Clubs and Groups
Hamilton Senior Center activities
Monday – 11:45 lunch, cloggers at 1:30 p.m.; bingo on 1st & 3rd weeks, pinochle on 2nd week, 7 p.m.
Tuesday – line dancing at 9:30 a.m., cloggers at 3 p.m.
Wednesday – 11:45 lunch, bridge at 1 p.m., cloggers at 5 p.m.
Thursday – exercise at 9 a.m.; pinochle on 3rd week, 1 p.m.
Friday – line dancing at 9:30 a.m., 11:45 lunch
Saturday – flea market every 2nd Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Sunday – bridge, 1 p.m.
Stevi Senior Center activities
Mon-Friday – Lunch, 11:30 a.m.
Monday – Bridge and Special Music, noon
Monday & Saturday – Pinochle, 7 p.m.
Tuesday – Exercise class, 10-11 a.m.
2nd Tuesday – Quilters, 6:30 p.m.
Every Other Wednesday – Fiddlers at Lunch
3rd Wednesday – Special Birthday Dinner, noon, with music. Blood pressures taken.
Thursday – Exercise class, 10-11 a.m.
1st & 3rd Thursday – American Legion Bingo, 7 p.m.
For more information call the Center at 777-5681 04 777-5707.
Victor Senior Center activities
Sundays – AA meeting, 7 p.m.
Monday-Thursday – Men’s Coffee, 8:30-10 a.m.
Monday-Friday – Lunch, 11:30 a.m. Includes main course, salad bar, beverage, dessert. Senior donation $3.25, under 60 years $5.75. (RSVP 642-3320)
Tuesdays – Bingo, 7 p.m.
Wednesdays – Pinochle, 7 p.m.
Fridays – Ladies’ Coffee, 10-11 a.m.
Golden Agers
The Golden Age group meets every Friday from 7:30 to 10 p.m. at 727 S. 5th in Hamilton. If you are a senior citizen and are bored, looking for fun or just want something new to experience, attend and enjoy good food, live music, dancing and fellowship. Cost is $5. Snacks are potluck. Exercise classes are held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9 a.m. Blood pressure is checked every first Wednesday of the month. Also on the first Wednesday of every month a potluck is held at 12:30 p.m. followed by the business meeting. Card parties are held on the second Wednesday at 7 p.m. On the last Wednesday of the month a birthday party is held at 2 p.m.
Al-Anon
Stevensville Al-Anon Group meets each Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at the
North Valley Public Library. Anyone who is affected by the compulsive
drinking of a relative or friend is invited. For more information call
721-5818.
Gamblers Anonymous
Gamblers Anonymous meets Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. at St. Francis Catholic Church, 411 S. 5th Street in Hamilton.
TOPS Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS), a weight loss support group, meets in Stevensville every Thursday at 9 a.m. at the Community Baptist Church, 409 Buck Street. Guests are always welcome. Call Jerry Sue at 777-5355 for more information.
VFW meetings
VFW Post 1430 meets the first Monday of every month at 8 p.m. at the American Legion Hall in Hamilton.
Florence American Legion
The Florence American Legion Post 134 meets the first Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Florence Fire Hall. For further information contact Post Commander Jim Hamilton at 777-3948.
Stevensville American Legion
The Stevensville American Legion Post 94 meets on the third Tuesday of every month at 7:30 p.m. at the Post Home on Middle Burnt Fork Road. For more information contact Jerry Esmay, 777-5517.
American Legion Auxiliary
Fort Owen Post 94, Stevensville, American Legion Auxiliary meets the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. Call 777-4335 for location.
Corvallis American Legion
The Corvallis American Legion Post 91 meets the third Thursday of every month at 7:30 p.m. in the Corvallis High School library. For further information contact Post Commander Alex Ivanoff at 961-8997 or Post Adjutant Roy Meyer, 961-4272.
Lilies of the Valley singing group
The Lilies of the Valley Ladies Ensemble welcomes you to share your time, talent, wit and humor in the joy of singing together, short programs to share with others. No auditions to participate, only your love of the language of music and the desire to sing it in melody and harmony. Come and relax Thursday evenings, 7 to 9 p.m., at 211 N. 6th St., Hamilton. For more information call Thelma, 363- 1598.
WIC clinics
A WIC clinic is offered in Hamilton Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. at 205 Bedford St, Suite P, District Courthouse building in Hamilton.
The Stevensville clinic is open on Wednesdays at the United Methodist Church, 216 College St. in Stevensville. The Victor clinic is open the second Monday of the month at the Victor Nazarene Church. The Darby clinic is open every other month, the third Monday of the month at the Darby Library. For more information call 375-6685.
Sapphire Quilt Club The Sapphire Quilt Club meets monthly on the second Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Stevensville Senior Center, 100 Mission Street. Teaching of short cuts and easy techniques begin at 6:30 p.m. Join this fun group of people to learn about quilting. For information, contact Linda Powell at 777-1070.
Grief Support Groups
When you grieve the death of a loved one, you sometimes hide it so others think you’re over your sorrow and loss. Marcus Daly Hospice offers an opportunity to share grieving experiences and grow from them.
For the men in our community dealing with the death of a loved one, Marcus Daly Hospice offers a men’s breakfast support group. The Men’s Bereavement Support Breakfast meets at 9 a.m. every second and fourth Friday of the month in the Marcus Daly Hospice dining room. Breakfast is provided for a $3 donation per person. Call 375-4752 to reserve your spot.
For anyone in our community dealing with the loss of a loved one, Tuesday afternoons from 2-3:30 p.m. a bereavement support group meets in the Marcus Daly Hospice Center living room. All are welcome.
For more information, call Cathy Palmer, LCPC, Bereavement Coordinator, at 363-6503.
Spanish conversation group
Habla Espanol? Do you travel? Do you work with Latinos? Do you just want to keep your mind sharp? If you are a beginner or just a bit rusty, join the Stevi Spanish Conversation Group at the North Valley Public Library Wednesdays from 6 to 7 pm to brush up on your Spanish language skills. This is not a class to learn to speak Spanish. It will be an informal, weekly gathering to practice speaking the Spanish language. The focus will be role playing for situations experienced during travel and everyday life. For more information, call the library at 777-5061.
Soroptimists
Soroptimist International of Hamilton meets the first, second and third Thursdays of each month at noon at BJ’s Restaurant. Soroptimist is a worldwide organization for women in management and professions working through service projects to advance human rights and the status of women. All interested business women are encouraged to attend.
Rotary Club
The Hamilton Rotary Club meets Mondays, 12 noon at BJ’s Restaurant, 900 N. First Street, Hamilton. For information about Rotary, call 363-2960.
