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Thursday, December 4 •St. Vincent Healthcare holds a free screening of its NESS L300 neuro-rehabilitation system, a technology that may help stroke and other neurological patients regain mobility and achieve greater independence. St. Vincent is among the first hospitals in the country to offer the therapy, a news release says. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., St. Vincent Healthcare Outpatient Rehabilitation. Call 657-8778 or toll-free 1-800-762-8778 to see if you qualify. •The Rocky Mountain College equestrian program hosts its annual Winter Drill with pony rides, cookies and hot beverages. An open house, including facility tours and faculty open discussion groups, is held in conjunction with the event. 1 p.m., Intermountain Equestrian Center. Free. •Rocky Mountain Hospice holds its annual Luminary Remembrance. Beverages and hors d’oeuvres are served. 5-7 p.m., The Perfect Place at Briarwood. RSVP by calling 294-0785. •An open house and career information night showcase process plant technology and a newly created pre-apprenticeship power plant technology program at the MSU Billings College of Technology. The event is sponsored by PPL Montana with grant assistance from Energy for Tomorrow. Other supporters and employers present are Wyo-Ben, ConocoPhillips, Cenex Harvest States and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. Students and parents can visit the plant lab and view equipment that is used in training the next generation of technicians. They can also visit with faculty about class sizes and job opportunities after graduation. 5:30 p.m., COT Technology Trades Building, 3803 Central Ave. Free. •An evening of hors d’oeuvres and music supports local and area families who struggle with cystic fibrosis. All funds raised help families in the community. 6 p.m., Hilton Garden Inn, 2465 Grand Road. $25 or $40 per couple. For information, call 255-8440 or 1-800-252-1246. •The Festival of Trees, an annual benefit for the Family Tree Center of the Billings Council to Prevent Child Abuse, opens with the Auction Party. The night begins with a champagne reception and culminates in the auction of 45 decorated trees. 6 p.m., Shrine Auditorium. For information, call 252-9799. Through Sunday. •The city of Billings holds a public information and comment meeting on its proposed five-year capital improvement plan. An update on the city’s annexation policy also is given. The draft plan is in the Document Center at http://ci.billings.mt.us and also at the reference desk at Parmly Billings Library and at the City Clerk’s Office, 210 N. 27th St. 6:30 p.m., Will James Middle School cafeteria. Additional meeting on Dec. 10. •The North Park Neighborhood Task Force meets. 7 p.m., North Park Center. •The Yellowstone Valley Citizens Council screens “A Convenient Truth: Urban Solutions from Curitiba, Brazil,” a film about the innovative projects Curitiba has implemented for transportation, recycling, jobs and parks in one of the most progressive cities on Earth. 7 p.m., Home on the Range, 220 S. 27th St. Free. •Douglas Fairbanks stars in the 1920 film “The Mark of Zorro,” the final film in the Great Silents series of Thursday Night at the Movies. 7 p.m., third floor of Parmly Billings Library. •Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “The Sound of Music” is brought to the Billings stage under the direction of Gerry Roe, with musical direction by Roberta Hawk. Anne Marie Wallette plays Maria, the Austrian nun who becomes a governess for Capt. von Trapp (Jim Patterson) and his musical children. The perennial crowd favorite has a couple of bumpy romances and even a Nazi intervention, but mostly it’s known for an endless array of memorable songs. 7:30 p.m., Billings Studio Theatre. $15 for tonight only. Through Sunday and also Dec. 11-14 and Dec. 18-21. •“Hairspray,” the John Waters movie turned hit Broadway musical, makes a sold-out Billings appearance. The musical, now in its fifth year on Broadway, won eight Tony Awards in 2003 for its telling of a story about a girl who wins a part on a local TV dance show. The book is by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan, with a score by Marc Shaiman (who co-wrote the music and lyrics for South Park: Bigger, Longer and Uncut) and lyrics by Mr. Shaiman and Scott Wittman. 7:30 p.m., Alberta Bair Theater. $50, $45. •DJ Michael May and friends host karaoke. 9 p.m., Crystal Lounge. •DJ Eros and DJ Alto spin house music for the Dirty Dozen Martini Club. 9 p.m., The Carlin. •Projectile Comedy performs live improv comedy at Bones Brewing Pub & Eatery, 1425 Broadwater Ave. $5, with reservations required by calling 839-9231.

