Pumpkin carving contest
Call for Jack-O-Lanterns! First Friday, October 7, there will be a contest for the best carved and decorated Jack-O-Lanterns. In partnership with SASS and the Scarecrow Festival, the Stevensville Main Street Association will be hosting a Jack-O-Lantern contest at the Creamery Park on Main Street.
Bring your carved pumpkin to Creamery Park next to the New Coffee Mill on Main Street by 7 p.m. on First Friday. Carved pumpkins will be displayed at Creamery Park and judging will be completed by 8 p.m. Winners will be posted at the Park. Prizes will be awarded for the best carved pumpkins in the following categories: Grades 1-6, Grades 7-12, and Adults. Prizes will be awarded in Main Street gift certificates for the first place winners in each of the three categories. There is no entry fee and anyone can enter. Be creative and participate; it will be a fun evening for all! Entry blanks are available at Valley Drug and Variety, the Bitterroot Star, Rocky Mountain Bank and the Stevensville Main Street Office. For more information, call 777-3773.
Wednesday, October 5
Stevi Main Street Assn.
The monthly general meeting of the Stevensville Main Street Association will be Wednesday, October 5 at 12 noon at the Stevensville Main Street Association Office Lunch will be served for $6.00 per person. Discussion items include upcoming events and opportunities, year-end review, and information for you and your business.
Preschool story time
Preschoolers are invited to meet in the children’s corner of the Bitterroot Public Library on Wednesday, October 5 to enjoy “Witches” with storyteller Paula Prescott. Story time begins at 10:30 a.m. and is designed for children 3-5 years of age. All story times are free and open to the public. For information, call 363-1670.
Stevensville Garden Club
The Stevensville Garden Club will meet Wednesday, October 5 at 1 p.m. to get answers to all questions about growing roses in our valley. Ray Hoffman, Master Consulting Rosarian, will be the speaker. Then on Wednesday, November 9, the club will hold a workshop on holiday wreaths. For more information on both events call Nina at 239-5361 or JoAnne at 961-5642.
Mentoring open house
An open house for people interested in mentoring middle school students will be held Wednesday, October 5 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the MSU Extension Office, 215 S. 4th Street, Hamilton. Learn about the exciting opportunity to mentor middle school youth in an afterschool setting. For more information call 375-6611.
Speechcraft program
Want to feel more comfortable about public speaking? Want to sharpen your communication skills? A 6-week Speechcraft program designed to ease anxiety in speaking and to improve fluency is being offered by the Bitterroot Toastmasters Club. Participants learn to handle prepared and impromptu speaking situations by practicing in a friendly, non-threatening environment while being assisted individually by friendly, experienced Toastmasters. The program will be offered on Wednesdays, October 5 through November 9, 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Perkins Restaurant in Hamilton. Cost, including workbook, is $60. Enrollment is limited to 10 adults. For information and to enroll, phone Pamela Morris, 961-4296; or Ruth Campbell, 210-9638.
Thursday, October 6
Stevi school facility committee
The Stevensville School Board of Trustees Facility Committee will meet on Thursday, October 6 at 10 a.m. in the Swank Construction trailer.
Business success seminar
Residents of the Bitterroot Valley and beyond are invited to bounce business ideas off some of the industry’s best minds during a seminar in Hamilton next month.
“The Sunflower MATRIX: Introducing a New Model for Business Success” will feature an afternoon and early evening of business strategy discussions, question-and-answer sessions and mentoring led by three expert panelists. Sponsored by the Bitterroot College Program of The University of Montana, the event will run from 1 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 6, at the Hamilton Performing Arts Center.
Victoria Clark, director of the Bitterroot College Program, said the seminar is for people who have a business idea, want to know how to launch a business or are wondering how to improve on a business that already exists.
Panelists are Rob Ryan, founding CEO of Ascend Communications, a company that grew to 5,000 employees and sold to AT&T for a record amount; Joe Graziano, former CFO of Apple Computers Inc. and a retired Silicon Valley financial executive; and Dan Floyd, a business development and implementation strategist and founder/co-founder of VSLI Technology, CASI and Coastal Inns of Distinction.
Each panelist will present an afternoon session and combine for an evening panel.
• 1-2 p.m.: “Your Business Idea,” presentation and question-and-answer session by Ryan.
• 2:15-3:15 p.m.: “Your Business Idea and Financing,” presentation and question-and-answer session by Graziano.
• 3:30-4:30 p.m.: “Your Business Idea and Implementation,” presentation and question-and-answer session by Floyd.
