Calendar

Wednesday, June 15

Preschool story time
Preschoolers are invited to meet in the children’s area of the Bitterroot Public Library on Wednesday, June 15 to enjoy “On Safari” and hear books read by Jennifer Crawford. 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. On June 22, enjoy the llamas and alpacas and hear Charlene Hakes read stories.

CranioSacral therapy presentation
A free presentation at the Hamilton Public Library for both therapists and clients who want to learn about the easy and effective method of pain management through Percussion and CranioSacral Therapy will be held Wednesday, June 15 at 7 p.m. at the Bitterroot Public Library in Hamilton. This presentation is for anyone interested in learning how to manage chronic pain without the use of drugs. Do you or a loved one suffer from chronic pain? Come learn about the simple, yet highly effective way of reducing or eliminating pain associated with such conditions as Whiplash, Head and Spinal injuries, MS, Fybromialgia, and a host of others. Osteopathic medicine has been using Mechanized Percussion Therapy for pain management for over 40 years. Percussion Therapy releases restrictions throughout the body. This allows the fluids and electrical properties of tissues and organs to flow normally again, restoring healthy equilibrium. James Tree-Gilmore, LMT, CST, will present a lecture/demonstration about the history, current application and availability of this gentle and affordable therapy.
For more information log onto: www.jimtree.com/cst.html
Airport Board
The Town of Stevensville will hold special meetings on Wednesday and Thursday, June 15 and 16 at 7 p.m. at the Stevensville Town Hall to interview candidates for the open position on the Stevensville Airport Board.

Thursday, June 16

Stevi school facility committee
The Stevensville School Board Facility Committee will meet on Thursday, June 16 at 10 a.m. in the superintendent’s office.

Library ‘Lunch and Learn’ program
Have you ever wanted to know more about that wonderful site in Stevensville where Montana actually began? The executive Director of the Historic St. Mary’s Mission and Gift Shop, Colleen Meyer, will be the honored guest speaker at a Lunch and Learn Program, in the Community Room of the North Valley Public Library, Main St., Stevensville. This interesting and informative program will take place on Thursday, June 16 at 12 noon, so bring your lunch if you wish, and dessert and beverages will be provided.

MDMH Ob/Gyn Open House
All are invited to an open house celebration at the newly designed Hamilton Obstetrics & Gynecology medical clinic on Thursday, June 16 from 3:30 to 6 p.m. Enjoy the refreshments, meet the staff and tour the modern, patient centered clinic. J. David Laraway, MD and Mary Camden, MD and the support staff will be available to answer questions and show you the comfortable and warm waiting area, multiple treatment and procedure rooms for patient care, privacy and outpatient surgery, and the latest in technology including 4-D ultrasound equipment. The new clinic can be easily accessed from Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Department parking lot off of 10th street. After entering the parking lot the clinic is on the south side. For more information about the open house call 375-4777.

Cancer survivors dinner
Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital’s 4-Life Relay Team and Dietary Department is hosting the annual Survivor Dinner, in conjunction with the Ravalli County Relay for Life event, dedicated to those living with cancer. The Survivor Dinner will be at the hospital on Thursday, June 16 in conference rooms B and C. This special dinner is for cancer survivors, patients and their care givers. Due to the increased number of individuals in Ravalli County that have been affected by cancer, this years Survivor Dinner will have two seatings. The first seating is at 5:30 p.m. and the second at 7 p.m. The two seatings will ensure all guests are comfortable, have room to eat, visit and enjoy one another at this heart-warming event. There is no cost but reservations are preferred. Call 363-2211 to register and for more information visit  www.mdmh.org.
Relay for Life
The Ravalli County Relay for Life is on June 17-18, Friday night into Saturday morning and will be held at the Corvallis Track. For more information visit www.ravallicountyrelayforlife.com.