Friday, December 5 •Tickets go on sale for a Feb. 25 performance at the Shrine Auditorium by Dropkick Murphys, a band that says it formed its sound beginning in 1996 by blending punk rock, Irish folk, rock and hardcore into one “loud, raucous, chaotic, and often out of tune mix that we could call our own.” The band has released four full-length albums and has played around the world. $23 or $25 on day of show. Tickets available at the Shrine box office, Rimrock Mall, Ernie November, by calling 1-800-325-SEAT or online at Jadepresents.com. •Southbound plays bluegrass during Billings Clinic Holiday Celebration 2008. 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., hospital cafeteria. •The Midland Empire Pachyderm Club meets. Noon, lower level of Elks Club. •The Festival of Trees continues with a night for the entire family filled with games and cookie and ornament decorating. Tea in the Trees, beginning at 1 p.m., requires reservations. The Craft and Gift Show also begins at 1 p.m., and the gates open for public viewing at 3 p.m. Family Fun Nite runs from 5-9 p.m. with activities for children and chili for sale. Proceeds help the Family Tree Center prevent child abuse and neglect in Yellowstone County and the surrounding area. Shrine Auditorium. $3 or $10 per family, with admission at half price for those who bring a new, unwrapped toy or book. Call 252-9799 for information. Through Sunday. •WORDEN – Worden businesses and community groups take part in the Worden Christmas Stroll, inviting strollers to stop in at each destination and have their passports signed to compete in a prize drawing. Passports are available at each business and organization. Santa Claus makes an appearance at 6:30 p.m. at Veterans of Foreign Wars Hall. 4-8 p.m., downtown. •The Downtown Artwalk lets walkers stroll from gallery to gallery, looking at the latest from local and area artists. 5-9 p.m., downtown. For details, see Page 18 and the map on Page 21. •GREAT FALLS – The C.M. Russell Museum opens a permanent installation, “The Bison: American Icon, Heart of Plains Indian Culture.” The exhibition, which was made possible with grants totaling $1.5 million, traces the role of bison on the Northern Plains from 1750 to 2008. The new exhibition includes more than 500 objects and takes up 25 percent of the museum’s exhibition space. Tonight’s grand opening features hors d’oeuvres, music and the unveiling of the exhibition. 6 p.m., 400 13th St. N. For information, go to www.cmrussell.org. •The Christmas Stroll invites residents downtown for an evening filled with arts and crafts and food vendors, pictures with Santa and activities for children at MSU Billings Downtown. The Alberta Bair Theater stays open late for the event, offering discounted theater tickets, hot drinks and restroom access. The Sandstone Gallery also is open, with works on display by Edee Weigel and Mary Knapp, with Mike Walter as guest artist. 6-9 p.m., under the Skypoint downtown. •Elements Gallery holds a reception during the Christmas Stroll featuring the oil paintings of Jerry Inman, a native Montanan who paints local landscapes. Educated at MSU Billings, Mr. Inman has taught in Great Falls. Other artists featured at the gallery include Theresa Gong, Cynthia St. Charles, Karen Tanner, Dione Roberts, Jim Morrison, Debra Dudley, Julie Karnos and Brooke Atherton. 2914 First Ave. N. •An optional practice is held for those interested in singing in the choir for Sunday’s performance at The Messiah Festival. 7 p.m., American Lutheran Church, 5 Lewis Ave. Also Saturday and Sunday. •Friday Evening Dances continue with music ranging from Travis Tritt to Elvis in a smoke- and alcohol-free atmosphere. Refreshments are available. 7-11 p.m., Billings Community Center, 360 N. 23rd St. $4 or $3.50 for members of Billings Senior Citizens. •The Acquire the Fire Here Comes Trouble ’08-’09 Tour features performances by Nevertheless, Building 429, Skillet and Unhindered and talks by Ron Luce, Casey Johnson and Mike Guzzardo. 7 p.m., MetraPark. Through Saturday. •Lewis and Clark Middle School presents its production of “Hurricane Smith and the Garden of the Golden Monkey.” 7:30 p.m., Lewis and Clark auditorium. $5, $3. •Jim and Sue of Just Us Two play dance tunes. 