Daily Archives: February 7, 2017

Introduction to 3D modeling

The Natrona County Library will offer an Introduction to 3D Modeling class from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Feb. 11. Participants will come away from this workshop being able to design three-dimensional objects using a free, web-based Computer Aided Design program called Tinkercad. Tinkercad is an easy, browser-based 3D design and modeling tool. Its also your perfect 3d printing companion, allowing you to imagine anything, and then design it in minutes. Call 577-READ ext. 2 or email reference@natronacountylibrary.org for more information.

St. Marks Episcopal Church, 7th and Wolcott, will have classes on money management, using the Financial Peace plan, starting in February. The classes will run from Feb. 18 to April 25, 2017 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., on Tuesdays at the church. To register, please contact Dorothy Brown at 377-3509 or via e-mail Wyo_nana@yahoo.com.

Family Life Ministry (FLM) at Highland Park Community Church is offering premarital, marriage enrichment, and parenting workshops, seminars, retreats and conferences, empowering families to thrive through Gods love. Please visit the website for more information or to register, http://hpcc.church/FLM.

The Wyoming Symphony Orchestra and The Hill Music Company are joining forces to help young Wyoming musicians further their musical ability with the opportunity to win a new string or wind instrument.

Wyoming music students in grades 9 through 12, who may have outgrown or outplayed a wind or string instrument, are invited to apply for a new instrument.

To apply, download an application form and instruction packet from the WSO website, http://www.wyomingsymphony.org/outreach. Applicants will need to write a short essay about the importance of music and their particular instrument to their lives, and include references from music teachers, family, and friends.

The deadline to apply is Feb. 24, 2017. A certificate will be awarded to the winner at the Wyoming Symphony Orchestra concert on March 18, 2017. The Hill Music Company will provide the winning instrument, and assist the winner in selecting the instrument of his or her choice.

Looking for a one-day workshop that will teach a new, old-time skill? Check out the Pinhole Cameras Workshop on Saturday, Feb. 11 from 2 to 4:30 p.m. at the Casper Rec Center. A pinhole camera is the earliest form of capturing images that is called a photograph today. It is a dark chamber with a pinhole and no lens. During the clinic, participants will build their own pinhole camera.

For registration fees and more information, stop by the Casper Recreation Center at 1801 E. 4th St., visit the website http://www.activecasper.com or call 235-8383.

Life After Loss is a support group for people who have lost a loved one to suicide. This is a nine-week program designed to help navigate the troubled waters of this time. The class starts at 6 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2017, at the Highland Park Community Church, 5725 Highland Dr., room 1327. There is a $12 fee for the book and materials, scholarships are available. Please contact Ardith at 267-3532 or The Healing Place at 265-3977.

ART321/Casper Artists Guild holds Saturday Morning Watercolor Sessions under the direction of Ellen Black. Sessions are Saturday mornings, 10 a.m. to noon. $10 per session.

Feb. 11: Tree Studies; Feb. 18: Practice Session; Feb. 25: Mountain Landscapes. Instructed by Jennifer Morss. Please contact Ellen Black at 265-6783 for any questions. Hope to see you all again this season.

Art 321 offers February workshop

Art321/Casper Artists Guild is offering a Beginning Colored Pencil Workshop will be instructed by Lynn Jones from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., on Saturday, Feb. 18. Open to all levels. Fee is $30 for members. Take colored pencils and learn all the basic techniques of shading, blending colors and burnishing. The great thing about colored pencil is that it is easily portable, allowing artists to work from anywhere.

Register in person at the gallery or call the desk at 265-2655.

Consider becoming a member of Art321 and get discounted fees on all workshops. Annual dues are $65.

GRO-Biz conference Feb. 22-23

Registration is underway for Wyomings premiere business conference, GRO-Biz Conference & Idea Expo, Feb. 22 and 23 at the Ramkota Hotel.

Register before Feb. 8, 2017 for the discounted cost of $165 per registrant; beginning February 8, 2017 registration fee is $185. To see agenda and to register, visit http://www.regonline.com/2017grobizidea.

