in Victor will hold its annual Christmas Brunch. Everyone who brings a new, unwrapped Christmas toy ($5 minimum) will be treated to a free buffet brunch. All toys will be donated to the SAFE House in Hamilton. Brunch will be served from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Youth for Christ benefit auction

Campus Life Youth for Christ will host its 5th annual fundraising auction on Friday, December 9 at 7 p.m. at Montana Athletic Club, Blue Mountain Road, Missoula. Cost is $100 for two, which includes dinner, live music and entertainment, as well as a $100 auction credit. Come support Missoula area youth ministries. For reservations and information call 721-6533.

Donations sought for Kids' Christmas party

Light of the Valley Assembly of God will hold its first annual Community Kids Christmas Party on Saturday, December 17 from 12 to 4 p.m. During this event, kids and their families will be able to do three crafts, see puppet shows, hear stories, play several games and do a variety of activities. The families will be invited to watch a Christmas program called ³Christmas Starr.² At the party all the kids and their families will get a hot meal.

Light of the Valley is trying to reach out to families in need and is hoping to have at least 200 kids and their families participate in this free event.

Donations of food, clothing, wrapping paper, small gifts and toys, Christmas decorations, plywood and money are needed, as well as volunteer help. For more information call Laura at 777-4358 or Sandy at 777-5859.

US 93 South CAC meeting

The next Citizens Advisory Committee meeting will be held Tuesday, November 29 at 7 p.m. in the Victor High School, 425 4th Ave.

Share Tree gift wrapping

Gift wrapping for the Stevensville Christmas Share Tree program will be held Saturday, December 10 and Saturday, December 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Jesus Community Church, 318 College in Stevensville (activity center building in back). Volunteers are welcome. For more information contact Leah Duke, Acts of Kindness, 777-1135.

Grant-writing workshop

A comprehensive grant-writing training program, "Get that Grant: Grant Writing from Conception to Completion," will be held in Bozeman, Monday through Thursday, April 10-13, 2006, at the Holiday Inn.

The workshop is sponsored by the Women's Center at Montana State University and presented by Community Systems of Bozeman. Barbara Bader and Steven Carr conduct the sessions.

This workshop addresses all aspects of successful grant seeking including developing and assessing proposal ideas, generating support for grant applications, designing and writing a complete grant proposal, following up with funders and surviving the proposal-review process.

Special attention is devoted to writing the technical components of grant proposals such as the statement of need, goals and objectives, project methods, project evaluation, project timetable and proposal budget.

The workshop identifies sources of government, foundation, corporate and other grant support and assesses trends in the funding environment. The presenters show how to conduct a productive funding search using an extensive library of grant references provided at the workshop.

Each participant receives a detailed 300-page Community Systems training/resource manual that includes a proposal-writing guide and essential background resources for grant seekers. The workshop has been called a hard-working, hands-on, how-to-do-it workshop, and each participant develops a comprehensive grant proposal during the session. Participants receive extensive individual consultation during the workshop as well as follow-up critique of their grant proposals.

The workshop costs $700 per person. For more information on the program or to register, contact the MSU Women's Center at (406) 994-3836, 15 Hamilton Hall, Montana State University, Bozeman MT 59717. Space is limited, and the deadline for registration is March 10, 2006.