Everything that is going on in South central Montana. Coming up on April 9th is Chocolate fest, don't miss out! That's just one notable event more inside.

Sally Archer Benefit

There will be a benefit for Sally Archer of Belgrade, who has an auto-immune disease that has damaged her organs.  She is in need of organ transplants, and your help.  A benefit is planned for April 3 at the Korner Klub with live music by Kostas, drawings, and a silent auction.  An account has also been set up in her name at BIG SKY WESTERN BANK.

Montana Ballet

Montana Ballet is present a live performance with professional dance couple ‘White Tree Fine Art, finalist on CBS’s ‘Live To Dance’, along with Montana Ballet Company dancers, the Meritage String Quartet with Carrie Krause, the Jeni Fleming Combo and virtuoso pianist Stefan Stern.  We will present this GALA EVENING IN THE SPRING with excerpts from Sleeping Beauty and other fine works at the Emerson Center's Crawford Theater on Friday, April 8 at 7:00 pm. 

Chocolate Fest

Local Team Fox members are presenting the Second Annual Team Fox Chocolate Fest on April 9, 2011 to raise funds for The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research and Bozeman’s Parkinson’s Support Group as well as raising community awareness during Parkinson’s Awareness month. The Chocolate Fest will be at the Emerson Cultural Center, tickets are $50 per person and can be bought online at www.chocolatefest.eventbrite.com or at the Leaf and Bean downtown.

Giselle

Yellowstone Ballet Company presents the famous ballet classic Giselle With Guest Artists: Dmitri Trubchanov, Kirov Ballet, & principal with Colorado Ballet; and Kristi Capps, principal with Cincinnati Ballet!

When: Sunday, April 10th at 4pm

Where: Willson Auditorium 404 West Main Street, Bozeman

Tickets: $20 - $45

Reserved Seating.  Theater seating begins at 3:30pm.

Cash or Check only.  $2.00 more at the door.

Outlets: In Bozeman

Eckroth Music Company (next to Borders on 19th St)

In Livingston

Conley’s Books & Music, Etc

Information:  406-222-0430 or www.yellowstoneballet.org

Fundraiser For BBBS/Thrive

April 16th at Mixers
5th Annual
Beta Sigma Phi, Kappa Chapter

Poker
Texas Hold'em
amateur tournament

registration is at 2:00 game starts at 3:00
Over $2,500 in total in total cash payouts
$75 buy-in donation $50 rebuys
If people have questions or want to register before please call
It is tons of fun and a chance for people to win a lot of money!

call 581-7373 to register early

Bike Swap

Gallatin Valley Bicycle Club once again presents the annual Bike Swap on April 17th at the Gallatin Valley Fairgrounds.  If you would like to sell items, bring them to the Gallatin County Fairgrounds Friday, April 16th from 4-7pm.  Then on Saturday the 17th the Swap opens to the general public from 9-11:45 a.m.  A percentage of the sales support the Gallatin Valley Bike Club, a non-profit organization which provides recreational and competitive activities for area cyclists.  For more information go to the GVBC website at http://www.bozemanbiketalk.com/GVBC.

Speak Out With Art (end april 18)

To commemorate Month of the Military Child, Gallatin County 4-H and the Belgrade Community Library invite youth in grades 4-8 to participate in a Speak Out with Art workshop.  Dates are Mondays 3/28, 4/4, 4/11 and 4/18, with a public art show opening on May 2nd from 5 to 7.  the time is from 4:30 to 6:30 at the Belgrade Library.  To register, call 388-4346.

Preschool Rec Class (end april 27)

APRIL MORNING PRESCHOOL CLASSES

The Bozeman Recreation Department is offering a Blast Off! – Exploring Space preschool class o Monday & Wednesday, April 4 to 27 from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. for ages 3 to 5 and from 11:00 to 11:45 a.m. for ages 2 & 3.  We will talk about stars, make planet crafts, sing songs, pretend to be space ships and fly to different planets full of adventure.  On Friday, April 8 to 29 the Dora & Diego Explore the Seasons class will meet from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. for ages 3 to 5 and from 11:00 to 11:45 a.m. for ages 3 to 5.  Take a journey through the seasons with Dora & Diego.  Investigate the colorful changes of the seasons through a variety of games and crafts.  Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall; we will explore them all!  Fee for the Monday & Wednesday class is $30 City of Bozeman resident/$42 non-resident and fee for Friday class is $15 City of Bozeman residents/$21 non-resident.  Pre-registration is required at Beall Park Recreation Center, 415 N. Bozeman, or over the phone with a Visa/or Master Card by calling 582-2290.  Enrollment is limited, so sign up early.