The GRO-Biz Conference & Idea Expo is two events rolled into one. The event provides opportunities to learn from experts presenting innovative workshops that inspire attendees to think about their business in new and exciting ways. In addition, the conference provides Wyomings small businesses the opportunity to better understand state and federal government procurement processes and meet with professionals who can provide valuable information on the bidding process.

Conscious Co-Creation, Part Two: Field Play, Feb. 18, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., offered in person at the Agricultural Learning Resources building on Fairgrounds Rd. and also via live webinar. In the follow-up to Conscious Co-Creation Part One, explore in depth some of the ideas and skills gained in Conscious Co-Creation. Prerequisite: Conscious Co-Creation/Self-Transformation & Healing. For a full class description and registration information, visit: http://www.cathyhazeladams.com/pp/classes-webinars-event/.

Living from the Heart: The Key to Peace, Freedom & Creative Empowerment, Feb. 26, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., offered in person at the Agricultural Learning Resources building on Fairgrounds Rd. and also via live webinar.In the new four-hour class/playshop, learn what the field of the heart really is, practice easy, practical ways to go into heart field, and learn how to live every day from this place of peace, love, well-being and personal empowerment. No prerequisite. For a full class description and registration information, visit: http://www.cathyhazeladams.com/pp/classes-webinars-event/.

The Natrona County VITA Program, a United Way of Natrona County initiative, is open through April 12, for free tax return assistance. This is a first come, first serve program, no appointments will be scheduled. Individuals must bring their Social Security card, photo identification and the appropriate paperwork with them. For a complete listing of required paperwork, please visit the website http://www.wyomingfreetaxservice.org

Hours are Tuesday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Aspen Creek Building, 800 Werner Ct., Ste. 206. Closed Sunday and Monday.

For more information, call (307) 333-5588 during hours of operation or look on Facebook. The initiative is supported by funding from the Wyoming Free Tax Service and local United Way.

Join the five-week program and learn how to reduce processed and packaged foods from your diet. Learn how to plan meals, shop, and cook using whole, natural ingredients. Also learn how to read labels and decipher ingredient lists. Real Food will meet from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., starting Feb. 9 and finishing March 9. Classes will be held at the UW Extension office at 2011 Fairgrounds Road. Half of the class time will include hands-on healthy cooking in the foods lab. The cost is $35, which covers all materials, including food. For more information and to register, contact Karla Case, RD at 235-9400 or kcase@natronacounty-wy.gov.

Parenting class available

Mercer Family Resource Center offers a class in March designed to help parents become more effective.

Make Parenting a Pleasure is for parents and caregivers with children ages 0 to 8. Class meets March 1, 8, 15, and 22 and April 5, 12, and 19 from 6 to 8 p.m. Onsite childcare available, meets once a week for seven weeks. Cost is $35 individuals and $50 a couple.

For more information or to enroll, call Lisa Brown at 233-4276.

ARTCORE music deadline March 15

The deadline for the ARTCORE New Music Competition is March 15. Entrants must be Wyoming residents.

The purpose of the competition is to find serious composers in the state; to provide an ongoing program for encouraging new music by these same composers; to give exposure to musical works of merit and to stimulate an interest in contemporary music in Wyoming audiences.

Performance time shall be limited to 20 minutes. Compositions shall not have been performed previously. Compositions shall be limited to no more than eight performers. Compositions may be for any combination of voice and/or instrument. Three copies of the manuscript must be submitted. Manuscripts will not be returned unless accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Submit manuscripts to ARTCORE, P.O. Box 874, Casper, WY 82602. Entry fee is $15. Manuscripts must be postmarked no later than March 15, 2017.

Teen Challenge offers classes

Teen Challenge Wyoming offers classes at local churches, True Care and the Link (Youth for Christ). For more information on these groups or on other Teen Challenge programs, please call 258-5397.

