Community Briefs

Annual Giving Tree Opportunity Available Nov. 23-Dec. 15

SEELEY LAKE - It’s time again for the annual “Giving Tree” sponsored by the Mountain Lakes Presbyterian Women. The tree will be set up in Cory’s Valley Market on Tuesday, Nov. 23 and will be available for those wishing to purchase gifts for children in the Seeley Lake community.

There are two cards for each child (one for clothing, one for a toy) listing age, gender and a gift to purchase. Parents or guardians have indicated clothing items and toys that are needed and/or wanted by the children.

To participate select a card and sign it out at the check stand. Then purchase the item indicated on the card and return the UNWRAPPED BOXED GIFT (together with the card) to Cory’s Valley Market no later than Tuesday, Dec. 15.

The gifts will be wrapped, labeled and given to the families a few days before Christmas.

Join Missoula Author at Open Book Club, Nov. 21

SEELEY LAKE - Missoula author Annick Smith will be reading from her memoir, “Crossing The Plains With Bruno,” Saturday, Nov. 21, 7 p.m. at the Grizzly Claw Trading Co. This is a part of Alpine Artisan’s Open Book Club. Refreshments will be provided.

An excerpt from Smith’s book: “What I love is to head down the road into new territory and discover whatever comes to me. It has been seventeen years since I’d driven the plains alone and I am antsy with anticipation. No matter how much I talk about wanting to stay put, don’t believe me. I am a nomad at heart. The road calls, but I want privacy, not loneliness, which is why Bruno will be my perfect traveling companion.

In the pages that follow, I have put together a mix of travel and relationships, western history and family history, human love and animal love that centers on the two weeks I took to visit my mother. It is a chain of linked meditations, often triggered by place, about how the past impinges on the present and how that present can exist seemingly sans past.”

Thomas McGuane wrote, “My interest in Annick Smith’s life was handsomely rewarded by this tender and perceptive book. A great woman, a great dog and a road trip in the American West. How can you miss?”

Kim Zupan, author of “XYZ” wrote, “Annick Smith writes with such deep intelligence, poetic sensibility and generosity of spirit that I was entranced by her journey through human connection, love of the land and, through it all, the companionship of the dogs who grace our lives.”

Parents Night Out and Christmas Party

SEELEY LAKE – Parents can take some time for themselves while Joyful Noise will have fun with the kids. Take a parents’ night out, Friday, Dec. 4 from 5 - 10:30 p.m. at Holy Cross Lutheran Church. Children ages 2-12 are welcome for a Christmas Party full of activities, games, dinner and a snack.

There is no cost to attend but space is limited. Reserve a spot by calling or texting Mary at 544-8551.

Sunset School Thanksgiving Chili Lunch

GREENOUGH - Join Sunset School students for a free Thanksgiving chili lunch on Nov. 23. Come anytime between 12 – 1 p.m. for a bowl of chili, warm corn bread and dessert.

FWP Proposing to Add Acreage to Nevada Lake Wildlife Management Area

HELMVILLE - Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) is proposing to add 760 acres to its Nevada Lake Wildlife Management Area (WMA), southeast of Helmville, in Powell County. 

The parcels to be acquired are currently owned by The Nature Conservancy (TNC), and were included in TNC’s acquisition of Plum Creek Real Estate Investment Trust lands as part of the Blackfoot Community Project several years ago.

The addition of the TNC parcels would double the size of the existing WMA and improve access to surrounding public lands, add more deer and elk wintering habitat and contribute to large-scale wildlife connectivity.

Funding for FWP’s proposed purchase of TNC lands would be provided by a grant from the U.S. Forest Service’s Forest Legacy Program which is matched by funds from FWP’s Habitat Montana Program and a donation of land value from TNC.

FWP has released a draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for public review and will host a public hearing at the Helmville Community Center on Thursday, Nov. 19 at 6:30 p.m. to answer questions and collect public comment. 

The EA is available online at fwp.mt.gov by following links under “Submit Public Comments” or can be directed to Sharon Rose Region 2 FWP, 3201 Spurgin Rd., Missoula 59804; phone 406-542-5540; email shrose@mt.gov by phoning FWP at 406-542-5500.  Comments must be received by FWP, by 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 11.