PFLAG Chapter
Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) meets every third Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, in the basement, 600 S. 3rd St., Hamilton in order to offer support to families and friends of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in the local community. Chapter representatives Dr. Michael Moran and Terry Moran list one of PFLAG’s primary objectives as maintaining families in loving relationships and to keep families together.
For more information contact Terry Moran, 363-7656.
Center for Spiritual Living
The Center for Spiritual Living, Bitterroot Valley meets every Sunday at 10 a.m. at the South Valley Child & Family Center, 515 Madison St. in Hamilton. Learn and share while celebrating our individual and collective spiritual growth. Services are based on Ernest Holmes’ Science of Mind philosophy and support positive global transformation through personal spiritual practice (visit the website: UnitedCentersforSpiritualLiving.org/). Transportation to the Sunday gatherings can be arranged from several communities in the Bitterroot Valley. For more information, contact Barb at 375-9996 or Dave at 381-2355; or email: HYPERLINK “mailto:BitterrootCSL@gmail.com/” BitterrootCSL@gmail.com/.
Legion bingo
B-I-N-G-O! Join American Legion Fort Owen Post 94, in Stevensville, for free popcorn and an entertaining evening of bingo. The action starts at 7 p.m. at the Senior Center in Stevensville on the first and third Thursdays of the month. All prizes are cash and proceeds go to support American Legion youth activities.
Valley Veterans Services Ever wonder what VA benefits you’re entitled too? Valley Veterans Service Center provides free assistance to veterans and their dependents in filing claims with the VA. Valley Veterans Service Center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Stop by for a visit or call for an appointment at 363-9838. The center is located at 299 Fairgrounds Road, Suite 4 in Hamilton.
Veteran-to-Veteran (V2V) meetings The V2V outreach group meets every Friday morning at 8 a.m. in the backroom at BJ’s Restaurant in Hamilton. These informal meetings are for all veterans. Many veterans have both unresolved and resolved issues from their experiences in the military that impact their lives. At the meetings participants can discuss whatever they want and the outreach group gives veterans an opportunity to get together to share information and talk about issues. For further information contact Dan Mayer, 360-5435, from the Bitterroot Chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America.
Vietnam Veterans of America
The Bitterroot Chapter #938 of the Vietnam Veterans of America meets the first Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. at 319 N. 3rd. Vietnam era veterans often need assistance with problems and issues and many have similar stories. The Bitterroot Chapter VVA is your organization to provide the opportunity to obtain and share information, to organize grass root activities, lend a helping hand, and offer assistance to all veterans in dealing with the Veterans Administration. Also, through the National VVA organization, the local chapter supplies input to state and federal government legislators on issues important to veterans. For more information contact Bill Decker at 369-2252.
MOPS group The Bitterroot MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group meets at Lone Rock Bible Church, around the corner from Lone Rock School, just off Eastside Hwy, down Three Mile Creek Road, between Stevensville and Florence. The group meets every first and third Tuesday, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Age-appropriate childcare including snacks, stories and activities, is available for children up through age five. For more information about Bitterroot MOPS, contact Shauna Pernsteiner at 777-5189.
Waldorf Inspired Parent-Child Waldorf Inspired Parent-Child meets Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for creative play, songs, stories, crafts, cooking, baking and nature walks. All families, expectant parents, and children birth to 6 years are welcome. For more information and location contact Kim at 369-0213. This Early Childhood Education Program as well as seasonal workshops and festivals for the community are sponsored by The Bitterroot School. Visit www.thebitterrootschool.com and www.whywaldorfworks.com to find out more about this and other programs.
Veterans affairs clinics
Andrea Montee, Service Officer for the Montana Veterans Affairs Division in Missoula, will be available to veterans and their dependents that have questions or need to file a claim with the Dept. of Veterans Affairs on the second Tuesday of every month from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the Stevensville Town Council Chambers and from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Hamilton Job Service office. She will also be at the Job Service office every fourth Wednesday of the month from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. For more information call 542-2501.
Trap Club
The Hamilton Trap Club is open every Wednesday and Sunday from 12 noon until dusk unless people get done shooting trap before dusk. For more information contact Dick or Cheryl Wallis at 546-3856. The Trap Club is located at the Hamilton Airport.
Bitterroot Toastmasters
Bitterroot Toastmasters Club meets Wednesdays from 12 to 1 p.m. at Perkins Restaurant in Hamilton with optional no host lunch before or after. Meetings are designed to build confidence and skills in communication and leadership. Guests are welcome.
Toddler story time
It’s never too early to introduce your baby or toddler to the wonderful world of books and reading. Together you will discover the joy of songs, finger plays, simple books and bouncing rhymes. The toddler story time for babies through age 2 meets every Friday at 10:30 a.m. in the downstairs meeting room of the Bitterroot Public Library. Toddler story time lasts approximately 45 minutes. For more information, call 363-1670.
Safety seat fitting station
Mildenberger Motors will be teaching families how to safely transport their children on the first Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The dealership will serve as the site of a monthly child safety seat checkup event to help ensure that children are using car seats, booster seats and seat belts the right way on every ride. At these events, nationally certified child passenger safety technicians will teach families how to transport children correctly. The events are open to the public. Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome. To make an appointment call Lonie Hutchison at 546-9640 or 258-3880.
American Sign Language Group
An American Sign Language Bible discussion group meets Wednesday evenings from 7:30 to 8 p.m. at the Kingdom Hall, 1115 S. Reserve St., Missoula. Discussion topic is “Keep Yourselves in God’s Love.” For more information contact Tom Gacek, 777-0747, HYPERLINK “mailto:aslgal@rocketmail.com” aslgal@rocketmail.com.
Elks dinner
The Elks Club at 102 State Street in Hamilton serves dinner to the public every Wednesday at 6 p.m. The $8.50 complete meal includes dessert and coffee. Proceeds go towards the youth scholarship fund. For more information call 363-3031.
Sabre Soccer meetings Stevensville Sabre Soccer meetings are held the third Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Main Street Association building in Stevensville. The general public and all interested parties are welcome to attend. For more information contact Brooke Flynn at 880-2903.
Bitterroot Connections
Bitterroot Connections referral group (a sub-network of the Missoula Businesswomen’s Network) meets monthly for lunch from noon to 1 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month at the Hamilton Perkins Restaurant. Looking to grow your business? Come and meet a group of supportive women who get to know each other through member spotlight presentations, educational topics, and the referral and promotion of each other’s businesses. Call Sue Gust at 360-0820 or e-mail suegust@kikapaprika.com for more information or visit www.discovermbn.com for additional opportunities.