YOUTH AFTER SCHOOL OPPORTUNITIES

The Bozeman Recreation Department has scheduled an after school Outdoor Adventure Skills class for ages 12 to 14 on Thursdays, April 7th to 28th from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Lindley Center.  This active class is a perfect way to get ready for spring and summer in Montana.  Youth will be introduced to outdoor skills such as fire and shelter building, knot tying, map reading and outdoor cooking skills.  A Fun on Bikes session for ages 6 to 8 is being offered on Tuesdays, April 5 to 26 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Beall Park Recreation Center.  Participants are asked to bring their bikes and helmets as we talk about bike safety, how to inspect and take care of their own bike (tire pressure, chain tightness and brakes).  The class will play games and even do some bike crafts.  Helmets are required for this class.  Fee for either class is $30 City of Bozeman resident/$42 non-resident.  Pre-registration is required at the Recreation Department, Beall Recreation Center, 415 N. Bozeman or by calling 582-2290 and paying with a Visa or Master Charge card.    Enrollment limited, so sign up early.

Alive at 26

This course addresses the number one cause of death for drivers ages 15 to 24—motor vehicle crashes—and has been adopted by many states and courts for graduated licensing and traffic violator programs. The third edition of Alive at 25 encourages young drivers to take responsibility for their driving behavior. A compelling new video challenges participants to imagine life without them.

Bozeman/Belgrade Course Offerings

April 26th

5 to 9 pm at Bozeman Fire Station 3

May 28th

9 to 1 pm at Bozeman Fire Station 3

June 18th

9 to 1 pm at Bozeman Fire Station 3

Livingston Course Offerings

April 16th

9 to 1 pm at Livingston Public Library

May 18th

5 to 9 pm at Livingston Public Library

This training is FREE and open to drivers 15 to 24 years of age. Participation in this

course may reduce insurance rates. Please contact your insurance agent for details.

Sign Up Today! Interested individuals may contact Stacy at 587-7786 or stacy@childcareconnections or Katie at 587-4525 or kbrooks@mt.gov

Facebook ~ Gallatin Valley Alive at 25

Open Burning

Open buring in the State of Montana begins March 1st.  Starting on the 1st residents of Gallatin County will be able to activate the required $15 Gallatin County Burn Permit to conduct burning.  Permits can be purchased online at http://burnpermits.mt.gov or in person at:

-Gallatin County Treasurer's Office, 311 West Main-Room 103 in Bozeman

-Bozeman Fire Station 1, 34 North Rouse in Bozeman

-Central Valley Fire District Station 1, 205 East Main in Belgrade

-Manhattan Fire Department, 222 Main in Manhattan

-Three Forks Public Library, 607 North Main in Three Forks

-Hebgen Basin Fire District Station 1, 400 Yellowstone in West Yellowstone

After permits are purchased, or renewed, the permit is good until November 30, 2011 when burn season closes.  These permits need to be activated each day a permit holder burns either online at http://burnpermits.mt.gov, or by automated telephone at 1-877-306-2876.

Gallatin County Solid Waste District:

The Gallatin Solid Waste Management District holds a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program on the second Saturday of each month from 9:00 a.m. to noon.  We accept hazardous chemicals from residents free of charge.  Hazardous wastes from businesses. Call:  582-2494 for more information.

•       The Gallatin Solid Waste Management District will be hosting an e-waste event on Earth Day, Friday, April 22nd, from 9 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds.  It is free for the general public.  The Logan Landfill accepts and recycles e-waste Monday through Saturday from 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. from the general public and commercial enterprises for a fee.

•       The Gallatin Solid Waste Management District maintains recycling sites throughout Gallatin County.  Please do not throw garbage, glass, or items not recycled.  It could jeopardize the program.  In order to reduce our carbon footprint, and help keep Gallatin County’s air clean, please turn off your engines before you unload.

Human Development Clinic

Have you been experiencing relationship problems, stress, loss, depression, anxiety, or do you have parenting concerns?  Are you seeking support as you deal with these and other stressors in your life? The Human Development Clinic offers low-cost confidential counseling for individuals, couples, and families.   For more information about affordable mental health counseling, call 994-4113.  That’s 994-4113.

Bridger Mountain Range Photo to benefit the Warming Center (tfn)

Mike Prester a local amateur photographer has offered the sale of his 5-inch x 71-inch panoramic photo of the Bridger from Flathead Pass to the “M” to benefit the Warming Center.  The beautiful photograph is available only at the HRDC and costs $45.  Photos are sold at the HRDC office, 32 South Tracy in Bozeman.  Call to confirm availability at 585-4877. Preseter wanted to get involved in helping make the Warming Center a reality and came to the HRDC with the idea.  The December 31st edition of the Bozeman Daily Chronicle featured Prester and his photo -  to date the photo sale has raised close to $1500 for the center.

Hopa Mountain

Hopa Mountain is a nonprofit organization that invests in rural and tribal citizen leaders, adults and youth, who are working to improve education, ecological health, and economic development (www.hopamountain.org).  On February 15, 2011 Hopa Mountain will be releasing our Together campaign, which seeks to raise awareness about the importance of early learning for children and their families.