7:30 p.m., Elks Lodge. •Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “The Sound of Music” is brought to the Billings stage under the direction of Gerry Roe, with musical direction by Roberta Hawk. Anne Marie Wallette plays Maria, the Austrian nun who becomes a governess for Capt. von Trapp (Jim Patterson) and his musical children. The perennial crowd favorite has a couple of bumpy romances and even a Nazi intervention, but mostly it’s known for an endless array of memorable songs. 8 p.m., Billings Studio Theatre. $20, including “afterglow” reception following the show. Through Sunday and also Dec. 11-14 and Dec. 18-21. •“Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol” offers a fresh take on Charles Dickens’ classic story by following the life-after-death of Mr. Marley, who seeks to escape the chains that bind him in the afterlife by leading Ebenezer Scrooge to a change of heart. 8 p.m., Venture Theatre. Through Sunday and also Dec. 11-14 and Dec. 18-21. •Big Shoes plays rock ’n’ roll covers from progressive to classic. 8 p.m., Bones Brewing Pub & Eatery, 1425 Broadwater Ave. Free. •Beartooth Coffee hosts the Bluegrass Jam. 9 p.m., 104 N. 29th St., with other musicians sometimes opening at 7 p.m. •DJ Michael May and friends host karaoke. 9 p.m., Crystal Lounge. •RED LODGE – A release party for “Red Lodge Originals,” the newest CD from 3 Pints Productions, features music written and performed by local musicians Tim Nordstrom, Paul Beck, Judy Boltz, Tessla Rennie, Russell Irish, KateLyn Rae Hardy, Tamara Upton, Mike Holm and John Plum, Ann Zimmerman and Ken Mesch, Stephanie Kreamer, Tammy and Kevin Luoma and Jim Johnson. Kevin Luoma recorded the CD at T&K Studio in Luther. Cover art is by Kate Jones. 9 p.m., Bull n Bear Saloon. $5, with CDs available for $15. •Live jazz goes on from 6-9 p.m., then DJ Benefit spins dance and top hits. 10 p.m., The Carlin.

Saturday, December 6 •A community workshop provides Medicare-eligible people with information about Medicare’s open enrollment period and a new Medicare-Advantage PPO product available in the Billings market through Today’s Options. The annual enrollment period for Medicare ends Dec. 31. 9 a.m., Crowne Plaza Hotel. Free. •ABSAROKEE – PEO, a nonprofit philanthropic organization for the continuing education of women, holds its first Winter Bazaar, formerly the Cobblestone Preservation Committee Winter Bazaar. Lunch is on the menu. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Cobblestone Community Center. •CODY, Wyo. – The Buffalo Bill Historical Center holds its Holiday Open House. Magicians and dancer perform at the all-day event, and members of the Cody Reading Council read books to children. Cookies are served, and authors sign copies of their books. Santa Claus also is on hand. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For a complete schedule, go to www.bbhc.org/events/openHouse_holiday.cfm. •Greg Jahn and Nancy Halter hold the annual show and sale of their latest ceramic collaborations in their home studio. Mr. Jahn is a studio potter, and Ms. Halter is a painter, illustrator and designer. Examples of their 18-year collaboration were recently published in the book Surface Design for Ceramics by Maureen Mills. They’ve been included in the Lark book series of 500 Animals in Clay and are in the group show “Drawn” at the Red Lodge Clay Center. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., backyard at 921 Harvard Ave. To visit the studio at other times, call Mr. Jahn at 259-6037. Also Sunday. •Arctic Art and PlayLand, along with holiday entertainment, are featured in the Festival of Trees. The Gingerbread Competition also goes on. Proceeds help the Family Tree Center prevent child abuse and neglect in Yellowstone County and the surrounding area. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Shrine Auditorium. $3 or $10 per family, with admission at half price for those who bring a new, unwrapped toy or book. Call 252-9799 for information. Through Sunday. •Billings author T.L. Hines signs copies of his latest thriller, The Unseen. It’s the story of an urban explorer who lives in steam tunnels under universities, washes dishes by day and explores the city by night, watching others from secret hiding places. