Today's Events

Eastern Star meets at Parkway Plaza

The 107th annual session of the Grand Chapter of Wyoming Order of the Eastern Star will be at the Parkway Plaza Convention Center in Casper from Aug. 11-14.

Honored guests are Most Worthy Grand Matron Pat Rasmussen of Elk River, Minn., Most Worthy Grand Patron Loyal Stark of Hayward, Calif., and other visiting grand officers and members.

Presiding are Worthy Grand Matron Lois Purvis of Casper, Worthy Grand Patron Leroy Milner of Torrington, and other grand officers.

Brother Stark will address the convention on Wednesday evening and Sister Rasmussen will speak to the group on Thursday evening.

Muni ladies golf pairings Aug. 12

18 holes:

7 a.m., P. Turk, B. Vermedahl, B. Barrett, L. Westbrook; 7:05 a.m., B. Marsh, A. Miller, C. Hines, S. Deines; 7:10 a.m., S. Lineweber, A. Coshow, J. Whitaker, C. Bernardis; 7:15 a.m., J. Schmidt, M. Walsh, G. Sayler; 7:20 a.m., K. Dahill, T. McLanahan, C. Ross; 7:25 a.m., G. York, M. Haydel, V. Dalgarn; 7:30 a.m., B. Sadler, E. Nickerson, D. Williamson.

9 holes:

9 a.m., C. Eckhart, N. Kubichek, J. Moreland.

If you cannot play or want to play, please call 265-8693 or 237-7259 (18 holes). Do not call the pro shop.

Nonprofit

Zimmerman honorary chairman

Dr. Gail Zimmerman has been named honorary chairman of the Community Walk for Wyoming CARES for 2004.

Wyoming CARES is a statewide 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency with a mission to provide assistance to Wyoming residents in need. Funds raised in Wyoming stay in Wyoming for residents of Wyoming in need.

For more information about the breakfast, the Community Walk for Wyoming CARES and services provided, call 237-7035.

Joshua's rummage needs donations

Joshua's Storehouse annual rummage sale will be Saturday, Aug. 14, from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. at 1700 W. First St. The sale will be held in the rear parking lot.

This sale will help Joshua's purchase items for food boxes. Donations of miscellaneous kitchen and household items and furniture for the sale will be gratefully accepted.

Joshua's is a nonprofit food and clothing distribution center serving our community and surrounding areas. Joshua's operates through the generosity of organizations, churches and private individuals.

LEGO building contest Aug. 16

Toy Town is holding its 17th annual LEGO contest on Aug. 16-20 with judging on Aug. 21.

Contestants need to construct a model from LEGOs (only) at home and bring it to Toy Town, 147 S. Center St. Models will be taken during regular business hours, from 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Monday-Friday. Models should not exceed 3 ft. by 3 ft. at the base.

The age groups are 6 and under, 7-9, 10-12, and 13 and older. First, second and third prizes will be given out for each age group. An overall "Best of Show" will be awarded. There are certificates and goodies for each entry.

Entries are judged on creativity, stability, color, unique use of bricks and more.

For more information, contact Toy Town at 235-0550.

Rescue Mission gets grant

The Central Wyoming Rescue Mission is grateful to have been given a $15,000 grant from the McMurry Foundation for its women and children's programs. Last month CWRM provided over 1,000 meals and overnight shelter for 29 women and 16 children. CWRM is a faith-based,non-profit Christian organization providing food, shelter, clothing, laundry, counseling, case management and long-term programs that help men and women in need overcome their life-controlling issues with the ultimate goal of successful independent living. For assistance or to make a donation, please call (307) 265-2251 or mail to P.O. Box 3212, Casper, WY 82602.

Benefit garage sale for Sechrist

The Wyoming Financial Group is holding a large garage sale to raise money to support the family of David Sechrist Jr., will be held on Saturday, Aug. 14, at 8 a.m., at the gravel parking lot across the street from the Wyoming Financial Building, 400 E. First St. The money will be used to help Sechrist family as he undergoes a bone marrow transplant to cure his lymphoma cancer. For more information on how to help, call either Pat or Shirley at 473-3000.

