Community briefs for July 17
Discussion
Louis L. Reed, national organizer of #cut50, will hold a town hall event discussing the need of those impacted by mass incarceration on Thursday, July 18 from 6:30-8 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 301 Central Ave, in Whitefish. #cut50 is a national initiative of the Dream Corps that works to reduce the prison population while making our communities safer. Reed will be joined by Executive Director of the Montana Innocence Project Frank Knaack, Executive Director of CASA for Kids Flathead County Jamie Campbell, and Cassie Monaco, Founder and President of A Day Closer to discuss the state of criminal justice reform in Montana. A screening of the CNN Original Series, The Redemption Project, will also be held during the event.
Book group
The Whitefish Community Library’s Book Group’s monthly meeting will be on Wednesday, July 31 at 6 p.m. in the community room. This month’s book is “House of Rain: Tracking a Vanished Civilization” by Craig Childs. This book is about “The greatest unsolved mystery” of the American Southwest is the fate of the Anasazi people. By the 13th century, they had vanished. The author explores why and does extensive research pertaining to that tribe. Newcomers are always welcome. For more information, call Whitefish Community Library at 862-9914.
Musical
Flathead Valley Community College’s Theatre program presents “Junie B. Jones - The Musical JR.” featuring a cast of local elementary and middle-school children. Performances are scheduled for July 18-20 and 25-27 at 7 p.m. in the campus theatre located in the Arts and Technology Building.
“Junie B. Jones – The Musical JR.” is an adaptation of four of Barbara Park’s best-selling books. The story follows Junie B. Jones as she enters first grade and the many changes in store for her and her friends. Featuring many lovable characters and fun-filled songs, “Junie B. Jones – The Musical JR.” will appeal to audience members of all ages.
Tickets are $5 for the general public and $3 for senior citizens and children age 12 and under. Tickets are available for purchase at the door.
Library presentation
Whitefish Community Library hosts Humanities Montana Speakers Bureau program “Kid Gloves and Brass Knuckles: The Life of Nancy Cooper Russell” featuring Mary Jane Bradbury on Thursday, July 18 at 10:30 a.m., at the Library. A creativity session follows the presentation. Bradbury brings Nancy to life to share the story of her chance meeting with the Montana cowboy artist who would become her husband. A self-taught business woman with the ability to take charge, Nancy helped Charles M. Russell become the highest paid living artist of his time.
This version of the program is geared to children up to 12. The program and the creativity session are free and open to the public. Partial funding for the Speakers Bureau program is provided by a legislative grant from Montana’s Cultural Trust and the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Mary Jane Bradbury is a scholar and actress with over 25 years experience who brings history to life for audiences of all ages in the Rocky Mountain region. She is a member of the Humanities Montana and Colorado Humanities Speakers Bureaus, and before moving to Montana, was an historic interpreter for the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. For more information, please call Whitefish Community Library at 862-9914
Musical Petting Zoo
North Valley Music School brings its “Petting Zoo” to the Whitefish Community Library, where kids of all ages get a chance to handle and play instruments: strings, brass, woodwind, and percussion. The Petting Zoo takes place on Thursday, July 25, at 10:30 a.m.
“This was a joyful event last year, and we are so happy to have the Music School be our guest for the Summer Reading Challenge again,” said Librarian Mary Drew Powers. “Deidre Corson (NVMS Director) provides an engaging and high-energy introduction, and then the kids take over. So much noise and so much fun!”
The North Valley Music School has been seeking to enrich the community through music education, appreciation, and performance since 1997. They are located in Whitefish at 432 Spokane Avenue.
Upcoming guests at the Summer Reading Challenge include Stumptown Art Studio and Alpine Theatre Project. The season ends with an Edible Book Contest. For more information about the Challenge and upcoming events, call the Library at 862-9914.
Raffle
Community Action Partnership of Northwest Montana is running its fourth annual summer raffle through Aug. 15. The drawing will be right after fair parade at noon at the CAPNM main office in downtown Kalispell. Tickets are $5 each, or five tickets for $20. Winners do not need to be present to win, and tickets can be purchased at the main office right up until the drawing. Raffle items this year: his/her bikes, patio set (table, chairs, fire pit), variety of indoor/outdoor games.
CAPNM exists to provide direct services, advocate to alleviate poverty, improve lives and strengthen our communities. CAPNM serves Lake, Lincoln, Flathead and Sanders counties through community services, education and training, fuel assistance, housing and weatherization programs.
For questions or to purchase, tickets contact Jackson at 758-5432.
Superhero Day
CASA for Kids is hosting its Superhero Fun Day on Sunday, July 28 at Flathead Lake Lodge from noon to 4 p.m. Free admission for all families. There will be food, music, face painting, bounce houses, a rock climbing wall, a dunk tank and much more. Come dressed as your favorite superhero, or invent a superhero. There will be a Superhero Costume Contest at 2 p.m., which will include great prizes for children and adults. Special guests include everyday heroes like fire fighters, police officers, hospital workers, nurses and more.
Every year, children in Flathead County experience abuse and neglect. CASA for Kids matches foster children with an advocate who will fight for and protect their right to be safe, to be treated with dignity and respect, and to learn and grow in the security of a loving family. All funds raised will go to CASA for Kids, benefiting abused and neglected children in Flathead County.
Call 755-7208 or email dverardo@flatheadcasa.org with questions.