This year, the Bitterroot Quilters Guild has selected Sharon McGrady Renfro to be the Featured Quilter at their biennial quilt show being held in Corvallis on June 23 and 24. With approximately 120 talented quilters in the guild, honoring only one is a monumental feat. Sharon has earned the respect of her peers through her dedication to self-education, expansion of her technique and quilting styles, and opening her heart not only to her friends but also the youth of the Bitterroot.

Instrumental in the organization of a local group called Quilts 4 Kids, Sharon and her mini-group, called "One Strip Short," devote many, many hours ensuring that children of the Bitterroot who "need a hug" through whatever circumstances are given a quilt -- just for them. This Quilts 4 Kids program has received her special, and continuing, support and attention for more than two years.

Like most little girls, Sharon was introduced to sewing by her grandmother. It wasn't that she wanted to sew, but really liked treadling on grandma's machine. On a recent winter afternoon, when the power went off, Sharon was undeterred from her desire to be creative as she now has a treadle machine of her own.

As a teenager, Sharon was an outdoors girl, using every angle to keep from learning any of the home arts. She didn't encounter many of them at the Syracuse New York College of Forestry either, so when she moved to Montana, learning to quilt and joining a women's group was not uppermost in her mind. Invitations to go away for a weekend retreat were politely refused for years. After finally conceding, Sharon discovered that quilters are an intelligent, creative, fun-loving, and supportive group, men and women alike, who have added a new dimension to the word "friend" for her. She says of her mini-group, "I can't imagine my life without them, as wonderful and whacky as they all are. We go through the best of times and the worst of times, but we get through them together."

Join the Bitterroot Quilters Guild in Corvallis at the High School gym on June 23 and 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. as they honor this wonderful quilter and person who has done so much in the valley to preserve and continue the art of quilting.

Land trusts to meet with Open Lands Board

The Ravalli County Open Lands Board will host a forum with five local land trusts at their monthly meeting on Thursday, June 21. The forum discussion with the land trusts will allow Open Lands Board members to learn more about the process of conserving working agricultural lands. Interested citizens are invited and encouraged to attend.

The land trusts attending the forum will be the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, based in Missoula; Five Valleys Land Trust, based in Missoula; Bitter Root Land Trust, based in Hamilton; Trust for Public Lands, based in Helena; and Montana Land Reliance, based in Helena.

"The success of Ravalli County's Open Lands Program will depend in part on good working relationships with area land trusts," said Dan Walker, Chair of the Ravalli County Open Lands Board. "Conservation easements are the primary tool the Open Lands Program will use to conserve working agriculture lands and open space. These easements will be organized and administered by local land trusts, which work closely with Ravalli County landowners. Developing relationships between all interested parties will be essential."

The Open Lands Board recognizes that education is a key component of its growth and maturation. The meeting with land trusts will help the board better understand the land trust's role in bringing conservation projects to the board.

Ravalli County voters passed the Open Lands bond in November 2006. The commissioners appointed a 13-person Open Lands Board early this year. During the last four months, the board has approved by-laws and project review criteria.

The Open Lands Board is an advisory board for the Ravalli County Board of County Commissioners. The Open Lands Board will review conservation projects requesting bond money from the county. It will pass on recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners, for its final decision.

The public is invited to attend the June 21, Open Lands Board meeting, which will be held at the commissioners meeting room at the Ravalli County administration building at 7 p.m. The first hour of the meeting will be dedicated to the land trusts and the remainder of the meeting will be official board business.

For more information contact the Ravalli County Planning Department at 375-6530.

Statewide FireSafe organization becomes reality

After several years of planning and coordination, efforts to establish FireSafe Montana, a state-wide organization with a mission of educating and spreading awareness about living in the wildland-urban interface, mitigating fuel hazards, and promoting firewise concepts, has become a reality. A signing ceremony on Friday, May 18 formalized the organization as representatives came together at a Keep Montana Green awards program and luncheon at Carroll College.

Montana joins a growing number of state firesafe councils around the western United States.

FireSafe Montana will provide the citizens of Montana with their first link for fire information and mitigation. The organization will function as a statewide information clearninghouse, advocate, and focal point for firewise activities in the state. Educational materials and technical information will be available on the web at www.FireSafeMontana.org. Outreach efforts will range from wildland fuel hazard reduction, firewise techniques and survivable space programs.

"With climate change and increasingly long fire seasons, it is important for a non-governmental entity like FireSafe Montana to exist," said FireSafe Montana president, Pat McKelvey. "One of our first goals will be to assist in the formation and development of local firesafe councils in every county around the state."