Gateway needs vols to help

Gateway Social Services will be holding a garage sale to raise funds for its food pantry. The date is tentatively set for August 20-21. Due to the wonderful response we have had to our announcement asking for donations, we have accumulated a tremendous amount of goods to sell.

We now are pursuing volunteers to assist us in sorting, organizing and pricing the items. We are also in need of clothes racks, baby play pens and good sturdy boxes moving boxes. We will be glad to pick these items up.

We have filled two large buildings with garage sale items. It has become necessary for us to find one large building with ample parking space to put on a large garage sale. If there is anyone who knows of such a building and could provide us with contact information, please give us a call at 265-8336.

Donnie Jo Ludiker - 265-8336

Stuff for Students needs help

The Salvation Army Stuff for Students continues until Aug. 20.

The following school supplies are needed for distribution in backpacks to children in grades kindergarten through 12th grade: markers, crayons, rulers, colored pencils, red pens and pencils, pencils, glue and glue sticks, pocket folders, erasers, notebook paper, both wide and college rule, spiral notebooks, supply boxes, 3-ring binders and blue and black ink pens.

School supplies and monetary donations can be dropped off or mailed to the Salvation Army, 441 S. Center St. or Wyoming Student Loan Corporation, 130 N. Ash St., Suite 100.

Applications for free school supplies may also be picked up at the Salvation Army between 9-11:30 a.m., and 1:30-3 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Distribution of school supplies will take place for those whose applications have been approved on Thursday, Aug. 26, at 441 S. Center St.

Keith Bottjen - 234-2002

Judy Philo Fund helps injured woman

Judy Philo, 53, of Casper was severely injured in an auto accident in Jordan Valley, Ore., on June 20. She is hospitalized in Boise, Idaho, where she has already undergone nine different surgeries on her legs. A fund has been set up to help with medical expenses. To donate to the Judy Philo Medical Fund, make contributions at the NPRD Federal Credit Union, 945 Pendell Blvd., Mills, or mail to NPRD, P.O. Box 818, Mills, WY 82644.

Three volunteers join ACS program

Three new volunteers, Kelly Barnes, Del Kinswoman and Tina Swanson, completed the American Cancer Society's training class for "Look Good … Feel Better" sessions for women going through cancer treatment.

The beauticians are trained to assist women in coping with the skin changes and hair loss that sometimes accompany cancer treatment. They use cosmetics donated by the cosmetics industry's CTFA Foundation. The new threesome joins four other volunteers - Cindy Becker, Susan Greenelsh, Mary Sonesen and Cleora Sorenson.

Free sessions last an hour to two hours and are offered periodically.

For more information or to register for the next session, call Jerre Jones at 234-8625 or the ACS office at 577-4892.

Clubs

PP vets club Aug. 19

The Pacific Power Veteran's Club will meet at the Parkway Plaza on Thursday, Aug. 19, at 11:30 a.m. Guest speaker will be U.S. Sen. Craig Thomas. To make reservations, call Maxine Honadel at 436-8868, Cathy Korn at 436-2243 or Alice Gurnik at 472-4678 by Aug. 16.

Corvette Roundup set Labor Day Weekend

Labor Day Weekend, Sept. 4-5, Central Wyoming Corvettes hosts the Rocky Mountain Regional Corvette Roundup.

The event is open to all Corvette owners. They are looking forward to seeing many local Corvettes there. This is an NCCC-sanctioned event. Registration is at the Parkway Plaza on Friday from 3 to 8 p.m.

Saturday events include a people's choice car show with public voting and viewing at Fort Caspar, beginning at 8 a.m., and a poker and fun rally with a cookout for participants only to follow.

On Sunday, an Autocross and Funkhana will be held at the Events Center, which the public is welcome to watch. A social hour and banquet for participants only will conclude events at the Parkway on Sunday evening.

For Corvette Roundup information, call 234-8799. Sponsors are welcome to join in the fun weekend.

Tom Reeder - 234-8799

Rec Sports

Accepting swim practice apps

Glenrock Community Recreation Center is accepting registration for competitive swim practice. The minimum requirement is swimming 25 yards unassisted. Practice is offered Monday through Thursday, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. There is a monthly enrollment fee of $20. Currently, competitive swim practice is a Rec Center program and is not affiliated with any swim club or group.

For more information, call the Glenrock Rec Center at 436-5434.

