May Events & Beyond
****** The VSN Events CMTE will NOT make a decision on whether or not to cancel the Heroes at Home BBQ & VSAP until mid-April ******
NOW until 5/22 ~ Accepting donations for Care Package Drive, Missoula Aging Services, 337 Stephens Ave., Missoula
MAY is Military Appreciation Month. To show our appreciation, Senior Corps RSVP and Montana Supporting Military are partnering to send care packages to our troops and we need your help! Support our soldiers by donating the listed items on or before May 22, 2020. All items must have an expiration date no earlier than October 1, 2020.
Summer Care Package List (Items must withstand 120 degrees – NO CHOCOLATE): Cards / Letters of Support; Good quality coffee; Powdered, single serve drinks; Black or white boot crew socks; Men’s boxer briefs (M & LG); Tan t-shirts (M & LG); Flip flops (Men and women sizes); Solid Chapstick; Travel size lotion and shampoo; Sun screen; Liquid soap; Loofas (good for sand removal); Non-aerosol stick deodorant; Squirt guns; Water balloons; Nasal spray; Eye drops; Small fans; Stationery, envelopes, and pens; Hard candy (individually wrapped); Sunflower seeds; Mixed nuts; Dried fruit; Granola and protein bars; Beef jerky; Tuna in pouch; Peanut butter (plastic jar); iTunes gift cards; AA and AAA batteries.
Items may be dropped off at Missoula Aging Services, 337 Stephens Ave., Missoula
List of items also available online (deadline May 25th): https://www.missoulaagingservices.org/news-events/the-news/rsvp-collecting-items-for-military-care-packages2019
Questions: Missoula Aging Services, (406) 728-7682
Or Judy, jdouglas@missoulaagingservices.org
5/2 SAVE the DATE (The VSN Events CMTE will NOT make a decision on whether or not to cancel the Heroes at Home BBQ & VSAP until mid-April):
The VSN's 7th Annual Heroes at Home BBQ & Music Festival in partnership w/the 5th Annual Veteran Suicide Awareness & Prevention (VSAP) RUCK / RUN / WALK, Fort Missoula Regional Park
****** Click on "More" at the top of the page and go to the "HEROES BBQ & VSAP" page ******
VSN Leadership:
*** BBQ / H@H Event Logistics - contact Anton, Missoula Vet Center, Xsports4Vets & VFW Commander, (406) 721-4918 or (406) 396-8390, Anton.Johnson@va.gov
*** VSAP Coordinator - contact Erick, Missoula Vet Center & American Legion Post 27, (406) 721-4918 or (406) 224-3334, Erick.Kahila@va.gov
*** Veteran Service Providers - RSVP to Shannon, Job Service DVOP snoble@mt.gov
*** Media & Silent Auction Donors - contact Rebecca, VSN Spokesperson, Missoula Housing Authority, (406) 549-4113, ext. 106, rstancil@missoulahousing.org
5/5 FREE Workshop Series, "Opening Doors to Your Success," Job Service, 539 S. 3rd St. W., Missoula, 10am
Veterans receive Priority of Service for all DLI employment & training opportunities!
5/5 (1st Tuesday of Every Month): Effective Resumes & Cover Letters "How to get noticed" ~ Tips on how to make your resume & cover letter relevant to the job you want. Learn how a computer might score your application (ATS), how to use keywords in application materials to get the maximum points (1.5 hours).
5/7 (1st Thursday of Every Month): Smarter Goals, “Planning for Your Future” ~ Tips on creating a vision, setting daily & weekly action plans, and building a mindset (1.5 hours).
5/12 (2nd Tuesday of Every Month): Interviewing Basics, "Putting your best foot forward" ~ Tips on how to prepare for an interview, dressing and acting the part, and interview do's and don’ts.
5/14 (AND 6/11): Job Search for Mature Workers, "Making wisdom & experience count" ~ Tips to combat misperceptions, keep life skills current, and resume / interview suggestions.
5/26 (4th Tuesday of Every Month): Employability Skills for Job Seekers, “Perfect Your Persona” ~ Learn the 10 essential soft skills every employer needs + keep that job you get.