Empowerment group
The Bitterroot Empowerment group (a sub-network of the Missoula Businesswomen’s Network) meets the first Thursday of every month at Perkins Restaurant in Hamilton from noon to 1 p.m. Participate in an experience that can help you reach your goals, both personal and business related. Programs have a wide range of interest varying from month to month but the feeling of support and camaraderie will remain constant. Call Jane Foster at 406-531-9556 or 777-2280 or email Jane@fosterandfosterfs.com for more information or visit www.discovermbn.com for additional opportunities.
Fiber Arts Guild
Big Sky Fiber Arts Guild meets the last Saturday of every month. If you are a wool spinner or work with fibers, contact Shelley at 777-5205 or Marty at 777-2421 for location or information.
PEP Sessions Are you interested in exploring career options suited to you? Attend a PEP Session at the Bitterroot College Program (BCP). PEP stands for Personal Employment Plan and is designed to assist people with career exploration, education planning, and job search preparation. PEP Sessions take place on Thursdays, from 9 to 11 a.m., at the Bitterroot College Program, located at the Ravalli Entrepreneurship Center, 274 Old Corvallis Road, Hamilton. There is no appointment or registration necessary. For more information, contact The Bitterroot College Program at 375-0100 or Literacy Bitterroot at 363-2900. Or, visit the Bitterroot College Program website at HYPERLINK “http://www.umt.edu/bcp” http://www.umt.edu/bcp.
Community dinners
The kitchen’s open and the food is great! South Valley Child and Family Center’s Suppertime program is open for business and the community is invited for free family-style meals Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 6 to 7 p.m. at 515 Madison in Hamilton. These wonderful meals are for families, individuals and those in need of a good meal and community connections. If you need further info, would like to donate, volunteer or would like to be a part of the Culinary Program for middle or high school students, call 363-3450.
Women Helping Women
Want to be a healthily you? Looking for a support group to help you lose unwanted pounds? Women Helping Women meets Tuesday mornings at 9:30 a.m. at the Conner Wesleyan Church, 4674 Hwy 93, seven miles south of Darby. For more information call 821-3570.
Canyon View MOPS MOPS International (Mothers of Preschoolers) is a non-profit organization dedicated to encouraging and developing mothers to reach their full potential. The Canyon View MOPS group meets at Canyon View Church off Skalkaho on the first and third Wednesdays of each month from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. For more information, contact Jen at 375-9183.
Men’s Bereavement Breakfast
Marcus Daly Hospice sponsors a monthly Men’s Bereavement Support Breakfast on the second and fourth Friday of each month at 9 a.m. in the Marcus Daly Hospice Dining Room. This is a special opportunity for men coping with the loss of a spouse or loved one to gather and share their journey of healing. Informal discussions are led by a trained Bereavement Facilitator and cover topics such as, embracing our grief, personal growth, forming new relationships, and more. Interested parties can contact Cathy Palmer, MFT, Marcus Daly Hospice Bereavement Coordinator at 363-6503. A donation of $3.00 for breakfast is greatly appreciated.
Mindful Recovery support group A peer-directed support group meets Thursdays from noon to 1 p.m. at the Bison Internet Café, 164 S. 3rd in Hamilton. People in recovery from mental illness and/or substance abuse or addiction can find support and mentor help from group participants. All interested persons are invited to attend. The Café is closed during meeting times. For more information, leave a message at 363-2222.
Darby food collection
The Darby Bread Box is collecting canned chili beans, dried beans, and jelly for the month of May. Donations can be dropped off at People’s Market or Bitterroot Community Credit Union in Darby. If anyone can help, call or leave a message at 821-2081.
Darby Library story time
Reading to young children helps develop good reading skills while igniting their imaginations. The Darby Community Public Library offers two Preschool Story Times every Monday at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. All children from age one to five are welcome to come with a caregiver for interactive stories, games, songs, and fun activities that focus on letter and number recognition, and the joy of reading.
Acoustic music jam sessions
Everyone is invited to the music jam sessions at the Rocky Mountain Grange Hall south of Hamilton each Sunday afternoon from 2 to 4 p.m. Players of all levels are invited to bring their guitars, mandolins, harmonicas, fiddles, bass fiddles, banjos, dobros, or other acoustic instruments. Music ranges from old-time country to western, to swing, to blues, to whatever. There is no charge for admission. You don’t have to be a musician to attend. Folks who just want to listen are encouraged to come – it’s always more fun with an audience. The Grange Hall is located at 1436 S. 1st Street (Hwy 93), just south of the Valley Pet Clinic. For more information call Clem at 961-4949.
Open season riding Open season riding has started at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds. Come in and sign up for the season or on a single ride basis. The individual memberships are $30; family memberships are $50; and single ride option is $5. The fairgrounds are open daily, and the season will run from now until the fall, weather permitting. If you need more information call the fairgrounds office at 363-3411, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Book discussions
The Bitterroot Public Library offers a “Brown Bag It” Book discussion group on the last Thursday of the month from noon to 1 p.m. in the West Meeting Room. Newcomers are welcome.
May 26 – “Homer and Langley: A Novel” by E.L. Doctorow,
June 30 – “Half Broke Horses: A True-Life Novel” by Jeannette Walls
July 28 – “Cutting for Stone: A Novel” by Abraham Verghesa
August 25 – “Daughter of Fortune” by Isabel Allende
September 30 – “The Innocent Man” by John Grisham
October 27 – “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” by Mark Twain
November 17 – “Siddhartha” by Herman Hess
December – “A Hope in the Unseen” by Ron Suskind
Grace Lutheran Preschool registration
Grace Lutheran Learning Center in Hamilton is accepting preschool registrations. Fall preschool starts in September and will run through May. There are half day and full day openings. Call 363-1924; space is limited.
Donations sought for summer camp Donations of your gently used/in good shape skateboards, roller skates, bicycles, scooters and unicycles are needed for the South Valley Child and Family Center’s Summertime For Kids Summer Camp. Call 363-3450 for more information or drop donations off at 515 Madison in Hamilton (only good, usable equipment, please) by May 27. Donations of helmets or pads are also welcome. This is a tax-deductible donation.
Habitat for Humanity seeking donations
Ravalli County Habitat for Humanity is accepting donations for its yard sale and silent auction to be held in June. Items can be dropped off on Saturdays at Family Storage on Riverside Cutoff Road (behind Montana Westgate Realty) in Hamilton. To arrange for drop off, call Tamara Bilinovich at 369-1233 or Sheri Jones at 369-1047 or Mari Meyers 375-2527 or email: HYPERLINK “mailto:ravallihabitat@yahoo.com” ravallihabitat@yahoo.com. Donations will be accepted until setup day on Thursday, June 2. Habitat for Humanity relies on your donations to help make affordable housing in Ravalli County. Volunteers are also welcome by calling the above numbers.
