Today's Events

What's Here? Fun stuff to do today.

KWHS welcomes students, parents

Kelly Walsh High School will welcome students and their families back to school with a Back To School Night tonight.

A light chili supper will be served at 6 p.m. in the cafeteria with a welcome from Principal Brad Diller. Starting at 7 p.m., parents will follow their children's school schedule, spending 20 minutes in each block class, 10 minutes in alternating-day block classes and five minutes passing in the halls.

The Back to School Night is an excellent opportunity for parents to meet teachers and learn about their children's courses, as well as to survey other offerings at the high school.

For more information, contact Kelly Walsh High School at 577-4640.

Awareness focus of proclamation

A representative from the mayor's office will be visiting the NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Casper office at 133 West 6th Street at 11 a.m. today to deliver a proclamation declaring the week of October 1st through 7th- Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW). Sponsored by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), MIAW was established in 1990 by Congress in recognition of NAMI's efforts to raise mental illness awareness.

Mental illnesses are medical conditions that disrupt a person's thinking, feeling, mood, ability to relate to others, and daily functioning. The good news about mental illness is that recovery is possible. Mental illnesses include such disorders as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, major depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety disorders including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), borderline personality disorder, and other severe and persistent mental illnesses.

Treatment works for most people living with mental illness, and an array of services and supports including access to appropriate medication and peer-support services are necessary to ensure recovery.

A non-profit, grassroots group, NAMI Casper offers support, education and advocacy to members of families afflicted with mental illnesses, through programs such as Family-to-Family Education classes, peer-support groups and family support groups.

Refreshments will be served and the public is invited to participate in Monday's ceremony and the events which follow during MIAW week.

Elizabeth Lugg - 266-5592

Schools

What's Here? Chances to learn for all ages.

START THIS PORTION WHERE SUNDAY'S TOWN CRIER ENDED PLEASE!!

Community discusses Park School

The community is invited to an open meeting to discuss the possibilities and concerns for a location and new building for Park School. The meeting will be held Tuesday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., in the Park School gymnasium.

Encourage students in complex thinking

Be an audience member for Star Lane Center high school presentations. Star Lane Center teaches math, science, history and literature by giving students real-life problems they have to research, resolve, and present to a live audience. Come be our audience, and help with your questions and comments.

One-hour presentations, morning and afternoon, on:

*The cosmos: What's going on with Pluto, and what does it mean to us? Wednesday Sept. 27

*History: Fremont and the science he used to explore in Wyoming, Thursday Sept. 28

*Geology: Should geothermal energy development occur around Yellowstone? Wednesday Oct. 25

*Medicine: What choices face an infertile couple? Thursday Oct. 26

*Public health: How should local authorities stop water-borne disease? Wednesday Dec. 13

*Current affairs: In Iraq, should Sunnis and Shiites split into two countries? Thursday Dec. 14

All presentations are at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.: attend one or both! There are different student teams at each.

It's easy to help. You don't have to let us know you're coming.

Just show up a few minutes early at Star Lane Center,111 Star Lane, 261-6116. (It's off Yellowstone just west of Poplar and across from the whitewater park: on the lane that leads to the Star Tribune (in the former King's Table building))

For more information, call Star Lane outreach coordinator Anne MacKinnon, 472-4930, amack@coffey.com

Adult learning options available

The locations and times of operation have been released for adult basic education (ABE)/GED instruction and English as a second language (ESL) this fall from Casper College.

Free instruction is provided to adults in basic reading, basic writing, basic math, and GED preparation.

The ABE/GED Center at Casper College is open on Monday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday from 1 to 8 p.m., Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

A mandatory new student orientation will be held every Tuesday at 8 a.m., 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. at the ABE/GED Center. The center is located in the Werner Technical Center, Room 115 on the Casper College campus.

The Casper Workforce Center (CWC), located at 851 Werner Court, Suite 120, is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

An ABE/GED Outreach Program will be conducted Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and on Wednesday afternoons from 12:30 to 3 p.m. at the North Casper School, portable 2. The school is located at 1014 N. Glenarm.

Finally, the ESL Program will also be held in portable 2 at the North Casper School on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. and again from 6 to 8 p.m.

For more information on these programs stop by the Casper College ABE/GED Center or call Lisa Mixer at 268-2453.

Helping Others

What's Here? Chances to make a difference.

Friends help Grady Jackson Sr.

Donations are being accepted to help Grady C. Jackson Sr. during his treatment and recovery of leukemia. He is currently being treated in Denver at St. Luke's Presbyterian Hospital.

Your donations will help him with his medical bills and also his living expenses while recovering.

Donations can be made directly to: Grady C. Jackson Leukemia Fund, Hilltop National Bank, 300 Country Club Rd., or 130 S. Wolcott, Casper.

For more information, call 247-2324.