You must be registered w/the Job Service to attend the workshops. It’s quick and easy - Go to montanaworks.gov
RESERVE YOUR SEAT / Questions: (406) 728-7060
5/6 HAMILTON (1st Wednesday of Every Month): Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) Bitterroot Chapter 938 Meeting, Eagles Lodge, 125 N. 2nd St., Hamilton, 7pm
VETERANS HELPING VETERANS: vva938.com
Questions: (406) 961-0035
Or, (per FB): (406) 381-7899, vva938@gmail.com
5/16 – 5/17 Healing Every Living Person “H.E.L.P. FEST” Missoula County Fairgrounds, 10am – 7pm
Our mission is to help heal our community and bring together unity through this two day event. Our hope is to provide free resources and services to address urgent and long term needs such as hunger, homelessness, addiction, abuse, suicide prevention, and joblessness. We will have available representatives from local churches, help groups, organizations, recovery centers, suicide prevention centers, and any organization that wants to participate in giving back to our community. We will also have a food and clothing drive, entertainment, kid’s games and activities, music, and guest speakers. Montana struggles more now than it ever has with poverty, drugs, addiction, and suicide. Let’s do what we can to H.E.L.P. make a change in our community. The key to living is giving!! “A kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal.” –Steve Maraboli
Questions: Brandon Brown, (406) 926-9595, h.e.l.p.festmt@gmail.com
5/16 SUPERIOR: Armed Forces Day
“My name is Mary Jo Berry and I work with the DAV as their LAC, scheduling and driving our veterans to their appts. We have a small group of ladies in Superior that does a program, luncheon, with speakers every Armed Forces Day for all the Veterans in Mineral County. We honor at least three Veterans during our ceremony. We’re a small Grp of 9”
Interested in joining or speaking? Contact Mary Jo Berry, Superior Community Outreach, (406) 822-2213, spr4800@blackfoot.net
5/18 & 5/20 (More dates below ~ 2 day or 2 part workshops): New to Medicare Workshop, Continuing Education Conference Center (James E. Todd building) UM campus, Missoula, 6 - 8pm
If you are approaching age 65 or are eligible for Medicare due to a disability, learn how you can make the most of your Medicare options. In this interactive two-part workshop you'll learn about important enrollment dates, saving money on your prescription drugs, and much more. The second part provides a hands-on computer workshop so you can learn about your personal Medicare claims, plans and coverage. Cost is $35 for one person or $60 for two people. Call MAS for no cost or reduced cost ticket options. Follow this link for a helpful form you can print, fill in and bring with you to the workshop: https://missoulaagingservices.org/downloads/Medication_and_provider_list_216.pdf
OTHER DATES: Monday & Wednesday 2-part workshop, 6-8 p.m.: May 18 & 20; July 20 & 22
OR: Saturday 2-part workshop, 10am - 3pm with 1 hour lunch break: June 20; August 22
https://www.facebook.com/events/478975286227988/
REGISTER: https://medicaremas.eventbrite.com
Or, call Missoula Aging Services (406) 728-7682,
5/19 - 6/13 PHILIPSBURG: Royal Tine 4 Week Guide & Packer Class, Philipsburg, 9am
Have you ever wanted to learn western big game guiding skills, pack gear into remote camps on horses & mules and get a job with an outfitter as a big game hunting guide? This is what Royal Tine is all about...basic skills to get you started in the outfitting industry. May 19 - June 13, 2020. Email or give a call today...to get signed up and started.