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Barnes and Noble. •The 2008 Montana Writers Roundup is held in conjunction with the Festival of Trees. Authors available for discussions, readings and book signings throughout the afternoon include Dan Aadland, Meridith B. Cox, BilliJo Doll, Tami Haaland, Craig Johnson, Mick Kaser, Lisa Kemmerer, Dorothy Larson, Earlene Meyer, Harley O’Donnell, Bernie Quetchenbach, Russell Rowland, Lela and Harry Schlitz and their sled dog Pixie, Karen Stevens and Dick Wheeler. The event is sponsored by Sigma Tau Delta, the English honor society, and proceeds go toward scholarships, awards and activities. Noon to 5 p.m., Shrine Auditorium, 1125 Broadwater Ave. $3 for Festival of Trees admission. •The Acquire the Fire Here Comes Trouble ’08-’09 Tour features performances by Nevertheless, Building 429, Skillet and Unhindered and talks by Ron Luce, Casey Johnson and Mike Guzzardo. Noon, MetraPark. •The Holiday Tour of Homes, sponsored by the Billings Symphony, takes guest on a self-guided tour of five decorated Billings homes. On the tour are the homes of Brad and Pam Anderson, whose home in Gregory Hills has 8,000 square feet and wide-plank hickory floors; Dru and Allison Cederberg, whose traditional home in the Poet Streets has been decorated throughout by Gainan’s; Randy and Leah Harvey, whose prairie-style home near the Yellowstone Country Club boasts 18-foot ceilings and soaring hand-scraped timbers brought in from Cooke City; Rick and Nicki Larson, who have a pond in front and a creek in the back on three acres south of Hesper Road; and Larry and Shelly Van Atta, whose home in Gregory Hills showcases a 14-foot Christmas tree. Noon to 4 p.m. $25. Tickets available at the Symphony office, 2721 Second Ave. N., Suite 350, or 252-3610 or online at www.billingssymphony.org through Dec. 5. Pending availability, tickets may be purchased the day of the tour at the Harvey and Larson homes. For a map of the tour, go to the Symphony website or stop by the office. •An optional practice is held for those interested in singing in the choir for Sunday’s performance at The Messiah Festival. 1:30 p.m., Mayflower Congregational Church, Poly Drive and Rehberg Lane. Also Sunday. •Drummer Derek Roddy gives a clinic and performance as part of grand opening events for Blind Rhino Music, Billings’ newest music store. Mr. Roddy is author of the book Evolution of Blast Beats and has played Death Metal music with such groups as Hate Eternal, Malevolent Creation, Nile, Divine Empire, Aurora Borealis and Council of the Fallen. He also has performed as a jazz, blues and rock musician. Techniques he demonstrates in the clinic include training exercises, drum setup, tuning, speed drumming, blast beats, fills and solos. 2 p.m., 1415 First Ave. N. $15. For information, visit www.blindrhinomusic.com. •The Shrine Chanters give their annual “Voices of Christmas” concert. 3 p.m., Alberta Bair Theater. •J.D. Collins and the Downright Blues play electrified blues. 4-8 p.m., Garage Pub at Yellowstone Valley Brewing Co. •The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd presents its Advent Concert with a 40-piece in-house orchestra, a 35-member adult choir, a junior and senior high school girls’ choir, an upper elementary children’s choir and a handbell choir. The program consists of scripture and readings alternated with hymns and anthems, including “Children, Let’s Wait for the Baby” by Tom Keesecker of American Lutheran Church, “Breath of Heaven” by Amy Grant, and arrangements by Stephanie Davis, director of music ministry. 5 p.m., 1108 24th St. W. Freewill offering to support a scholarship fund. •After a two-year recording hiatus, Jeni Fleming is back with a new band and a new album, December. She’s on a six-date Montana CD Release Tour with a new ensemble that comprises Chris Cundy on piano, Adam Greenberg on drums, Kelly Roberti on bass, Craig Hall on electric guitars and Jake Fleming on acoustic guitars and saxophones. Her most recent album had been We’ll Be Together Again, which features 14 tracks of jazz standards and three original pieces, accompanied by The String Orchestra of the Rockies. 