Hospice starts vol training

If you are interested in supporting patient or families, or in taking the fear out of the dying process, death & grief n this is for you. Central Wyoming Hospice & Transitions will be hosting a 6-week volunteer training, Monday evenings starting Oct. 9 from 6-9 p.m. There are no costs or obligation. Please call 577-4832 and leave your name, address and phone number. A letter detailing the training will be mailed to you. Class size is limited.

Garage sale for Melissa

There will be a garage sale to benefit Melissa Berg on Saturday, Sept. 30, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the corner of Jefferson and 5th steets, the Special Education Services Center, formerly Jefferson Elementary School.

Drop off items Thusday and Friday, Sept. 28-29, from 4 to 8 p.m.

Please, no clothes. Please, only items of value that have a high chance of selling. If personal items are not sold, reclaim Saturday after the sale from 2 to 3 p.m. All unclaimed items will be donated to charities such as Rescued Treasures or the Salvation Army.

There will be a donation jar there, as well as organ donation cards and information on the nonprofit COTA (Children's Organ Transplant Association).

Questions, contact Bill Hockley, 259-4180.

Baby needs help

I am the great aunt of a little girl, Andrea Jo Elkins. She was born on Aug. 29, 2006, to Billie and Zach Elkins in Casper. Her grandparents are David and Kathy Heth of Casper, Jody Elkins of Cody and the late Wayne Elkins. Her great-grandparents are Ronald and Cynthia Bahr Balsom of Casper; great-great-grandmother Lee Bahr of Sidney, Neb., and she has many aunts, uncles and cousins.

On Aug. 31, 2006, we learned that she has a serious heart condition (Tricuspid Artesia) and a team of specialists flew from Denver to pick Baby Andrea and Billie up from Casper. Billie and Zach are a younger couple just starting their family. We have set up a blogspot to information family and friends of her progress (AndreaJoElkins.blogspot.com) will allow you to check the status of her condition. We set up an account so people can donate money to assist Zach and Billie with the enormous medical costs.

The account is: Wells Fargo Bank, c/o Andrea Jo Elkins Fund, 4141 E. 2nd St., P.O. Box 2799, Casper, 82602; Account Number: 6196188301.

Misty Mason - (602) 999-6358

Tina's Drive For Life

Tina Twiford was truly a silent hero. Over the last 13 years, she donated her life's blood 66 times, touching hundreds of people through her giving. Tina also cared deeply for the poor and homeless, praying diligently for men, women and children in need, and giving of her time and possessions to better their lives.

To commemorate her legacy of giving, Tina Twiford's family is holding a Memorial Blood and Needs Drive for United Blood Services and the Central Wyoming Rescue Mission.

Tina's Drive for Life will be held on Saturday, Sept. 30 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Godfather's, 2877 East 2nd St.

Tina's family will be the first in line to donate, and they invite you to start your own legacy of giving on this very special day of her memorial.

Help save a life with your donation of blood to United Blood Services. Call Tina's daughter Jenny at 259-6032 to schedule your blood draw during Tina's Drive for Life.

Please help the homeless at the Central Wyoming Rescue Mission by bringing any of the following items: twin size blankets, twin sheets, twin mattress pads and waterproof mattress covers, bath towels and wash cloths, pillow cases, toilet paper, paper towels, toiletry items, baby wipes, sanitary products, diapers, notebooks, highlighters, stamps, Bibles, monetary donations for CWRM.

Tina's legacy lives on in those who received her gift of life. Be a silent hero and join Tina's Drive for Life!

For more information, call Jenny at 259-6032 or Risa at the Mission at 268-4474.

Win an ATV for Melissa

The ATV Raffle by the Kelly Walsh Honor Society and Student Council has begun. A Polaris ATV on a two-wheel trailer will be raffled for Melissa Berg. $10 for one or 3 for $25. The ATV was anonymously donated so all money raised will go to Melissa's Childrens Organ Transplant Fund. Tickets may be purchased at KW football games or in the Kelly Walsh offices, as well as at AA Super Klean, 459 N. Lowell St., 237-0750.

Music for Melissa

The Casper Music Teachers Association invites all piano teachers, their students, and pianists to participate in a piano program on Saturday, Oct. 28, 1 p.m. in Durham Hall at Casper College. The program is a benefit for the Children's' Organ Transplant Association in honor of Melissa Berg, a young pianist and student at Kelly Walsh High School. Melissa received a liver transplant at Children's' Hospital in Denver on Aug. 31. Teachers, students, and area pianists will join together, presenting solos, duets and ensembles including all types of music are welcome. There is no registration fee, or admission, but a good will offering will be taken. One-hundred percent of the offering will be donated to COTA for Melissa's benefit.

The deadline to register for the program is Oct. 14. Please call Arlene Osborn, CMTA president, at 436-8754 or email to {M7amusic@coffey.com for registration or more information.

Forensics tourney needs judges

The Casper College 2006 Pioneer Trails Forensics Tournament is seeking judges for one or more rounds during the upcoming tournament October 12-14.