Back Country Horsemen
Bitter Root Back Country Horsemen begin the first in their series of outdoor summer meetings on Thursday, June 16, at the Rock Creek Horse Camp at Lake Como. A potluck dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. and the general meeting starts at 7 p.m. Jack Emory, Bitter Root BCH’s Training Committee Chairman, will discuss the use and function of various bits, headstalls and reins as they pertain to safety in the backcountry. Summer trail project information will also be presented. Guests are welcome and for more information call Karen at 961-0101 or check the website at  www.bchmt.org/bitterroot.

Devotional singing
Devotional singing will be held Thursday, June 16 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at 607 B Grantsdale Road. Take a little time out to sing harmonies and easy melodies from the world’s spiritual traditions with live music accompaniment. No experience is necessary. All are welcome. The singing is led by Brian Vayu Jameson whose gentle nature and humor encourages the shy singers. For more information contact Brian at 381-0617.

Friday, June 17

Museum rummage sale
The giant annual rummage sale to benefit the Stevensville Historical Museum and Stevensville Playhouse will be held Friday, June 17 and Saturday, June 18 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the grounds of the Stevensville Historical Museum, 517 Main. Donations will be accepted on June 15 and 16 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the museum.  For more information call Dora at 777-3239, Stacey at 777-5126 or Jan at 360-9121.

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,   bonevers@netzero.net, 821-3214; Evelyn Savochka:   evie@dishmail.net; 531-0327; Helen Ann Bibler:  helenann13@hughes.net, 821-3444.

Western Heritage Days
Western Heritage Days will take place in downtown Stevensville on Friday and Saturday, June 17 and 18. On the 17th the Chuckwagons will arrive and get set up on the corner of 5th and Main. In the evening there will be a little Pickin’ and Grinnin’ around the campfire. The Calcutta Auction of the Barnyard Game Teams will take place at 7 p.m. at the Full Moon Saloon.
On Saturday, June 18, the Parade will kick off the day’s events at 11 a.m., then get ready to explore the town! Enjoy vendors, crafters and Farmer’s Market, horse-drawn wagon rides for the Historic Home Tour, and Barnyard Games in the center of town at 3rd and Main. On the Corner of 5th and Main, the Chuckwagon Cook Off will be taking place with grub being served up at 1:30 p.m. Activities and sidewalk sales continue throughout the day. The Beer Garden and Food Court will open at 3 p.m. The music will start at 4 p.m. with Voodoo Horseshoes playing until 6 p.m. and Rob Quist and Great Northern from 7 to 10 p.m. Street dance, great entertainment and fun — so grab your hat and pull on your boots for fun in Stevensville!

Saturday, June 18

Bison Café equipment sale
The Bison Internet Café, which opened at 164 S. 3rd, Hamilton, in February 2010, will be closing its doors on Friday, June 17. Through a grant, the business was able to serve the general public and a target population of recovering mentally ill with low-cost or free Internet connection and individualized computer instruction. The grant funds are coming to an end as is the lease at the current location. If you have any gift certificates or tokens, you are invited to use them before the last day of operation. An alternate location to continue doing business is being negotiated but details are not confirmed at this time. Meetings that were held at the Bison will henceforth meet at the Carriage House, 310 N. 4th St., Hamilton.
On Saturday, June 18, a general sale of most of the furnishings and computer equipment will take place. Preview is available during open business hours before Saturday, or attend the open house from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the day of the sale. Many items have a “Buy It Now” price, or you may leave bids as a “Silent Auction.” Need not be present to win. Business hours are Wednesday through Saturday, from 3 to 7 p.m. For more information, call during those hours or leave a message at 363-2222.

Weed ID presentation
“Noxious Weed and Poisonous Plant Identification” will be the topic of a free presentation on Saturday, June 18 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge. Join the Ravalli County Weed District staff in learning to identify some of the 32 state listed noxious weeds and some of the more common or more dangerous poisonous plants that we have in the area. Call 777-5482 with questions.