• 4:30-5 p.m.: Intermission, concessions available.
• 5-7 p.m.: “Putting Your Business Idea to the Test.” Ryan, Graziano and Floyd provide on-the-spot feedback to audience members on their business ideas, as well as troubleshoot issues with existing businesses. Audience members interested in participating may fill out questionnaires during intermission; business ideas and issues are then selected at random from the pool of questionnaires.
The seminar costs $75 if guests register on or before Friday, Sept. 23, after which the fee increases to $100. Those interested in attending only the “Putting Your Business to the Test” panel discussion may register at any time for $50.
All seminar proceeds benefit the Bitterroot College Program.
To register visit http://www.umt.edu/bcp/sunflower.aspx or call 375-0100.
Dances of Universal Peace
The Dances of Universal Peace and Walking Meditations are spiritual practice in motion. Drawing on the sacred phrases, scripture, and poetry of the many spiritual traditions of the earth, these circle Dances blend chant, lively music and simple movements into a living experience of unity, peace and integration. This taste of our true nature – as Universal Peace – opens to the possibility of a deep spiritual revolution within. The next dance is Thursday, October 6, from 7 to 8:30 pm. No partners necessary, each simple dance taught each time. Participation is by donation. Folks unable to dance are encouraged to enjoy the atmosphere. All are welcome: 378 Winkler (off Lewis Lane), Hamilton. For more information call Star at 546-5344 or visit www.dancesofuniversalpeacena.org.
Friday, October 7
Habitat for Humanity flea market
Habitat for Humanity of Ravalli County is sponsoring the Last Chance Flea Market fund-raiser on October 7 and 8, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 131 Old Corvallis Road, Hamilton (across from the fairgrounds). There’s something for everyone, with great reductions on all merchandise. Everything must go! In addition to generating financial support, this event is being held to clear out the former flea market store’s merchandise to make space for items to be sold at upcoming Habitat for Humanity ReSales. For more information call 375-1926.
Toddler Time
Toddler Time: Music and Motion for children ages 2-5 will be held Friday, October 7 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon at the Local Living Family Center, 5501 US Hwy 93 N, Suite 3, Florence (beside Town Pump). Friday, October 7th, from 10:30-12:00 pm. Music and Motion is the perfect opportunity to introduce your child to structure and fun through the many wonders of music. There will be emphasis on different aspects of being a part of a group who enjoys music. This free event is facilitated by Melissa Sparks and Traci Kutzleb.
North Valley Pachyderm Club
The North Valley Pachyderm Club will meet Friday, October 7 at noon at the Frontier Café, Hwy 93 in Stevensville. Guest speaker will be Greg Jones, Research Forester with the Rocky Mountain Research Station, US Forest Service, located in Missoula. He will be talking about “Emissions, Energy Returns and Economics from Utilizing Forest Residues for Thermal Energy Compared to Disposal by Onsite Pile Burning.” The North Valley Pachyderm Club meets the first and third Friday of each month from noon to 1 p.m. at the Frontier Cafe. The North Valley Pachyderm Club is an educational arm of the Republican Party. All are welcome.
Rummage/bake sale
TOPS will sponsor a rummage and bake sale on Friday, October 7 from 5 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, October 8 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the community room of the North Valley Public Library in Stevensville. TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) is a weight loss group offering caring and support.
Scarecrow Contest
The 6th Annual Scarecrow Festival, Montana’s premier public art event, will kick off in Stevensville on First Friday, October 7. The scarecrows will be on display from 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday for the community to vote for their favorite. The festival continues throughout Stevensville with many events and specials plus artists displaying their work in most businesses. Bring the family to view the wonderful variety of scarecrows (some years as many as 40) and then vote for your favorite. Winners will be posted on Saturday and the scarecrows will remain on display through October 15. This festival is produced by Stevensville Art and Sculpture Society.
Model Railroad display
First Friday brings out the Bitterroot Valley Model Railroaders and their adventures in model steam and diesel, freight and passenger. The display opens at 5 p.m. in the Kohl Building behind Valley Drug. Bring the kids – it’s fun and it’s free!
Breast cancer awareness event
October is breast cancer awareness month and Hamilton merchants have teamed up with Soroptimists and Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital in a pink First Friday event on October 7. Dance to Tom Catmull and the Clerics, check out the fabulous pink windows, purchase a pink tagged item, pink raffle tickets, vote for your favorite pink pony, meet Jill Valley, breast cancer survivor and KPAX newscaster and support your favorite pink Mammo Man. You’ll be helping in-need Bitterroot Valley women get their mammograms and other procedures at Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital. Make a difference – support downtown Hamilton 1st Friday and the Aid for Mammography fund.