For those who have no forensics judging experience or who would like a brush-up, the Casper College Forensics Department will be offering a judge training workshop toward the end of September.

Judging times are available both day and evening.

Judging categories include parliamentary debate, persuasion, prose, duet, speech to entertain, extemporaneous, impromptu, poetry, informative, communication analysis, program oral interpretation and dramatic interpretation.

Tournament headquarters will be located in the Doornbos Student Lounge located in the Casper College Administration Building.

For a registration form or more information contact Gretchen Wheeler at 268-2390.

Project Senior Pictures

A local photographer is volunteering to take high school senior pictures for ten high school seniors that will graduate in 2007. The photographer is hoping to provide students that can not afford to have pictures taken with the opportunity to do so. The students who wish to have their pictures taken will need to fill out a short application. This application will help determine which students will be picked to have their pictures taken for free.

Each student will receive a free portfolio thanks to a generous donor. To receive an application by mail, send a self addresses stamped envelope to: Project Senior Pictures, 5301 Ute Cir, Casper, WY 82601. For more information call Heather at 232-9528.

Help Yourself

What's Here? Support groups, stuff to help.

Recovery Rocks Sept. 30

The first statewide Recovery Rocks Fest will be held Saturday, Sept. 30, 2006, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Washington Park. All-day activities include children's games, face painting, free food for everyone and free prizes all day long. Live music will be provided by the Great Pretenders. For more information, see recoveryrocks2006.org.

Teens: Experts on Divorce starts

Mercer House presents Teens: Experts on Divorce. Great activities, Fun games, Prizes and more! This free two-day retreat will be held Oct. 6-7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Spots are limited so sign up now. For more information call Mercer House 265-7366.

Bereavement support begins

The eight-week bereavement support group will again be offered at Central Wyoming Hospice and Transitions. This group, which is free of charge, is open to anyone in the community who has had a friend or loved one die. We will start meeting on Sept. 27, from 6:30-8 p.m., at 319 South Wilson. To register, or for more information, please call Dama at 577-4832.

Classes offer help

The Self Help Center is sponsoring workshops open to everyone. Come join us for the next 12 weeks one night a week.

Child care will be furnished. We will have parenting groups, support groups for domestic violence, sexual assault. We will have theater (all aspects) by Stage III, self-esteem and untangling relationships and self defense classes that can include your child.

Again this year, Vic Orr will teach Life Skills for Teens (12-17). Call Dee or Becky @ 247-4769 for more information.

Support for single-again

Are you divorced, widowed or separated? New Beginnings is a non-denominational program that offers support and direction in resolving the grief accompanying the end of a relationship. It is designed to help you make a new beginning in life. We meet every Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 400 Country Club. For more information about the ongoing program, contact LaVerne, 237-7333; Jackie, 234-4368 or Rick, 265-3201.

Reunions

What's Here? Groups planning get-togethers.

NCHS memorabilia

Anyone in town for class reunions or needing gifts for NCHS graduates may want to purchase NCHS memorabilia. Funds go to financial aid for NCHS vocational students. For more information, call Elvin McIntosh at 235-6152.

NC '47

The 60th class reunion is planned for July 13-14, 2007. Plans are tentative at this time, but as they are finalized, you will be notified. Please call to let us know if you plan to attend. If you know of any of our classmates who have had changes in their lives, please let us know so that we can keep the records up to date.

Charlotte Babcock - 235-6248, Warren Carlson - 234-4000, Mary Loutas - 234-3232, Gene Morton - 234-6548.

NC '48

The NCHS Class of 1948 is planning a gala 60th reunion in 2008. To make this as inclusive as possible, we're beginning now to update our records. If you know of any deceased, remarried, moved, or other vital information about the '48 grads, please email Ruth Knutson Pitts at rpitts@bresnan.net or Pat Swanton at mdear40@bresnan.net.

KW '87

20th reunion will be held July 6-8, 2007. Register on class website or get in touch with one of the contacts listed. Include name, maiden name, phone #, mailing address & e-mail address. Class Website: http://www.classreport.com/usa/wy/casper/kwhs/1987/

Contacts: Marnie (Bringham) Prochniak, 651/592-0869, E-mail address: m.prochniak@comcast.net; Rhonda (Raver) Franzen, 307/472-0076, E-mail address: Rhonda@nmurdocklaw.com; P. Craig Silva, E-mail address: csilva@WPDN.net.

Fraternal

What's Here? Elks and Eagles, Shrine and more.

September Elks

Tuesday 9-26-06 Lodge Meeting 8 p.m. First fall Initiation! Jackpot drawing for current members and must be present to win. Members only.

Wednesday 9-27-06. Taco Bar with all the fixings. All you can eat! Build your own Tacos, Nachos, Taco salad or any combination you desire and includes Green Chili. Cost $5. Children 6 and under $3. Serving from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Members, Significant Other and guests.