FireSafe Montana is recruiting a broad membership. "For this organization to be successful, we need to involve a variety of stakeholders and interested parties. We are inviting fire councils, neighborhood and homeownerís associations, local and volunteer fire departments, firefighting contractors, large forest property owners, real estate and insurance professionals, timber industry and forest consultants and any other individuals or organizations involved in or concerned about wildland fire suppression, mitigation and education," said McKelvey.

To become a non-voting member the cost is $15.00. For voting members the cost is $30.00 and to become a sponsoring member, the cost is $250.00.

Folks interested in learning more about this organization are encouraged to contact Pat McKelvey at (406) 447-8225 or Pat Cross at 542-4251.

Local student wins Toyota scholarship

Allison Mullin of Stevensville was one of 100 high school seniors nationwide rewarded by Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., (TMS) with college scholarships for their commitment to education and community service at a recent awards banquet.

The winners, who make up the 11th class of Toyota Community Scholars, were chosen from a pool of more than 8,000 students nationwide nominated by their schools. To be eligible, students must be proven leaders both in the classroom and in their communities.

Based on the countless service projects conducted by the 2007 class, it is clear these 100 students view community service not as an obligation, but a way of life. As one Scholar, Brian Fontenot of Baytown, Texas, put it: "I have found that the influence volunteering has had on me is not one big factor, but many small details merged together, shaping who I am, how much I understand about life and teaching me compassion toward others."

For the 2007 class, their dreams of making a difference became reality through programs ranging from raising $25,000 toward the fight against muscular dystrophy to the promotion of hydrogen fuel cells as an alternative to gas-fueled engines to combating hunger through the growing of over 111,000 pounds of fresh vegetables that were then donated to local food pantries.

"What these 100 high school seniors have accomplished in regard to community service and academics at such a young age is truly amazing," said Michael Rouse, TMS corporate manager of philanthropy and community affairs. "Their commitment to helping those in need is inspiring. The future holds no limits; we are convinced they will have a very positive impact on the world around them."

The scholarships are valued at $20,000 or $10,000 each, over four years, for study at a four-year college or university starting in the fall of 2007. Since the Toyota Community Scholars program began in 1997, TMS has awarded over $12 million in scholarships to 1,100 students across the U.S.

The Toyota Community Scholars program is administered by Educational Testing Services in Princeton, N.J. The 12 national winners ($20,000 each) and 88 regional winners ($10,000 each) were selected by a panel of college and university admissions officials from across the U.S.

The scholarship winners were guests of honor at an awards banquet in Louisville that was attended by education, community, business and government leaders. Rory Kennedy, an award winning documentary filmmaker, was the keynote speaker.

The two-and-a-half-day program included a tour of Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc., in Georgetown, which builds the Camry, Camry hybrid, Avalon and Solara vehicles. In addition, the Scholars cruised the Ohio River on the Belle of Louisville (a historic paddle wheeler), and participated in a "ride and drive" that put them behind the wheel of four Toyota vehicles: FJ Cruiser, Yaris, RAV4 and Camry.

DEQ offering water education mini-grants

The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is offering mini-grants for $1,500 to fund local education and outreach efforts that address either water quality or nonpoint source pollution issues.

The DEQ has approximately $10,000 of federal funds available for this round of grants. The grants provide a mechanism to increase awareness of pollution issues and to improve water quality through educational activities. Successful projects focus on an activity addressing water resource needs. Examples include workshops, conferences, equipment, leveraging funds, etc. Projects must address larger watershed efforts in the applicant's region.

Applicants may be local watershed groups, conservation districts, a county extension service, counties, schools, etc. but must have the ability to manage federal funding. Applicants must provide a minimum 40 percent local non-federal, in-kind or cash match. Each application will be reviewed and approved by a panel from the Montana Watershed Coordination Council's Education and Outreach subcommittee. Applications must be received by July 1, 2007.

For more information and application materials, contact: Andrew Jakes, Nonpoint Source Education and Outreach Coordinator, DEQ Watershed Protection Section, at (406) 444-7425 or by e-mail at ajakes@mt.gov or visit the DEQ Web site at www.deq.mt.gov.

DEQ's Water Education Mini-grants are offered during two rounds, with approximately $20,000 available annually. The first round began June 1, 2007. The second round begins Jan. 1, 2008, with applications due by Feb. 1, 2008.

Lost Horse Quarry proposed to operate

The Forest Service is considering a proposal from the Ravalli County Road and Bridge Department for the use of the Lost Horse Quarry on the Darby Ranger District for a period of 10 years. The area from which they wish to remove rock and excavate material is an existing quarry in the W1/2 Sec.18, T4N, R21W, approximately 4.5 miles up Lost Horse Road and 1000 ft. north on Forest Road #62969. Ravalli County will be using materials from the Lost Horse Quarry to maintain Road #429 as well as other county roads.