7:30 p.m., Cisel Recital Hall at MSU Billings. •Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “The Sound of Music” is brought to the Billings stage under the direction of Gerry Roe, with musical direction by Roberta Hawk. Anne Marie Wallette plays Maria, the Austrian nun who becomes a governess for Capt. von Trapp (Jim Patterson) and his musical children. The perennial crowd favorite has a couple of bumpy romances and even a Nazi intervention, but mostly it’s known for an endless array of memorable songs. 8 p.m., Billings Studio Theatre. $20, $16. Through Sunday and also Dec. 11-14 and Dec. 18-21. •“Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol” offers a fresh take on Charles Dickens’ classic story by following the life-after-death of Mr. Marley, who seeks to escape the chains that bind him in the afterlife by leading Ebenezer Scrooge to a change of heart. 8 p.m., Venture Theatre. Through Sunday and also Dec. 11-14 and Dec. 18-21. •The Jonathan Price Project plays a variety of musical styles with style. 8 p.m., Bones Brewing Pub & Eatery, 1425 Broadwater Ave. No cover. •DJ Michael May and friends host karaoke. 9 p.m., Crystal Lounge. •DJ Exodus spins dance and top hits. 10 p.m., The Carlin.

Sunday,December 7 •Public viewing of trees and the Craft and Gift Show are open at the Festival of Trees. Proceeds help the Family Tree Center prevent child abuse and neglect in Yellowstone County and the surrounding area. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Shrine Auditorium. $3 or $10 per family, with admission at half price for those who bring a new, unwrapped toy or book. Call 252-9799 for information. •Greg Jahn and Nancy Halter hold the annual show and sale of their latest ceramic collaborations in their home studio. Mr. Jahn is a studio potter, and Ms. Halter is a painter, illustrator and designer. Examples of their 18-year collaboration were recently published in the book Surface Design for Ceramics by Maureen Mills. They’ve been included in the Lark book series of 500 Animals in Clay and are in the group show “Drawn” at the Red Lodge Clay Center. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., backyard at 921 Harvard Ave. To visit the studio at other times, call Mr. Jahn at 259-6037. •Duane Demars talks about “Hot Rods and Classics,” his second picture book of great-looking automobiles. Noon to 3 p.m., Barnes and Noble. •Craig Wilson, a professor of political science at MSU Billings, offers his “Reflections on the Elections” at a meeting of the Billings Association of Humanists. 1 p.m., First Congregational Church, 310 N. 27th St. •COLUMBUS – The Montana Old-Time Fiddlers of District 4 assemble for a dance and jam. 1-5 p.m., 307 Bar and Café. •Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “The Sound of Music” is brought to the Billings stage under the direction of Gerry Roe, with musical direction by Roberta Hawk. Anne Marie Wallette plays Maria, the Austrian nun who becomes a governess for Capt. von Trapp (Jim Patterson) and his musical children. The perennial crowd favorite has a couple of bumpy romances and even a Nazi intervention, but mostly it’s known for an endless array of memorable songs. 2 p.m., Billings Studio Theatre. $20, $16. Also Thursday through Sunday and Dec. 18-21. •“Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol” offers a fresh take on Charles Dickens’ classic story by following the life-after-death of Mr. Marley, who seeks to escape the chains that bind him in the afterlife by leading Ebenezer Scrooge to a change of heart. 2 p.m., Venture Theatre. Also Thursday through Sunday and Dec. 18-21. •The Rocky Mountain College choir’s “Lessons and Carols” concert follows an English tradition in which the Christmas story is presented through choral singing, instrumental music and the reading of Scripture. The repertoire includes “Personent Hodie,” arranged by Lara Hoggard, with the RMC Brass Ensemble; “Hallelujah Chorus,” from Handel’s “Messiah;” “Hodie,” by Healey Willan; “Dixit Maria,” by Vittoria, sung by the RMC Chamber Singers: “Ave Maria,” by Vittoria;” “Gaudete,” arranged by J. David Moore; “Snow Had Fallen,” by Stephen Paulus; and “Ride on King Jesus,” arranged by Moses Hogan. Two traditional carols, “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” and “O Come All Ye Faithful,” also are sung. Steven Hart conducts. 