Friday 9-29-06. Law Enforcement Party. The Elks Lodge it presenting a free dinner for all Law Enforcement personnel and their significant other to show appreciation for all they do for the community. Elk members and their significant other are welcome to attend, cost $10 per person. Starting at 7. Please contact Gary Hazen if attending.

Shrine September

29: TGIF, Fried Chicken, salads etc., Club opens about 4:30 and dinner will be served around 6:30. Special drink prices at our bar.

Public is more than welcome.

30: Oriental Band's Annual Crab Crack. All you can eat Crab, The delicious Clam Chowder, salad, dessert etc. All for $25. Steaks are available for those who do not enjoy the delicious crab! Tickets are available from all Oriental Band Members or call Hal at 234-5609

Yes, we invite our friends to this one also.

Dugan Simmons, Sec. - 235-5332

Clubs

What's Here? Red Hats to books, bridge to politics.

Ladies of the Petroleum Club

After a long, hot summer, it's time to enjoy a cool drink, delicious luncheon and outstanding entertainment.

Our firsr luncheon of the season will be Tuesday, Sept. 26, at 12:30 p.m., in the downstairs banquet room of the Casper Petroleum Club.

Our program is a razzle-dazzle showing from the Cadillac Cowgirl boutique. Our annual $12 dues are payable at this luncheon or may be mailed to our treasurer, Ann Pfaff, at 4711 E. 15th St., Casper, 82609.

The calling committee will call you for reservations. If you have not been called, please call Vera at 235-6446. Reservations are required. Please join us.

Jean Koons - 235-1818

LWV sponsors forum

The Natrona County League of Women Voters is sponsoring a program about "Openness in Government: Looking for the Sunshine." The forum is set to take place at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 27, at the Casper City Council Chamber, at the corner of "A" and David Streets. The highlight of the program consists of a panel of experts composed of government leaders and journalists. The journalists scheduled are Jim Angell of the Wyoming Press Association, and Clark Walworth, Editor of the Casper Star-Tribune. Representing local government are Kathleen Dixon, County Commissioner; Keith Goodenough, former legislator and lobbyist; Ann Robinson, State Representative; Kate Sarosy, City Council; and Charlie Scott, State Senator. The panel will discuss openness of government, focusing on the two concepts of public records and public meetings.

The intent of this forum will be to develop a "snap shot" of the extent to which government is accessible to people on the city, county, and state levels, in order to ensure an informed public. There are also national implications regarding the present controversy regarding the "Freedom of Information Act" and other post 9/11 concerns.

The forum will be moderated by local League of Women Voters President P. Jaye Rippley. For over 50 years Casper League of Women Voters has been dedicated to help inform the public on issues crucial to the community. For more information on this forum or the Casper League, please call Jim Brown at 472-0278.

Golden K sets speakers

September programs will be as follows :

9/26/06…..A program on the local Lodging Tax is planned.

Golden K meets every Tuesday at 10 a.m. at the Senior Center and one need not have a special invite to attend. If you would like more information please call Nick Nicholson at 234-1220 or just come to any meeting.

Nick Nicholson - 234-1220

Lions need members

Your local Lions Clubs need men and women to be members. The membership is at 1.3 million members worldwide, down from 1.5 million eight to 10 years ago. It keeps declining rapidly.

We need help in raising money to help with activities that Lions can use to do activities that are a large help for the communities with projects and also help individuals with the purchase of eyeglasses and eye examinations by using the early eye screening imagery to detect eye disease at an early stage.

The Lions send optoetrists to third world countries to fit eyeglasses that have been recycled for citizens in those countries and are working to eradicate river blindness in other parts of the world.

Without more members, the Lions cannot accomplish any of the projects they set out to do.

The Lions are sponsors of the Rocky Mountain Eye Bank and also the Rocky Mountain Eye Institute, which are located in Aurora, Colo. They replace several hundred corneas annually.

Any man or woman 18 or over is eligible to become a member.

For more information, contact any local Lions Club members in your community.

Leroy Baldwin, Lions district governor of Wyoming

266-6450

Cribbage players meet

ACC - Please join us on Mondays (7 to 10 p.m.) at Dave Dart's N Billiards to play cribbage. All skill levels welcomed. Starting date is Monday, Sept. 11. Please contact Dave Harris (234-4893) or Dave Chase (797-4313) for additional info.

Rec Sports

What's Here? Things for your body to do.

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Back to fitness at the Y

It is getting cold outside, all the kids are back in school, and the holidays are just around the corner. Now is the perfect time to get back into fitness. The Casper Family YMCA is now offering a "Back to Fitness" membership special. Get three months membership for the price of two and no joining fee. For more information please contact Jennifer at 23-9187. At the Casper Family YMCA we build strong kids, strong families, and strong communities.

