Wednesday, June 22
Wild Wednesday
Bring a blanket, and lunch if you wish, to the first Wild Wednesday event of the summer. Dixie Stark will be reading at 1:30 p.m. with her puppets and books. This is a great way for your family to be involved with the Summer Reading Program.
Preschool story time
Preschoolers are invited to meet on the west lawn of the Bitterroot Public Library on Wednesday, June 22 to enjoy “Llama and Alpaca Friends” and hear books read by Charlene Hakes. 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.
Bitterroot College Program steering committee
The steering committee for the Bitterroot College Program of the University of Montana will hold its monthly meeting Wednesday, June 22, at 3 p.m. at the Human Resource Council Building Meeting Room, 316 N. Third St. in Hamilton.
The BCP steering committee is a public board and welcomes members of the public to observe and participate at its meetings.
Agenda topics will include discussion of the BCP five-year Strategic Plan Draft as well as current operational and fiscal issues. The meeting agenda and supplemental meeting materials will be available Friday, June 17, on the BCP website at HYPERLINK “http://www.umt.edu/bcp” http://www.umt.edu/bcp (click on “Meetings” under “Steering Committee”), by calling BCP Interim Director Victoria Clark at 375-0100 or emailing victoria.clark@umontana.edu.
The BCP steering committee is a collaborative group composed of Ravalli County stakeholders, UM officials and state higher education representatives. The committee is charged with planning an entity to provide responsive and sustainable adult and higher education opportunities to Ravalli County residents. The BCP will offer more than 30 UM and College of Technology courses in the Hamilton area during autumn 2011.
Thursday, June 23
Stevi school facility committee
The Stevensville School Board Facility Committee will meet on Thursday, June 23 at 10 a.m. in the superintendent’s office.
Book signing
Roberta Swartz, Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, will be holding a pre-launch event of her new book, “Me, Myself, and Mind: Reclaim Yourself, Your Health, and Your Life” on Thursday, June 23. This book offers insight into the human psyche and provides a wealth of information that is founded in more than 26 years of evidence-based results in self hypnosis and clinical hypnotherapy. It is designed to help readers connect with their inner being in ways that are appropriate and self determined. It skillfully guides readers through a personal journey of self-awareness so they can transform old subconscious patterns and problems.
This event is being held in conjunction with “Mixer at the Mill” and will include other businesses at The Mill. There will be drawings, wine, dessert, and coffee. The Mill is located at 140 Cherry Street, Hamilton.
For more information contact Roberta Swartz at 375-0446.
South Valley Civic Group
The South Valley Civic Group will meet Thursday, June 23 at 6 p.m. at the Rocky Knob Lodge in Conner. Everyone is welcome.
Friday, June 24
Choose Life garage sale
A huge garage and bake sale will be held Friday and Saturday, June 24 and 25, starting at 8 a.m. each day at the corner of Meridian and Sweathouse in Victor. Proceeds go to Choose Life, a Bitterroot pro-life group, for their summer event.
South Valley Pachyderm Club
Ravalli County Commissioner Suzy Foss will be speaking at the next meeting of The South Valley Pachyderm Club, on Friday, June 24 at 12 noon at BJ’s Restaurant, 900 N. 1st street, Hamilton. Foss will be speaking about the work of the County Commission. There will be opportunity for questions and discussion. The South Valley Pachyderm Club, which meets on the second and fourth Fridays of the month, is an officially recognized allied organization of the Republican Party. Members of the public are welcome.
Democrat potluck
The Montana State Democratic Women’s Club, in conjunction with the Ravalli County Democratic Central Committee and the Ravalli County Democratic Women’s Club, is hosting a potluck barbeque on Friday, June 24 beginning at 5 p.m. at the Bitterroot Fish Hatchery, 620 Fish Hatchery Rd, Hamilton.
Guest speaker is Montana State Auditor Monica Lindeen. Other invited guests include Democratic gubernatorial primary candidates, Senator David Wanzenreid and Senator Larry Jent and Democratic US Congressional primary candidates Representative Franke Wilmer and Senator Kim Gillan. Admission is free; chicken, ribs and beverages will be provided. Bring a side dish to share. All are welcome. To RSVP call Corrine at 544-8586.
Dances of Universal Peace
Dances of Universal Peace will be held Friday, June 24 at 7:30 p.m. at 378 Winkler Lane, Hamilton. Dances of Universal Peace are simple circle dances based on the world’s spiritual traditions that inspire harmony and community. Each dance is taught each time, and children are welcome. Live music and refreshments will be served. Participation is by donation. For more information call 363-3405.
