Community Briefs

CORRECTION

SEELEY LAKE - In the coverage of the Seeley Lake Fire Board in the March 29 issue, the Seeley Lake Rural Fire District received a $15,000 grant from the Montana Community Foundation, not the Missoula Community Foundation as stated.

Chamber of Commerce July 4th Poster Contest

SEELEY LAKE - Be a part of your community and contribute to the Seeley Lake Area Chamber of Commerce’s Fourth of July Parade and Firework Show!

“We want you and so does Uncle Sam, to join in the fun! We’re looking for a Proud American to represent our Great home, Seeley Lake,” wrote the Chamber in an email.

Rules for poster:

• Any age can enter. Please include name and contact information

• Size: 4 inches tall and 8 inches wide

• Must have a theme

• Wording must include: Seeley Lake 4th of July Celebration, 2018

• Deadline: May 4th

Drop off poster entrees at Citizens Alliance Bank. For more information or questions call 677-2880 and leave a message.

Winner will receive $25.00 and will be printed in the Pathfinder.

Temporary Closure on Cramer Creek Road #2964

Swan Valley – Cramer Creek Road, Forest Road #2964, located approximately three miles northwest of Lakeside on the Swan Lake Ranger District, will be closed to motorized public use at approximately mile marker three to mile marker six from 7 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday - Friday from April 2 - 13. This includes vehicle and snowmobile traffic.

 This road restriction is in place for public safety during skyline logging operations associated with the Louie Timber Sale. The skyline will be hanging over the Cramer Creek Road during operational hours and therefore travel underneath will be unsafe.

While recreating on the Flathead National Forest, users are advised to use caution on plowed roads and not to block gates on haul routes. Additionally, please report any road damage or road issues of concern to your local forest service office.

For updated information on temporary road restrictions, campgrounds and spring access on the Flathead National Forest, please contact the respective ranger district in your area: Hungry Horse/Glacier View, 406-387-3800; Tally Lake, 406-758-5204; Swan Lake, 406-837-7500 or Spotted Bear, 406-758-5376 or 406-387-3800.

Volunteer Openings for Northwest Montana Lakes Volunteer Monitoring Network

WHITEFISH - The Northwest Montana Lakes Volunteer Monitoring Network (NWMTLVMN) today announced it is seeking volunteer lake monitors. If you love being on the water, are a property, home or summer cabin owner or renter, a recreationist or are just interested in lakes or water quality and you have a boat (motorized or non-motorized), this is a great opportunity. There are currently 40 lakes in the program and many are in need of a volunteer. This includes Holland Lake in Missoula County, Jette Lake in Lake County and several others in Flathead and Lincoln Counties.

Volunteers will receive training and equipment to assist them in data collection. Training will be offered Saturday, May 5 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at City Beach in Whitefish. Monitoring will begin late spring/early summer. Volunteers must be able to monitor their lake(s) twice monthly, weather permitting, and may spend one day with program staff collecting water chemistry data.

To learn more, visit http://www.nwmtlvmn.org. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, or you know someone who is, contact the Whitefish Lake Institute at 406-862-4327 or send an email to cynthia@whitefishlake.org.

Spring Bear Wake-up Social in Condon, April 12

Swan Valley - Join Swan Valley Bear Resources for a “Spring Bear Wake-up Social” Thursday, April 12 from 6-9 p.m. at Swan Valley Community Hall, Highway 83, MM 42.5 in Condon.

This community event will help people learn about grizzly bear behavior, biology and conflict management. Tim Manley, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks grizzly bear management specialist, and Stacy Courville, Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes grizzly bear specialist, will be giving presentations about living in bear country. 

“We at Swan Valley Bear Resources are excited to host this year’s “Spring Bear Wake-up Social” for our neighbors,” said Luke Lamar, member of Swan Valley Bear Resources and Conservation Director at Swan Valley Connections. “This event has become a great tradition that provides both entertainment and education about living in bear country to communities throughout the Swan River watershed and serves as an annual reminder for residents to contain their attractants as bears emerge from hibernation.”

The Bear Wake-up Social is free and open to all. Complimentary snacks and beverages will be available until gone. Bear pepper-spray will also be available for purchase.

For more information visit SwanValleyConnections.org or contact info@svconnections.org or 754 3137. 

Swan Valley Bear Resources offers resources, experience and expertise to help prevent bear conflicts on private and public properties in the Swan Valley.

Advance Care Planning Workshop, April 16

MISSOULA - In recognition of National Healthcare Decisions Day Hospice & Palliative Care of Missoula presents a free advance care planning workshop April 16 from 1:30 – 4 p.m. at 1900 S. Reserve.

Attendees will have the opportunity to:

• Learn more about advance care planning from health professionals who can answer your questions.

• Complete an Advance Directive.

A Notary Public will be available. Space is limited, so please pre-register by calling 406-543-4408. Refreshments provided!

Caregiver Workshop: Understanding and Responding to Dementia-Related Behavior, April 23

MISSOULA – Join Missoula Aging Services and Lynn Mullowney Cabrera with the Montana Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association for a caregiver workshop April 23 from 6-7:30 p.m at the Missoula Senior Citizens Center, 705 South Higgins Avenue.

Individuals living with dementia often experience changes in behavior that can be confusing to friends and family. This hour and a half long workshop is for caregivers who wish to learn how to decode messages through attitude, tone of voice, facial expressions and body language.

Cabrera is the executive director of Alzheimer’s Association, Montana Chapter. Cabrera has worked with the Alzheimer’s Association since 2006. This national organization strives to increase Alzheimer’s awareness, provide services and resources for people affected by the disease and their families, elevate public policy, and advance dementia research.

To register for the free event visit alzheimersmas.eventbrite.com or call the MAS Resource Center 406-728-7682.