Peacemaking: Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. In this world of division and conflict, it is important for Christians to stay grounded in what the Bible teaches about resolving our differences with orders in a God-honoring way. For more information, call Pat at 258-5397.

Save One: A group for post-abortion healing. For more information, call Judy at 251-5644.

Single & Parenting: Sundays at 6:30 p.m. Covers major challenges single parents face in raising their children, and offers tools to help them meet these challenges. Enter anytime, each lesson stands alone. Call Cathie at 258-6119.

Professionals in Recovery: An ongoing Christian recovery group. For more information, call Gary at 267-7777.

Insight: Discovering the path to Christian character, especially in the midst of stress. Time to be announced. For more information, call Teen Challenge Wyoming at 258-5397.

Possible offering: Committed Couples and/or the Smart Stepfamily (groups designed to strengthen marriages for both married couples and those anticipating marriage) may be offered later this year. For more information on these possibilities, please call Teen Challenge Wyoming at 258-5397.

Seedling trees, shrubs and perennials on sale

Premium quality seedling trees, shrubs and perennials are available for windbreaks and wildlife habitat enhancement from the UW/Natrona County Extension. Order forms are available at the Ag Resource and Learning Center, 2011 Fairgrounds Rd. There are 41 species available. Order now for best selection with May 2017 delivery. For more information, call Rose Jones at 235-9400.

Dementia caregiver support

Wyoming Dementia Care offers five Alzheimers Caregiver Support groups each month. Caregivers of those with dementia-related illnesses and the loved ones they care for are welcome at any of the group sessions. Professional staff from Intermountain Home Companions will be on hand to offer separate activities and snacks for those who need care. There is no charge for Wyoming Dementia Cares support groups or for the respite care provided during the approximately one hour long sessions.

The morning support group sessions meet on the first and third Thursday of each month at 10 a.m. at Central Wyoming Senior Services, 1831 E. 4th St. The afternoon support groups meet at 1 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month at Life Care Center of Casper, 4041 S. Poplar. The evening groups meet on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at Meadow Wind Assisted Living, 3955 E. 12th St.

Family continues suicide support

Good Grief, Support will continue at 5:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at the 12-24 Club, 500 S. Wolcott, by request of attendees. Anyone who is grieving a suicide, death, or considering suicide is encouraged to attend. Attendance at the meeting, as well as the content, will be strictly confidential. The Fresh Start Cafe will be open, and you can eat during the meetings. This meeting place was offered by Dan Cantine of the 12-24 Club. You need not be a member to attend. For more information, email jlh35@hotmailcom.

New depression group begins

J.R.s Hunt for Life is offering See it Clearly, a free peer support group for persons suffering from depression and other mental conditions that lead to suicidal thoughts and actions. The group is led by like-minded peers wishing to offer support in these struggles. Anonymity and confidentiality is offered to all attending. Meetings are at 6:45 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at 500 South Wolcott in the conference room on the second floor, (12-24 Club). Those who have considered or attempted taking their life or are struggling are welcome. For more information, email jlh35@hotmailcom.

Family offers faith-based groups

The family of J.R. Hunter, who committed suicide, now has two additional support groups, these faith-based, in addition to the groups they run on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at the 12-24 Club. Those continue. For more information, email jlh35@hotmailcom.

J.R.s Hunt; for life presents two faith-based grief and depression peer to peer support groups at 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. at Restoration Church, 411 S. Walsh. For more information, email jlh35@hotmailcom.

Grief Support Group, Good Grief: A faith-based grief support group that the family hosts on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at 5:30 p.m. at Restoration Church. The familys loss has moved them to offer this to anyone grieving. For more information, email jlh35@hotmailcom.

Depression Support Group, See It Clearly: A faith-based free peer to peer support group for persons suffering from depression and other mental conditions that may lead to suicidal thoughts and actions. The group is led by like-minded peers wishing to offer support in these struggles. Anonymity and confidentiality is offered to all attending. Meetings are at 6:30 p.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at Restoration Church. Those who have considered or attempted taking their life or are struggling are welcome. For more information, email jlh35@hotmailcom.

