Park-2-Park Bike Ride Update

The Sixth Annual Park-2-Park Montana ride is planned for Sept 6-10, 2010. The route will take cyclists from St. Mary – on the eastern side of Glacier National Park – through spectacular scenery down along US 89 through Dupuyer, Choteau, Great Falls, White Sulphur Springs and Livingston and conclude at Gardiner near Yellowstone National Park.

Less than 15 slots are still open on the fully supported ride, but the registration cost goes up from $495 to $595 on July 15. The registration cost includes four nights of lodging, all meals and snacks, and support along the way. Riders are expected to raise at least $300 in pledges and a custom bike jersey is awarded to those who raise $800 or more. Check out July's Press Release for more detailed information. To register for the ride go to the Park-2-Park Montana website.

Yellowstone CASA in June

Spring for Yellowstone CASA means Garden Party & Golf Tournament. The CASA Garden Party Dessert and Auction is one of those “feel good” events that makes for a lovely springtime Sunday afternoon. Held on June 13 at DanWalt Gardens, the Party was attended by 115 folks. Rod Ostermiller, from the US Marshall Service (and boss of a CASA Volunteer!) performed admirably as the auctioneer, assisted by CASA Volunteer and Board member, Karen Jarussi. Dessert was presented by DanWalt Gardens and Hope’s Homemade of Red Lodge. Jan Butorovich and the “CASA Players” presented a great skit depicting the role of a CASA. The Gardens were gorgeous on a cool day with the sun peaking through. Mark your calendar for June 5, 2011 – next year’s Garden Party at DanWalt Gardens, a hidden treasure of Billings.

CASA Golf Tournament an Ace!

If you’re a golfer, the 9th Annual CASA Golf Tournament at Lake Hills on June 18 was just as enjoyable as the Garden Party!  Sixteen teams braved a windy afternoon and reported it was a fun tournament.  (Two days later the tornado struck Billings.  That puts the Friday wind in perspective -- pretty mild!)  The U Bar S Real Estate Team, captained by Jon Ussin, took first place with their low gross score, and will display the traveling trophy for the coming year.  It’s fun to have the CASA connection—Sylvia Ussin, married to Jon, was a CASA Volunteer for 8 years and daughter, Katie, works for a local media outlet and is a great supporter of CASA.  Golf Tournament 2011 is scheduled for June 17.

Outback Steakhouse Hosts Volunteer Recognition Event!

The Billings Outback Steakhouse provided dinner for 20 CASA Volunteers, board members, & staff on Tuesday, June 22, in recogntion of the Volunteer's work with abused and neglected children in the 13th Judicial District.  Proprietoress Jenn Ball enthusiastically greeted the Volunteers and acknowledged the significant contribution they make to the health and well being of Yellowstone County's children.  Nationally, Outback Steakhouses support the work of CASA Volunteers and encourage businesses in the chain to support their local CASA programs.

Jenn Ball, proprietor, and Marge Eliason.

Front Range CASA/GAL Inc, is holding their annual CASAS4CASA fundraiser.

Front Range CASA is raffling off 2 playhouses (cedar, 71/2x8'). The playhouses are being built by the inmates at the Crossroads Correctional Facility for donated labor. The tickets are $5 each or 5/$20. The drawing will be held on August 17th. Email Kiersta Sullivan at frontrangecasa@3rivers.net or call (406) 576-7041 for more info.

Congratulations To Our New Program Services Director, Loretta Miller!

Please join CASA of Montana in welcoming Loretta Miller as our new Program Services Director. Loretta will be coordinating trainings and education for CASA directors and programs and assist on director training and upkeep of materials. Loretta began serving as a CASA volunteer about four years ago here in Helena, moved up to a volunteer mentor position and has been working with the Helena CASA program on a diligent search for kin project. She was named the CASA Volunteer of the Year in April 2008. Loretta and her husband, Ron, own Green Meadows Auto Salvage and have resided in Helena for the last 26 years. They have two daughters, one in San Diego and one in Billings, as well as a grandson who is almost 2. In her free time she enjoys arts and crafts, riding her Harley "Trike" and of course donating her time as a CASA Volunteer. Loretta is looking forward to becoming aquainted with all of our local program directors and staff.