Midget Football coaches needed

The Casper Midget Football Association is seeking dedicated and knowledgeable people who want to volunteer their time as youth football coaches and referees for the upcoming 2004 season. Do you have the desire and are you dedicated to teaching basic fundamentals of football to fifth and sixth graders? The Casper Midget Football Association is looking for people who can commit their time in the evenings for September and October (no weekends).

To volunteer, call 473-8674 or 233-6116 or e-mail Jeff Wilmetti, CMFA coach's chairman, at (wilmetti@brakes.com).

Rockstar Rock the Rims postponed

The Casper Family YMCA and the Boys & Girls Club of Central Wyoming will be postponing the Rockstar Rock the Rims 3-on-3 Blacktop Jam until Aug. 21-22. There is still time to get your teams together and play on the streets of downtown Casper. Get out and rock the rims with Rockstar Energy drink!

For more information, call the YMCA at 234-9187 or the Boys & Girls Club at 235-5694.

Heidi Wilkinson - 234-9187

Fixin' up the YMCA

The Casper Family YMCA will be shutting down from Aug. 9-22 for improvements and renovations. YMCA members can go to the Casper Recreation Center for nonpool use. If you are interested in a pool schedule during the shut down, call the YMCA to get specific times for classes. If you are interested in volunteering your time to help renovate and clean up, call Leo at the YMCA.

Heidi Wilkinson - 234-9187

Cowboy Joe raises travel funds

University of Wyoming swimmer Scott Usher is the first-ever Wyoming swimmer to qualify for the Olympics after finishing second in the 200-meter breaststroke at the U.S. Olympic Trials.

The Cowboy Joe Club is accepting donations to help supplement the cost of Head Coach Tom Johnson's travel to Greece for the 2004 Summer Games. Donations may be made to Cowboy Joe Club; write TJ or Olympics in the memo so the donation gets to the right place.

The Brown 'N Gold Outlet is printing 100 shirts (Wyoming Swimming/2004 Olympics) to sell for $15 each; proceeds will be donated to this fund. Shirts are ready for sale at the B&G, (307) 742-2427.

Please make checks payable to: Cowboy Joe Club (memo-TJ or Olympics), Dept. 3414, 1000 E. University Ave., Laramie, WY 82071, (307) 766-6242.

Gymnastics center offers programs

Wyoming Gymnastics Center has some fun-filled summer programs available. Monthly and daily fees for those who would like to attend. Don't miss the Adventure Camp from Aug. 13-16 for beginner students in kindergarten to sixth grade. The Adventure Camp includes a variety of activities, including gymnastics instruction and trampoline safety.

For more information, call 266-3023.

Casper Soccer Club starts registration

The Casper Soccer Club is currently holding registration for the Fall 2004 season. Players born between Aug. 1, 1986, and July 31, 2001, are eligible to play. All games are played at the North Casper Soccer Complex. Registration deadline is Aug. 13. Fee for the season is $45 or $75 for both the fall and spring seasons. There will be a $20 late fee after Aug. 13. Games are scheduled to begin Sept. 7. Registration forms can be picked up at Bush-Wells Sporting Goods, The Athletes Foot or online at the Casper Soccer Club Web site (www.cyslonline.com).

MLS Soccer Camp

The MLS Soccer Camp, the official camp and clinic of Major League Soccer, returns to Casper Aug. 16-20 at the North Casper Soccer Complex. Camp for 5- and 6-year-olds is from 9-10:30 a.m. for $75; 7- to 11-year-olds is from 9-11 a.m. for $115; and 12- to 18-year-olds is from 5:30-8:30 p.m. for $115. All players receive a ball, T-shirt, gift and a voucher to attend a Colorado Rapids game. Registration forms can be picked up at Bush-Wells Sporting Goods, The Athletes Foot or online at www.MLScamps.com. A late fee of $15 will be added after Aug. 1.

Reunions

Class of NC '44

The Class of '44 will hold its 60th class reunion on Aug. 27-28 at the Parkway Plaza. The Friday night registration and get together will start at 6:30 p.m. It will be a get-reacquainted party. Classmates from other classes are invited to attend, and admission for the evening is $10. Transportation will be furnished for tours to the Veteran's Museum, the Historical Trails Center, the Nicolaysen Museum and Tate Museum beginning at 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Registration will be open at 6 p.m. again Saturday with dinner at 7 p.m{M3., followed by entertainment and prize drawings. Members of other classes are invited to join in on Friday night. If you would like to attend, call 234-3302 or 237-3818.

