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I have a pal who often takes to Facebook and demands that we all wear our bicycle helmets whenever we ride our bikes. She calls people out when she sees others, sans helmet, tootling to the Food Farm or heading to the farmers markets. She’s right, of course. I should know better, too, as I have sustained three concussions while riding a bicycle (with a helmet on each time). But like seat belts in the ‘80s, some of us are in the habit of doing what is easiest, and continue an old habit. Here’s a reason to ditch that habit: Helmet use reduces the risk of head injury by 85 percent, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. While we don’t have space to talk about all the reasons automobiles and bicycles get into accidents, the collisions end up causing 700800 deaths per year on average. The Ride of Si-
lence, which began in Dallas, Texas, in 2003, helps people around the country honor those who have died while riding bikes and hopes to bring greater visibility to the potential problems that arise between motorists and cyclists. Missoula’s Ride of Silence is organized by Bike Walk Missoula, which promotes bicycle and walking safety as well encourages people to regularly use non-motorized transportation. —Jason McMackin The Ride of Silence begins Wed., May 15 with a ceremony at the Missoula County Courthouse, 200 W. Broadway, at 6 PM. There is also a 6.5-mile bicycle ride and 1.6mile walk. Riders must be comfortable riding for one hour at 12 mph. All cycling participants must wear a helmet. Visit bikewalkmissoula.org.
[AGENDA LISTINGS] THURSDAY MAY 9 Let’s talk pure energy ala Spock when City Club Missoula presents Montana’s Energy Future, featuring NorthWestern Energy’s Bob Rowe, CEO and John Hines, VP-Supply. Doubletree Hotel, 100 Madison St. 11:30–1 PM. $15 includes lunch/$5 for forum only. To RSVP call 541-2489 or visit cityclubmissoula.org.
FRIDAY MAY 10 Uniquely Montana: The LGBT Experience is a presentation by D. Gregory Smith: a gay man, a native Montanan, a former Catholic priest, a therapist, writer and activist who presents and writes on a variety of LGBT issues. Ravalli County Museum, 205 Bedford St. 11–2:30 PM. Free. Visit pflaghamiltonbitterroot.org. The UM Climate Action Now Meeting is out to save the day, promoting sustainability and environmental action. UM FLAT, 633 Fifth St. E. 6:30 PM. Learn “The Art of Motherhood” during the Lotus Project Fundraiser at the Stensrud Building, 314 N. First, where moms new and not-so-new can share in an evening of art and camaraderie. The art show features work inspired by birth, breastfeeding, babies and more. 6–8 PM. $20 includes food and drink. Visit thelotusprojectmt.org.
SATURDAY MAY 11 Here ye, there ye, the Hellgate Knights of the Round Table Book Sale takes place in the Hellgate High School cafeteria from 8 AM to 1 PM For more information, call 728-2402. Mothers’ Milk Bank of Montana is hosting a Milk and Cookies Fundraiser at A Carousel for Missoula from 9 to 11 AM. Mothers’ Milk Bank of Montana is a nonprofit that helps distribute breast milk to infants and children in medical need. Unlimited rides and milk and cookies are available for
$5 a person or $20 for a family of four or more. In addition, attendees receive a free professional Mother’s Day portrait. You are invited to a Benefit Auction and Dinner for Travis James, the man who brought you Décor at Your Door and longtime Missoula flooring contractor. All proceeds from this auction will help Travis and his Family with expenses as he fights the battle against Stage IV Esophageal Cancer. Ruby’s Inn, 4825 N. Reserve St. 4 PM. $10. The Standing Up (Comfortably) as Allies interactive workshop gives people the skills to respond effectively to anti-gay and anti-trans remarks in school, church or workplace. Facilitated by the NCBI (National Coalition Building Institute). DalyLeach Chapel, 1010 W. Main St., Hamilton. 5-5:30 PM light supper; 5:30-7 PM program. Free. Feast upon the grub and support the Five Valleys Land trust by purchasing auction items at the group’s 19th annual banquet. UC Ballroom. 5:30 PM. $55/person; $550/table of 10. Visit fvlt.org.
MONDAY MAY 13 Learn how to give and receive empathy with Patrick Marsolek during Compassionate Communication, a non-violent communication weekly practice group, at the Jeanette Rankin Peace Center, 519 S. Higgins Ave. Noon. Free.
THURSDAY MAY 16 The UM Climate Action Now Meeting is out to save the day, promoting sustainability and environmental action. UM FLAT, 633 Fifth St. E. 6:30 PM. The regular monthly meeting of the Bonner Milltown Community Council includes a Milltown Park access update, possibilities for new pedestrian trails and mechanics for a community survey about economic development and services. Bonner School Library, Hwy 200, Bonner. 7 PM.
AGENDA is dedicated to upcoming events embodying activism, outreach and public participation. Send your who/what/when/where and why to AGENDA, c/o the Independent, 317 S. Orange, Missoula, MT 59801. You can also email entries to calendar@missoulanews.com or send a fax to (406) 543-4367. AGENDA’s deadline for editorial consideration is 10 days prior to the issue in which you’d like your information to be included. When possible, please include appropriate photos/artwork.
[34] Missoula Independent • May 9 – May 16, 2013