Gymnastics, tumbling classes begin

The fall season of gymnastics and tumbling classes for children of all ages and abilities is beginning at the Wyoming Gymnastics Center, 220 N. Hudson in Mills, just north of the intersection of Wyoming Boulevard and W. Yellowstone Highway. The fall schedule includes a variety of offerings, including parent/tot classes for 2 to 3-year-olds; kindergym for 3-1/2 to 5's, all levels of basic and team gymnastics, as well as junior high cheerleading and a new offering, funastics, for children 7 to 10.

The WGC is a nonprofit, parent-run gym. Scholarship help is available, based on need.

To register or for more information, visit the gym evenings or call 266-3023; leave a message and your call will be returned.

Cowboy Action shooting

The Bessemer Vigilance Committee gathers the first Sunday of every month, year round, at the Stuckenhoff Sports Shooters complex at the end of Metro Road, off Bryan Stock Trail. Mandatory safety meeting is at 10:45 a.m. with shooting to follow. Spectators with eye and ear protection (available at the range) welcome. Contact: Smokewagon Bill, aka Bill Hoover 472-1926 {M3www.BessemerVigilanceCommittee.org

Helping Others

What's Here? Chances to make a difference.

Cold Stone Creamery hosts ice cream social

Cold Stone Creamery stores throughout the United States, Guam and Puerto Rico will host its fifth annual "World's Largest Ice Cream Social" on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2006. Cold Stone Creamery will treat guests to free servings of "Cole's Creations," from 5{M3 to 8 p.m., encouraging communities to share Cold Stone treats and support the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Cole's Creation was inspired by Cole, a 10-year-old wish kid from Colorado, and consists of chocolate ice cream blended on a cold granite stone with yellow cake, chocolate chips and rainbow sprinkles.

At the end of September, Cold Stone Creamery will donate the star proceeds, all customer donations, and 50 cents for every case of ice cream sold during the month to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Such fundraising efforts grant wishes like Cole's. He was so moved by the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001 that he wished to travel to New York City and meet the firefighters he had seen on television and come to admire.

Volunteer training set

The Self Help Center will sponsor a 40-hour advocacy training for volunteers who provide help to victims of domestic violence, stalking and sexual assault through a 24-hour crisis hotline, Safe House, re-education and transitional housing.

Two weekends of training totaling 40 hours is required. A certificate is given upon completion.

Training is the weekends of Oct. 6-8 and 21-23.

For more information, call 235-2814 or stop by the office at 441 S. Center, Ste. 300, in the Goodstein New Hope Building across the street from Party Animals.

Training is free and open to the public and is available for volunteer work or personal education.

BGCCW seeks diverse volunteers

Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming is looking for individuals from different cultural backgrounds willing to share their knowledge and experience with our kids in our "Melting Pot" program after school for a few hours a week or whatever time you can spare. Call Joe at 235-5694 for more information.

Help for pets

The Central Wyoming Spay & Neuter Foundation is accepting applications from low to moderate-income families who are in need of financial assistance in spaying or neutering their companion animals located within Central Wyoming. Applications may be picked up at Metro Animal Control, The Humane Society, Poverty Resistance, The Senior Citizen Center, most veterinarian clinics or by requesting an application in writing at: C.W.S.N.F - P.O. Box 1062, Casper, Wy 82602 or download application direct from our website {M6www.cwsnf.org.

Warm your neighbor - sock it to 'em

School has started on Pine Ridge Reservation. Cold weather will soon follow. Many, many children have no socks. Friends of Pine Ridge Reservation is having a drive for new socks in all sizes. Pine Ridge Reservation is in South Dakota. It is the second largest reservation in the country, and is located in the two poorest counties in the nation. Winters are cold and windy. Your new sock donations will be gratefully welcomed.

Mary Hopkins - 472-1052

Funds provide camp

Gertrude Kamp Memorial Fund generously funded the Second Annual Kids' Grief Camp for Central Wyoming Hospice and Transitions. We are grateful for their gift that made it possible for us to provide an opportunity for children to learn, play and share with each other some of their common experiences as they grieve for loved ones who have died.

Grown-up Stuff

What's Here? Fun stuff for grown-ups to do.

Vietnam films show Thursday

Natrona County Public Library will be hosting a film discussion series n "Perspectives of Vietnam" Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. Modeled after the popular "World War I Years" film discussion series last fall, this series will run on subsequent Thursdays through October 12.

Films featured during "Perspectives of Vietnam" will highlight several different aspects of the war, including the social, political and cultural implications of this volatile conflict. Films will showcase frontline reporting and the effect the media had on shaping how the war is remembered and understood; the Green Berets, Drew Dix and others awarded medals of honor; the story of a handful of fighter pilots shot down over North Vietnam; and much more. By watching these films and discussing events and themes afterwards, participants will be able to take a deeper look into this complicated time of history.

