Saturday, July 30
FWP horn and antler auction
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will auction non-perishable wildlife parts, such as antlers and horns, Saturday, July 30 at the FWP Region 2 office in Missoula, with proceeds to go to the state FWP account.
Items will be auctioned to the highest bidder, including bighorn sheep horns and one full size sheep cape, deer and elk antlers, and a few specialty items.
Most bighorn sheep items were collected from animals that died as a result of the 2009-2010 pneumonia outbreaks in western Montana wild sheep populations. Items up for bid also include those collected through confiscations from criminal cases, road kills, management actions or parts found in the wild.
The public will be allowed to view auction items beginning at 9 a.m. and bidding will start at 10 a.m. at the FWP office in Missoula (3201 Spurgin Road).
The sales are authorized in state statute. FWP has already donated numerous items to schools, museums and for other educational purposes. For more information on the auction and items available, contact the FWP Region 2 office.
Sunday, July 31
Welcome service
Light of the Valley Assembly of God welcomes their new pastors, Billy and Genny Donaldson to Stevensville on Sunday, July 31 at 10:30 a.m. They are excited to be back in the Bitterroot Valley after being gone for five years pastoring in Oak Harbor, WA and in Boulder, MT. Before that time they were youth pastors at Light of the Valley. Pastors Billy and Genny have three daughters. Light of the Valley is located at 103 N. Kootenai Creek Rd; phone 777-5859.
Monday, August 1
Hunter safety classes
Two hunter safety courses will be held at the Lee Metcalf Refuge in Stevensville beginning on August 1 (Class A) and August 2 (Class B) and finishing with a field day for both classes on August 20 and a written test for both classes on August 29. Class A will run Mondays and Wednesdays and Class B will run Tuesdays and Thursdays. Signups and orientation will be held Monday, July 25 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Registration is required with on-line sign-ups strongly encouraged. The classes are free of charge but any child that is under 18 must bring a parent with them to sign up for the class of their choice. Adult students and parents are encouraged to attend. Minimum age to attain a certificate is 11. All activity is at the refuge. Students must attend all Class A or Class B dates as well as meeting safety criteria to attain a certificate. Each class meets 10 times. For more information contact instructor Jerry Donaldson at 550-9422 or FWP at 542-5518.
Canyon View VBS
Canyon View Church is hosting Vacation Bible School August 1-5 at 195 Skalkaho Hwy in Hamilton. This year’s theme is “S’more of the Outdoors.” Children ages pre-kindergarten through 6th grade are invited to come join the camp for the week from 9:30 to 11:45 a.m. daily. There will be wilderness worship, treats for the trails, camping drama, crafts, games and prizes. Call 363-4244 for more information.
Tuesday, August 2
Library Creation Station
Creation Station will be held in the children’s area of the Bitterroot Public Library on Tuesday, August 2 from 2 to 4 p.m. for some world crafts. This week’s stations celebrate world art by making Hmong Story Cloths and Dragon Kites. Young artists (kindergarteners and older) are welcome when accompanied by a caregiver.
Summer art program
A free summer program for kids 9 years and older and their parents will be held Tuesday, August 2, 9 and 16 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Local Living Family Center, 5501 93N in Florence. “Small Wonders in Paper” is an open studio art class for older kids to let their imaginations and juices flow! Youth will have the opportunity to explore Print Making, Paper Mache and Up-cycling. Call to register at 273-0142 or go to: www.locallivingfamilyctr.org to see full schedule.
Stevi FFA Alumni
The Stevensville FFA Alumni and supporters will meet on Tuesday, August 2 at 7:30 p.m. at the Stevensville High School Ag shop. Past members, parents and community members are always welcome to help in assisting the FFA students. For more information call 777-3000.
Stevensville Players auditions
“Something’s Afoot” is a murder/mystery/musical/comedy about 10 people stuck in a mansion on a British island. One by one they get murdered off by traps in the house. The Stevensville Playhouse is looking for 10 actors, six male and four female, to play wildly hilarious British characters. If you wish to audition, prepare 16 bars of music to be sung a capella. A cold reading will be selected by the director. Auditions are August 2 and 3 at 7 p.m. You need only come one of the nights. If you have questions or wish to set up a private audition call Erick at 240-0655. Show dates are Sept 30, Oct 1-2, 7-9, 14-16, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.
Wednesday, August 3
Stevensville Garden Club
The Stevensville Garden Club will meet Wednesday, August 3 at 1 p.m. at a member’s garden to learn how to select prize winning entries for the Ravalli County Fair. Superintendents for Floral and Vegetables will give guidelines for proper selection of specimens for entry. Guests are welcome. Contact JoAnne at 961-5642 for more information.
Thursday, August 4
Stevi school facility committee
The Stevensville School Board of Trustees Facility Committee will meet on Thursday, August 4 at 10 a.m. in the superintendent’s office.