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 13th Street West and Poly Drive. •The Magic City Singers put on a Christmas concert to benefit the Billings Food Bank. Bring along nonperishable food items. The Singers have won an Outpost Tuney Award four years in a row and perform both traditional and contemporary Christmas songs. 3 p.m., First Congregational Church, Third Avenue North and North 27th Street. •Four soloists, a 28-piece orchestra and a volunteer chorus join in the Messiah Festival. Soloists are soprano Catherine Viscardi of Bozeman, alto Leslie Remmert Soich of Denver, baritone John Chest and tenor Brigham Timpson, both of Chicago. Dave Reynolds conducts the live orchestra. Proceeds benefit Meadowlark House, which provides free lodging for cancer patients. 3:30 p.m., Alberta Bair Theater. Free, but tickets, available at the Alberta Bair ticket office, are required. An optional practice for those interested in singing in the choir begins at 2 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, next door to the theater. For information, call 248-2212. Singer passes and a lending library of “Messiah” scores are available at rehearsals and at the Northern Rockies Radiation Oncology Center, 1041 N. 20th St. •MOLT – Chili and stew are served at the annual benefit for the Molt Volunteer Fire Department. A live auction, including a quarter beef, follows the meal. 5 p.m., Molt Community Center. $5, $3. •Fantasy of Lights, a benefit for Easter Seals-Goodwill, lights up the night sky at ZooMontana. 6-9 p.m. $10. Through Dec. 26. •Steps and Stones Performing Arts Studio gives a live dramatization of “Polar Express,” complete with an appearance by Santa Claus. Children, who must be accompanied by an adult, are encouraged to wear pajamas and are served hot chocolate and animal crackers. They also receive a hardcover copy of the book, DVD and cassette. 6:30 p.m., Billings Depot. $8 for children ages 2 to 8 and $10 per adult. Call 656-7273 for tickets. •Venture Theatre holds auditions for its One-Act Play Festival, which runs Jan. 8-17. Parts are available for 20 to 30 actors from high through adult. 7 p.m., 2317 Montana Ave. For information, go to www.venturetheatre.org. To be otherwise involved in the production, send e-mail to robert@venturetheatre.org. Also Monday. •DJ Michael May and friends host karaoke. 9 p.m., Crystal Lounge.

Monday, December 8 •Yellowstone area legislators hold a community meeting so that citizens and constituency groups can discusses issues before the legislative session that begins Jan. 5. 7 a.m., MSU Billings Downtown, 208 N. Broadway. To schedule a time to give a presentation, contact Dan Carter, MSU Billings director of university and government relations, at 657-2269 or at dcarter@msubillings.edu. Also Dec. 15 and Dec. 22. •Janet Taylor plays piano during Billings Clinic Holiday Celebration 2008. Noon to 1 p.m., hospital cafeteria. •The Billings City Council holds a public hearing on a proposal to extend for one year an interim zoning ordinance governing sexually oriented businesses. An interim ordinance adopted in June expires Dec. 23 but can be extended upon a two-thirds vote of the council. Interim ordinances can be used to block land uses that could be prohibited under a contemplated zoning proposal. The council also considers an ordinance aimed at establishing consistent procedures for advisory boards, commissions and committees. And it holds a hearing on requests by GE Capital Corp. and Teton Steel to reduce their property taxes to zero for five years, then phase in property taxes for another five years. 6:30 p.m., Council Chambers at City Hall. •Venture Theatre holds auditions for its One-Act Play Festival, which runs Jan. 8-17. Parts are available for 20 to 30 actors from high through adult. 7 p.m., 2317 Montana Ave. For information, go to www.venturetheatre.org. To be otherwise involved in the production, send e-mail to robert@venturetheatre.org. •The Castle Rock Middle School Band performs in concert. 7 p.m., Castle Rock gym. Free. •The Riverside Middle School Orchestra performs in concert. 7:30 p.m., Riverside gym. Free. •DJ Michael May and friends host karaoke. 9 p.m., Crystal Lounge.