NC '54

Aug. 13-15, events include:

Friday, registration at Casper Shrine Club ballroom, 10 a.m.; 7:30 p.m., no-host icebreaker, cocktail party, casual dress. Cost included in registration fee.

Saturday, options of three activities: golf at Community Golf Course, tee time, 8 a.m.; boatride and lunch at Alcova; or tour National Historic Trails Interpretive Center; dinner at 6 p.m. at the Casper Shrine Club - steak or chicken, casual with dancing to follow.

Sunday, brunch at the Parkway Plaza at 9:30 a.m.

For more information, contact John Hilde at 235-1470, Dugan Simmons at 235-5332, Edith Knittle at 237-7564 or e-mail Hilde at norwegin@bresnan.net.

NC '94

NCHS's Class of 1994 Reunion dates are Aug. 20-21.

Friday night: Daddy O's Bar and Grill

Saturday: Mike Sedar Park

Saturday night: Parkway Plaza

Total cost is $70 per person. For a registration form, call 259-5754, e-mail (nchsclassof1994_casper@hotmail.com) with your current address, or visit their Web site (www.nchsclassof94.com).

Schools

New scholarship for Strausner

The Casper College Faculty Senate has created the LeRoy Strausner Student Scholarship at Casper College.

"In appreciation for his many years of leadership and support, the senate has made a generous contribution to establish the LeRoy Strausner Student Scholarship," said Paul Hallock, Casper College Foundation director.

"The senate is encouraging the community to make additional financial contributions to the foundation in Dr. Strausner's honor," said Erich Frankland, faculty senate president. "Our goal is that the scholarship become permanently endowed in the next few months and qualify for matching resources from the Wyoming Community College Endowment Challenge Fund," he added.

According to Hallock, the fund should ideally reach a level of at least $10,000 to be fully endowed. "In addition to the faculty senate's initial gift, the foundation has received several other contributions to the scholarship. This is a wonderful way to say 'thanks' to LeRoy for his 39 years of service. I believe that many people will want to get behind this particular scholarship named after a man who gave so much to so many," he said.

Hallock noted that all gifts are welcome and encouraged. "It doesn't matter if the donation for this scholarship is small or large. Each gift is important," he said.

Frankland said that the selection requirements and criteria for the scholarship will be formulated upon completion of the fund-raising goal.

To donate to this or other Casper College endowments, call the foundation office at 268-2256, or toll-free at (800) 442-2963, ext. 2256.

Preschool openings at CDCNC

The Child Development Center of Natrona County (CDCNC) announces openings for the 2004-05 school year. CDCNC offers a state-certified preschool for 3- to 5-year-olds Monday through Thursday. These 2-1/4 hour classes are designed to promote the four areas of development with a 6-to-1 student/teacher ratio. CDCNC offers a play-based curriculum, which promotes kindergarten readiness, as well as a fun and creative educational atmosphere with activities such as circle time, reading, writing, problem solving, math, games, music and outdoor playground experiences, among others. Classes begin Monday, Aug. 30.

For more information on our full-inclusion classes, call 235-5097.

Head Start enrolls 3- to 5-year-olds

Head Start is now enrolling 3- to 5-year-olds for the 2004-05 school year. This quality preschool program is free to qualifying families. For an application or more information, call the Natrona County Head Start at 577-1864.

KW cross country starts Aug. 16

The Kelly Walsh Cross Country running team will begin its season on Aug. 16. The team is open to all girls and boys, grades 9-12, who are interested in joining. Besides the excellent physical benefits of long-distance running, Cross Country provides a great team atmosphere with team dinners, weekly trips to the various meets and other team activities.

Please turn in your physicals to the KW Activities office prior to the first practice. The first practice will begin at 8 a.m. in front of Harry Geldien Stadium. Come prepared to work out on the first day.

For more information, call Jim Miller at 266-2703.

NC Angels need crafters

The NCHS Angels will host a craft fair at NCHS the weekend of Oct. 23.