Car Seat Check Up Events

Thursday of each Month

12:00-2:00

1/13, 2/10, 3/10, 4/14, 5/12, 6/09

4th Monday of each Month

4:00-6:00

1/24, 2/28, 3/28, 4/25, 5/23, 6/27

Where:  34 North Rouse

Bozeman Fire Station 1

By appointment only please:  www.gallatinsafekids@gmail.com

587-7786/582-2350/388-4480

Winter Farmer’s Market

The The 3rd Annual Bozeman Winter Farmers' Market season begins Saturday, October 9th in the Emerson Center ballroom. From 9 a.m. to noon, local farmers and producers will offer food and agricultural products two Saturdays per month from October to April.  The market is now gladly accepting credit, debit and SNAP cards!

The Eagles

For more than a century, the Fraternal Order of Eagles has had a major positive influence on our region, nation, world, and most importantly on our communities. The Eagles are hometown builders. We support our troops, police, firefighters, and others who protect and serve. To show our appreciation, we offer all Law Enforcement Officers, Firefighters, Correctional Officers, Emergency Medical Technicians, Military, and all Honorably Discharged Military one-year complimentary membership with the Eagles.  For more information contact the Bozeman Aerie at 587-9996.

Low cost Counseling

Have you been experiencing relationship problems, stress, loss, depression, anxiety, or do you have parenting concerns?  Are you seeking support as you deal with these and other stressors in your life? The Human Development Clinic offers low-cost confidential counseling for individuals, couples, and families.   For more information about affordable mental health counseling, call 994-4113.  That’s 994-4113.

Habitat 4 Humanity Restore

Due to the demands of our patrons, the HABITAT 4 HUMANITY RESTORE of Belgrade has increased it's hours and has expanded it's volunteer search. Call Mike or Lou at 388-2851 Thursdays/Fridays, 9:00-4:00,Saturdays 10:00-5:00 for our VOLUNTEER program information.

New Jobs Tax Breaks:

Workers and businesses are eager to learn more about two new tax benefits that are part of the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment (HIRE) act. These new tax breaks offer a much-needed boost to employers who may be thinking about adding positions to their payrolls-while also opening up more employment opportunities for workers.

The IRS is here to help. With a comprehensive Web site, knowledgeable staff and helpful customer service, businesses can turn to IRS.gov for the latest information on these new jobs tax breaks.

With this new legislation, employers may qualify for a special 6.2% payroll tax incentive to fill positions with people who have been unemployed or worked very little during the previous 60 days. If these new hires stay on the job for at least a year, employers can also claim a tax credit of up to $1,000 per worker.

The IRS has developed a 60-second PSA to help guide people through their questions about these new tax benefits. This PSA steers listeners to IRS.gov for the latest information on the HIRE act.

We hope you'll take a moment to review this PSA. Click here to preview and download the HIRE Act PSA. You can also download it on IRS.gov. We believe you'll find it to be a valuable resource for your listeners.

American Red Cross - Blood Drives (tfn)

The American Red Cross has a full slate of blood drives in the month of June. To find out more about giving the gift of life and when their next drive is call 587-2790 or visit their website at redcrossblood.org

.

Safe and Alive

Montana's biggest killer is motor vehicle crashes. Safe and Alive presents the facts about motor vehicle passenger safety to empower Montanans to make the right personal, parental, and policy choices that touch the lives of individuals and families every day. These facts are based on statistics and studies from the Montana Department of Transportation, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and other credible sources. To provide a better understanding of this topic, the Buckle Up/Safe Kids Coalition will be offering this free presentation to area businesses, agencies and community groups. For more information on how to host a Safe and Alive presentation, contact Stacy at Child Care Connections, 587-7786.

Mike Utley Foundations

Join the Mike Utley Foundation in the search for a cure for paralysis. Liz Ann Kudrna is a Paradise Valley local who was in a horrible accident last year that left her paralyzed. She is fundraising with the Thumbs-Up Bike Tour…Please help LizAnn by visiting lizannkudrna.com.

Alzheimer's Association

The Alzheimer's & Dementia Support Group meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the Month at 6:30pm at Parkhaven Assisted Living & Retirement Community. For more information please call Chris at 282-7488.

AFS High School Exchange

Each year AFS gives a number of special families a chance to host an AFS High School exchange student. Most people have no idea how much hosting a young person from another country can bring to their lives. You can find out! Call 1-800-AFS-INFO for more information! Teens, join the fight against meth this summer by entering the Montana Meth Project's "Paint the State" contest, for a chance to win up to sixty-five hundred dollars! ($6,500). Use Montana as your canvas to design, create and display your anti-meth message: paint a barn, grain silo, storefront window, or design any other work of public art. So, if you're 13 to 18, here's your chance to say "Not Even Once" to meth and earn money this summer. For more information about the "Paint the State" contest visit www.paintthestatemontana.org.

More From KISS FM