Sports physicals
All male and female valley athletes in high school and middle school are invited to the new Marcus Daly Rehabilitation Center on Thursday, August 4 or Wednesday, August 10 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. for their annual sports physical. Over the past five years the annual sports physical program sponsored by Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital and the Medical Staff has raised over $42,000 for the valley’s school athletic programs. The cost is $25 per student and 100% of the proceeds will be donated back to the students’ school athletic program. Cash or check only, payment is due at the time of visit, no refunds. Enter the Marcus Daly Rehabilitation Center through the main entrance, located on the southwest end of Westwood Drive. During this year’s Sports Physical Clinics a representative from Healthy Montana Kids will be on hand to talk to parents about free or low-cost health insurance for their children. Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital is proud to be a Montana CHIPRA (Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act) Coalition Member and Enrollment Partner with Healthy Montana Kids. The Healthy Montana Kids plan provides coverage to children and teens through age 19. Eligibility is based on family size and income.
Sports physical forms are available from doctor’s offices or coaches; or online at www.mdmh.org. Parents must fill out and sign the sports physical form and accompany their child at the examination. The physical will include height, weight, blood pressure, pulse, vision, evaluations for posture, joints, strength, and flexibility, heart, lungs, abdomen, ears, nose, and throat. Students with chronic problems should be seen by their primary care provider.
For more information, call 363-2211 or visit www.mdmh.org.
Hebrew classes
Free Hebrew classes will start Thursday, August 4 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Bitterroot Public Library and will continue on August 10, 18 and 25. Learn to read, write and speak the language of Jesus. Call 363-1151 to sign up or for more information.
Friday, August 5
Stevensville Class of ’71 reunion
The Stevensville High School Class of 1971 will hold its 40th class reunion August 5 and 6. Contact Debbie Severson at 406-777-3576 or email dseverson@rmbank.com for more information.
Stevensville Class of ’81 reunion
The Stevensville High School Class of 1981 will hold its 30th class reunion August 5 and 6. Planning is underway for all classmates to have a great time, whether you graduated with the class in May of 1981 or not. Help is needed in finding classmates and if you know of one who hasn’t been contacted or need additional information, contact Dawn Lujan at ddlujan@hotmail.com or call Brian Potton at 406-369-1128.
NV Library open house
Come experience and learn more about the new computer equipment offered at the North Valley Public Library, 208 Main. Ask technology trainer, Seth Pollman, your computer and technology questions and see a demo on Friday, August 5 from 6 to 8 p.m. The library has made the following new equipment available to patrons: 9 desktop computers with Internet access; 3 computers with software and accessories for patrons with low-vision and low-dexterity (screen magnification, ergonomic keyboards and mice); 2 computers with software for blind patrons (JAWZ, MAGic); 2 children’s computers, pre-loaded with popular early-reading and learning software (ages 3-12); 6 laptop computers available for in-library use; new furniture, including one adjustable-height desk; headphones; privacy screens. The North Valley Public Library is a free Wi-Fi Hot Spot. To learn more, or to volunteer for the event, call Seth at 777-5061.
Art exhibit
The art of Wendy Red Star will be featured in a show titled “My Home is Where My Tipi Sits (Crow Country)” August 5 through November 27 at the Missoula Art Museum (MAM). Born in Billings and raised on the nearby Crow Indian Reservation, Red Star’s visual language speaks sincerely about her experiences as a Crow Indian in contemporary society. This exhibition of photographs, grouped by subject and presented as large individual prints, demystifies the romantic stereotype of American Indians while examining the mundane objects of rural life. An artist’s reception will be held Saturday, August 5, from 5 to 8 p.m. with a gallery talk at 7 p.m. The MAM is located at 335 N. Pattee in Missoula. For more information call 728.0447 or visit the MAM website at www.missoulaartmuseum.org.
Saturday, August 6
Lutheran preschool alumni float
Calling all students of Stevensville’s Our Savior Lutheran Preschool: An OSLP alumni float is being planned for the Creamery Picnic parade on Saturday, August 6. Past students from ages three to college age are invited to ride the float to celebrate all classes. This is the first reunion since 1998. Call 239-5573 to reserve your spot on the float and get more information.
‘Roundup at Riverside
The Daly Mansion presents its Roundup at Riverside fundraiser on Saturday, August 6. Attire is Bitterroot formal. There will be tours of the Mansion beginning at 5 p.m., a silent auction and cocktails beginning at 6 p.m. followed by dinner and dessert provided by Red Rooster Catering at 7 p.m. A live auction will begin soon after and will include such items as gourmet dinners in private homes, original and collectible works of art, vacation packages, and many other fabulous items. The evening will also feature live fiddle and banjo music by award winning Mike Conroy. Tickets are $85 per person and includes drink tickets and dinner. This is the Daly Mansion Preservation Trust’s premiere fundraising event supporting education and community programming and daily operations of the Daly Mansion and the Margaret Daly Memorial Arboretum & Botanic Gardens. For more information or to make reservations, call 363-6004.