Rocky Mountain Therapy is offering a Parkinsons exercise program. Join us from noon to 1 p.m. Thursdays at Rocky Mountain Therapy, 2546 E. Second St., Building 500. These classes are open to anyone with Parkinsons or caring for someone with Parkinsons.

Thursdays class is tailored for the individual with more advanced Parkinsons and focuses on improving endurance, safety and managing symptoms. We are open to all ages and can tailor the class to meet varying exercise needs. The cost of the class is $5. To RSVP, call 577-5204 and ask for Jerri or Shannon.

Celebrate Recovery every Friday

Celebrate Recovery meets at 5:30 p.m. every Friday at Highland Park Community Church, just south of Elkhorn Valley Rehabilitation Hospital on East Second Street. We start with a family meal, followed by praise and worship. At 7 p.m., theres either a lesson from Celebrate Recoverys planned curriculum or a testimony by a person who has found recovery through Christ. Then, people go to gender-specific small groups until 8:30 p.m., when dessert and fellowship conclude the evening. Child care is available at no cost. For more information, contact Chris at 265-4073.

Here and Now: Dementia-focused monthly art class

Classes are every third Tuesday of the month from 1 to 3 p.m. There is no charge. Here and Now is a program made possible through a collaboration between Wyoming Dementia Care and the Nicolaysen Art Museum. It is designed to provide a supportive environment for people with dementia and Alzheimers and their loved ones.

Latin Study Club language enthusiasts welcome anyone who wishes they had taken Latin in school or paid better attention when they did. The group meets at 7 p.m., on Tuesday nights at Mount Hope Lutheran School, 2300 Hickory. There is no charge. The textbook used is Wheelocks Latin, 7th edition. Noli timere!

Go here to read the rest:

Town Crier: Help Yourself - Casper Star-Tribune Online

By Annette Lott

The Buffalo revival story is widespread today. While the overall economy may be rebounding, however, we continue to struggle in the Fruit Belt neighborhood. Were fighting to maintain the community and the right to live and raise our families here.

The Community First Alliance is a coalition of more than a dozen community-based organizations in Buffalo that have come together to negotiate a community benefits agreement with the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus.

In our Rising Tide document, we have designed a vision of what a benefits agreement might look like. It calls for more responsible growth of the Medical Campus, as well as the preservation and empowerment of the Fruit Belt neighborhood.

Rising Tide clearly outlines anti-gentrification tools and strategies that would help maintain affordable housing, create jobs for underemployed community members and keep longtime residents in their homes. One such tool is a community land trust.

In the Fruit Belt neighborhood, there are more than 200 vacant lots that are owned by the City of Buffalo. With the rapid growth of the nearby Medical Campus, developers from outside the community have their eyes on the Fruit Belt.

Many of those developers have already proven themselves to be untrustworthy; their final insult will be to extract the last remaining resources from our community for their own personal gain.

Thats precisely why, over the past year, our alliance has introduced the idea of creating a Fruit Belt Community Land Trust.

It will empower Fruit Belt residents to take control of the vacant lots so that its less about having a seat around the decision-making table, and more about community control of the decision-making altogether.

The Fruit Belt Community Land Trust will generate community wealth through collective ownership, a principle familiar to the African-American community. It is embodied in the spirit of Ujima and has been practiced in the Fruit Belt for generations.

I know it was in my family, at least. I come from a family of nine, and I remember my father being so happy that he could provide for us. We had a nice home with a nice backyard. I remember him saying, I cant let my home fall.

Just like now, Im saying, We cant let the neighborhood fall. This may be our last chance to make sure that it doesnt.

I hope youll join us in the fight by supporting the Fruit Belt Community Land Trust. For more information, go to our Facebook page at facebook.com/CFAbuffalo.

Annette Lott is the president of Fruit Belt United and a member of the Community First Alliance. She has been part of the Fruit Belt community her entire life.

Excerpt from:

Another Voice: Land trust will empower Fruit Belt residents - Buffalo News