Saturday, June 25
Wildlife Weed Round Up
There will be a friendly competition pulling weeds on Saturday, June 25 at the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge (just north of Stevensville) from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to help improve wildlife habitat. This seventh annual free event offers a nice prize for the “most pounds pulled” and other door prizes. Bring water and dress for the weather. Call Deborah to register for free lunch, 777-5552.
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.
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).
Tuesday, June 28
Republican Women’s Club
Ravalli County Republican Women’s Club will hold its monthly meeting and lunch on Tuesday, June 28, at 11:30 am at BJ’s Restaurant in Hamilton. Guest speakers will be State Representatives Ron Ehli and Pat Connell, and County Commissioners Suzy Foss and Matt Kanenwisher. Ravalli County Republican Women meet the fourth Tuesday of each month.
Stevi school board special meeting
The Stevensville School Board of Trustees will hold a special board meeting on Tuesday, June 28 at 7 p.m. in the Stevensville High School Learning Center to approve site plan bids.
Wednesday, June 29
Adventure day camp
Outdoorsmen Church/Bitterroot will hold a free Adventure Day Camp June 27-29 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. for boys and girls age 5-12 at 3919 Stevi River Road in Stevensville. Activities include 3-D archery, air rifle, wildlife indentification, game calling clinic, fishing clinic, survival skills, crafts and much more. Parents Night will be Wednesday, June 29 at 6:30 p.m at the church. For more information call 360-5800 or visit www.OutdoorsmenChurch.com.
Job Service orientation
The Darby Community Library, in cooperation with Bitterroot Job Service, is offering this orientation to help job seekers navigate the Job Service website and apply for jobs in the area or across the state. Information on other job services will be covered. Pre-registration is required as class size is limited. Sign up in the library or call Darby Community Public Library at 821-4771.
Thursday, June 30
Stevi school facility committee
The Stevensville School Board Facility Committee will meet on Thursday, June 23 at 10 a.m. in the superintendent’s office.
Glory Days
A Glory Days Parade through downtown Hamilton at 3 p.m. on Friday, July 1 will kick off two days of Senior Pro Rodeo combined with Mutton Bustin’ and Montana Miniature Bull Riding nightly at 7 p.m .
All horse related entries need to line up at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds at the north entrance and must be in place no later than 2:45. All other entries – vehicles, walkers, bicycles, etc. need to line up in front of Valley View Nursing Home on 8th Street by 3:00. All entries must call the Chamber at 363-2400 to register for the Parade.
There will be free gate entry both days with a full slate of family activities featuring vendors, food and contests and activities for all ages. On June 30 there will be the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony for the National Senior Pro Rodeo at the Ravalli County Museum followed by a barbecue and street dance. All three days will be filled with family entertainment at its best.
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.
Thursday, July 14
Darby Library trustee retirement party
A reception for retiring Darby Library trustees Martha Hayes and Peggy Smith will be held Thursday, July 14 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the library. There will be hors d’oeuvres and dessert. All are invited to participate in honoring the last two original board members. They have provided leadership to the Darby Community Public Library for over 20 years. Peggy and Martha helped to establish a library district in 1991 leading to the building of the present 5,000 square foot library in 2004.
Fellowship Club
The Bitterroot Public Library’s Fellowship Club will be meeting on Thursday, July 14, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. to discuss “Feelings Buried Alive Never Die” by Karol K. Truman.
Karol Truman’s book provides a comprehensive and enlightening resource for getting in touch with unresolved feelings which, she explains, can distort not only happiness but also health and well-being.
Leaving no emotion unnamed and, in fact, listing around 750 labels for feelings, Truman helps identify problem areas and offers a “script” to help process the feelings, replacing the negative feeling with a new, positive outlook. Taking the reader on a journey to the center of his Be-ing and his “heart of gold,” the book combines a supportive, common-sense, results-oriented approach to a problem that is widespread and that can stop people from living fully.
Karol Truman is a self-published author of three very successful books and an accomplished pianist and music instructor. She has been exploring health and healing for over 40 years. Karol is also a remedial counselor, therapist, and a true teacher assisting others in achieving success in their endeavors as well as emotional and spiritual wellbeing.
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 wellbeing.
Call 363-1670, or email jacostant@gmail.com for more information.
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.
Friday, July 29
SVCFC benefit dinner
South Valley Child and Family Center is serving up a Cajun feast hosted by guest chef Tony Dees on Friday, July 29, from 7 to 9 p.m. A cash bar from Hidden Legend Winery and marvelous music from Blue to the Bone will complete the good times. Tickets are $40 a person and benefit the programming at South Valley Child and Family Center. Call 363-3450 for reservations. Seating is limited.
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.
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 to? 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 or online at http://valleyveteransservicecenter.org/
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. Call Douglas at 381-3214 for more information.
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.
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 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.
Clothing drive
The 2nd Annual School Clothing Drive continues 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.