Check out the website for tuition price & dates: www.royaltine.com [royaltine.com]
https://www.facebook.com/events/1029478780757971/ [facebook.com]
Questions: Cody and LeRee Hensen, (406) 859-5138, Cell (406) 370-6737, royal_tine@yahoo.com
5/20 VA2K Walk & Roll, David J. Thatcher Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC), 2687 Palmer St., Missoula, 11am – 1pm
With the goals of helping homeless Veterans while also promoting healthy and active lifestyles the 10th annual VA2K Walk & Roll event will be held on May 20, 2020 at the David J. Thatcher Community Based Outpatient Clinic starting at 11:00am until 1:00pm. The community is invited to participate in the VA2K event which includes a short two-kilometer walk (1.24 miles). The event is free and it is suggested that participants be at the David J. Thatcher Community Based Outpatient Clinic 15 minutes prior to the start. To help area homeless Veterans participants are encouraged to bring a voluntary donation in the form of items such as clothing, toiletries, packaged food or bottled water. These donations will be collected and distributed to local homeless Veterans. Donations are not required in order to participate. Nationally, since 2011 donations of these type valued at more than $2.7 million dollars has been raised for homeless Veterans. “By offering participants a way of helping homeless Veterans while also promoting health lifestyles the VA2K Walk & Roll is a positive event for both the community and the VA,” said Dr. Judy Hayman. Community groups who are interested in participating in the event should contact the local VA2K coordinator, Jillian Woods at 406-594-1423 or via email at jillian.woods@va.gov. Find out more about the VA2K: http://www.publichealth.va.gov/va2k/
Jillian 3/4/20, “We are excited to announce the annual VA 2K 10th anniversary edition happening May 20th at the David J. Thatcher CBOC in Missoula from 11:00am- 1:00pm. Please see the attached press release for more details. To pre-register, please send an e-mail with your name and completed/signed waiver to jillian.woods@va.gov, otherwise, you may register at the event. For community members who are unable to participate during the scheduled time of the event, and want to complete the 2K at a time/place that is more convenient, please send an e-mail to jillian.woods@va.gov with your name, date/time you are pledging to complete the 2k and completed/signed waiver. Thank you!”
Jillian Woods, LCPC, HUD/VASH Social Worker, Montana VAHCS, (406) 493-3800
5/20 SAVE the DATE: 9th Annual Armed Forces Benefit Dinner, Snowline Event Center (Time TBA)
NW Montana Veterans Stand Down & Food Pantry, “Come to the dinner on May 20th 2020 Supporting NW Montana Veterans Camp Ponderosa!!”
Flyer: “Get your tickets for this quilt” Size 79”X92” created by Bigfork Piecemakers’ Quilt Guild for Montana Veterans’ Camp Ponderosa, $5.00 each or 5 tickets for $20. Need not be present to win.
Website / Event UPDATES: https://veteransfoodpantry.org/
Questions: Cinnamon Davis-Hall, Community Outreach Specialist, NW MT Veterans Food Pantry & Stand Down, (406) 250-2394, cdhall03@gmail.com
Or, Allen Erickson, (406) 250-0698, allen@veteransfoodpantry.org
5/21 (3rd Thursday of Every Month): Veteran Service Provider (VSP) Meeting, American Legion Post 27, 825 Ronan St., Missoula, 12pm
12pm VSP Meeting AGENDA:
*** Introductions & Announcements
*** SPEAKER (To be confirmed / meeting was postponed again): Chelsey Darrow, Veteran Programs Specialist, Canine Companions for Independence, (406) 599-3582, cdarrow@cci.org (nonprofit providing service dogs to Veterans with disabilities, free of charge and “apprentice dog training program.” Veterans Initiative: https://www.cci.org/assistance-dogs/Our-Dogs/veterans-initiative.html [cci.org]
VSP Meeting Questions: Shannon, snoble@mt.gov
5/22 DEADLINE: Donations for Care Package Drive, Missoula Aging Services, 337 Stephens Ave., Missoula
MAY is Military Appreciation Month. To show our appreciation, Senior Corps RSVP and Montana Supporting Military are partnering to send care packages to our troops and we need your help! Support our soldiers by donating the listed items on or before May 22, 2020. All items must have an expiration date no earlier than October 1, 2020.
Summer Care Package List (Items must withstand 120 degrees – NO CHOCOLATE): Cards / Letters of Support; Good quality coffee; Powdered, single serve drinks; Black or white boot crew socks; Men’s boxer briefs (M & LG); Tan t-shirts (M & LG); Flip flops (Men and women sizes); Solid Chapstick; Travel size lotion and shampoo; Sun screen; Liquid soap; Loofas (good for sand removal); Non-aerosol stick deodorant; Squirt guns; Water balloons; Nasal spray; Eye drops; Small fans; Stationery, envelopes, and pens; Hard candy (individually wrapped); Sunflower seeds; Mixed nuts; Dried fruit; Granola and protein bars; Beef jerky; Tuna in pouch; Peanut butter (plastic jar); iTunes gift cards; AA and AAA batteries.