"Perspectives of Vietnam" schedule:

Thursday, September 28: "Return with Honor"

Thursday, October 5: "Be Good, Smile Pretty"

Thursday, October 12: "Daughters from Danang"

For more information on this film discussion series, please call 237-4935, ext. 2.

Brenda Thomson - 237-4935, ext. 128

Hunter information available

Hunter information for the fall 2006 season is available through the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) Operation Respect Program at the Casper Field Office.

Operation Respect promotes respect for the land, both public and private, provides information to the public on access and user ethics, and improves cooperative relations between public and private

landowners. While the program is maintained year-round, it is especially emphasized during the fall hunting season.

Hunter information packets will be provided free of charge to incoming hunters. BLM 1:100,000 scale maps showing public and private lands, and roads are also available for $4.

All hunter information items will be available at the Casper Field Office located at 2987 Prospector Drive. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Personnel with knowledge of the hunting areas and their accessibility will be on hand to answer questions.

BLM would like to remind hunters that partial fire restrictions are still in place in Natrona, Converse, Goshen, and Platte counties.

For further information call the Casper Field Office at 261-7600.

Yoga for adults

The Nic has opened a new exhibit in the back gallery titled, Gone: Photographs of Abandonment on the High Plains. It would be amazing to learn the ancient technique of yoga among this excellent contemporary art exhibition. The Nicolaysen Art Museum now offers The Art of Yoga, a class designed for adults which meets every Tuesday at 5:30 pm. There is no limit to the class size and walk-ins are welcome! The cost is $10 for a one hour class or buy 4 sessions and get the fifth class FREE. Members receive a discount. Come learn valuable relaxation techniques with here at the museum from Joanne Price who has over 5 years of experience in Yoga techniques. This class is designed for those who have never tried Yoga and for anyone who practices the technique daily. For more information please call Linda at 235-5247. Come relax with us!

The search is on for Mrs. Casper

Sheree Channel, Executive State Director for the Mrs. Wyoming - America Pageant states the pageant is seeking applicants for the title of Mrs. Casper. Once selected, the lucky lady will advance on to represent her community in the 2007 Mrs. Wyoming Pageant on May 26 at the Cheyenne Civic Center. Local titleholders will compete to win a prize package valued at over $8,000, including an all-expense paid trip to the nationally televised Mrs. America Pageant.

Applicants must live or work within Casper, be at least 18 years old (no age limit), married at the time of competition and a Wyoming resident, no performing talent required. Celebrating its 31st year, the Mrs. America pageant is the only competition to recognize the one person who contributes so much to modern day life… America's married woman.

To request the official application or for information, call Sheree, Wyoming's State Director at 307-631-4447 or {M6www.mrswyomingamerica.com

The ultimate girls' weekend

The Second Annual Wyoming Women's Expo will be held Oct. 13-14 at the Casper Events Center.

This is a fun-packed event including exhibitor booths, inspiring and educational seminars, shopping, and hands-on demonstrations.

Marci Shimoff, co-author of "Chicken Soup for the Woman's Soul," is the keynote speaker. Her appearance is sponsored by the McMurry Foundation.

The show kicks off Friday with a Girls' Night Out to sample microbrews, hors d'oeuvres, and to shop and network. Seminar topics include investment, will planning, nutrition, business planning, health and body contouring, and home decorating.

The object of the show is to give every woman the resources to be successful and empowered in her life. Admission is $5 per day for adults or $8 for a two-day pass, and free for children ages 12 and under. For information call Kendra Ziler at 235-7583 or kziler@cityofcasperwy.com.

Women of distinction grows

The Casper Woman of Distinction committee would like to include any interested women's organizations in the planning of the spring 2007 luncheon ceremony recognizing Casper's professional women who also volunteer in our community. The committee is currently made up of members of the American Association of University Women, the American Society of Women Accountants, Business & Professional Women, the Girl Scout Council of Wyoming and Soroptimist International of Central Wyoming.

The award is based on an cumulative point system that includes professional activities, volunteerism, citizenship, community service, leadership, human rights, including the status of women; high standards of education, depth of commitments and being a vocal and visible advocate in her community.

Any organization wanting to become involved in the planning process should contact Kim Youmans at 472-4272 during the business day or leave a message after hours.

Donna Cuin - 235-9400, ext. 31

Fund-raisers

What's Here? Groups raising money

Raffle helps St. Vincent

St. Vincent De Paul Thrift Store, located at the corner of "H" and Durbin streets in North Casper, invites you to participate in a Summer Finale 50/50 Raffle and win some extra cash back. Buy your ticket today for $1 each or six tickets for $5 and you'll have a chance to win half of the pot collected!! Your participation allows the other half of the proceeds to go directly toward benefiting our community. The 50/50 raffle winner will be drawn Saturday, Sept. 23. And don't forget, St. Vincent's offers a variety of items in our silent auction, daily specials on clothing, and Super Saturday sales. So stop in Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 to 4:00, and take advantage of extra savings while you support our community and shop because you care.

