LOCAL ROUNDUP: Abbie Shelter marks 40 years
The Abbie Shelter celebrates its 40th anniversary and 40 years of providing safety, independence and empowerment to women and families in the Flathead Valley with “Flashback 1976” a dance and costume party, at 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 25, at the Glacier View Lodge in Whitefish.
Come dressed in your best retro dancing duds and boogie to the music of The New Wave Timetrippers. The event will include a dinner catered by the Cuisine Machine.
There will also be a live auction and raffle baskets. Tickets are $76 each or $140 per couple and may be purchased online at www.abbieshelter.org. Directions to the private Glacier View Lodge will be given when tickets are purchased.
Camp helps children with grief
Tamarack Grief Resource Center will have its 20th “A Camp to Remember” Monday through Thursday, Aug. 15-18, at Flathead Lake Youth Camp.
This year, more than 60 boys and girls between the ages 7 and 18 will attend the camp. Each child is grieving the death of mother, father, sister, brother, or close loved one. Campers come together to share stories and memories with peers who understand what they are going through. They gain tools, comfort and connection.
One of the long-running traditions of camp is the spiral symbolizing each individual’s journey with grief.
Tamarack Grief Resource Center welcomes campers regardless of ability to pay; $500 covers one camper and their care team volunteer at camp, including food, lodging, T-shirts and supplies. More than 45 campers have requested scholarships to cover camp fees. Staff are working to secure scholarships for all campers. Gifts from the community are greatly appreciated.
The organization provides stabilizing support programs for kids and adults who are grieving the death of a family member or loved one.For more information or to make a tax-deductible contribution, call 406-541-8472 or visit www.tamarackgriefresourcecenter.org.
CASA offers info session Tuesday
Learn how to become an advocate for a child in foster care for CASA for Kids by attending a brief, informative session at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 16, in the United Way Conference room at the Gateway Community Center, 1203 U.S. 2 W. in Kalispell. Meet special advocates — and program staff and enjoy light refreshments.
CASA for Kids matches foster children with an advocate who will fight for and protect the child’s rights. The advocate serves as the child’s guardian ad litem and ensures that the child’s needs and best interests are heard in the court system.
CASA 101 training begins in September. To become a special advocate, applications must be submitted by Aug. 25. Application packets will be available at the information session or you can request one be sent to you by calling the CASA office, 755-7208.