Community Briefs

Swan Valley AARP Meeting Oct. 3

SWAN VALLEY - The Swan Valley Chapter of AARP monthly meeting will be held at 12 p.m. at the Swan Valley Community Hall Monday, Oct. 3.

Potluck lunch will be at 12:30 p.m. The program will begin at 1:30 p.m., featuring Suzanne Rowlands, who will speak on the Palm Society.

Swan Valley Library News

SWAN VALLEY - Friday, Oct. 14 at 1 p.m. readers are meeting at the Swan Valley Library to discuss “Love Medicine” by Louise Erdich. There are a few free books left for those who would be interested in participating. Come to the Swan Valley Library to receive a free copy, read it and then come for the discussion.

“Love Medicine” was chosen as the 2016 Big Read by the National Endowment of the Arts (NEA). The Missoula Public Library and other libraries across the country received a grant to help revitalize the role of literature in the American culture through the NEA’S Big Read project. To learn more about The Big Read visit: missoulapubliclibrary.org and neabigread.org

Those who are interested in a monthly book club at the library, please sign up. Story Time for preschoolers will be held weekly starting Sept. 30 at 1 p.m.

The Swan Valley Library is open Mondays and Fridays from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Seeley Lake Library News

SEELEY LAKE - The Seeley Lake Library Book Club will be discussing Tim Winton’s “Cloudstreet” Thursday, Oct. 20 at 11 a.m.

Set in Perth, Australia, this story is about two unlikely rural families who live under the same roof and share their struggles and joys as they adjust to big city life post World War II.

“Cloudstreet” is considered one of the best epic works of Australian literature and has been described as nothing short of magnificent. All are welcome to join in the discussion. Books are available at the checkout desk. For more information call 677-8995.

The Seeley Lake Library is a branch of Missoula Public Library located at Seeley-Swan High School. The library is open to the public on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Story Time takes place on Wednesdays at 2 p.m. Children of all ages are welcome.

Montana State Parks Seeks State Snowmobile Advisory Committee Members

HELENA – Montana State Parks is seeking three new members for the State Snowmobile Advisory Committee. Applications will be accepted through Monday, Oct. 31at 5 p.m.

The Snowmobile Advisory Committee advises the agency on the expenditure of about $1 million of Montana Snowmobile Program funds, discusses trails and recommends solutions to snowmobiling issues. Committee members represent interests including: snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, off-highway vehicles and dog sledding.

“The individuals we seek will have broad recreational trails experience with a specific interest in snowmobiling and the status of snowmobiling in Montana,” said Seth McArthur, Snowmobile Program Manager.

The Governor’s Office, appoints the committee members who serve three-year terms and meet in-person for two days in June. Most of the other communication is by phone or email.

To apply, send a letter or email with the following information:

1. Your name, address, telephone number and email address if available.

2. A description of the trail activities you participate in and how often, keeping in mind that Montana State Parks is seeking individuals with a snowmobile recreational trail background.

3. Your involvement with trail projects and programs.

4. The names of trail organizations to which you belong.

5. Other talents and experience you would bring to the committee.

6. Your philosophy and perspectives regarding winter recreational trails use.

Applications may be sent by mail to: Montana State Parks, Attn: Seth McArthur, P.O. Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620-0701 or email smcarthur@mt.gov.

For more information, call McArthur at 406-444-7353.

Missoula County Landowner Weed Grant Applications Available

MISSOULA - The landowner grant program was developed for the purpose of assisting Missoula County landowners in their implementation of long-term integrated noxious weed management plans. This year Missoula County Weed District will be implementing a two-phase application process. Landowners will be asked to submit a pre-application and if approved will be asked to submit a plan of work and budget. Pre-applications will be accepted until Dec. 1.

Pre-applications must include pictures of the proposed treatment area that include the state/county listed noxious weeds to be treated.

The Missoula County Weed District Grant Committee will review pre-applications based on the established goals and objectives of the program. If the pre-application is approved, applicants will be invited to work with staff to develop a management plan and budget.

Grants are awarded on a competitive basis. A total of $20,000 will be awarded for 2017. This is a 50/50 cost share grant. Individual grants awards will not exceed $500. Group grant funding will vary by number of participants and cost of project.

For more information or questions please contact Lindsey at 406-258-4219 or lbona@missoulaeduplace.org.