The craft fair will be this year's fund-raiser for the Angels. The NCHS Angels have been in existence for three years. The group was founded by friends one day during lunch, while discussing the many needs of their students.

The Angels have helped NCHS students with the costs of senior pictures, caps and gowns, utility bills, rent, glasses, haircuts, clothing and much more. All gifts remain anonymous.

Booth spaces are $50.

To participate or for more information, call Melissa Henry at 472-3122.

St. Anthony announces winners

St. Anthony Tri-Parish School announces the winners of the July drawing for the 2004 Vacation and Cash Giveaway. Cash winners are: Donn and Bernie Chenette, Judy Gardner, and Mike and Dalene Lockhart. Grand Prize winners of a trip to San Diego are Dennis and Janet Steensland. Congratulations to all. Tickets for the 2005 Giveaway will be sold in the fall.

For more information, call the school office at 234-2873.

Limited space left at Montessori

The Montessori School of Casper has limited spaces available for children who will be 3 or 4 years old this fall.

For more information, call Debbie at 265-0249.

Shepherd of the Hills has openings

Shepherd of the Hills Child Development Center has several openings for the 2004-05 school year. Their Christian-oriented program is developmentally appropriate for each age and exceeds Wyoming State Preschool Standards. They have limited openings for children who turn 3 years old by Sept. 15. The four-year-old class is full.

The unique Prekindergarten program has several openings for children who will turn 5 years old by Dec. 31. This class includes phonics, Spanish, sign language, math activities, science experiments and violin lessons twice each week. Recent studies have shown that musical training, with a stringed instrument in particular, enhances brain development.

Classes begin after Labor Day.

For more information, call Mary McQuade at 234-8522.

Full-day classical kindergarten

Mount Hope Lutheran School, 2300 S. Hickory St., is pleased to offer a new full-day Kindergarten option for the 2004-05 school year. Morning classes will consist of direct instruction including Saxon math and Spalding writing, spelling and reading. Afternoon classes will include enrichment activities in areas such as music, art and Spanish. Experienced performer and strings teacher, Roger Hedlund, will teach violin 3 days a week for those interested in participating. The extended afternoon classes will also be open to "young fives" in the prekindergarten class. Enrollment for all classes is currently open, prekindergarten (3- and 4-year-olds) through eighth grade.

For more information, call 234-6865.

Logic at the center

Since announcing the opening of its new junior high school, Mount Hope Lutheran School, 2300 S. Hickory St., has dedicated itself to designing a superb and demanding curriculum for seventh- and eighth-grade students. Special classes for the junior high will include introductory Spanish and formal logic. The discipline of logic will also be incorporated into a Western Civilization course, religious and ethical studies, introductory algebra, general science and readings of classic works of literature.

For more information, call 234-6865.

Fraternal

Eagles jam Aug. 22

The Fraternal Order of Eagles #306 will host, along with local musicians, a jam session at the Eagles Hall, 306 N. Durbin, in Casper on Sunday, Aug. 22, from 1 to 6 p.m. The Jam Session will honor our local musician R.C. Logan, who has recently been battling the effects of cancer. The Eagles invites anyone to come out and enjoy good music and help let "RC" know we care and wish him the best. Free admission.

Robbie Daniels - 235-5130

Mary H. Jackson, PM

August Elks

Today: Taco Bar, 6 p.m., $5

Aug. 15: Deadline for Elks Corral news articles

Aug. 17: Lodge Meeting, 8 p.m.

Aug. 18: Taco Bar, 6 p.m., $5

Aug. 25: Taco Bar, 6 p.m., $5

Dianna Arndt - arndt@trib.com

Service

Free caregiver classes

The Comforts of Home free caregiver classes are held each Wednesday from 12:30-2:30 p.m. at the Casper Senior Citizens Center, 1801 E. Fourth St. On Wednesday, topics include financial management, paying for care, tax planning, Hospice care and end of life issues. There are new subjects each Wednesday. Respite care is available if arrangements are made in advance. Sponsored in part by Wyoming Medical Center, Central Wyoming Senior Services, Casper-Natrona County Health Dept., Natrona County Adult Protection Team, Blue Envelope Health Fund and Alzheimer's Affiliation.