CareNet hosts banquet

Care Net Pregnancy and Resource Clinic of Casper hosts its 17th annual Making a Difference fundraising banquet on Tuesday, Oct. 3, at the Parkway Plaza Hotel. Funds raised will be used to work toward expanding services to include free STD testing. Guest speaker will be Synda Masse of Ramah International, a former staff member at Focus on the Family.

Care Net Pregnancy and Resource Clinic of Casper provides resources and life-affirming counsel to women and families dealing with a pregnancy. All services are free of charge.

For more information about the banquet, call 473-2275.

Eagles host Diamond lookalike

The Casper Eagles host a benefit concert featuring Rob Garrett, the "King of Diamonds," in a Tribute to Neil Diamond on Friday, Oct. 6 and Saturday, Oct. 7. Tickets are $30 each for dinner at 6 p.m., and the concert that follows. Limited seating is available. Tickets are available at the Eagles Lodge, SAME Music, or from any Eagles member.

To see Garrett's unparalleled portrayal of Neil Diamond, visit his Web site at www.neildiamondlookalike.com.

For more information, call Dexter Tozier at 237-8139 or 267-3262.

Fund-raisers

What's Here? Groups raising money

Dog walkathon Oct. 7

The Casper Humane Society proudly presents the 2006 Fall Frolic Dog Walkathon , Saturday, Oct. 7, 2006 at Washington Park. Registration and pledge drop-off begins at 8 a.m.

Strut your mutt and help raise money for the community's homeless companion animals. Stretch your legs with your dog at the Casper Humane Society's first-ever Fall Frolic Dog Walkathon. Walk your dog in the one-mile parade of animals and qualify for great prizes and gifts. Join us in the park after the walk for snacks and entertainment.

Register your 5 person company or organization team, family or just you and your pup today! Registration information available by contacting Shelly at the Casper Humane Society: 307.265.5439.

Sell discount coupons

Students and youth groups who are interested in earning money, helping veterans and patriotic causes may contact the Marine Corps League. The League has solicited from the Casper area's finest eating establishments discounts and buy-one-get-one free offers. These discounts are placed in a coupon book that will be on sale during the month of September. The coupons will be sold to finance Scholarships at each Wyoming College in memory of men killed in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as the War Memorial Wall commemorating the Wyoming War Dead in each war.

E-mail your name, address, phone number and youth director's name to: {M3spicoon@aol.com

Food establishments supporting veterans' causes are 1 Potato 2, Coldstone Creamery, Daylight Donut, Dorn's Fireside Restaurant, El Jarro Restaurant, Fred's BBQ, Hometown Buffet, JB's Restaurant, Old Town Trader Deli, Paisley Shawl, Parkway Plaza Cafe, Poor Boy's Steakhouse, Sandwich Bar, Yellowstone Cafe, 303 Restaurant, Colonial Restaurant and Lounge, Don Juan's Mexican Restaurant, Donell's Candies, Godfather's Pizza, Hardee's, Hot Dog on a Stick, Mountain View Sub Shop, The Outback Restaurant, Papa John's Pizza, Perkins Family Restaurant, Pretzel Maker and Wonder Bar.

Leo R. Sanchez - 265-4579

Web site: sunupridge.com

e-mail: {M3spicoon@aol.com

Family Stuff

What's Here? Fun stuff for families to do.

Hogadon passes available

Season passes for Hogadon Ski Area are on sale now and will remain on sale through Dec. 3, at the Casper Recreation Center.

First-time pass holders can purchase a pass for $119. The Buddy Pass Program offers savings to groups of one to six with prices varying from $160 to $215 per person, depending on the number of people. Friends and groups purchasing a buddy pass must register together. Families purchasing a buddy pass may have one person register and pay for the entire group. Children under 5 ski free but must wear a season pass or lift ticket for a one-time $5 fee.

For more information, contact the Rec Center at 235-8383 or Hogadon at 235-8499.

Cemetery tour available

The Highland Park Annual Cemetery Tour will be held on the first two weekends of October. The tour will include tombstone symbolism, the sinister dead of Casper's Past and eye-witness accounts of creepy sightings. The guides will take you throughout the cemetery on Oct. 6-7, 13-14. Please bring a camera, good friends, wear good walking shoes. Reservations are required. This tour will be the final fundraiser for the Painted Past European Tour to entertain the troops and their families in Brussels, Ansbach and Hohenfels the end of October. Painted Past is a non-profit organization, and your $25 admittance fee is tax deductible. For more information and reservations please call Donna Fisher 267-7243. This tour filled up quickly last year, so please make your reservations early.

Library extends hours

As times change from summer to school year, your library is changing with them! After receiving many requests and additional funding this year, the Natrona County Public Library is pleased to announce that we will be staying open later for your schoolwork, browsing, researching, and internet-cruising needs.