Baby Run and Stroller Stampede
A Bitterroot Baby Run and Stroller Stampede sponsored by the Bitterroot Breastfeeding Coalition will be held Saturday, August 6 at the South Valley Child and Family Center, 515 Madison in Hamilton. A 5K Run/Walk will start at 9 a.m., with the Stampede at 10:30 a.m. Strollers are welcome in the 1-mile fun run/walk Stampede designed to include the whole family. 5K entry fee is $15 (includes Stampede). Stroller Stampede is $5 per person or $15 per family. Pre-registration deadline is July 13. All proceeds benefit the Bitterroot Breastfeeding Coalition. Registration forms are available at Runners Edge, Bob Wards in Hamilton and the North Valley Library in Stevensville or online at www.bitterrootbreastfeedingcoalition org. For more information contact Mary at 880-2551.
MAPS feature airing
A feature on the MAPS Media Institute will air on Montana PBS on Saturday, August 6 at 5 p.m. and again on Sunday, August 7 at 10:30 a.m. What happens when you combine Hollywood movie and media professionals and Ravalli County high school students? You get the MAPS Media Institute. “After the Bell: Inside the MAPS Media Institute” is a behind-the-scenes look at one of Montana’s most successful media production companies and its creative heartbeat is 14-18 year old students. You’ll see MAPS students produce public service commercials, TV spots for fee paying clients, documentaries and short dramatic films… they’ve even worked with Montana’s First Lady, Nancy Schweitzer. Hosted by MAPS instructor Ian Marquand, if you’ve ever wondered what Montana kids do after school, here’s your opportunity to find out. Airs Saturday 8/6 at 5pm, repeats Sunday 8/7 at 10:30 a.m.
Music concert
The monthly, first Saturday Bitterroot Valley Good-Time Jamboree at Rocky Mountain Grange will be held August 6 and will feature Lori Skyrud with her lovely voice and guitar, followed by The Sweethearts of the Bitterroot Valley. Richard Russel and his “Let’s Dance” group will also entertain with dance demonstrations, and then Bill Lacroix offers his style of old-time and country songs. The well-known Firp Redman and his band close the show. Concert time is 7 to 9 p.m. The Grange is located about a mile south of Hamilton at 1436 S. 1st Street (93 highway south), just south of the Valley Pet Clinic. For more information call Clem at 961-4949.
Monday, August 8
First time homebuyer class
The Bitter Root Resource Conservation & Development Area, Inc. (RC&D) is holding a nationally certified homebuyer education class on August 8, 9, and 10 from 6 to 9 p.m. (each night) at the Human Resource Council Building, 316 N. Third St., Hamilton. The class is especially beneficial to first-time homebuyers with below median incomes, but any potential homebuyer will benefit from the class. Anyone who has not owned a home for 3 or more years is considered a first-time homebuyer and may be able to purchase a home for monthly payments comparable to what they are paying in rent. The current market is right for homebuyers. Homebuyer education classes are brought to you by the Bitter Root RC&D in partnership with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Montana Board of Housing, NeighborWorks Montana and the Human Resources Council. Completion of this class is required in order to qualify for some of the special homebuyer loan assistance programs. Call the Bitter Root RC&D office at 363-5450, ext. 5 if you would like to reserve a space. Attendance on all three nights is required for certification. The charge is $25 to cover the cost of reference materials. (If you are buying your home as a couple, one household, you both need to attend the class.)
Tuesday, August 9
Stevi school board
The regular meeting of the Stevensville School Board of Trustees will be Tuesday, August 9 at 7 p.m. in the Stevensville High School Learning Center.
Saturday, August 13
Male Peacock Strut
The Male Peacock Strut will be held Saturday, August 13 at 8 p.m. at the Stevensville Playhouse. Tickets are $10 and seating is limited. Contact Jan at 360-9121 for details.
Tuesday, August 23
Stevi school registration
Fall registration for Stevensville School District #2 will be held August 23-25 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in all three offices. Requirements for entrance are copies of birth certificates and current immunization records. Freshman Orientation will be August 29 at 7 p.m. in the High School gym.
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 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.
South Valley Quilt Show
The South Valley Quilt Show will be held on Saturday, August 27 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Darby Club House. The theme of the show is “In the Good Old Summertime.” Admission is $1 or one food item to be donated to the Darby Bread Box.
Stitch N Time, a Darby Quilt Guild, is calling for quilt entries for the show. Quilts may be entered in six categories: Pieced, Machine Appliqued, Hand Appliqued, Art, Home Décor and Theme Quilt. There will be People’s Choice voting and ribbons awarded.