For information on classes or respite, call 265-4678.

Kim Siver - 265-4678

Miniature show at West Wind

It's the biggest little show the Casper Artists' Guild has ever hosted. More than sixty-five artists from 22 states and three foreign countries have sent entries to the 11th Annual International Miniature Exhibit at West Wind Gallery, 1040 W. 15th St. There are about 180 interesting tiny artworks in oils, watercolor, pastel, encaustic and sculpture. The subjects are varied from scenery to people and pets, still life subjects and some imaginitive abstracts. The show runs through Aug. 28.

Judge for the show is Linda Lillegraven, prominent pastel artist from Laramie. Ribbons and cash prizes will be awarded. The show may also be viewed during regular gallery hours, Tuesday through Saturday, noon-4 p.m.

In addition to the miniature show, paintings by Michele McDonald's watercolor class will be shown in the large gallery at West Wind.

For more information, call the gallery at 265-2655 or Frank and Betty Cordiner at 473-1736.

PFLAG pizza party set Aug. 22

Casper PFLAG (Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) invites LGBT folks, friends, families and allies to a pizza party on Sunday, Aug. 22, from 5:30-7 p.m. Pizza and beverages will be provided. We meet at First Congregational UCC Church, 1511 S. Melrose St., an open and affirming church.

Ruth Ann Leonard - 265-5449

Operation Child Care aids R&R

Operation Child Care allows National Guard and Reserve members who are on two weeks Respite & Reunion (R&R) from Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan access to a few hours of donated child care from licensed providers.

We would like to invite all licensed child care providers to participate by donating four hours or more of child care to service members who are on R&R and have one or more children between birth and 13 years of age.

Participating providers will receive recognition in several ways.

For more information, attend Sam's Club's Child Care Provider Day on Saturday, Aug. 7, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., or call your local Child Care Resource & Referral or Child Care Finder in Casper at (800) 578-4017, ext. 306 or 317; or e-mail (casperccf@wyoming.com).

Please respond now, as service members are arriving home from Iraq and Afghanistan for R&R.

RSVP needs help

Seniors 55 and over who are looking to meet new people, get out of the house, have fun and support their community at no cost should call the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program. They have volunteer positions throughout Fremont County. Give RSVP a call in Riverton at (307) 856-6566 or (877) 956-6566.

Aging workshop set for Aug. 17

"The Aging Spirit," a workshop led by Vicki Murdock, Ph.D., will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 17, from 8:30-10:30 a.m. at the Community Health Center of Central Wyoming, 1522 E. A St.

Murdock is assistant professor of social work at the University of Wyoming/Casper College.

Sponsored by Hilltop National Bank, the workshop explores the older person's journey toward finding meaning in life. "The Aging Spirit" is the first in a series of programs planned by the Wyoming Gerontological Association (WGA). Its mission is to provide educational and networking opportunities for those working with older adults. Admission is free to WGA members and $10 for nonmembers.

To register, call (307) 473-1284.

Nonprofit

Hospice trains volunteers Sept. 13

Anyone interested in taking fear out of death, the dying process or bereavement should attend Hospice fall volunteer training, which begins Monday, Sept. 13, from 6-9:30 p.m. and continues for six weeks. There is no cost or obligation. Call our office at 577-4832 and leave your name, address and phone number. A letter detailing the training will be mailed to you. Class size is limited.

Deanne - 577-4832

RMSD sets fall registration

The Rocky Mountain School of Dance will be holding open registration for all new and returning students on Wednesday, Aug. 18, from 5-8 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 21, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Wednesday, Aug. 25, from 5-8 p.m.; and Saturday, Aug. 28, from noon-3 p.m.

Registration will take place at the RMSD studio, located at 2115B E. 12th St.

The 2004-05 season will include classes for 3-year-olds through adults in beginning through preprofessional levels. Classes will be offered in ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, lyrical, modern and kinderdance. The energetic, mature faculty boasts degreed instructors with over 45 years combined teaching experience. They provide workshop and performance opportunities for everyone and have need-based tuition scholarships available to those who qualify.

Fall classes begin Sept. 7.