Soroptimist tea
To honor women age 90 and above, Soroptimist International of Hamilton will offer their Sixth Annual Tea on Saturday, June 18, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Entertainment will be provided by the lead performers of “The King and I” (Hamilton Playhouse production). The Tea location will be in the dining room of Sapphire Lutheran Homes, 501 N. 10th St. in Hamilton.  Transportation to the Tea is available by calling Pat Sanders at 370-9930. Guests are encouraged to wear a hat if they would like. For more information call Judy O’Brien at 381-4769 or Brenda VonBrach at 375-0198.

Labyrinth solstice walk
The 12th annual Summer Solstice Open Walk at Redsun Labyrinth will be held Saturday, June 18 from sunset to midnight (weather permitting) at 1802 Pleasant View Drive, west of Victor.
Redsun Labyrinth, a walking meditation, will be surrounded with luminaria to welcome walkers. It is an opportunity to walk the path to your center with intention. Think of it as a metaphor for life’s journey or just celebrate summer with a walk down the path. If you wish, bring a stone that will become a permanent part of the labyrinth. Open Walk means you are welcome to come and walk and leave when you are ready. Park on the grass to left of driveway and enter through twig gate to the right of main gate and walk to the arch where the brochures are located. There will be a bonfire to warm you. Pets are not allowed. A $3.00 donation is suggested for the walk.
If you are unable to attend this event you may visit anytime. You might enjoy walking the labyrinth on a clear night during any full moon. Bring a flashlight to guide you to the labyrinth but then you can walk by the light of the moon.
Visit our website www.redsunlabyrinth.com for more information.

Monday, June 20

Rotary Club
Darryl Holland, Athletic Director, Hamilton High School,
will be the speaker at the next meeting of the Hamilton Rotary Club, Monday, June 20 at noon at BJ’s Restaurant, 900 N. 1st Street, Hamilton. Holland will be discussing the Athletics programs at Hamilton High. This meeting is open to the public. For further information call 363-2960.

Brain Injury Support Group Walk-a-thon
Missoula Brain Injury Support Group is having a Walk-a-thon on Monday, June 20 at 6:30 p.m. on the track at Big Sky High School stadium track. This Walk-a-thon celebrates the “victory of walking,” since many brain injury survivors had to relearn how to walk, and others are still very challenged with walking. A few members of this support group use wheelchairs, canes or walk with a limp. You’re invited to join in walking around the track or watch on TV, since a local station will film the walk-a-thon to air on the nightly news. The money earned will purchase memberships to BIAM, the State Brain Injury Association of Montana and also sponsor members to attend the  2011 State Brain Injury Conference. This is the group’s annual fund raising event. To donate or for more information contact Jim Mickelson at 544-6629 or Sue Englert at 327-4062.

Sons of Norway
Scandinavians will celebrate Midsummer Night’s Eve on Tuesday, June 21 at 6 p.m. at Summerdale Park, two miles up on Quast Lane northeast of Corvallis. There will be a potluck with Bitterrootdalen Lodge Sons of Norway providing barbeque meat and buns, paper plates and silverware. Sons of Norway members, Tired Iron tractor club members and everyone else is invited to bring a side dish, drinks and chairs. There will be an explanation of “Sankt-Hans” (St. John’s Eve, in English) and the making and burning of straw witches.

Saturday, June 25

Quilt show
Bitterroot Quilters’ Guild presents its 2011 Quilt Show, “A Sentimental Journey” on Saturday, June 25 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, June 26 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds. Admission is $5. Featured quilter is Jeannie Doyle. Come and enjoy the beauty of style, color, originality and workmanship from quilters of the area. Among the 300 quilts for enjoyment, there will be a raffle quilt, door prizes, quilts for sale, demonstrations, door prizes, food concessions and numerous vendors. Admission at the door is $5.00.

Wildlife Weed Roundup
A Wildlife Weed Roundup will be held Saturday, June 25 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge. Help remove some of the noxious and nuisance weeds on the refuge. Removal of the weeds will greatly benefit the wildlife that utilizes the refuge. This is a competitive weed pull and the person who pulls the most pounds of weeds will win a prize. Lunch will also be provided. Registration is required by calling 777-5552.