Daly Mansion donations sought
The Daly Mansion Preservation Trust is soliciting donations of items for its May 20-21 Tent Sale taking place on the grounds of the Margaret Daly Memorial Arboretum & Botanic Gardens-Daly Mansion, 251 Eastside Hwy, Hamilton. The Mansion will receive donations of saleable items May 10 and 17 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. If you have questions or would like more information, call Darlene at 363-6004, 4#. Please – no items that need to be plugged in or batteries. All donors will receive a tax donation receipt. The Tent Sale is a fundraising rummage sale to support the operations of the Daly Mansion and the Margaret Daly Memorial Arboretum & Botanic Gardens.
Golf Tournament signups
Time is running out for the “early bird” sign up fee for the Bitterroot Chamber of Commerce/Lions Club Golf Tournament on Saturday, May 21 at the Hamilton Golf Course. The registration fee is $70 per player and $350 per team. Make your checks payable to the Lions Club, or call the Chamber for credit card payment at 363-2400. And remember, you don’t have to have a 5-person team to play!
Recycled art show
Art City’s 13th Annual Recycled Art show in celebration of Earth Day is now on display. Created from discarded materials and found objects, the art work in the show is a whimsical commentary on what would otherwise be considered junk. This work by a dozen local artists represents a thoughtful and often humorous take on our “throw-away society.” The work may be seen through May 28. Art City is a co-operatively managed gallery featuring work by local artists. It is located in an historic downtown Hamilton building at 407 W. Main St. Spring open hours are Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and other days by chance or appointment. For more information contact Art City at 363-4764.
Library story time
The North Valley Public Library Story Time, a program for preschool age children will not meet on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. in the Community Room of the library. The special Story Time theme for this summer is “Nature’s Little Explorers.” Children will read books, have a nutritious snack, and make a craft or do an activity outside. Contact Patricia at 777-5061 for more information.
Wednesday, May 4
Preschool story time
Preschoolers are invited to meet in the children’s area of the Bitterroot Public Library on Wednesday, May 4 to enjoy “It’s a Circus in Here!” and enjoy books read by Sally Blevins. This story time begins at 10:30 a.m. and is designed for children 3-5 years of age. For more information call 363-1670.
Elk study presentation
The Ravalli County Fish & Wildlife Association is hosting a program on Wednesday, May 4 at 6 p.m. at the Bitterroot River Inn in Hamilton. The title of the talk is “The Absaroka Elk Ecology Study.” It will be presented by Wyoming Game and Fish personnel, Arthur Middleton and Matthew Kauffman. The presentation will give valley residents an idea of the information that is expected to be gathered from a similar program currently underway in the Bitterroot Valley. The talk will include information on predators and low calf recruitment. The public is welcome.
Creation-Evolution seminar
A free seminar entitled “The Greatest Show on Earth: Making Sense of the Creation-Evolution Debate” will be held May 4-8 at 7:30 p.m. each evening at the Seventh-day Adventist Church, 117 West Bridge Road, Hamilton (363-0575) and the Stevensville Seventh–day Adventist Church, corner of Pine Hollow & Baldwin, Stevensville (777-2296). Co-hosts Timothy Standish and Ron Clouzet, who are experts in their respective fields, will present evidence not to be missed. The seminar will be science-based, biblically sound, and professionally informative. Timothy G. Standish, PhD, is an international educator, scientist and the author of academic and popular papers dealing with faith and science. He currently holds a research appointment at Geoscience Research Institute which seeks to understand the origins of life and the earth from a biblical perspective. Ron E.M. Clouzet, D. Min., is a professor at Andrews University Theological Seminary, director of the North American Division Evangelism Institute, and founder of HOPE University. He lectures extensively on biblical topics and has written a number of articles and books on ministry and theology.
Thursday, May 5
National Day of Prayer
Thursday, May 5, marks the 60th consecutive observance of the Annual National Day of Prayer. The theme for this year is, “A Mighty Fortress is our God,” based on Psalm 91:2. The National Day of Prayer tradition predates the founding of the United States of America, evidenced by the Continental Congress’ proclamation in 1775 setting aside a day of prayer. Congress established the day of prayer in 1952. The National Prayer Committee was instrumental in the launch of the National Day of Prayer Task Force, the Judeo-Christian expression of the National Day of Prayer. The Task Force, based in Colorado and chaired by Shirley Dobson, receives no federal funding. Local events are planned and executed by dedicated volunteers throughout the country. Esteemed author and international advocate for people with disabilities, Joni Eareckson Tada, has been chosen as the 2011 Honorary Chairman and keynote speaker at the national observance in Washington, D.C.
A special prayer gathering for concerned Stevensville residents will be held from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. on May 5 at the Stevensville Town Hall, 206 Buck Street. For more information, phone Char at 777-5987.
Stevi school facility committee
The Stevensville School Board Facility Committee will meet on Thursday, May 5 at 1 p.m. in the superintendent’s office.
Parenting series
A series of parenting workshops entitled “Parenting with Love and Logic” will be held every Thursday from May 5 through May 26 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Local Living Family Center, 5501 93N, Florence. Topics are: May 5 – The Art and Science of Control & Choices; May 12 – Whose problem is it anyway? Setting Limits and How to guide children to solve their problems
Eat, Share, Learn at the Local Living Family Center; May 19 – Learn about Consequences vs. Punishments & how to construct logical consequences; May 26 – Wrap it up and Take it Home. Use parenting with Love and Logic to address fighting, bickering and chores. A light meal will be provided at each workshop. For more information call Allison at 273-0142.
Friday, May 6
Rummage sale The Florence Carlton Community Church will hold its Annual Rummage Sale on Friday and Saturday, May 6 and 7 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 20075 Old Highway 93, halfway between Lolo and Florence. Donations are still be accepted by calling Tara Leonard at 273-4787.
NV Pachyderm Club The North Valley Pachyderm Club will meet Friday, May 6 at noon at the Frontier Café, Hwy 93 in Stevensville. Ravalli County Attorney Bill Fulbright will be the guest speaker. The North Valley Pachyderm Club meets the first and third Friday of each month from noon to 1 p.m. at the Frontier Cafe. The North Valley Pachyderm Club is an educational arm of the Republican Party. All are welcome.
Safe driving class
An AARP Driver Safety Class will be presented on Friday, May 6 at 1 p.m. at the Stevensville Senior Center, located at 100 Mission Street. The class will last approximately four hours. While this safe driving
strategies class is designed for drivers age 50 and over, all drivers are welcome. The class fee is $12.00 for
AARP members and $14.00 for non-members. Pre-registration is advised. There are no written or driving tests and, Montana mandates an insurance discount for qualified graduates. For further information, contact Betty Lowell at 777-5681 or Thom Ainsworth, Instructor, at 369-0149.