White Ribbon Week
The Ravalli County Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence will host White Ribbon Week from October 7-14. The White Ribbon campaign is a community-wide event to raise awareness about domestic violence in Ravalli County. The campaign gives people an opportunity to remember victims of domestic violence, examine their own beliefs about violence, and publicly denounce acts of violence against women.
People can show support by wearing a white ribbon throughout the week. Ribbons are available at SAFE, Safe on First Thrift Store, and Chapter One Book Store. Also, ribbons can be delivered to your workplace or organization. Call 363-2793 to request ribbons. Wearing a white ribbon signifies your commitment to ending domestic violence.
Community members are also invited to participate in White Ribbon Week by attending the Report to the Community luncheon on Friday, October 7, from 12 to 1:30 p.m. at St. Francis Community Center at 401 S. Fifth in Hamilton. On Sunday, October 9, at 5:30 p.m., Dancing For Dignity, a SAFE fundraiser with Joan Zen, will be held at the Wild Mare at 283 Second Street in Corvallis. A “Sin By Silence” film showing will be held on Tuesday, October 11 at 7 p.m. in the Bitterroot Public Library in Hamilton. The Revolution Worship Team will host an inter-denominational prayer and music service on Wednesday, October 12, at 6:30 p.m. at Hamilton Assembly of God Church at 601 W. Main Street.
For more information, call Sonya at SAFE at 363-2793.
Florence homecoming weekend
Florence Carlton High School celebrates Homecoming on Friday and Saturday, October 7 and 8. On Friday there is a home volleyball game versus Loyola. (C-squad at 4 p.m., JV at 5:30, Varsity at 7:15.) Immediately following the game will be a bonfire. The public is asked to bring cookies to share. The athletic boosters will provide coffee, cocoa, and water. The homecoming parade is at 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 8 with kickoff for the football game at 1 p.m.
Library Oktoberfest
Fall is here and time for celebrating harvests, friendships and family with Oktoberfest at the Library. The Fun & Support Accordion Group will be playing traditional polka music as well other songs. Join your friends for sing-a-long fun time, October 7, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the library. Refreshments will be served. For more information, call 777-5061. The North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street in Stevensville.
Pumpkin carving contest
Call for Jack-O-Lanterns! First Friday, October 7, there will be a contest for the best carved and decorated Jack-O-Lanterns. In partnership with SASS and the Scarecrow Festival, the Stevensville Main Street Association will be hosting a Jack-O-Lantern contest at the Creamery Park on Main Street.
Bring your carved pumpkin to Creamery Park next to the New Coffee Mill on Main Street by 7 p.m. on First Friday. Carved pumpkins will be displayed at Creamery Park and judging will be completed by 8 p.m. Winners will be posted at the Park. Prizes will be awarded for the best carved pumpkins in the following categories: Grades 1-6, Grades 7-12, and Adults. Prizes will be awarded in Main Street gift certificates for the first place winners in each of the three categories. There is no entry fee and anyone can enter. Be creative and participate; it will be a fun evening for all! Entry blanks are available at Valley Drug and Variety, the Bitterroot Star, Rocky Mountain Bank and the Stevensville Main Street Office. For more information, call 777-3773.
Art exhibit
Rich Adams will be the guest artist for October at River’s Mist Gallery of Fine Art in Stevensville. This show will be a fund raiser for Seattle Children’s Hospital with a portion of each sale of Adams’ work going to the hospital. Adams is well known in western Montana for his graphite drawings and colored pencil drawings done in photographic detail. A master of his craft, Rich brings the beauty of wildlife indoors. An artist’s reception will be held Friday, October 7 from 6 to 9 p.m. At approximately 7:30 there will be a short talk on Seattle Children’s Hospital and Mr. Adams’ inspiration for this fundraiser. The budding artist is Cassi Kopsa. The show runs October 7 through November 1. The gallery is located at 317 Main Street in Stevensville. For more information call 777-0520.
Art exhibit
A group show will be featured at The Frame Shop & Gallery for the Pastel Society of the Northern Rockies, which consists of more than 50 members from nine states and Canada, including at least 10 Montanans. An opening reception will be hosted on Friday, October 7 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the gallery, 325 Main St, Hamilton, phone 363-6684. This show runs through November.