CHS all-school class reunion
The 9th annual All School Class Reunion will take place on Saturday, June 25 in the Old CHS Gym. Every 5th and 10th year class will be honored, as well as any attendees from classes before the year 1961. Special honored guests will be the 50th year class. Tours of the schools with guides available will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. A social will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. in the old gym with free, non-alcoholic refreshments and photo taking. Blue Devil t-shirts will be available for purchase. Handicap access to the gym is at the northwest entrance. Dinner will be served at 6 p.m. sharp. Advance dinner tickets are $12 per person; $15 after June 15. There will be a 50-50 raffle, the proceeds of which will help fund a scholarship to any technical school in Montana. Hopefully, enough money will be raised to award a scholarship to a member of the 2012 graduating class. For more information call Ray Dunbar at 406-9614528; or Gayle Anfinson Tintzman at 406-961-3343 or e-mail tintzman@cybernet1.com.

Monday, June 27

Faith Lutheran VBS
“Jesus is Life” will be the theme as Faith Lutheran Church in Hamilton hosts VBS the week of June 27-July 1. Four counselors from Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp will lead bible-centered activities that include singing, community service, games, crafts, team building exercises, and worship. Youngsters from the age of three up to entering 6th grade are welcome to attend. Preschoolers will meet from 9 to 11:30 a.m. School-age children will meet from 9 to 1:30 p.m. Registration forms and information are available at the church office, 171 Lewis Lane (363-2964). Registration will be held in the church narthex beginning at 8:15 a.m. on June 27th. There is no charge to attend VBS, however donations are gladly accepted to help with expenses. For more information contact the church office (363-2964) or Celeste Pogachar (363-2649).

Thursday, July 7

Art exhibit
Missoula Art Museum (MAM) is a place where artists are not afraid to use their work to speak out about the state of things. The diversity of their commentary says a good deal about the state. “Expressing Montana” is an exhibit, hour-long Montana Public Radio special, and event that focuses on social, political, and environmental commentary –poets, songwriters, visual artists — from right to left, from folk to fine, from rural to urban.
“Expressing Montana” will be on display through August 28, with an Artists’ Reception on Thursday, July 7 from 5 to 8 p.m. An Artists’ Gallery Talk will also be held on July 7 at 5 p.m. Musical performances will be held July 7 from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Museum, 335 North Pattee, Missoula. Admission to all these events is free.
Some of the Montana artists featured in the exhibit include: Bill Ohrmann, Drummond, a metal sculptor and painter whose work portrays the consequence of environmental and social ills; Kate Davis, Florence, who learned metal sculpture from Ohrmann; Monte Yellow Bird Sr., Great Falls, collects antique documents and overlays American Indian iconography as a statement about American history; Dave Bogess, Butte, carves an iconoclastic vision of nature and society. Artists Toni Seccomb, Butte, and Kristi Hager, Missoula, make statements about greed, heart, and faith. Ray Jacobs of Eureka devotes his life to making as small an impact to the earth as possible. Even his guitars and other stringed instruments are built from found materials such as cardboard. 
Performing at the Artists’ Reception on July 7 will be old-time songwriter Ray Jacobs, Poet Laureate of Montana Henry Realbird, satiric songwriter and rancher Sandy James, and Tongue River songwriter Martha Scanlan. A full list of exhibiting artists and performers will be available at missoulaartmuseum.org.
The exhibition was researched and assembled by guest curators Hal Cannon and Taki Telonidis. An archive of interviews and documentation form the basis of this project sponsored by the Western Folklife Center with generous support from the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation. 
For more information contact the Missoula Art Museum at 728-0447, visit the MAM website at www.missoulaartmuseum.org or contact Stephen Glueckert, Exhibitions Curator, stevegl@missoulaartmuseum.org, 728-0447, x226.