Entry forms for the show can be picked up at Pinnacle Sewing Service at 404 N. Main Street, Darby. Online entry is available at www.pinnaclesewing.com. Entry fee is $5 per quilt. Entry deadline is August 15th.
The South Valley Quilt Guild is also calling for vendors for the show. Artisans of all types of media are welcome to hold a booth at the show. Items for the craft portion of the show must be mostly handmade, no commercial items. Booth fee is $10 for a 10-foot space. Vendors may share tables.
For more information about the South Valley Quilt Show, call Karen Tinney at 406-203-4398.
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., ‘Let’s Dance’ at 7:45 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: 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, 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.
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.
Bitterroot Moms Club
Join a local group for moms to meet new friends, learn more about the area, host or attend play dates, book clubs, outings and much more. The group is geared for moms and children to interact during the day but there are occasional events for moms in the evening. For more information go to meetup.com and under “Topic,” type in The Bitterroot Valley Moms Meetup Group or call 777-7234.
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, banjos, Dobros, or other acoustic instrument. Music includes old-time country, swing, cowboy, folk, old standards, etc. There is no charge for admission. And folks who just want to listen are encouraged to come – it’s always more fun with an audience. And don’t forget the monthly concert: The Bitterroot Valley Good-Time Jamboree. It’s the first Saturday of each month from 7 to 9:30 p.m., also at The Grange. The Grange Hall is located about a mile south of town at 1436 South 1st Street (93 highway), just south of the Valley Pet Clinic. For more information call Clem, 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.
Pet Bereavement Group
Grieving the loss of a beloved pet? If you are in need of support and comfort, come join the Pet Bereavement Group as they explore the things we’ve learned from animals we’ve shared our lives with. Tell the story of your love, learn about healthy grieving and how so ease the pain of loss using homeopathy. The group meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at 21st Century Homeopathy, 813 S. 1st St., Hamilton. Facilitators are Mary Wulff and Jeanie Notti-Fullerton. For more information call 370-0699.
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.
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.
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, www.bitterrootpubliclibrary.org, 363-1670; Darby Public Library, www.darbylibrary.net, 821-4771; North Valley Public Library, 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.
Museum hours extended
The Ravalli County Museum at the Old Courthouse is now open late on Thursdays. Come in for free until 8 p.m. every Thursday and see all the latest exhibits.
Current exhibits include: The Passion, The Perseverance = The Process, the fine art of wildlife in glass, from artist Kathleen Sheard; The National Senior Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame; The Discovery Exhibit, Lewis & Clark Meet the Salish; A Walk Through the Bitterroot, an Exhibit; Bertie Lord, Pioneer Photographer, an Exhibit; Natural History Exhibit; Trapper/Miner Exhibit.
For more information, contact the Ravalli County Museum at the Old Courthouse: 363-3338 or www.brvhsmuseum.org.
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.
Lake Como campfire chats
The Lake Como Recreation Area is extremely popular this time of year with boaters, hikers, mountain bikers and campers and now there is another reason to visit the area this summer; a new series of campfire talks sponsored by the Bitterroot National Forest. The talks will take place each Saturday evening beginning at 8 p.m. at the Lower Campground at Lake Como. Some upcoming program topics include the history of Lake Como, campfire cooking tips, wildlife skull identification, cowboy poetry, Lewis and Clark, hawks and owls, and more. Fred Weisbecker with the Bitterroot Back Country Horsemen will be the host along with other presenters.
The talks are free to attend. If you are not camping at Lake Como you will be need to purchase a day use pass or have a season pass to park in the Recreation Area. For a program schedule or for more information about the campfire talks contact the Darby Ranger District at 821-3913.
Pantry Partners collections
Pantry Partners Food Bank in Stevensville is in need of peanut butter, jelly, mac and cheese, soup, rice, sugar, and flour. For information call the Pantry at 777-0351.
School supplies donation campaign
Olin Ravenscroft, an Edward Jones financial advisor in Stevensville, is supporting a school supplies donation campaign by using his office as a drop-off location for a school supplies campaign. Local residents and businesses may help by bringing in items to the office at 3972 Hwy. 93 N., Suite G, in the Ghost Fighters building during regular business hours through September 9. Items needed include paper, pens, erasable pens, #2 pencils, erasers, colored pencils, crayons, Kleenex, notebooks, binders, glue sticks, white glue, backpacks and healthy snack foods. Proceeds from the drive will benefit Lone Rock and Stevensville schools.
Stevensville Farmers Market
The Stevensville Farmers Market is held every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and First Fridays from 5 to 9 p.m. in the parking lot behind Rocky Mountain Bank on E. Third. On Wednesday evenings the market is held at Cenex from 4 to 7 p.m. Vendors are welcome. For more information contact Thera at 777-9993.