Written, facsimile, hand-delivered, oral, and electronic comments will be accepted until July 9, 2007. Written comments must be submitted to Chuck Oliver, District Ranger at Darby. For more information, contact Elizabeth Ballard at 777-7421.

USDA RBEG for Bitterroot Composite Lumber Company

The Ravalli County Economic Development Authority has received a grant for the Bitterroot Composite Lumber Co. (BCLC) from the USDA Rural Business Enterprise Grant program of $15,000 to help with legal and recruitment expenses. BCLC is using the funds in an extensive search for a highly qualified plant manager. BCLC plans to build a wood plastic composite lumber manufacturing facility in the Darby area. The factory will use fiber from slash piles and mill waste, and recycled plastic, to make outdoor decking. BCLC is presently selling stock in their start-up venture and are looking for qualified investors. Interested investors should contact Corrine Gantt at 544-8586.

Buck receives Cargill Scholarship

Cargill has awarded a $1,000 scholarship to Colleen Buck, a 2007 graduate of Stevensville High School/FFA Chapter in Stevensville. Buck plans to major in Agriculture at University of Wyoming next fall. The high school will also receive $200 from Cargill in Buck's honor to support the school's library.

Each year, the Cargill Community Scholarship Program awards $1000 scholarships to 350 students nationwide in communities where Cargill has a business presence. Students are selected based on academic achievement and leadership in extracurricular and civic activities. The National FFA Organization administers the program on behalf of Cargill.

"We are pleased to recognize Colleen with a Cargill Community Scholarship," said Mike Wilson, Territory Manager from Missoula. "Cargill has a long-standing commitment to education and our facility is proud to support the potential of young people in our community."

Nominations sought for Governor’s Award for Civic Engagement

The Governor’s Office of Community Service (OCS) is seeking nominations for the 2007 Governor’s Award for Civic Engagement. The award recognizes organizations and individuals of all ages and backgrounds who, through their dedication and commitment to community service and volunteerism, embody the true spirit of civic engagement in Montana.

The Montana Commission on Community Service established the Governor’s Award for Civic Engagement to honor organizations and individuals for their efforts to engage their communities and achieve results that influence the way of life at the state or local level.

“This is one of Montana’s premier awards,” said Governor Brian Schweitzer. “It represents the best in positive community change through service, volunteerism and community leadership.”

Individuals of all ages and backgrounds are eligible for nomination. Nominees must be residents of the State of Montana, may not be salaried for the services performed, and National Service Members must have served in Montana.

Award categories include:

Youth, age 24 and under,

Adult, age 25-59,

Senior, age 60 or over,

Organization or individuals acting collectively,

Service learning project and National Service members (AmeriCorps or *VISTA)

And new this year, the Lifetime Award.

Nominations must be submitted to the Governor’s Office of Community Service PO Box 20081, Helena MT 59620-0801 by Tuesday, July 31, 2007.

To obtain a nomination form go to http://www.mt.gov/mcsn/ or contact Sue Tinsley at 406-444-1391 or email stinsley@mt.gov.

Plum Creek awards scholarships to six Stevensville-area students

Plum Creek announced it has awarded scholarships to six local high school graduates. Plum Creek annually awards scholarships to exemplary high school seniors who plan to continue their education after high school graduation. Students are selected based on their academic achievements, participation in extracurricular activities and career goals.

Area scholarship recipients include:

Brandon Baney – Baney is a graduate of Stevensville High School in Stevensville. He plans to attend the University of Montana – Missoula in the fall to pursue a degree in broadcast journalism. While in high school, Baney participated in football, track and field, symphonic band, pep band and the Big Brothers Program. He was also a Boys’ State Delegate. He is the son of Duane and Karla Baney.

Andrea Olson – Olson is a graduate of Stevensville High School in Stevensville. She plans to continue her education at the University of Montana – Missoula where she will study math and science. Her interests include painting, pottery and outdoor activities. Olson was a member of the French Club, Key Club and the National Society of High School Scholars. She is the daughter of Tim and Lilli Olson.

Colleen Buck – Buck is a graduate of Stevensville High School in Stevensville. She plans to study agricultural business at the University of Wyoming in the fall. Buck was active in volleyball, basketball and track and field, and was involved in Future Farmers of America (FFA) and the National Honor Society. She is the daughter of Randy and Janice Buck.