Used Art & Jewelry Sale
The Stevensville Historical Museum will sponsor the annual Used Art & Jewelry Sale on May 6 and 7, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, at 309 Main in Stevensville. Those who have donated to the sale are invited to enjoy a pre-sale party on Thursday, May 5 from 7 to 9 p.m. The donors will be able to enjoy hors d’oeuvres and the opportunity to shop the sale before the general public. Those who have art or jewelry to donate to this sale may call Dora at 777-3239 or Ruth at 777-3201.
Model train display
Trains will be running at the model train display sponsored by the Bitterroot Model Railroaders from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Kohl Building behind Valley Drug in Stevensville. It’s fun and it’s free.
African ministry craft sale
Crafts of the African Team Ministry will be on display for sale at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 204 Main, Stevensville on First Friday, May 6 starting at 5 p.m. All proceeds benefit the African Team Ministry.
Main Street pie auction The Stevensville Main Street Association will hold its annual “Pie in the Big Sky” auction on First Friday, May 6 at 7 p.m. at Rocky Mountain Bank. This event has become a staple of the community and one that folks watch for every year because of the fantastic pies they can buy to support the Main Street program. Wayne Olson will be the auctioneer. Everyone is welcome. Anyone wishing to donate a pie can call 777-3773. Pies can be home baked or creative and should be dropped off at Rocky Mountain Bank by 4 p.m. on Friday, May 6.
First Friday at library
Singer/songwriter/guitar player, Stephen Wolf, will perform many of his original songs of addiction, redemption, suffering and hope at the North Valley Public Library on Friday, May 6 from 6:30 to 8 pm. The performance is part of the monthly First Friday events in Stevensville. Wolf will offer a night of songs and – watch out – maybe some reverse heckling to make the evening fun in the main library, located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville. Attendance is free to the public (donations are always welcome). Light refreshments will be served. For more details, call the library at 777-5061 or visit HYPERLINK “http://www.northvalleylibrary.org” www.northvalleylibrary.org.
Blessing of the Bikes Rev. Steve Oreskovich will preside over a “Blessing of the Bikes” on Friday, May 6 at 6 p.m. at Lewis & Clark Park in Stevensville. From tricycles to bicycles to scooters to motorcycles, if you enjoy outdoor riding over the summer, plan to attend this brief, outdoor blessing ceremony to kick off the riding season. All ages and riding equipment welcome. St. Stephen’s Episcopal is sponsoring the event. For more information call Mary Beth at 541-4307.
Stevi First Friday On First Friday, May 6, Stevensville downtown will be loaded with artistic talent. The Bitterroot Artists Showcase will be taking place at River’s Mist-Gallery of Fine Art. In timely conjunction with this annual event that presents the works of the many fine artists in the Bitterroot Valley, the Stevensville Main Street Association has coordinated with the downtown businesses the First Friday Art Walk. The Art Walk Series kicks off with the First Friday in May and will continue on First Fridays through October. Participating businesses will be hosting a variety of artists displaying their work and actively creating pieces on site. Visitors will be able to observe, ask questions and enjoy refreshments while artists demonstrate their talent. The downtown businesses invite you to come and enjoy an evening of fine hospitality and activity. Additional activities taking place on First Friday include a production of “Little Shop or Horrors” at the Stevensville Playhouse, the “Pie In The Big Sky” pie auction, the Used Art and Jewelry Sale, and the model train display. For more information, contact the Stevensville Main Street Association at 777-3773 or visit: mainstreetstevensville.com.
Psychic Fair
Kick off First Friday with a “Glimpse into Your Future.” A Psychic Fair will be held May 6-9 in Hamilton. This event will offer numerous and diverse psychic arts from a wide variety of skilled practitioners. There will be tarot, astrology, rune, palmistry, energy healing, intuitive counseling, integrative massage therapy and much more. The event will be held at Between the Worlds, 205 W. Main Street, Hamilton. Practitioner applications are being accepted until April 15. For more information call 363-5225 or 370-1054.
Art exhibit
Red Willow Antiques, 211-213 Main, Stevensville will feature the art of Living Iron by Joe Keeton for the month of May. Come see the artist’s exhibit that will open on First Friday in Stevensville on May 6 and run through the month of May. Living Iron’s body of work being shown is a combination of native wildflowers hand forged in steel, back dropped by the physical beauty of Montana wood and stone. Joe moved to the valley in 1996. He became interested in blacksmithing as a young boy in Kansas after many trips to the Ozarks. Watching the old masters trying to save the folk arts was the seed planted that grew into Living Iron.
Artists Showcase The second annual Bitterroot Artists Showcase will be on display for the month of May at River’s Mist Gallery in Stevensville. This showcase is sponsored by Stevensville Art and Sculpture Society and features many outstanding artists from Sula to Missoula in oil, watercolor, acrylic, porcelain painting, woodworking, and photography. An artists’ reception will be held on Friday, May 6 from 6 to 9 p.m. and the show will run through May 31. The gallery hours are Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information call River’s Mist at 777-0520.
Stevensville Playhouse production
The Stevensville Playhouse will present “Little Shop of Horrors” a musical comedy/sci-fi/horror story opening on May 6. Seymour Krelborn is a nerdy orphan working at Mushnik’s, a flower shop in urban Skid Row. He harbors a crush on fellow co-worker Audrey Fulquard, and is berated by Mr. Mushnik daily. One day as Seymour is seeking a new mysterious plant, he finds a very mysterious unidentified plant which he calls Audrey II. The plant seems to have a craving for blood and soon begins to sing for his supper. Will Audrey II take over the world or will Seymour and Audrey defeat it? Show dates are May 6-7, 13-14, 20-21 at 8 p.m. and May 7-8, 14-15, and 21-22 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door. For reservations call 777-2722 or visit stevensvilleplayhouse.org.
Saturday, May 7
Three Mile/Lone Rock yard sale
A Three Mile-Lone Rock Community Yard Sale will be held Saturday, May 7 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Lone Rock School gym. Spaces are available for $20 and each space includes a table. Set up is Friday, May 5 from 7 to 9 p.m. and Saturday, May 6 at 7 a.m. Outdoor spaces will also be available. Your sale proceeds will be your own and the proceeds from table rentals will benefit the Lone Rock 8th Grade class. Contact Ronna at 777-6907 or Ruth at 880-2810 to reserve your space.
Stevi community cleanup
The annual Community Cleanup Day will be held in downtown Stevensville on Saturday, May 7. Volunteers should meet at the Stevensville Main Street Association office at 9 a.m. for job assignment. Activities will include sweeping and bagging debris, gardening and more. Lunch will be provided for all volunteers. The event is sponsored by the Stevensville Civic Club and the Stevensville Main Street Association. In conjunction with this event the Town of Stevensville will be picking up yard debris the week of May 2-6. Leave unbagged yard debris on the street curb or in the alleys. For more information call Tracey at 777-1102.
