Wednesday, January 17, 2007

Community Calendar

VFW meetings

VFW Post 1430 meets the first Monday of every month at 8 p.m. at the American Legion Hall in Hamilton the Woman's Auxiliary meets at 7 pm.

Healthy living workshops

Free workshops on healthy living are held every monday night at 6:15 p.m. at Active Care Family Chiropractic on Main Street in Stevensville. Are you looking for better health, increased vitality and energy, injury prevention, and longevity? Dr. Kimberly Maxwell may have the answers you've been looking for. Call for weekly topics and reservations, 777-1048.

Yoga in the Root

Yoga in the Root offers hatha yoga on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9 to 10:15 a.m. in Stevensville at Active Care Chiropractic at 504 W. Main St, and vigorous ashtanga yoga on Wednesday nights from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Hamilton Carriage House at 310 N. Fourth St. in the main floor conference room. For more information, call Jill at 370-9252 or e-mail yogaintheroot@gmail.com.

La Leche League

La Leche League is an international mother-to-mother network for moms who want to breastfeed their babies. Bitterroot LLL chapter meets in the North Valley Public Library community room the third Thursday of each month at 10:30 a.m. Mothers and children and pregnant women are welcome. Call 239-5039 for more information.

Great Freedom meetings

Great Freedom offers a free open meeting each Tuesday evening from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Hamilton Carriage House at 310 N. Fourth St. The meeting introduces a way of living as complete rest and ease in every moment. For more information, call Jill at 370-9252 or go to www.greatfreedom.org.

Toastmasters Club

Toastmasters Club #347 meets every Wednesday at 6 p.m. in the Duran Learning Center, St. Patrick Hospital, Missoula. Visitors and new members are welcome to attend this premier communication and leadership organization. For more information call Jim Mickelson, 728-9117.

5 Valley Arabian Horse Assn.

The 5 Valley Arabian Horse Association's monthly meeting is on the first Thursday of every month. The group meets at various locations in the Bitterroot. For more information call Shelagh at 273-4317. If you love Arabians, come join!

Life drawing sessions

Artists are invited to an open Life Drawing Session every Wednesday from 9:45 to 11:45 a.m. at Common Ground Center, 258 Roosevelt Lane, Hamilton. Fee is $9 per session or 3 sessions for $25. RSVP to Laura, 363-4198 or Toddy, 961-4959.

Adult Dancercize

Adult Dancercize with Elenita Brown is held on Mondays and Thursdays. Stretch, strengthen and express, using a variety of styles and music. For more information call 777-5956.

Bereavement Support Group

Marcus Daly Hospice is offering a Support Group for grieving family members and friends who have lost a loved one to any cause. The group meets every Tuesday, from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m. in the Hospice Center living room. The purpose of the support group is to share grieving experiences and to learn how to heal and grow from ongoing bereavement stages. You will receive printed information to review and keep for your ongoing use. For information and registration, contact Cathy Palmer, Marcus Daly Hospice Bereavement Coordinator, at 375-4752.

Hamilton Ski Bus

The Hamilton Lions Club sponsors a bus to Lost Trail Ski Resort and back every Saturday during the snow season. Cost is $5 per rider, or you may purchase a season ticket for $10 for under 13, $15 for 13-18 and $17 for over 18 (exact amounts required; no checks please). The bus loads at 8 a.m. from Westview Center and departs at 8:30 a.m. Return to bus at 3:30 p.m. and leave the mountain at 4 p.m. sharp and arrives at Westview by 5 p.m. Parents or guardians should be there to pick up their skiers. The bus will be running every Saturday through February 17. Sign up at your school so they may call in a count by Friday.

Those riding up on the bus must ride back on the bus, unless parents have provided written permission prior to leaving. All skis and boards must be in a bag and carried in escort pickup or under bus. Boots and lunch bags are carried on the bus. If rental is needed a signed rental slip must accompany the rider; sponsors cannot sign slips. Rental forms are available at the bus. Rental fees are paid at lodge when getting equipment.

