Upcoming events planned at ImagineIF libraries
ImagineIF libraries have a slate of special activities planned in the next two weeks:
Illuminate — Light up the library with your creativity as well as explore light and shadows and investigate the magic of color. For kids going into first to fifth grade.
Kalispell: June 19 and 20, 3 to 4 p.m.
Woodland Wonder — Take inspiration from nature. Create a work of art using unique tools. For kids going into first to fifth grade.
Bigfork: June 20, 1 to 2 p.m.
Flyaway — Let your ideas take flight and watch things swoop and soar with these fun flying experiments. For kids going into first to fifth grade.
Columbia Falls: June 20, 3 to 4 p.m.
ImagineIT — Use cardboard, pool noodles, straws and all sorts of everyday stuff to design something fantastic. For kids going into first to fifth grade.
Kalispell: June 26 and 27, 3 to 4 p.m.
Water Works — Explore the science of water in some unusual ways. For kids going into first to fifth grade
Bigfork: June 27, 1 to 2 p.m.
Kaboom —Make a mess and celebrate the fun of destruction. For kids going into first to fifth grade
Columbia Falls: June 27, 3 to 4 p.m.
Roundup for Safety grants awarded
A $1,875 grant from Roundup for Safety has been awarded to Northwest Montana Back Country Horseman, who work with various agencies clearing trails, providing pack support and other general maintenance in the National Forests and surrounding areas.
Group president Rick Mathies says the grant will be used to purchase radios for wilderness volunteers.
“The nature of the work we do is dangerous, operating chain saws and crosscut saws, and packing in supplies for a work crew, which is all done with stock,” Mathies said. “We need to be able to communicate with the various agencies and first responders in case of an emergency, so these radios will be a welcome safety net for our volunteers.”
The group completed 27 trail clearing projects and 19 packing support projects last year. In addition to the funds awarded to Northwest Montana Back Country Horseman, Flathead Electric Cooperative’s Roundup for Safety board awarded grants for the following safety related community projects, bringing the total awarded at the May 11 meeting to $18,008:
Glacier Babe Ruth Baseball — $3,700 for a power pole and installation
Whitefish Library Association — $1,033 for a handrail
Project Whitefish Kids — $5,400 for playground equipment
The Abbie Shelter — $6,000 for security equipment
Roundup for Safety is a voluntary program for Flathead Electric Cooperative members who allow their electric bills to be rounded up to the next dollar, with the extra money going into a fund for community nonprofit safety projects. For additional information about the program, call Mike Radel at 751-4429 or visit www.flatheadelectric.com/roundup.
Roundtable to discuss affordable housing options
Flathead County has the third highest percentage of homeless populations in the state of Montana.
In response, the Community Action Partnership of Northwest Montana has been awarded two national grants to research practical and affordable rental housing options.
Rural LISC and the Wells Fargo Housing Foundation have each invested in Community Action Partership, exploring the feasibility of creating one or more tiny home “villages” across Northwest Montana. One of the project’s outcomes is to engage local, elected and appointed officials, bankers, tiny-home owners/builders and design/development professionals in a series of roundtable discussions to identify all potential obstacles and possible solutions to developing tiny home villages.
Between the months of July and September Community Action Partnership staff will organize these four half-day roundtables.
Each roundtable will explore critical local planning and development questions or issues.
“This mix of professionals in a confidential setting is designed to promote meaningful dialogue and creative solutions” project manager Patrick Malone said.
Results will be available to the public in October.
For further information about this project. contact Malone at pmalone@capnwmt.org or call 752-6565.
Habitat for Humanity taking applications
Habitat for Humanity of Flathead Valley is taking applications for potential new homeowners beginning June 25.
Qualified homebuyers help build their houses by putting in 500 hours of sweat equity. They then purchase their houses with an affordable mortgage that provided by Habitat. Homebuyers qualify by demonstrating their need for a habitat house, their ability to pay for it, and their willingness to accomplish their sweat-equity hours and other requirements, like completing a financial education class and a new homeowners program.
The following requirements must be met:
- Cannot currently own your own home
- Must currently reside in the Flathead Valley
- Must be willing to put in 500 hours of sweat equity
- Must be willing to take a First Time Homebuyer and Financial Course
- No outstanding judgments or bankruptcy claims
- Willing to save approximately $2,000 for closing costs
- Home will need to be owner occupied; cannot be rented or sublet
For further information or to apply, contact Bob Helder, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Flathead Valley at 257-8800 ext. 2 or email director@habitatflathead.org
Habitat’s office is located at 275 Corporate Dr, Suite 550, Kalispell.
Habit for Humanity of Flathead Valley is also always looking for individuals and groups of volunteers at its build sites, ReStore, and to provide lunches. Call to sign-up. No experience is necessary.