Tuesday, December 9 •The Green Drinks meets for drinks and a discussion of environmental issues. For details, go to Greendrinks.org. •The Montana State Fund offers a safety workshop on the topic “Taking the Mystery Out of Workers’ Compensation Process and Procedures.” Topics include hiring practices, independent contractors and detecting fraud. 8:30 a.m. to noon, Holiday Inn Grand Montana. Free. To register, go to www.montanastatefund.com and click on “events and workshops sign up.” •A class on Beginning Microsoft Word 2003 shows how to create, format and save a document using Microsoft Word. 11:30 a.m., Parmly Billings Library. Registration required by calling 657-8258. •The Board of County Commissioners for Yellowstone County holds one of its Commissioner Listening Sessions to hear from residents with suggestions to improve the quality of life here. The sessions are held once a month through May at a designated senior meal site. Noon, First Presbyterian Church, 2420 13th St. W. For a meal reservation, call 259-9666. •Seniors of Note perform during Billings Clinic Holiday Celebration 2008. Noon to 12:30 p.m., hospital cafeteria. •MSU Billings and the University of Montana hold a public reception to showcase business degree opportunities, especially a new memorandum of understanding that will locate UM’s master’s of business administration offices in McDonald Hall, where the MSU Billings College of Business is located. 4:30-6 p.m., MSU Billings College of Professional Studies and Lifelong Learning downtown. •Ask questions while you exercise when you join Cheryl Cook, a physician, and YMCA fitness specialist Mistie Mims on Walk N Talk with the Doc. 6 p.m., YMCA lobby. Free. •RED LODGE – The Montana Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration take comments at a public hearing on an environmental assessment of a corridor study for the Red Lodge North project, which would extend from Red Lodge to approximately 1,000 feet north of Boyd. The project would improve pavement condition and intersection geometry, manage access in north Red Lodge, accommodate pedestrians and bicycle riders and provide wider shoulders, among other improvements. The assessment is at www.mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/eisea.shtml or at the Carnegie Library, 3 W. Eighth St. in Red Lodge; Red Lodge City Hall, 801 N. Broadway St.; Roberts Public School, 106 E. Maple St. in Roberts; Kadrmas, Lee and Jackson Inc., 2611 Gabel Road in Billings; MDT Billings District Office, 424 Morey St.; or by calling (406) 444-7228. 6 p.m., Red Lodge Senior Citizens Center, 207 S. Villard Ave. Also Wednesday in Roberts. Written comments may be submitted through Dec. 19 to Tom Martin, MDT Environmental Services, P.O. Box 201001, Helena, MT 59620-1001 or at www.mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/eisea.shtml. •The Yellowstone County Board of Planning holds a public hearing on the draft Public Outreach Plan for the Billings Metropolitan Planning Organization. 6 p.m., Large Conference Room on fourth floor of Parmly Billings Library. The plan is available in the Planning and Community Services Department at that location. For information, contact Scott Walker at 247-8661 or at walkers@ci.billings.mt.us. •The Yellowstone County Republican Party Central Committee holds its meeting on every second Tuesday of the month. 6:30 p.m., Rimview Inn. •The Castle Rock Middle School Choir performs in concert. 7 p.m., Castle Rock gym. Free. •The Will James Middle School Choir performs in concert. 7 p.m., Will James gym. Free. •The Senior High School Holiday Band Concert is held. 7 p.m., Senior Auditorium. $5, $3. •The Riverside Middle School Choir performs in concert. 7:30 p.m., Riverside gym. Free.

