Fall is in the air, school is back in session, the upcoming holiday season is just around the corner, and we’re gearing up for the 2011 legislative session!

The summer passed quickly as we celebrated the 20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, participating in activities at the Bitterroot Glory Days, as well as the grand celebration at Fort Missoula.

Ravalli County had the honor of having a nationally renowned speaker. Dr. Richard Pimentel conducted a community motivational presentation, putting a very human face on the special challenges encountered by individuals with disabilities. If you missed the movie “The Music Within,” which based on Dr. Pimentel’s remarkable life and courage, it is a great movie that you may want to rent and share with family and friends.

People First members worked the Kiwanis food booth at the Ravalli County Fair and enjoyed the last picnic of the season at Caras Park, and are now busy planning a Halloween Costume Party. The Bitterroot Caregivers Conference was held on October 7th at the Bitterroot River Inn and we’re all excited about hosting the Every Woman Matters exhibit on January 19, 2011. Every Woman Matters is a Montana multi-media event highlighting the importance of breast cancer screening among women with physical disabilities, and we very pleased to have Relay for Life partnering with us in bringing this exhibit to Ravalli County.

Don’t forget to vote on November 2nd and let your voice be heard during the 2011 legislative session.

Joanne Verwolf
Ravalli County Coordinator