Art exhibit
This Friday, October 7, Lisa Archer Silks will be hosting a show by local photographer Les Bury. Les is a freelance photographer whose work has been shown extensively in art galleries, corporate collections and museums throughout California, Nevada and Utah. His interest in photography began over 40 years ago. He is accomplished in commercial product endorsement and portraiture as well as his fine art photography. Les Bury photos can be found in private and corporate collections in the USA, Singapore, Great Britain and the Netherlands. The opening will take place at Lisa Archer Silks, 213 Main Street, Stevensville on Friday, October 7 from 6 to 9 pm.
Stevensville Playhouse production
“Something’s Afoot” is a musical spoof that takes a satirical jab at the Agatha Christie ‘who dunit?’ murder mysteries. Ten people are stranded in an isolated English country estate during a raging thunderstorm. One by one they are killed in mysterious (and hilarious) ways as they try to discover the murderer’s identity. The situation is complicated by rising floodwaters, power failures and suspicious behaviors carefully noted by Miss Tweed, an elderly amateur detective. Show dates are October 7-8 and 14-15 at 8 p.m. with matinees Oct. 9 and 16 at 2 p.m. Tickets: adults $10 advance purchase/$12 at the door; children $8 advance purchase/$10 at the door. For reservations call 777-2722.
Art exhibit
The Artists’ Shop, gallery of regional art and fine craft, 304 N. Higgins, Missoula, presents “Forever Barbie,” a mixed media show using recycled Barbie dolls by artist Mary Byers of Hamilton. An artist’s opening reception will be held on First Friday, October 7, from 5 to 8 p.m. The show may be viewed through October.
Saturday, October 8
Spontaneous Construction
Spontaneous Construction, a Festival of Creative Reinvention, takes place Saturday, October 8 at Home ReSource, on the corner of Russell and Wyoming Streets in Missoula. At the center of the festivities will be the six-hour building contest, in which everyone wins prizes from local business, and the Best of Show wins a backcountry adventure guided by Eustance Pack and Tack. Surrounding the contest will be food, music, Big Sky brews, and creative activities for the general public. At 5 p.m., a live auction of selected creations will raise funds to benefit Home ReSource’s educational and charitable programs. More info and contest entry forms at homeresource.org, or call 541-8300.
MOPS pancake breakfast
MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) is hosting a fundraiser Pancake Feed on Saturday, October 8 from 8 to 11 a.m. at Lone Rock Bible Church. The menu will be blueberry, chocolate chip, strawberry, and plain pancakes, eggs, sausage, juice, milk, coffee, and tea. Cost is $5.00 single, $10.00 couple, and $15.00 family. Lone Rock Bible Church is located at 1142 Three Mile Creek Road, just past Lone Rock School. For more information call Whitney at 210-9567.
Youth Pheasant Hunt
For the fourth year in a row The Teller is offering a Youth Pheasant Hunt on the opening day of pheasant season Saturday, October 8. A total of five youth pheasant hunt packages on The Teller will be offered to Ravalli and Missoula County youth. Each package provides an opportunity for up to two youth hunters (age 12 to 17) accompanied by a parent or guardian. Each party must have one retrieving dog, and all youth hunters must have completed the Montana Hunter Safety and Education Course and possess the proper licensing.
Interested applicants must be Ravalli or Missoula County residents, and must submit in writing the name, address, and phone number of the parent(s) or guardian(s), along with the youth hunter names. Applications must be turned in by Wednesday, October 5. Successful applicants will be notified with further details. All Teller and Montana state hunting guidelines apply. The required information can be dropped off at The Teller office, 1288 Eastside Highway, Corvallis, or emailed to lauren@tellerwildlife.org. Call Lauren at 961-3507 if you have questions.
Flea market
A flea market will be held Saturday, October 8 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Hamilton Senior Center, 820 N. 4th. Come see antiques, collectibles, arts, crafts, new & used, white elephants, dishes, china, pottery, glassware, books, dolls, jewelry, tools, hunting and fishing items, plants, household items and much more. Rolls, donuts, soups, sandwiches, dessert, coffee & pop will be available. Rent a table for $5.00 by calling Katie at 363-2316 or 363-5181.
Florence Homecoming pancake breakfast
On Saturday, October 8, the Florence-Carlton School Music Boosters will be hosting the Annual Homecoming Pancake Breakfast. Immediately following the parade in the old gymnasium, breakfast will be served until noon. Proceeds support the Florence Carlton School Music Programs.