Wednesday, Dec. 10 •The Senior High Sonsonnettes perform during Billings Clinic Holiday Celebration 2008. 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., hospital cafeteria. •ROBERTS – The Montana Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration take comments at a public hearing on an environmental assessment of a corridor study for the Red Lodge North project, which would extend from Red Lodge to approximately 1,000 feet north of Boyd. The project would improve pavement condition and intersection geometry, manage access in north Red Lodge, accommodate pedestrians and bicycle riders and provide wider shoulders, among other improvements. The assessment is at www.mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/eisea.shtml or at the Carnegie Library, 3 W. Eighth St. in Red Lodge; Red Lodge City Hall, 801 N. Broadway St.; Roberts Public School, 106 E. Maple St. in Roberts; Kadrmas, Lee and Jackson Inc., 2611 Gabel Road in Billings; MDT Billings District Office, 424 Morey St.; or by calling (406) 444-7228. 6 p.m., Roberts School Cafeteria, 106 E. Maple St. Written comments may be submitted through Dec. 19 to Tom Martin, MDT Environmental Services, P.O. Box 201001, Helena, MT 59620-1001 or at www.mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/eisea.shtml. •The city of Billings holds a public information and comment meeting on its proposed five-year capital improvement plan. An update on the city’s annexation policy also is given. The draft plan is in the Document Center at http://ci.billings.mt.us and also at the reference desk at Parmly Billings Library and at the City Clerk’s Office, 210 N. 27th St. 6:30 p.m., Billings Community Center, 360 N. 23rd St. Additional meetings on Thursday and Dec. 10. •Robert Bonner reads from and discusses his book “William F. Cody’s Wyoming Empire,” which looks at Buffalo Bill’s role as a Western land developer and town promoter rather than as a town promoter. Professor Bonner has taught at Carelton College in Minnesota for nearly 40 years. 7 p.m., third floor of Parmly Billings Library. •Music star wannabes are invited to play for their friends and an adoring crowd on Open Mic Night. 8:30 p.m., Bones Brewing Pub & Eatery, 1425 Broadwater Ave. •DJ Michael May and friends host karaoke. 9 p.m., Crystal Lounge. •DJ N-ER-G is “mixing the best of hip-hop for the ladies.” 10 p.m., The Carlin.

Thursday, December 11 •The Montana Stockgrowers Association annual convention and trade show gets under way with the opening general session set for Friday. Holiday Inn Grand Montana. To view a full schedule or to register, visit www.mtbeef.org or contact Rose at (406) 442-3420. Through Saturday. •Make the holidays a bit brighter for underserved and economically challenged women by wrapping new holiday gifts. The gifts are donated to a nonprofit agency as part of Rimrock Mall’s partnership with Spirit of Women and national partnership with the Step up Women’s Network. Enjoy complimentary food and drinks, pampering sessions and live entertainment. Visit www.rimrockmall.com for details. •Elna Mollgaard plays piano during Billings Clinic Holiday Celebration 2008. Noon to 1 p.m., hospital cafeteria. •The Gastric Bypass Surgery Seminar is open to anyone interested in learning about the surgery. The session educates about gastric bypass roux-en-y procedure, risks and complications, criteria for surgery, pre- and post-surgery, costs and insurance. A surgeon attends to answer questions directly. 6:30 p.m., St. Vincent Healthcare Weight Management Clinic. Free. Call 248-4580 to register. •The Central-Terry Park Neighborhood Task Force meets. 6:30 p.m., Terry Park Fire Station, Sixth Street West and Terry Avenue. •Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “The Sound of Music” is brought to the Billings stage under the direction of Gerry Roe, with musical direction by Roberta Hawk. Anne Marie Wallette plays Maria, the Austrian nun who becomes a governess for Capt. von Trapp (Jim Patterson) and his musical children. The perennial crowd favorite has a couple of bumpy romances and even a Nazi intervention, but mostly it’s known for an endless array of memorable songs. 7:30 p.m., Billings Studio Theatre. $20, $16. Through Sunday and also Dec. 18-21. •“Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol” offers a fresh take on Charles Dickens’ classic story by following the life-after-death of Mr. Marley, who seeks to escape the chains that bind him in the afterlife by leading Ebenezer Scrooge to a change of heart. 7:30 p.m., Venture Theatre. Through Sunday and also Dec. 18-21. •DJ Michael May and friends host karaoke. 9 p.m., Crystal Lounge. •DJ Eros and DJ Alto spin house music for the Dirty Dozen Martini Club. 9 p.m., The Carlin. •Projectile Comedy performs live improv comedy at Bones Brewing Pub & Eatery, 1425 Broadwater Ave. $5, with reservations required by calling 839-9231.