BBQ cooking and judging class The Stevensville Civic Club and the Pacific Northwest BBQ Association will conduct a BBQ cooking and judging class on Saturday, May 7 in Stevensville at the Stevensville Hotel. This one-day, hands on class, will be conducted by three award winning and nationally recognized BBQ champions who promise to teach you everything you need to know to take your BBQ to a whole new competitive and delicious level. People certified in the judging class will be qualified as a judge at the State BBQ Championship held annually at Stevensville’s Creamery Picnic. To register or for more information, go to creamerypicnic.com or contact Tim Schreiber at 273-4565.
Flea market
The Ladies Auxiliary of Eagles Aerie #1693 will host a Flea Market on Saturday, May 7 at the Eagles Lodge, 125 N. 2nd, Hamilton. Tables (6’x2-½’) are $5.00 and should be reserved now by calling 363-8467 or 363-2763. Proceeds will go to Auxiliary local charities.
Flea market
A flea market will be held Saturday, May 7 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Hamilton senior Center, 820 N. 4th. Many new and used and miscellaneous items will be for sale. Lunch will be available. Rent a table for $5 by calling Katie at 363-2316 or 363-5181.
Urban Herb Walk
National Herb Day is Saturday, May 7. Come celebrate at Meadowsweet Herbs with a free Urban Herb Walk with herbalist Jessica Maisel or let Lavender Lori show you how to work her magic with her own locally grown and made lavender hydrosoldivine. Both events are free and open to the public at Meadowsweet Herbs, 180 S. 3rd Street West in Missoula. For more information call 728-1044.
Craft and gift sale
A Spring Fling Craft & Gift Sale will be held Saturday, May 7 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Christian Life Center, 3801 Russell St., Missoula. Get all your Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, graduation and wedding gifts in one great location with a large variety of vendors. Proceeds benefit the Epic Youth Group. For more information call 542-0353.
Options career seminar
Soroptimist International of Hamilton presents the 8th annual Options for Women and Girls career seminar on Saturday, May 7 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Bitterroot River Inn in Hamilton. This year, the morning session will focus on individual career paths where women have “worked their way up” by taking whatever job or volunteer opportunity that was available. The afternoon will be devoted to technology and how social media and the internet have changed both seeking and keeping jobs. The seminar is offered free to all participants, and free babysitting is available by reservation. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. with a continental breakfast. Snacks and lunch are also provided. To sign up for this free seminar, contact Mary Lyn at 360-6279.
Farmers Market
The Hamilton Farmers Market, located on Bedford, Second and Third Streets in Hamilton, opens Saturday, May 7 at 9 a.m. with the annual May Fest for Children. There will be activities for kids from 9 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. with a Green Man Parade at 11:15. Fairies and woodland creatures of all ages and sizes are welcome! The Maypole Dance will begin about 11:30 a.m. to local live music provided by Sleeping Child String Band. Come enjoy the fruits of labor from local farms and gardens, studios and kitchens!
Farmers Market May Day Festival
Hamilton Farmers Market opens its 19th season on Saturday, May 7 at 9 a.m. with a wild May Day Festival for the kids!
Local day schools and kids’ programs will offer a variety of children’s activities. The Green Man parade for fairies and woodland creatures of all ages and sizes will start at 11:15. Parade forms on Bedford Street just west of the intersection with Third Street. Maypole dances will return. They will begin about 11:30, giving everyone a chance to boogie out those long winter blues! Sleeping Child String Band will provide live rollicking tunes to get folks up and moving.
Hamilton Farmers Market continues to grow with new local craft, produce and hot food vendors on to Third and Second Streets. Third Street Food Court offers hot coffee, breakfast and lunch burritos, and a delightful variety of baked goods. Pizza and grilled veggies are coming later! Tacos, more tasty burritos and even tastier baked items, along with more great coffee and other hot and cold drinks, can be found throughout the Market and in the new Food Court growing on Second Street. As always, the best deal on popcorn is at the Ravalli County Museum’s booth!
Hamilton Farmers Market is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. till 12:30 p.m., from May 7 to October 8 this year. Special events this year include the Mother’s Day Gift Bag Drawing at the opening market, Father’s Day Gift Bag drawing on June 11, the Community Health Fair: “Living Green, Living Healthy” on August 13 and Harvest Fest on September 24 with the Giant Pumpkin and Craziest Funny Vegetable contests. Other special events will occur throughout the summer, so be sure to stop by for a great time and to purchase locally grown, locally made, locally good products for you, your friends and neighbors.
The Bitter Root Valley Historical Society has scheduled Bitter Root Day for Saturday, June 18 and Apple Day for October 1. These events are expanded markets for the benefit of the local Museum and its life enhancing remodel, and its efforts to preserve history and culture here in the Valley. If you would like to have a booth at these events, call Sarah at the Museum, 363-3338, for more information.
If you are a local school or have a children’s program that would like participate in the opening May Festival, call Laura Craig, Market Manager, at 961-0004 for a registration form before April 29. And if you would like to sell at the Hamilton Farmers Market and you live in Ravalli County and your product is made in Montana, call her for more information.
Enjoy the fruits of local labor from the farm, studio and kitchen – fresh locally grown produce and locally handmade arts, crafts, furniture and more – and live local music every Saturday.
Mansion Mother’s Day Tea
Invite your mothers, grandmothers, and the special ladies in your life to the Daly Mansion’s Annual Mother’s Day Tea on Saturday, May 7. Tea will be served in the beautifully decorated Sun Porch, Formal Living Room, and the Trophy Room. Seating will be from 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. Guests will enjoy fabulous food catered by Liaisons and tea at impeccably set tables. The day also includes live string music, gift basket raffles, party favors, self-guided tours, photos, and a sneak peak of the Montana Association of Weavers and Spinners exhibit of fiber art entitled “Living Treasures.” Admission is $25.00 for adults, and $20.00 for children. This event is recommended for children 6 years and older. Reservations are accepted by calling 363-6004.
Moms’ brunch
Lunch and a photo for mom will be offered at “I Love Mom a Brunch” on Saturday, May 7 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Claudia Driscoll Park in Hamilton. There event is free but donations will be accepted. All proceeds benefit the Bitterroot Scottish Irish Festival and SAFE. The event is sponsored by Little Britches Exchange and Greener Montana Property Management. For more information call 363-3187.
