Excitement is building for the two Nampa performances by Brigham Young University's singing and dancing group, The Young Ambassadors, planned for 5:30 and 8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 22, at the Nampa Civic Center, 311 Third St. S.

Marie Baker, director of the Civic Center, reported in her recent newsletter that the show is titled "Harmony - the Music of Life," and tickets are available at the Civic Center box office, 468-5555. Prices range from $16 for adults to $14 for students (plus ticket fee.) The group recently returned from a three-week tour in southern Africa.

According to Martin Thorne of MNT Productions, The Young Ambassadors, accompanied by a 10-piece show band, will offer a rousing production that blends the best of Broadway with favorite radio hits. The artistic director is Randy Boothe, and Ron Simpson is the band director.

For the past 40 years, BYU's Young Ambassadors group has taken its remarkable talent and energy to almost 70 countries.

WOMAN'S CENTURY CLUB TURNS 113

Congratulations to President D'Lone Miller and her Nampa Woman's Century Club for recently celebrating the organization's 113th year of serving the community. As the area's first civic club, it was formed in 1900 to organize a public library. With the success of this project, the members went on to create a lovely rose garden in Lakeview Park and contributed with money and projects throughout the years to enhance the lives of Nampa's citizens.

The club is a member of the General Federation of Women's Clubs, an international organization of more than 100,000 members. The state president of the GFWC is Lee Leafgren, a former Century Club president.

The Nampa club gives an annual high school scholarship, donates to various organizations, such as the library, The Salvation Army, Boys and Girls Club, the Crisis Center for Domestic Abuse, Pet Haven Humane Society and Girls State. It offers art and writing contests for all Nampa schoolchildren and sponsors an annual Fourth Grade Spelling Bee.

This year, the Spelling Bee Co-chairwomen Ardelle O'Bryan and JoAnn Brown invite all Nampa and Vallivue school districts' fourth-grade teachers to hold "spell offs" or to choose one of their students to participate in the 10th annual Spelling Bee. The signup deadline is Feb. 23, and teachers may register their students at andersonwilma@yahoo.com. The Spelling Bee will be held March 9 at the First Church of the Nazarene in Nampa. Ribbons, prizes, trophy and cash go to the top six winners. Call Ardelle for details at 318-0370.

HELP THE NEEDY AT 'MAKE A BLANKET DAY'

Everyone is invited to the Project Linus Annual National Make a Blanket Day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 16, in the main lobby at Karcher Mall in Nampa.

Donna Aten, the chapter coordinator of Project Linus in Boise, Southwest Idaho and East Oregon, says, "Anyone can help. Bring your friends and family." You can tie quilts, fringe fleece blankets, color fabric squares or sew quilt tops. Quilt kits will be available. You can bring your sewing machine or use one supplied by the Linus folks.

The most rewarding aspect of the day is knowing you helped make a blanket for kids who need a warm blanket hug at a difficult time in their lives.

Set-up time will be Friday night. Call Donna at 250-2119 if you can help or want more information.

Marie D. Galyean is a journalist and freelance writer who has lived in Canyon County for more than 39 years. Do you have any news about West Treasure Valley people, events and other subjects of interest? Email your ideas and stories to riedevine@cableone.net.