Lone Rock dinner
A Stromboli Dinner plus live and silent auctions will be held Saturday, October 8 at Lone Rock School with proceeds going to students earning their way to China in May of 2012. Dinner will be served from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Cost is $6.00 plate or 4 for $20.00. The silent auction will run from 5 to 7 p.m. and the live auction will be at 7 p.m. Auction items include: Montana River Guide Raft Trip, Lost Trail lift tickets, art work, hay, massages, teeth whitening, topsoil and more. For information call 777-3314.
Sunday, October 9
Accordion jam
The Five Valley Accordion Association will hold its next jam/dance session on Sunday, October 9 at the “Jokers Wild” in Missoula (4829 N. Reserve, 549-4403) from 1 to 5 p.m. Admission is $3.00 for members, $4.00 for non-members, and free for performing musicians. Live music will be performed by accordions, guitars, bass, banjo, and drums. Come join in on the music, dancing, fun and fellowship. For more information call Mike Jones at 642-9693.
Stevensville Awana
Awana will once again be offered to the Stevensville children beginning Sunday, October 9 at Community Baptist Church, 409 Buck Street, Stevensville. Awana is a kid’s club that offers weekly Bible teaching and curriculum, music, games and awards. Awana helps churches and parents work together to develop spiritually strong children who faithfully follow Jesus Christ. For more information call Lynn at 531-2684.
Monday, October 10
Suppertime program
The Suppertime Program at South Valley Child and Family Center will serve free meals starting October 10. Meals will be served Monday-Thursday evenings from 6 to 7 p.m. for families, seniors, any individual in need of a great sit-down dinner and connection with the community. As part of the Suppertime Program, SVCFC also offers the free Culinary Arts Program for middle school students on Monday evenings from 4 to 7 p.m. and for high school students on Tuesday evenings from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday evenings. As a youth volunteer, you’ll get great cooking experience and help serve your community. The first 6-week program starts Monday, October 6. If you’d like to be a part call 363-3450 to sign up.
Resource-Full Seniors
A special program for senior citizens will be held Monday, October 10, at 7 p.m. at South Valley Child and Family Center, 515 Madison, Hamilton. Come learn about health benefits, avoiding money drains, answer Medicare questions, and find local programs to help you manage your finances. The presenter is Kathy Sital, Ravalli County Council on Aging. For more information call MSU Extension, 375-6611.
Tuesday, October 11
Veterans affairs clinics
Roxanne Blanche, Service Officer for the Montana Veterans Affairs Division in Missoula, will be available to veterans and their dependents that have questions or need to file a claim with the Department of Veterans Affairs on the following dates: Tuesday, October 11 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Stevensville Town Council Chambers and 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Job Service office in Hamilton. For more information, call 542-2501.
E-Reader workshop
An E-Reader workshop will be held Tuesday, October 11 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in the west meeting room at the Bitterroot Public Library in Hamilton. Tracy Cook from the Montana State Library will present instruction on Sony E-Reader Touch, iRiver Nook Color, iPad and the Kindle. Call or stop by the library to sign-up for this workshop. It is free and open to the public. Be sure to bring your E-Reader.
First-time homebuyers class
The Bitter Root Resource Conservation & Development Area, Inc. (RC&D) is holding a nationally certified homebuyer education class on October 11, 12, and 13 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. 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 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.)
Stevi school board
The regular meeting of the Stevensville School Board of Trustees will be Tuesday, October 11 at 7 p.m. in the Stevensville High School Learning Center.
Business assistance clinic
Now is the time to sign up for the upcoming ABC (Assistance Business Clinic) to be held on Wednesday, October 12 at the Bitterroot River Inn in Hamilton. This is an all day clinic and assists new and established employers, accountants, bookkeepers and lawyers in constructing a proactive approach to prevent unnecessary claims and/or charges by providing updated reporting of state withholding, Unemployment Tax requirements, minimum wage laws, overtime laws, civic rights laws and federal tax incentives. Sign-in is from 7:30 to 8 a.m. with opening remarks at 8 a.m. Rolls and coffee will be provided in the morning and lunch at noon. Give Pat at the Chamber a call at 363-2400 if you would like to register – cost is $35 if you are a Chamber member and $40 for non members.
Wednesday, October 12
Bitterroot flower workshop
The Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge is partnering with local Bitterroot flower aficionado John Stroud for a workshop on Wednesday, October 12. This workshop will feature bitterroot seed distribution and useful information for residents interested in the propagation of the Montana State Flower. Activities will take place from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the Okefenokee Room of Refuge Headquarters. For more information call Bob at 777-5552 x203.