Horse photos wanted

Stevensville and Hamilton Feed and Farm stores are giving special recognition to older horses and their caretakers. Bring in a photo of your senior horse (16 years or older) and receive a coupon for discounted feed. Your name will also be entered in a drawing for other gifts. The photos will be posted at the stores through January 31.

Stevi driver's ed course

Sign ups are now underway for the next Stevensville High School driver's education class. The class is open to any student who is at least 14-1/2 by February 20, 2007 or older from Stevensville High School or any home school in the valley. Cost is $250. The first informational meeting will be January 24 at 12:10 p.m. in high school room #3. Out-of-district and/or home school students may register by phone. Information will then be mailed as soon as possible. Call John Munk, 777-5539, to sign up.

Art display

Grace Wilson, a member of the Stevensville Art & Sculpture Society (SASS), is showing her work at Rocky Mountain Bank in Stevensville now through March. Wilson was born and raised in Minnesota, and has been a Stevensville resident since 1995. She is basically self-taught with some training at the Colorado Institute of Art and various art classes.

Wilson works in oil, pastel, watercolor, pencil, and pen and ink, painting a variety of subjects ranging from dramatic western landscapes to quiet intimate still lives. Mostly working realistically, she also enjoys painting with the palette knife resulting in a much looser style.

Grace and her husband, Don, have four sons, three living in the Bitterroot Valley, and all have artistic ability. Her other hobbies include photography, and enjoying the outdoors and the beauty of the Bitterroot Valley. She has also published a book of poetry and writings in 2002.

For additional information on Wilson¹s show, contact Tina Schwartzman. The Stevensville Art and Sculpture Society is a non-profit, contemporary art group in Stevensville, organized for the active promotion, display and production of public art.

Stevensville West Park District meeting

A meeting of the Stevensville West Park District will be held Tuesday, January 2 at 7 p.m. at the North Valley Church of Christ on Houk Way, Stevensville.

Young Audiences Dance Project

Young Audiences of Western Montana will premiere "A CoMotion in Motion," a new dance program created and choreographed by Karen Kaufmann, Associate Professor/Head of Dance Program at the University of Montana.

"A CoMotion in Motion," based on Newton's Laws of Motion, uses contemporary dance to introduce elementary physics concepts‹mass, momentum, friction, gravity and inertia. The piece features interactive dialogue with the audience, an original story and sound score, colorful Dr. Seuss-like costumes, and upbeat choreography. Following the premiere event, "A CoMotion in Motion" will tour as a Young Audiences program to area schools and in outreach communities.

Young Audiences is a non-profit arts education organization that tours performing-arts programs to Montana schools to give children an opportunity to discover the performing arts, to learn through the performing arts, and to develop aesthetic appreciation of the arts. The new CoMotion Dance Project continues the educational outreach of the former Mo-Trans Dance Co. Based in the Department of Drama/Dance at the University of Montana, the company performs dance to elementary-aged children and families and offers in-service workshops to classroom teachers.

A premiere performance, sponsored by the Wilma Theatre and Smurfitt-Stone Corporation, will be at the Wilma Theatre on January 17. The benefit performance begins at 7 p.m. and is preceded by a silent auction. Proceeds from this event will benefit The CoMotion Dance Project and Young Audiences of Western Montana. Tickets for the evening event (adults $5, children under 12 $3, families $15) are available at Rockin' Rudy's or by calling Young Audiences at 549-2984.

League of Women Voters

Clerk and Recorder Regina Wilson Plettenberg will be the featured speaker at the League of Women Voters of Ravalli County general meeting on January 18 at 12 noon at the Bitterroot Public Library in Hamilton. Plettenberg will speak about the recent November 2006 election process, touching on the functioning of the new vote counting machines, same day voter registration and provisional ballots. She will also review proposed legislation dealing with elections and voting rights. The meeting will be in the downstairs meeting room of the library and the public is welcome. For information contact Vivian Yang, 363-3198.

