Hello from Ravalli County. It has been a challenging couple of months for our office due to health issues with some of our staff and Peer Advocates. It is great to have Joanne Verwolf back to work after successful hip surgery, Mary Millin is recovering from her back surgery in October, LaRoy Williamson is ready to return to his Peer duties after successful cancer treatment and Velda Vial is home after taking take of family health issues in Alaska. Special thanks to Elizabeth Varnum and our Peer Advocates for holding the office together.

In October, we held a Harvest Dance which was a huge success. Thirty-four people laced up their dancing shoes as we danced the night away to music provided by the “The Montana Kids.” In addition to tired feet and full tummies, we showed off our artistic talents with a pumpkin decorating contest! A great time was had by all.

Our calendars will be full this winter and we hope you will join us as we will once again offer our “Living Well with a Disability” workshop (January to March). We are pleased to announce two new workshops, Self-Awareness (February to March) and “Working Well with a Disability” (March to May). Call our office at 363-5242 to sign up or for more information.

Being involved with Summit is never dull–watch your mailbox for information about Movie Night and get those bowling arms warmed up as we are planning a Wii Bowling Night for February.
The Bitterroot Valley People First Aktion Club has been a little quieter since Mary has been out. However, we did have elections and will have our installation of officers at Perkins Restaurant on December 19 and are planning to help Kiwanis with food boxes on December 16. We are also hoping to get together with members of the Missoula People First sometime soon.

Thanks to all of you that help make our office amazing and our social events the place to be. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Joanne Verwolf, Ravalli County Coordinator