The library's patron survey this past year revealed that 55 percent of respondents would be likely to use the library after 7 p.m. on week nights. Thanks to the excellent support of our Board of County Commissioners, your library will now remain open until 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

In addition to the extended weekday hours, we will be resuming Sunday hours.

September through May: Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m.

Brenda Thomson - 237-4935, ext. 128

Use Beech to get to library

Change is afoot! The weather is turning cooler, children are off to school, and the sounds of drilling, concrete breaking and backhoes are filtering through the walls of your Natrona County Public Library. As the next phase in the downtown reconstruction project, Durbin Street is now closed between 2nd Street and Collins, including the main parking lot entrance for the Library. Library patrons should plan to use the Beech Street entrance for parking throughout the next few months.

For more information on the Downtown Casper Reconstruction and Improvement Project, visit {M3http://droc.infoBrenda Thomson - 237-4935, ext. 128

Pick a card this month

How do you remember September? Kids running off to school? Summer turning to Fall? Beginning of Hunting Season? Natrona County Public Library reminds you that September is a busy month at your library as well. September marks our celebration of the most powerful card in you wallet. It's Library Card Signup Month!

With one little card you can access a great selection of books, movies, audiobooks and music as well as the Internet and various online services. It's the most important school supply, and best of all, IT'S FREE!

If you don't have a library card, drop by any NCPL branch in Casper, Mills, Edgerton or the bookmobile to sign up. If you had a library card but have lost it, don't worry: Just bring a photo ID and we will waive the $1 replacement fee during the month of September.

.Brenda Thomson - 237-4935, ext. 128

Instruments on consignment

Wyoming Music is now accepting musical instruments on consignment for the annual instrument swap. The sale continues until Sept. 30. This is a great way to buy an affordable, used instrument for elementary music students. All types of band or orchestra instruments will be accepted on consignment throughout the sale. Instruments should be taken to Wyoming Music, 330 S. Walsh, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

A portion of the proceeds will be used to help provide instruments for those children who would otherwise be unable to play. For more information, call Dean Lorimer at 237-7322.

Taste of Home Oct. 5

The Taste of Home Cooking School returns to Casper on Thursday, Oct. 5, at 7 p.m., at the Parkway Plaza Hotel. Tickets are $8 each and available at the front desk of Clear Channel Radio, 150 N. Nichols Ave.

Don't miss this big evening of flavorful fall recipes demonstrated on stage at the Parkway Plaza. Everyone who attends receives a free Taste of Home Cooking School brand name cookbook that includes all the savory dishes prepared on stage. Drawings will be held for nifty door prizes, plus several lucky winners will be selected to take home the delicious dishes Kristi Larson prepares on stage.

Doors open at 4 p.m. to browse the vendor booths and the cooking begins at 7 p.m.

Ethnic dinner package set

A special ticket package is being offered for this year's five ethnic dinners at Casper College.

The ticket package will cover all five Casper College ethnic dinners. This year's lineup features foods from Kenya on October 12, Brazil on November 9, World's Fare on February 1, Italy on March 1, and Poland on April 12.

The cost for the ticket packages is $35. If tickets were purchased individually in advance for each ethnic dinner the total cost would be $40. The savings is even larger for those diners who purchase their tickets individually at the door and spend a total of $47.50.

"Selling both the dinner ticket package and individual ethnic dinner tickets in advance helps us to better plan for the amount of food we need to have prepared," says Tim Hammerschmitt, food service general manager.

The ethnic dinner ticket package will be available for purchase through Friday, Oct. 6. The packages can be purchased at the Roberts Commons Cafeteria Monday through Thursday from 7 to 9 a.m., 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4:45 to 6:45 p.m.; at the coffee bars located in the Administration Building and the Wold Physical Science Center between the hours of 8 a.m. and noon, and in the Casper College Office of Accounting and Financial Management from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The ethnic dinner series is sponsored by the Casper College Diversity Committee.

Teen Stuff

What's Here? Fun stuff for teens to do.

Alive at 25 starts soon

The next Alive at 25 class will be held at the Wyoming Department of Transportation building, 900 Bryan Stock Trail, on Thursday, Oct. 12 from 4 to 8:30 p.m. Alive at 25 is a defensive driving training course for young drivers or prospective young drivers, ages 14 to 25 and is taught by a Wyoming Highway patrolman. To sign up for the course, drivers are to contact Lt. Troy McLees at {M7Troy.McLees@dot.wy.us or telephone 307-777-4303. The class is free to Wyoming drivers.

{M3George Cannon - 265-8746

Diversity essays welcome

The Youth Empowerment Council would like to jump start the year and get everyone in grades 7th - 12th involved while giving you a chance to win CASH prizes and drinks from Metro! We will be holding an essay contest; the theme is diversity. For essay contest guidelines and submission requirements please call Jenielle @ 267-6371 or email ddixon@wmcnet.org or ask your English teacher. Contest ends Wednesday, Sept. 27 at 4:30 p.m.