The Montana Cattlemen's Association (MCA) and R-CALF United Stockgrowers of America (R-CALF USA) will host a fundraiser at the Missoula Livestock Exchange on Thursday, January 18 at 1 p.m. Larry Anderson of Kila has provided a bull that will be bought and resold in a "roll-over" style auction.

"We are a group of ranchers working to improve the cattle industry in Montana. Our work is financed through dues paid by our members and the funds we receive at these auctions," noted MCA District 1 Director Leon Perrin. "There is so much going on in the cattle business right now; as a producer I am glad to know that MCA and R-CALF USA are working on my behalf."

Currently, there are several important issues that will influence the future of the cattle industry. The Montana Legislature will vote on several bills that will affect cattle producers on issues ranging from bio-fuels production to property and water rights in Montana. In Washington DC, Congress will reauthorize the Farm Bill, review trade issues, and work to implement COOL. The goal of R-CALF USA and MCA is to ensure that the interests of grassroots cattle producers are represented while these and other issues are being decided.

Anyone who bids $100 or more will receive a complimentary membership to both MCA and R-CALF USA. Donations to MCA and R-CALF USA are tax deductible as a business expense.

If you would like to place a bid or make a donation and cannot attend the sale, contact Jeremy Seidlitz at 406-259-5433 or e-mail js@montanacattlemen.org.

Stevi Organization Retreat

The Stevensville Main Street Association will host the annual Organization Retreat on Thursday, January 18, at 5:30 p.m. at the Main Street office. All Stevensville organizations are asked to attend and bring their 2007 calendar of events to add to the 2007 Community Calendar. The final product of this meeting provides a monthly listing of all events in the Stevensville area. The meeting also provides for the awareness of organizations, what they do and avenues of support for each other's activities to build on. Pizza and refreshments will be served. Call the Main Street office for details, 777-3773.

Lone Rock Community Trails Workshop

The Lone Rock Park District and Bitter Root Land Trust are hosting a community trails workshop for residents of the Lone Rock School District on Thursday, January 18 at 7:30 p.m. in the Lone Rock School lunch room. Ellie Currey, Trails Coordinator for the Bitter Root Land Trust, will briefly discuss current trail efforts throughout the valley, the resources available to the community as trail plans are developed, the economic and health benefits of trails, private landowner concerns, and the benefits of a community-wide trails system. A mapping workshop will follow with participants proposing potential routes and locations for trails on county and school district maps, and developing a local and county-wide strategy for moving forward with trail design. Community involvement is the key to a well planned trails system and public participation is encouraged. For more information contact Bitter Root Land Trust, 375-0956.

'Gypsy Jazz' performance at HPAC

The John Jorgenson Quintet, a high-powered gypsy swing ensemble, will perform in concert on the Hamilton Performing Arts Center stage on Thursday, the January 18 at 7:30 p.m.

Led by John Jorgenson - a six-year member of Elton John's band, founding member of the Hellecasters and The Desert Rose Band, and the recipient of numerous guitarist of the year awards - the quintet features John Jorgenson on guitar, clarinet and vocals, and his supporting band of stellar musicians on upright bass, violin, rhythm guitar and percussion.

Considered the pioneer of the new movement of gypsy jazz artists‹the genre created by Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli and the 1930's Hot Club of France, John Jorgenson is so highly regarded as a Django expert that he has been called upon twice to play the role of Django Reinhardt in film. Despite the association, however, John Jorgenson and his Quintet have taken the music to another level by performing Jorgenson originals inspired by the music of Reinhardt and Grappelli.

As a guitarist, John's skills have been lauded many times over; he was the recipient of ACM's Guitarist of the Year award three years running based on his work for a who's who list of country stars, but his performances and recording projects have also included stars as diverse as Sting and Pavarotti. And his immense talent transcends the guitar altogether when he picks up the clarinet and there, too, dazzles the audience.