Sunday, July 10

Museum benefit
Join the Ravalli County Museum members at the Bitterroot Brewery in Hamilton on Sunday, July 10 for an afternoon of food, drinks, and live music from 3 to 6:30 p.m. to benefit the Ravalli County Museum. Purchase some fine local handcrafted items in the silent auction. Buy raffle tickets for the full-sized quilt made by members of the Newcomers Club. Take a chance in the 50/50 Raffle. All proceeds go to the Courtroom Restoration Fund for the Ravalli County Museum. The event is sponsored by the Bitterroot Women Newcomer’s Club. For more information contact Dona at 381-6444.

Monday, July 11

Summer dance workshop
River Street Dance Theater is hosting a dance workshop “Two Weeks, Twice the Fun” on July 11-July 22 at the studio, 421 N. 2nd St., Hamilton. Guest artists are Heather Adams Torma, director of the Downtown Dance Collective in Missoula, Laurel Wall-MacLane, dance artist from Corvallis, now in her second year of the Master’s degree program at Arizona State University, Cassy Kempf, talented dancer in her tenth year of study, and Pam Erickson, who holds a bachelor’s degree in dance from the University of California and is director at River Street. Dance styles offered in this workshop are Modern, Ballet, Jazz, Hip-hop, and Tap. Ages served are from age 9 and older. Call 363-1203 for a complete schedule.

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.

Friday, July 22

HHS Class of ’81 reunion
The Hamilton High School Class of 1981 will be holding its class reunion July 22-24. For list of events contact Brent Huseby at 363-4226 to leave a message for Lisa Green-Dow at 406-381-9258. Or for more information go to Facebook at Hamilton High School.

Saturday, August 27

Bitterroot Classic Triathlon
The 6th annual Bitterroot Classic Triathlon will be held Saturday, August 27 at the Bitterroot Aquatic Center.  The race is a fast, fun and exciting family event held to benefit the Missoula Ronald McDonald House. Athletes race registration now open; register online at  HYPERLINK “http://www.bitterrootclassictriathlon.com” www.bitterrootclassictriathlon.com.
Over the past five years, the Bitterroot Classic Triathlon has raised over $65,000 in support of Missoula’s Ronald McDonald House. Join in by sponsoring, volunteering or participating in this fun and worthwhile event of swimming, cycling and running to raise funds for this special place. The Bitterroot Classic Triathlon is a sprint distance race, 750yd Swim (15 laps in Bitterroot Aquatic Center pool), 20k Bike, 5k Run (followed by a children’s triathlon).
The swim takes place in the Bitterroot Aquatic Center pool, the bike portion gives racers the opportunity to take in the great views of the Bitterroot and Sapphire mountains while racing with the cows through some of the most beautiful private property in Ravalli County. The race concludes with a double loop around the Hamilton High School. The racers entry fee is $45.00 and all activities will take place at the Bitterroot Aquatic Center. The Bitterroot Classic Triathlon has something for everybody! Volunteers interested in helping out on race day, call Lynn at 531-2684 or email at lynn@rmhmissoula.org. For more information on the Bitterroot Classic Triathlon, visit www.bitterrootclassictriathlon.com.

 

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., stompers 7-9pm
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., Special Bingo at noon, June 4
Sunday – bridge, 1 p.m., Variety Show 7pm June 5, Church of Christ Potluck, 12:30pm June 12

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 per couple and $3 per single. 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 George Mayer, 360-5435.

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. For more information contact Tom Gacek, 777-0747,  HYPERLINK “mailto:aslgal@rocketmail.com” aslgal@rocketmail.com.

Elks dinner
The Elks Club at 203 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 help to aid Elks charities. 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.

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 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.

Celtic jam session
A Celtic music jam session is held on the third Sunday of the month from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Rocky Mountain Grange. Call Jill at 642-3601 for more information.

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! For further information call 916-759-3168.

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.
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.