Ragtime Society
The Bitterroot Valley Ragtime Society meets on the first Saturday of each month from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Hamilton Pub in Victor. There is no charge for membership, all are welcome. Come on out and listen to some vintage American music from the ragtime and early jazz era! The next gathering will be on Saturday, May 7, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Hamilton Pub. For further info, call 916-759-3168.
Mother’s Day Tea
A Mother’s Day Tea will be held Saturday, May 7 from 2 to 6 p.m. at The King’s Christian Church, 9830 Valley Grove Drive, Lolo. Share tea and treats with the Ladies in your life. Wear your best and bring your hat. Hold your fan, enjoy a chat. Enjoy an afternoon of tea facts, poem readings, door prizes, sharing stories, a chocolate fountain, and have your pictures taken. All of this is the church’s treat to all of you wonderful mothers, grandmothers, daughters, aunts, sisters, and friends. RSVP to Beth or Reina 273-0682.
Ballet Bitterroot benefit
“Ballet & Bubbly,” a wine and microbrew tasting along with silent and live auctions to benefit Ballet Bitterroot, a non profit organization, and to raise funds for a new youth afterschool dance and fitness center, will be held Saturday, May 7 at 7 p.m. at St. Francis Parish Center in Hamilton. Tickets are $30 for an individual or $50 for a couple and are available at Wireless Connection in Hamilton, Chapter One Bookstore or online at www.balletbitterroot.com
Ballet & Bubbly will raise funds for a new facility to offer more after school fitness activities for local youth. Ballet Bitterroot has been offering pre-professional and recreation dance in the valley for the past eleven years, and has taken several dancers to the professional level. This new facility will allow Ballet Bitterroot to offer more scholarships to the youth in the valley for afterschool activities and provide more opportunities to all youth in the valley to keep kids active and fit. For more information contact Jacqueline VanDenburg at 363-5393.
Monday, May 9
Hamilton Garden Club
The Hamilton Garden Club will meet Monday, May 9 at 7 p.m. at the home of Doreen Burgess, 107 Sage Lane (363-5422). The program will be by Margie Cook of Cooks’ Gardens. The group will have a report of the Western District of Montana Federation of Garden Clubs’ recent meeting in Victor. There will also be an update on Kids in the Garden which will be held August 20 at the Daly Mansion. Members will soon be planting the downtown Hamilton planters and will hold a plant sale in June. Meeting co-hostess in Billie Brown.
Tuesday, May 10
Veterans affairs clinics
Roxanne Blanche, Service Officer for the Montana Veterans Affairs Division in Missoula, will be available to veterans and their dependents that have questions or need to file a claim with the Department of Veterans Affairs on Tuesday, May 10 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the Stevensville Town Hall and from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Job Service Office in Hamilton. She will also be available on Tuesday, May 23 from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Job Service Office. For more information call 542-2501.
Transportation Advisory Committee
The Ravalli County Transportation Advisory Committee will meet Tuesday, May 10 in the conference room at 316 N. 3rd, Hamilton. Anyone interested in transportation issues in Ravalli County is invited to attend. For more information call 363-5242.
Library summer program
Have fun this summer at the North Valley Public Library! The summer youth program “Camp Out at Our Library” begins May 10 and ends August 6. Nature’s Little Explorers Story Time (for preschoolers) is on Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Kindergarten through third graders will meet on Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Fourth through sixth grade will meet on Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Junior High kids will meet on Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m. until noon. There will be fun, unique activities including arts and crafts; guest speakers (see a live giant python or flesh eating beetles; field trips, including one to Splash Montana and another to the Missoula Climbing Wall); hike in the woods; geocache; discover great books to read; and much more. Registration forms are available at the Library – hurry, space is limited. Contact Patricia at 777-5061 for more information.
Methodist dinner
The Corvallis Untied Methodist Men’s Group & Friends will serve a ham dinner to the public on Tuesday, May 10 from 5 to 7 p. a the church hall, corner of Eastside Hwy and Cemetery Road. A free will offering will be taken.
Stevi school board
The regular meeting of the Stevensville School Board of Trustees will be on Tuesday, May 10 at 7 p.m. in the Stevensville High School Learning Center.
RML Community Liaison Group
The Rocky Mountain Laboratories Community Liaison Group (RML CLG) is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, May 10 at 7 p.m. in Conference Rooms B-C at Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital, 1200 Westwood Drive, Hamilton. Agenda items include presentations on the status of RML construction projects, site improvements, and landscaping and of RML research on Staphylococcus aureus infection, including methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). The public is invited to attend and participate in the meeting.
Wednesday, May 11
Preschoolers are invited to meet in the children’s area of the Bitterroot Public Library on Wednesday, May 11 to enjoy “Welcome to Fairyland” and enjoy books read by Star Jameson. This story time begins at 10:30 a.m. and is designed for children 3-5 years of age. For more information call 363-1670.
Thursday, May 12
Stevi school facility committee
The Stevensville School Board Facility Committee will meet on Thursday, May 12 at 1 p.m. in the superintendent’s office.
Fellowship Club
The Bitterroot Public Library’s Fellowship Club will meet on Thursday, May 12 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. to discuss “Wisdom of the Ages: A Modern Master Brings Eternal Truths into Everyday Life” by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer. This book is a powerful collection of writings, poems, and sayings by some of the greatest thinkers of the past 25 centuries. In this compilation Dyer sets out to explain how we can actively apply these teachings to our modern lives. The Fellowship Club meets every second Thursday of the month in the West Meeting Room of the Bitterroot Public Library and is free and open to anyone seeking to promote individual and collective well-being. Call 363-1670, or email jacostant@gmail.com for more information.
Friday, May 13
Crab Feed
American Legion Post 94 in Stevensville will hold its annual Crab Feed on Friday, May 13 at the Post home on Mid. Burnt Fork Road. Only 150 tickets are available. Call Harry at 777-5398 or Jim at 777-2117 for tickets or information.
Saturday, May 14
UM reunion University of Montana alumni celebrating their 50th, 60th or 70th class anniversaries are invited to attend reunions this spring for three days of activities, including participation in UM’s 2011 Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 14. This year’s spring reunions will recognize alumni from the classes of 1941, 1951 and 1961. Any alumnus or alumna who graduated 50 years ago or earlier also is invited to join in reunion activities. Family members and friends are welcome to attend. Register online by April 29 at HYPERLINK “http://www.GrizAlum.com” http://www.GrizAlum.com. For more information, contact Jay Kettering at 243-6439, toll-free at 877-892-5867 or HYPERLINK “mailto:jay.kettering@umontana.edu” jay.kettering@umontana.edu.