Tickets for the performance ($20 for reserved seats, $15-$17.50 for general seating, and $10 for K-12 students) are on sale online at www.hamiltonPAC.org or by calling 375-6074. Learn more about John Jorgenson at his website, www.johnjorgenson.com.

New MAM exhibitions

The Missoula Art Museum (MAM) enters 2007 with five new, exciting and challenging contemporary art exhibitions in its renovated and expanded facility:

"Celebrating Explorers: Commemorating the Lewis and Clark Expedition's Bicentennial," January 5-31. This exhibition consists of works created by North Dakota contemporary artists in conjunction with the Lewis and Clark commemoration. Each work was created in response to a specific quote from the Lewis and Clark journals and the quotes are exhibited with the works.

"Contemporary Art 35: Full Circle," MAM's 35th Annual Art Auction Exhibition, January 18-February 15. This includes 80 works and culminates with two live gala auctions: the Artini Auction on Thursday, February 15 and the 35th Gala Art Auction on Saturday, February 17. The juried exhibition and benefit, Missoula's longest running, helps support MAM programming throughout the year.

"Stephanie Bacon: Language, Streams and Eddies," January 18-March 31. Idaho artist Stephanie Bacon has participated in over 40 exhibitions, curatorial and public art projects, presentations and articles, in connection with her innovative work in the arts and graphic design. Her artwork bridges the fields of graphics, typography and installation, creating large scale work that layers printed and painted text and images.

"Suzy Holt: Burnt Gulch Revelations," January 18-March 31. This series of photographs by Helena artist Suzy Holt was taken over the course of seasons since the Cave Gulch fire in 2000. An Artist-Forest-Community Residency Award in 2003 provided a National Forest cabin in the Big Belt Mountains for Holt to create this body of work. Holt's work represents more than the depiction of destruction and resurrection; it confirms the beauty in the whole of life's story.

"Native Identity in Flux: Reflections from the MAM Contemporary American Indian Art Collection," January 18-April 28. This is a selection of works from the MAM Collection which address issues of changing cultural identity of American Indians: how perseverance, adaptation and innovation emerge in the midst of Western cultural pressures and influences. The selection includes many works that have seldom been featured and many that have been recently gifted or acquired by MAM.

The Museum Art Museum is located at 335 North Pattee Street, Missoula; phone 728-0447.

MAM Artist Talk

The Missoula Art Museum (MAM) is hosting a series of artists' lectures, residencies and exhibitions, "New Space/New Visions." Six artists have been invited to MAM to plan and create installations which explore the possibilities of the new art environments offered by the renovated and expanded MAM facility. The series will accentuate the collaborative process of installation; initially artists will meet with MAM staff, local artists and community members to discuss their projects. The initial visits will begin January 2007 with artist Bently Spang and Brad Allen, followed in subsequent months by artist Katy Stone, Julia Becker, Marie Watt and Jim Hodges. All events are free and open to the public.

On Thursday, January 18, at 7 p.m., Bently Spang (Northern Cheyenne) of Billings will present a lecture and films of his performance work will be on view. Spang is one of the most versatile artists in the region. His fluency as a maker of objects, installations, and performances has been recognized by Creative Capital. Spang's work, which deals with issues surrounding his Northern Cheyenne identity, is included in MAM's Collection.

On Thursday January 25, at 7 p.m. Brad Allen, Assistant Professor of Sculpture at the University of Montana, will present a multi-media performance/lecture to introduce his artwork and ideas for his upcoming installation. Allen is part of a tight-knit international community of artists pushing the uses of cast iron. He complements his objects with found footage and multi media experiments.

MAM is located at 335 N. Pattee Street, Missoula; phone 728-0447.

Ravalli Democratic Mule Team

The Ravalli Democratic Mule team will meet on Friday, January 19, at the Banque/Exchange Club in Hamilton, following a buffet luncheon at 12 noon. Phil Taylor, Karen Hughes, and Ben Hillicoss will present a panel discussion regarding planning for county zoning. For reservations ($10 - buffet and club dues), call Bill Knox, 961-6945, or e-mail billknox4@rkymtn.net.