Our Savior Lutheran Preschool registration
Our Savior Lutheran Preschool of Stevensville continues to pre-register
three- and four-year-old students for the 2011/2012 school year at the
Church. Our Savior’s early childhood program is designed to develop
and encourage socialization and to enrich basic skills in boys and
girls, ages three through five. Parents may call 777-5625 weekday
mornings for more information. Our Savior Lutheran Church, affiliated with the Lutheran Church––Missouri Synod, is located at 184 Pine Hollow Road. From the Eastside Highway, about one mile south of the intersection of the
Eastside Highway and Middle Burnt Fork Road, turn east onto Pine
Hollow. Cross the tracks and the canal and the church will be on the
left, marked by three crosses.

NV Library story time
The North Valley Public Library Story Time, a program for preschool age children will 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.

Military Kids Campout
The Hamilton Rotary club is sponsoring the second annual Military Kids Campout to be held at Lake Como July 28-30. Children ages 8 to 12 of active duty military personnel are invited to attend. There are many fun activities planned at no cost to the military families. There is a limit of 20 participants so sign up early. For more information and a registration form go to hamiltonmtrotary.org.

Summer outdoor equipment needed
South Valley Child and Family Center needs your gently used bikes, skateboards and tennis racquets to help local kids have a great summer! You can donate them at SVCFC, 515 Madison, in Hamilton or call 363-3450 for pick-up. Camp starts June 13.

Summer reading program
Read your way to the Ravalli County Fair – join a summer reading program at your local Public Library and earn a chance to win an all day carnival ride pass or 4-day event pass courtesy of the Ravalli County Fairgrounds! Information on summer reading programs can be found at: Bitterroot Public Library,  HYPERLINK “http://www.bitterrootpubliclibrary.org” www.bitterrootpubliclibrary.org, 363-1670; Darby Public Library,  HYPERLINK “http://www.darbylibrary.net” www.darbylibrary.net, 821-4771; North Valley Public Library,  HYPERLINK “http://www.northvalleylibrary.org” www.northvalleylibrary.org, 777-5061.

Bitterroot growers’ market
The Bitterroot Valley Growers’ Market is held every Saturday from 9 a.m.to 1 p.m. at Caffe Firenze in Florence. The market features all locally grown and locally made products. Vendor spaces are free. Call Eric or Suzanne at 777-0709 for more information.

Barnyard Games signups
Get your teams together now for the Western Heritage Days Barnyard Games on June 18. Games include Leaky Pail Relay, Stick Horse Race, and Bale Bucking Relay. Teams consist of two people. There is no entry fee and you can win up to $250 in prize money! In addition, there will be a calcutta auction of the teams on Friday, June 17 at 7 p.m. at the Full Moon Saloon. Buy a team and win money there, too! For more information, call the Stevensville Main Street Association at 777-3773 or Jean at 239-4354.

Clothing drive
The 2nd Annual School Clothing Drive is June 6 through August 12. Drop off locations are Super 1 outside of Ravalli County Bank, Farmers State Bank, and Leaps ‘n Bounds on Main Street in Stevensville. Items needed are shirts, pants, coats, hats, mittens, socks, underwear (new only), shoes, winter boots, backpacks, and school supplies. All sizes from Infant to Adult will be accepted – new items are preferred but gently used (no holes, broken zippers or missing buttons) will be accepted. Distribution is August 18 and 19 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 402 Church Street, Stevensville. Any remaining items will be brought to the Clothes Closet on August 20. For information or if you need to schedule a pick up, contact Beth Perkins at 207-5748.

Summer lunch program
The North Valley Public Library and the St. Mary’s Mission Parish have partnered to host a free lunch program every Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the St. Mary’s Family Center through August 12 for children 18 and under. (Adults may purchase a lunch for $3.50.) Volunteers are needed to help prepare, serve and clean-up. For more information or to volunteer to help, call Patricia Meakin at 531-8338 or Rita Pfau at 546-8916. St. Mary’s Family Center is located at 333 Charlos Street, Stevensville.

Library summer matinees
Watch a movie at the Bitterroot Public Library on the first and third Fridays of the month at 3:30 p.m. in the Meeting Room. Admission is free. For details call 363-1670.