Annual Crittenton ‘Support Our Girls’ fundraiser is back
Florence Crittenton Family Services, a leading advocate in Helena for empowering young families, is hosting its “Support Our Girls” annual fundraiser from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. on August 15 at Kleffner Ranch, 305 State Highway 518, East Helena.
Tickets cost $80 per person and can be purchased at www.supportourgirls.com.
This year’s event will have an ’80s theme, offering entertainment, community support, and contributions to families in need.
Attendees can look forward to ’80s music and decor, a premium taco bar, and participate in a decorated bra auction.
Organizers stated, “This lively event fosters a sense of unity while raising crucial funds to enhance the lives of women and children in need.”
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All proceeds go directly towards supporting therapeutic services for women, children, and families enrolled in Florence Crittenton’s programs.
Key sponsors include Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana, Marks Lumber, and Edge Marketing & Design.
Community health plan presentation to be held
Lewis and Clark Public Health, along with the Healthy Together Steering Committee of Lewis and Clark County, invites the public to the 2024 Annual Presentation of the Community Health Improvement Plan from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on August 27 at St. Peter’s Health Education Center, 2475 Broadway St.
Established in October 2017, the Healthy Together Steering Committee is a collaborative effort among agencies in Lewis and Clark County dedicated to enhancing population health. Other participating agencies include PureView Health Center, St. Peter’s Health, United Way of the Lewis and Clark Area, and Rocky Mountain Development Council.
Every three years, the Healthy Together Steering Committee prepares the Lewis and Clark County Community Health Assessment report, aiding organizations, businesses, and local health systems in identifying health-related concerns impacting the community. The most recent report was published in 2021.
Attendance is highly encouraged.
For more details, contact Amber Johnson, LCPH Communications Specialist, at ajohnson@lccountymt.gov or at 406-558-9459.
Reeder’s Alley summer series in progress
The Reeder’s Alley Summer Series continues every Tuesday from 4 to 8 p.m. through September.
This community-friendly event features live music by local artists, food trucks, beverages, lawn games, living history demonstrations, and Pioneer Cabin and alley tours.
With its emphasis on interactive games, showcasing solo and duo musicians for engaging conversations, and a touch of theatrical flair, the event promotes community engagement and celebration.
Attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic blanket or lawn chair.
The series, organized by local nonprofit Merlin and sponsors, runs from 4 to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays until the end of September.
Visit reedersalleybuzz.com for more information.
Montana National Guard announces promotions
The Montana Army National Guard’s 208th Regional Training Institute, Officer Candidate School, celebrated the graduation and commissioning of five new Second Lieutenants from Class 67 on August 4, at the Fort Harrison RTI Plaza.
The Officer Candidate School offers additional educational and training opportunities for candidates to advance in rank and further their careers. The program consists of three phases and spans 18 months.
Brig. Gen. Renea Dorvall, commander of the Montana Army National Guard, stated, “Becoming an officer means we are entrusting you to lead our Soldiers and bring your best every day. Montana’s Soldiers deserve nothing but our best. Never underestimate the impact you will have on them.”
The graduates, former enlisted members of the Montana Army National Guard meeting all requirements, will serve in various capacities such as Joint Forces Headquarters, and Aviation, Combat Sustainment Support, and Combined Arms Battalions.
The newly commissioned officers are: R. Daniel Erekson, Liam James Hassett, David Kronner, Tanner O’Connell and Hunter Schmidt.
Family Promise hosts clothing exchange event
Family Promise of Greater Helena, a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting families experiencing homelessness, is organizing a Kids Clothing and Accessory Exchange from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on August 17 at First Christian Church, 311 Power St.
Participants are encouraged to bring gently used clothing items ranging from newborn to size 20, along with shoes, toys, highchairs, strollers, pack ‘n plays, etc. (except for car seats or cribs) for a free exchange.
This event not only encourages recycling and reducing waste but also builds a sense of community.
The public is welcome to participate. Donations will be accepted on August 14 and 15 at Family Promise/First Christian Church.
By bringing items for exchange, each participant will receive a ticket to swap on August 17.
For more information about the event or getting involved with Family Promise, visit www.familypromise.org or contact Madison at admin@familypromisehelena.org or call (406) 465-9467
Fundraiser to support Erin McGowan in her battle against cancer
A community festival and silent auction fundraiser will take place from 2 to 8 p.m. on August 17 at Reeder’s Alley to support Helena native Erin McGowan in her fight against cancer.
Local Helena businesses are sponsoring the event and providing silent auction items.
The festivities will include live music, raffles, food trucks, and family-friendly entertainment.
For more details on the fundraiser event, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/erin-mcgowens-marathon-to-beat-cancer.
Vacancies available on county boards
The Lewis and Clark County Commission is seeking interested citizens to serve on the following boards:
â– Airport Authority Board
â– Board of Adjustment
â– Consolidated City and County Planning Board
â– Forestvale Cemetery Board
â– Forestvale Historic Preservation Committee
â– Lewis and Clark County DUI Task Force
â– Lincoln Parks Board
â– Lincoln Solid Waste Board
■Noxious Weed Board – Augusta, Wolf Creek
â– Open Lands Citizens Advisory Committee
â– Scratchgravel Solid Waste District
Applications are available at http://www.lccountymt. gov/Government/Commission/Boards or by calling 406-447-8304 and can be submitted to the Commissioner’s Office, 316 N. Park Ave., Rm. 345, Helena, MT 59623. All positions are open until filled.
Garden Party at Original Governor’s Mansion
Enjoy refreshments, traditional lawn games, and timeless melodies at the annual Garden Party at the Original Governor’s Mansion in Helena from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.
Community members of all ages are invited to explore the historic house and grounds at their leisure.
Serving Montana’s First Families from 1913 to 1959, the house showcases impressive Queen Anne-style architecture with period furnishings and artifacts.
The Mansion features a picturesque lawn where attendees can enjoy refreshments, view the historic carriage house, and engage in activities like ring toss and lawn bowling. Local musicians, the Dearborn String Trio, will provide timeless music on the porch for a complete experience.
The Original Governor’s Mansion is located at 304 N. Ewing St. Please note that the mansion is not ADA compliant, with stairs to the front porch and two flights of stairs inside the house.
For more information, contact Laura Marsh at 406-444-4789 or laura.marsh@ mt.gov.
AARP Driver Safety Classes
AARP Driver Safety has scheduled single classes in August and September in Helena.
Participants receive updates on the rules of the road and learn driving strategies to adapt to the effects of aging and reduce the chances of crashes. The 4.5-hour course was developed for participants aged 50 and above but is open to all ages.
The course fee is $25 ($20 with AARP Membership Card). Auto Insurance Companies in Montana offer a multi-year discount to participants aged 55 and older.
Aug. 13 (Tuesday) at First Interstate Bank; 2728 Colonial Drive; 11 a.m. to about 3:30 p.m.
Sep 30 (Monday) at First Interstate Bank; 2728 Colonial Drive; 11 a.m. to about 3:30 p.m.
To register for a class, call: (406) 457-4712. Find additional classes at aarp.org/ driversafety
Community Briefs submissions should be emailed to editor@helenair.com. Please write “Community Briefs” in the subject line. Briefs should be 200 words or less. Submissions should be written in story form; no flyers, please. Photos are always appreciated. Call Phil Drake at 406-447-4086 if you have questions.