MNHC kids' activities

Free activities for kids are held every Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Montana Natural History Center. Children must be accompanied by an adult and be prepared to go outside in any weather. Programs run 60-90 minutes and are great for kids ages 5 and older (unless otherwise noted).

January 20 ­ Wintertime in the Wild: Under the Water. What happens in the river during the winter months? Learn about what goes on under the ice, and make river artwork.

January 27 ­ Let it Snow! How do snowflakes form? Are there different kinds of snow? Why is snow important for people and for animals? Hear snow stories and create snow artwork. To learn more about the Montana Natural History Center, call 327-0405 or visit www.MontanaNaturalist.org.

COT Orientation

The University of Montana College of Technology in Missoula will hold Orientation for new students admitted for spring semester on Thursday, January 18. Events will take place at the COT East Campus, located at 909 South Ave. W. Students taking the UM Writing Placement Assessment Exam should check in at 7 a.m. at the Administration Building. The exam begins promptly at 7:30 a.m. Students who already have taken the writing placement exam should check in at the Administration Building at 8:30 a.m. The Welcome Ceremony then begins at 9 a.m. in Health and Business Building Room 01. Students should call the COT Admissions Office at 243-7882 or e-mail COTAdmissions@UMontana.edu for more information and to RSVP for Orientation.

Democratic Women's Club

This month's meeting of the Ravalli County Democratic Women's Club will be Friday, January 19, at 1:30 p.m., at The Exchange above the Banque Club at 225 West Main, Hamilton. Topics for discussion include the current legislative session and the club's spring luncheon. Phone 363-5078 for more information.

Pancake breakfast

A pancake breakfast for the public will be held Saturday, January 20 from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Hamilton Senior Center, 820 N. 4th. The menu will be pancakes, French toast, scrambled eggs, bacon, juice, fruit and coffee.

Homeopathy class

"Introduction to Homeopathy for You and Your Family" will be presented Saturday, January 20 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the offices of Classical Homeopathic Counseling, 715 Main Street, Suite E in Stevensville.

Homeopathy provides the safest, most effective alternative to drugs and chemical treatments. Participants will learn first aid remedies, how to treat common illnesses, how to use homeopathic vaccines and the top 48 remedies from the family kit, and more. A useful notebook of information is included with the class.

The class will be taught by Ellen Fowler Bench, Homeopathic Practitioner since 1993. The cost is $50. For more information or to sign up for the class, call 777-5875.

Bowhunter Education Classes

Bowhunter education classes will begin earlier than usual this year in Missoula with the first class scheduled for January. Ten classes are planned for Missoula between January and May. The January and February class schedule includes four classes offered on Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Missoula Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) office, 3201 Spurgin Road. Students can elect to take a class Jan. 20, Feb. 3, Feb. 10 or Feb. 17. Students must also complete a half-day field course set for Saturday, March 3.

To register for a January or February class, students must stop by the Missoula FWP office during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., on or after January 8. Classes are limited to 35 students, and registration is open until the class fills. A parent or guardian must accompany students under 18 to register.

By state law, all first time bowhunters must pass the bowhunter education course in order to purchase a bow and arrow license. All bowhunters born after January 1, 1985 must also show proof of completing a hunter education program.

For more information or to request a copy of the schedule, contact the Missoula FWP office at 542-5500 or log onto the web site: fwp.mt.gov. and follow links to "Education" and then "Hunter Education."

Bowhunter education courses will be offered in many other west-central Montana communities beginning in March. These schedules and dates will be announced as soon as they are available.

Scandinavian Dinner

Faith Lutheran Church, 171 Lewis Lane in Hamilton, is hosting a Scandinavian Dinner on Saturday, January 20. Lutefisk, lefse, Swedish meatballs, salads and delicious Scandinavian desserts will be served from 3 to 8 p.m. Tickets may be purchased at the Paper Clip in Hamilton or by calling the church office at 363-2964. Adult tickets are $12 and children's tickets are $6. Under age six is free. Proceeds from the dinner go to the college scholarship fund.