RMSD - 237-6792

BBBS promotes branch director

Kimberly Zufelt-Austin has been promoted to the Greater Wyoming State Office for Big Brothers Big Sisters as a compliance and training officer for nine branch agencies around the state. She will oversee national standards being met within all branches and train other staff in program procedures. She has been with BBBS since 2000 and will continue her job duties in until a new branch director is hired.

Steve Hamaker - 742-2227

Golf Marathon tees off Sept. 20

If you love to golf, you'll love this event. The Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Central Wyoming Rescue Mission seek golfers for the fifth annual Farnham's Furniture Galleries Golf Marathon for Charity on Monday, Sept. 20, at the Casper Country Club.

This year, the three choices are Marathon, 100 holes in a day; 20 Mile, 72 holes in 6-1/2 hours or the Sprint, 36 holes in four hours.

Golfers are required to get $500 in pledges but FCA and CWRM collect them for you. All golfers receive a golf shirt and goodie bag. For $1,000 in pledges, additional prizes include a $100 gift certificate to Bosco's Italian Restaurant; for $1,500, a $150 gift certificate in the CCC pro shop; and for $2,000, 10 percent of that amount in Sierra Trading Post gift certificates.

Prizes are cumulative - for $2,000, you get all three bonus prizes.

Captains of three-person teams receive special gifts.

To help with costs, CWRM/FCA are also seeking hole sponsors for $125 per hole.

If you are interested in golfing or being a hole sponsor, call Risa at the Mission at 268-4474.

Symphony suggests dream of your own

The prize of the 2004 Dream Raffle to benefit the Wyoming Symphony Orchestra is not a custom home, a recreational vehicle or a car. This year's prize is cash, 50 percent of what is raised from the sale of $20 tickets.

Tickets are now on sale from symphony staff and board members, at the office at 111 W. Second St., Suite 103, and will be sold in a variety of locations around town. The drawing is Oct. 9 at the first concert of the season.

"This year, the symphony decided to let the winner skip the selling step and just give them cash. We are going to let our lucky winner choose their dream, instead of us choosing for them," said outgoing executive director Jennifer Thompson. "The community has been so supportive of the symphony over the years, we are really excited to be able to give half of the money we raise back to someone in the community."

Jennifer Thompson - 266-1478

Mark the date

Grab your walking shoes and thinking caps and join the Brain Injury Association of Wyoming in the first "Walk for Thought," on Saturday, Oct. 2, from 10 a.m.-noon at the new Boys & Girls Club in Casper, 1801 E. K St.

For more information or to register your team, call Brenda Evans at 473-1767 or (800) 643-6457.

All proceeds benefit Brain Injury Association of Wyoming.

MOW drivers needed

The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program is seeking volunteers to serve as drivers for Meals on Wheels. Sign up with RSVP and receive limited mileage reimbursement. If you are over the age of 55 and would like to volunteer, call Carol at 265-4678 or drop by the RSVP office at 1831 E. Fourth St.

Growing contest

You should start planting your sunflower and pumpkin seeds now if you are interested in competing in a contest for growing the biggest sunflower and/or the biggest pumpkin in the community. The contest is being sponsored by the Master Gardeners of Natrona County to promote awareness of the upcoming Farmers Markets scheduled this year for the last Saturday in July and will continue every Saturday during the months of August and September. The contest is open to green thumbers of all ages and prizes will be awarded in two categories: kids (through 6th Grade) and adults.

The biggest sunflower and the biggest pumpkin entries will be judged on Sept. 21. The judging will take place in the parking lot of the Extension Office, 2011 Fairgrounds Road in conjunction with the Farmers Market.

Priscilla Williams - 235-940

Cataract fund established

Solvieg Maria Theresa Parke, 31, is in desperate need of cataract surgery on both eyes at a cost of $5,200 per eye. Because of the fairly sudden onset of cataracts, she has lost her driver's license, her good-paying job and her apartment.

She has no family in the United States. She has her green card, but has to wait 10 years to apply for citizenship. If she returns to her native country of Sweden for surgery, she would have to wait up to two years, and by then, her condition will be inoperable.

A fund has been established at Reliant Federal Credit Union, 900 Werner Ct., Suite 100, Casper, WY 82609. The account name is the Maria T. Parke, Surgery Account.

For more information, e-mail her friend, Ruth Schilling, at (rschilling6@bresnan.net).