Preschool fundraiser
Evergreen Kids Corner Cooperative Pre-school will hold a fundraiser for all ages on Saturday, May 14 from 2 p.m. to midnight. The $5 cover charge includes crafts, games, face-painting, demos, science & nature exploration, live music from The Dodgy Mountain Men, Black Mountain Moan, Voodoo Horseshoes, Temper-airily, Bitterroot Range, Cottonwood and more! Over $1,000 in raffle prizes, dinner, and bake sale, sponsored in part by Lifeline Organic Farms, Recycling in the Root, The Silver Coin/Office Bar and Casino and the Coffee Cup Café.
Kookie Karaoke Knight
Summit Independent Living Center of Ravalli County is inviting anyone with a disability to join in a night of fun, friends and food. Kookie Karaoke Komedy Knight will take place Saturday, May 14 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Hamilton City Hall Community Center, 223 S. 2nd. If you are person with a disability you are welcome to come and bring a friend, family member or caregiver. Call 363-5242 by May 10 if you plan to attend or have any questions.
Victor Donkey Basketball
Victor will be hosting a community event called Donkey Basketball on Tuesday, May 17 at 7 p.m. in the Victor High School Gymnasium. Teams will consist of students, faculty, and community members. Tickets are $8.00 for adults, $6.00 for students grades 7-12, $4.00 for children grades K-6. To purchase tickets early and receive a dollar off the admission price for each ticket call Jay Jagelski at 642-3221, ext. 263. All proceeds go to the Victor High School Boy’s Basketball Team.
Saturday, May 21
Calibration Clinic & Private Applicator Training
A Calibration Clinic & Private Applicator Training will be held Saturday, May 21 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Corvallis Grange. Learn the basic information that is very important to know when treating your weeds and other pests with pesticides. You may also stop by anytime between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. and someone will be happy to help you calibrate your spray equipment. Registration is required if you plan on attending the Private Applicator Training. To register and for more information call 375-6611.
Food Co-op annual meeting
The Bitterroot Food Co-op will hold its annual membership meeting and potluck on Saturday, May 21 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Human Resource Council Conference Room, 316 N 3rd St. in Hamilton. The Co-op is taking nominations for board members, and an election will be held at the meeting. The Bitterroot Food Cooperative is a member-based organization run by a board of directors. The Co-op is in need of a strong board as well as member participation in order to move forward with its vision. Contact Denelle Pappier (dpappier@aol.com) or Alice Mariana (mariana.alicea@gmail.com) if you are interested in being on the Board. If you are not yet a member of the Co-op, contact Alice or Denelle for sign-up. There is no up front money required to become a member. All members are eligible to participate on the Board. There will be discussion of current plans (online ordering system, new membership fees, etc.) at the meeting. For more information, e-mail or call Alice and Nick at 961-4970.
Sunday, May 22
”Carla’s Green’s”, a fundraiser for musician Carla Green who recently had breast cancer surgery, will take place Sunday, May 22 from noon to 8 p.m. at Ruby’s Inn and Convention Center, 4825 N. Reserve Street, Missoula. A gathering of Missoula’s favorite musicians will be performing throughout the day. There will also be catered food, no-host bar, and raffle items. The suggested donation to attend is $7. Proceeds from the event will help defray medical expenses. For more information, call 529-3875.
Tuesday, June 13
SVCFC summer camp
Want a great way to start off the summer? Come and enjoy Summertime@SVCFC, a summer camp for kids June 13-August 12 for kids 6-11 years old. The program offers eight weeks of fun, education, fun and exploration. Take one week or more and have a great time exploring our valley, swimming, bowling, acting, crafting, and much more. Registration starts April 18 and registration forms will be available at the following sites: local elementary schools, many downtown Hamilton businesses, the Bitterroot Public Library and here at SVCFC 515 Madison in Hamilton. Call for further info at 363-3450.
Friday, June 17
Darby Descendants Reunion
The 4th Annual “Darby Bitter Root Descendants Reunion” will be held June 17–20 at the Darby Clubhouse ( HYPERLINK “http://www.darbycommons.com” www.darbycommons.com). Plans are well underway for the “Darby Roots Reunion,” (formerly the Darby Pioneer Reunion). Whether you’re from pioneer stock or are new to Darby Tiger Country, you are invited. Special activities include: programs on “Moonshine and Lake Como Area,” “The Salish,” “Lumber & Timber Life,” “ Cowpoke Poets” and “Strong Women of the BR.” Many old-timers will recall their family connections in the Darby area. Everyone is encouraged to bring photos, exhibits, albums, scrapbooks, CDs, to share your family’s connections. Kids activities and games are being planned to keep the younger Darbarians entertained, educated and active. For more information, or to get a registration form, or if you are interested in joining the planning process, contact Bonnie Evers, HYPERLINK “mailto:bonevers@netzero.net” bonevers@netzero.net, 821-3214; Evelyn Savochka: HYPERLINK “mailto:evie@dishmail.net” evie@dishmail.net; 531-0327; Helen Ann Bibler: HYPERLINK “mailto:helenann13@hughes.net” helenann13@hughes.net, 821-3444.
Monday, July 18
UM science adventure camp
Registration is now open for “MOLLI Summer Adventures in Science: Connecting the Circle,” a summer camp for children ages 6 through 12 and their grandparents hosted by the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at The University of Montana. The science day camp will run Monday and Tuesday, July 18-19 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Participants will learn from one another in scientific exploration through classroom and field experiences, starting with the “Mr. G Science Show” with Glenn Govertsen, who has taught physics at Missoula’s Sentinel High School for more than 30 years and is a recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science Teaching.
The following summer camp courses are designed for children 6 to 9 years old:
• Incredible Edible Bugs with Annika Johns, UM graduate and recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence.
• Explosive Chemistry with a team led by Amanda Lockwood, spectrUM Discovery Area educator.
• Farm to Table with Jason Mandala, Garden City Harvest community education director.
The following courses are available for children 9 to 12 years old:
• Bones & Stones with Garry Kerr, UM Department of Anthropology lecturer.
• Buzz about Bees with UM Professor Jerry Bromenshenk and Bee Alert field technician Scott Debnam.
• Robotics Sensory Garden with spectrUM Discovery Area operational manager Jessie Herbert and software engineer and guest spectrUM educator Will Bain.
The summer camp costs $100 per adult and child pair. A $20 MOLLI membership also is required for adults who wish to participate. The membership allows registration for lifelong learning courses offered through the institute each spring and autumn at UM. Those who purchase a membership for this year’s summer camp will be eligible to register for all MOLLI courses offered through June 30, 2012.
Full summer camp course descriptions, information about instructors and registration forms are online at HYPERLINK “http://www.umt.edu/molli” http://www.umt.edu/molli. For more information, call Dannette Fadness of UM’s School of Extended Studies and Lifelong Learning at 243-2905.