Square dance club

Boots 'n Calico Square Dance Club will hold a beginners class on Saturday, January 20 at the Hamilton Senior Center, 820 N. 4th. The class will start at 6 p.m. and continue to 8 p.m. After the class a regular square dance will take place. The dance level will be mainstream with rounds intermixed up to 9:30 PM. Following this will be a plus session from 9:30 to 10 p.m. The caller will be Ray Dunbar. Club members will provide finger food for treats. For more information call Dee Terrill, 961-1728 or Sharleen Suella, 375-0844.

Museum Sunday Series

Blue Melon will warm up the New Year at the Ravalli County Museum¹s Sunday Series program on January 21.

Performers for this eclectic group of talented musicians are Nick Mariana, lead guitarist and vocals, joined by Doug Soehren on bass and vocals, Michael English on keyboard and flute, and J.T. Parker on cornet.

"They make the audience smile," says Helen Ann Bibler, director of the Museum. "They are skilled musicians, they play a great variety of music, and have a lot of fun. Anyone who wishes to get out of the winter chill, and who loves music, is encouraged to join in on the fun."

The Sunday Series is held at the Ravalli County Museum, S. 3rd and Bedford in Hamilton at 2:12 p.m. The Museum is open on Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. Admission is $3.00 for adults, $5.00 a couple, and $1.00 for students (6­18). Admission is free to members of the Museum's Historical Society. It's a great way give yourself delightful programs all year long, and to support your Museum.

Historical Society annual meeting

The annual meeting for the Bitter Root Valley Historical Society is Monday, January 22 at noon. Tamales will be served for lunch. Members of the society are encouraged to attend and vote for the Board of Directors. For more information, contact the Ravalli County Museum at 363-3338, or rcmuseum@cybernet1.com.

Chess Club

The North Valley Public Library Chess Club will hold its monthly play on Monday, January 22 at the North Valley Public Library community room on Main Street in Stevensville. All levels of play are welcome. For more information call Ian Root, 777-5587.

Homeopathy lecture

"Attention Deficit Disorders and Autism" is the subject of a free presentation which will take place on Tuesday January 23, at 7 p.m., at the offices of Classical Homeopathic Counseling, 715 Main Street, Suite E in Stevensville. Presenter Ellen Fowler Bench will discuss options for families, including alternatives to medication and how homeopathy can not only relieve, but eliminate symptoms. Homeopathy alternative health care provides the safest, most effective alternative to drugs and chemical treatments. Bench has been practicing Homeopathy since 1993. For more information, call 777-5875 or e-mail homeopathellen@aol.com.

Stevensville School Board

The Stevensville School Board of Trustees will hold a facilities work session on Tuesday, January 23 at 6 p.m. in the Stevensville High School learning center.

FWP seeks public comment on hunting seasons

Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) Region 2 will hold public meetings in Hamilton and Missoula to discuss hunting seasons for 2007 and beyond.

The FWP Commission will not consider changes to hunting season-types for 2007, due to its approval of a biennial season-setting process last February. The Commission will next consider changing hunting seasons in 2008.

However, Region 2 is soliciting public comment on permit and license quotas, which may be adjusted later this spring and summer in response to trends in big game populations and harvests. Region 2 also wants input from hunters that could influence its recommended changes for 2008.

The Region 2 meeting schedule is as follows:
Hamilton, January 23, 6-9 p.m. at Daly-Leach Memorial Chapel
Missoula, January 30, 6-9 p.m. at FWP Office

The meetings will be conducted in open house format. The public is invited to drop in at their convenience between 6 and 9 p.m. to talk informally with FWP personnel. For more information contact the FWP Missoula office at 542-5500.

'Becoming a Naturalist' class

The Montana Natural History Center is again offering the Becoming a Naturalist class at the University of Montana starting January 23. The class is now in its third year. This popular course, led by Paul Belanger, who is also Director of Education for Montana Audubon, will teach participants to become naturalists. The core skills of the craft include Ecological Literacy, Observation and Identification, Journaling, Sense of Place, and Mentoring. The class is open to the public and UM students alike.