List of items also available online (deadline May 25th): https://www.missoulaagingservices.org/news-events/the-news/rsvp-collecting-items-for-military-care-packages2019
Items may be dropped off at Missoula Aging Services, 337 Stephens Ave., Missoula
Questions: Missoula Aging Services, (406) 728-7682
Or Judy, jdouglas@missoulaagingservices.org
5/23 SAINT REGIS: ALR Beginning Season Ride, St. Regis Travel Center, 55 Mullan Gulch Rd., Saint Regis, 8am - 8pm
220 miles, more info to follow
Questions: Don Goodnight, Corvallis Legion Riders President, (406) 360-5275
Or, Doug (406) 546-4244,
6/4 (Every Thursday until 6/25): Meditation for Beginners with Amy Friedman, The Learning Center at Red Willow, 825 W. Kent Ave., Missoula, 6 - 7pm
Meditation is a daily tool that has profound health effects including; stress reduction, increased immunity and brain function, and overall well-being physically, emotionally, and mentally. We will experience a wide range of guided meditation techniques, sitting positions, and ways to integrate these practices into your daily life. You will leave each session with new tools to implement immediately. A regular meditation practice allows one to return to their lives feeling grounded and relaxed in the here and now. https://www.facebook.com/events/2431318733635892/
*** Through our Heroes Therapeutic Outreach Program (HTOP), The Learning Center at Red Willow makes all of their courses available free of charge to Veterans, service members, their families / caregivers, and First Responders.
INFO / WAIVER:
Questions: LCRW (406) 721-0033,
Or, Roy Savage, HTOP Program Manager, (406) 544-7149,
6/20 HAMILTON: Trina Petersen Memorial Poker Ride - Meet at NAPA Auto Parts, 1659 N. 1st St., Hamilton, 8am - 8pm
https://www.facebook.com/events/2508305479278287/
Questions: Don Goodnight, Corvallis Legion Riders President, (406) 360-5275
Or, Doug, (406) 546-4244,
6/23 - 7/13 PHILIPSBURG: Guide & Packer School
June 23 - July 13, 2020 Located in Philipsburg, MT ~ Spend 4 weeks living in the foothills of the Anaconda Wilderness. Highlights include: horsemanship skills, packing skills, back-country camping, big game hunting and stalking skills and trophy judging and scoring. Use this new knowledge to gain employment with an big game hunting outfitter or make yourself and better hunter and outdoors-person. For more info including tution: www.royaltine.com; https://www.facebook.com/events/649963672404830/
Royal Tine is approved for veterans benefits and job rehabilitation through the Department of Labor (WIA): http://www.royaltine.com/courses/veterans-benefits/
Questions: Cody and LeRee Hensen, (406) 859-5138, Cell (406) 370-6737, royal_tine@yahoo.com
9/12 Missoula Out of the Darkness Walk, Silver Park, 700 Cregg Lane, Missoula, 12pm
Join us as we walk to raise hope, awareness, and funds for suicide awareness and prevention. Help us bring suicide out of the darkness. To register today follow the link, sign up your team and start fundraising. https://www.facebook.com/events/469467750619765/
REGISTER: https://afsp.donordrive.com/index.cfm
Questions: Nancy Yates (406) 855-5267,
Or, Rachel Thurston, (406) 207-2816,
2020 WINTER in BUTTE: Xsports4vets Georgetown Ice Fishing Tourney (Details TBD)
FREE for Veterans with proof of deployment to an area of imminent danger. All gear, instruction, and even lunch is provided by XSports. Seats/spots are limited.
RSVP: Janna (406) 239-3198 (Text or call)
Missoula / LOCAL Questions: Anton (406) 396-8390 or Steve (406) 493-2264, xsports4vets@gmail.com (xsports4vets.org)
****** END of EVENTS ******
*** IF YOU HAVE AN EVENT YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE WITH US, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO EMAIL FLYER and/or INFO TO (Or, snoble@mt.gov)'