Kelsey Pollman – Pollman is a graduate of Stevensville High School in Stevensville. In the fall, she plans to attend the University of Montana – Western where she was accepted into their natural horsemanship program. Active in FFA, Pollman was awarded several state FFA awards. She is the daughter of Brad and Nancy Pollman.

Allison Mullin – Mullin is a graduate of Stevensville High School in Stevensville. She plans to continue her education at Brigham Young University where she will pursue a degree in construction management. Mullin recently won two national awards, including the Prudential Spirit of the Community Award and the Toyota Scholar Award. She was also a member of her high school tennis team. She is the daughter of Don and Margaret (Peggy) Mullin.

Alyssa Sadowski – Sadowski is a graduate of Florence Carlton High School in Florence. She plans to attend Montana State University at Bozeman in the fall to pursue a degree in nursing. Sadowski was a member of the Key Club, National Honor Society, Student Council, and her high school softball team. She enjoys music, sports and the outdoors. She is the daughter of Mike and Fran Sadowski.

This year, Plum Creek has awarded 126 scholarships to high school graduates totaling $172,000.

Resource Advisory Committee looking for projects to fund

The Ravalli County Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) is looking for projects to fund this year.

Congress recently authorized funds under a one year extension of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000, which established Resource Advisory Committees. The Act directs that funds be spent on projects that maintain or remove roads and trails, improve soil and forest ecosystem health, restore watersheds, improve habitat for wildlife and fish, control weeds, and reestablish native animals and plants. Projects may be on private land, but must benefit federal land and meet federal environmental laws.

Projects for consideration must be submitted to the RAC by July 27, 2007. Applications are available online at www.fs.fed.us/r1/bitterroot/. Click on the Resource Advisory Committee link and navigate to the Ravalli County RAC at the bottom of the page. Project applications are also available at the Bitterroot Forest offices in Stevensville, Hamilton, Darby, Sula, and West Fork.

Over thirty projects have been funded since the Ravalli County RAC was established in 2001. These projects include Little Blue Joint Riparian Planting, Sediment Reduction in Rye Creek, Jerry Bergh Fishing Access Site, Little Sleeping Child Invasive Weed Management Project, and East Fork Guard Station Restoration.

For more information, contact Wayne Hedman, RAC chairperson, 363-1723; or Dan Ritter, Designated Federal Official and Stevensville District Ranger, 777-5461.

Obituaries

Elmer LeRoy Sargent
1929-2007

Elmer LeRoy Sargent, 78, passed away peacefully Friday, June 15 due to complications of Rheumatoid Arthritis. He was surrounded by his family and the caring, compassionate staff of Valley View Estates.

He was born June 30, 1929 to Elmer and Esther (Shockley) Sargent of Darby, both Bitterroot pioneer families. He was educated in Darby schools. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1949 and served until 1954 when he was honorably discharged.

On June 28, 1950 he married Delia Viola Howell in Darby. They remained in Darby where they raised their family. He worked in the timber industry until he was forced to retire due to his health.

In addition to his family he had a passion for prospecting. His entire life he held fast to his dream of "striking it big" in the mining industry. He loved the mountains of the Bitterroot and knew them well. He maintained many mining claims throughout the Bitterroot Valley as well as Idaho. He was well known for his vast knowledge of Bitterroot history and his stories of the past will be greatly missed.

He was a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, the Montana Mining Association, Masonic Ionic Lodge #38 A.F. & A.M. and the National Rifle Association.

He was preceded in death by his parents and great nephew Taff Spannuth.

He is survived by his wife "Dee" of the family home in Darby; four daughters: Kathryn King of Hamilton, Jody (Mike) Deveraux of Darby, Glenda (Mike) Byrne of Corvallis, Wanda (Kirk) Fandry of Clancy; a brother Francis Sargent of Darby; seven grandchildren: Christopher (Angie) Johnson of Moses Lake, WA, Rachel Deveraux of Seattle, WA, Sarah Deveraux of Missoula, Joseph and Melissa Byrne of Corvallis, Keith Fandry of Berrien Springs, MI, Benjamin Fandry of Clancy; great-grandson Conner Johnson and a much anticipated great granddaughter expected in August; niece, Janet (Gary) Spannuth of Lakeside and other extended family members.

Graveside services will be held on Friday June 22 at 2 p.m. at Lone Pine Cemetery in Darby with Elder Bill Kyle officiating. Military honors will be presented by the Hamilton American Legion and the Marine Corps League Bitterroot Detachment.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Bitterroot Humane Association at 262 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton MT. Arrangements are under the care of the Daly-Leach Chapel.

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