Throughout the semester, local experts will join Belanger in teaching the skills of identification and field sketching, and students will develop their own naturalist toolboxes and natural history journals to use in the field and classroom.

If you are interested in knowing the natural landscape more intimately, or teaching others about it, this is a perfect introduction to a wide set of skills and knowledge. This course will run through the entire semester as it traces the progress of spring.

The class is offered through the Montana Natural History Center. The cost for the class is $295, including a non-refundable $50 deposit. Registration must be made through the Montana Natural History Center at 327-0405. University credit is available through the University of Montana¹s Department of Continuing Education for an additional fee. OPI credits are also available through the Montana Natural History Center.

The Becoming a Naturalist class starts on Tuesday, January 23 and runs through the Spring Semester from 5 to 7 p.m., with two Saturday field trips in April. For more information or to register for this class, contact the Montana Natural History Center at 327-0405 or learn more at www.MontanaNaturalist.org.

The Montana Natural History Center promotes and cultivates the appreciation, understanding and stewardship of nature through education. MNHC is a non-profit organization founded in 1991. In 2005, MNCH moved into its new home at 120 Hickory Street, at the edge of McCormick Park in the heart of Missoula.

Montana Rep Theatre production

The Montana Repertory Theatre, the professional touring company in residence at the University of Montana Department of Drama/Dance, will present Neil Simon's award-winning family comedy, "Lost in Yonkers," in the Montana Theatre in the Performing Arts and Radio/Television Center on campus January 23-27 at 7:30 p.m., and January 27 at 2 p.m.

Set above a candy store in New York, "Lost in Yonkers" is the story of two young brothers who come to live with their strict German grandmother during World War II. While awaiting the return of their father, the boys wrestle to contain their fiery wit as a host of eccentric relatives enter their lives. A mobster uncle, a childlike aunt, an overbearing grandmother‹the boys find themselves nose to nose with a family as sweet and brittle as the candy they peddle downstairs.

Neil Simon is arguably the world's most successful playwright. Through over 30 Broadway productions and translations of his works in dozens of languages, Simon has presented situations as compelling as they are hilarious and characters as human as they are heroic. "Lost in Yonkers" is Simon at his best, riding the line between comedy and drama. These opposing emotions become the center of a highly entertaining and moving evening of theatre and earned Simon the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1991.

Tickets are $15 general, $12 seniors (60+)/students (any school ID required), and $5 for children 12 & under. Call the Drama/Dance Box Office at 243-4581, M-F from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. to reserve your seats.

COT carpentry training

Two courses that introduce students to skills of the carpentry trade will be offered spring semester at the University of Montana College of Technology.

The lecture course meets from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Labs will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays. The courses run from January 23 to May 11 and must be taken together.

Students will learn to use various building materials and get hands-on training that includes use of hand and power tools. During the semester, the class will build a small building with a floor, walls, ceiling, roof, exterior door and windows. The courses also include information about career opportunities and requirements.

COT¹s carpentry program director and lead instructor is Donnie Laughlin. Laughlin has worked as a carpenter and builder for 35 years and has first-hand knowledge of many aspects of the carpentry trade and the construction business.

Those interested in taking the courses must apply to become a COT student and fill out an enrollment application. Financial aid may be available to qualified applicants. Further information about the courses and how to apply is online at http://www.cte.umt.edu or by calling COT at 243-7812 or Laughlin at 243-7692.

Selway-Bitterroot Foundation benefit

The Selway-Bitterroot Foundation is the featured non-profit at Kettlehouse Brewing Co. on Wednesday, January 24. Fifty cents of every pint sold between noon and 8 p.m. will be donated to the Selway-Bitterroot Foundation. A raffle will also be held to help support the Foundation. Enjoy great beer, win some prizes, and support wilderness stewardship. For more information call Beth at 777-1653.