Red Ribbon poetry contest
As part of Red Ribbon Week 2011, Western MT Addiction Services and Tobacco Free Ravalli are hosting the Red Ribbon Poetry Mash! Write a simple poem (haiku, limerick, rhyming or not) 250 words or less about a life free from addictions (what a great life!), send it in, for a chance to win $50 for first place and $25 for second place $25. Send your great words to Faylee at WMAS, 209 N. 10th St, Suite C, Hamilton MT 59840 or email it to ffavara@wmmhc.org. Deadline is October 26 and winners will be announced at the Red Ribbon Mash Dance on Saturday, Oct 29 from 8 to 11 pm. Call 532-9149 for more info.
Darby Bread Box collections
Darby Bread Box is collecting boxed potatoes, stuffing, flour and sugar for the months of October and November. The donations can be dropped off at People’s Market or the Bitterroot Credit Union in Darby. The Darby Bread Box will raffle off a handmade Rocking Horse made by Clarence Andersen. All proceeds will go to the Darby Bread Box. You can view and purchase tickets at the Bitterroot Federal Credit Union in Darby for $1.00 per ticket.
Florence music group forming
Attention amateur musicians, all skill levels: The Florence community is starting a music group for community members, any instruments (including your voice), just for fun, beginning shortly. If you’d like to get together with other music-lovers, or would like more information, contact Bruce Wareing at 546-5541 as soon as possible. If you called in response to a previous notice, please call again with preferred days and times for rehearsal. There are possible performances in the community in late November and December. The group is sponsored by the Florence Civic Club.
Wednesday, October 19
BPL Preschool story time
Preschoolers are invited to meet in the children’s corner of the Bitterroot Public Library on Wednesday to enjoy “Tall Tales” with storyteller Jack Bonham. 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. You’re welcome to wear costumes to next week’s story time, October 26!
NVL story time
North Valley Public Library Storytime will be held Wednesday, October 19 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Storytime provides an important enrichment experience to toddlers and preschoolers (and to parents!) to help in the development of early literacy, socialization and the promotion of an early love of reading and the library. This week’s storytime is all about monsters! Hear about these kinda scary but always kind creatures, make a monster finger puppet and eat some delectable monster fingers (that’s cream cheese and carrots for all the non-monsters out there). Contact Caitlin at 777-5061 with any questions.
Darby PEP talk
Want to set goals to take control of your future? Out of work? Looking for a new career? Register for the Fall PEP Talk Workshop on Wednesday, October 19 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Darby Community Public Library. PEP Talk is a simple three-step planning process that individuals can use to develop more effective long-term employment goals. PEP Talk is a program that empowers you to take control of your future by giving you the tools and knowledge you need to succeed in both your current job search and your long-term career goals.
Fall Pasty Sale
The fall pasty sale, sponsored by the Ravalli County Democratic
Women’s Club, will be held Wednesday, October 19 at the Rocky Mountain Grange in Hamilton. The pasties will be made with organic beef and the usual mix of potatoes, onions, carrots and spices. They may be ordered
baked or unbaked. There is also an option for 100 vegetarian pasties
for the first callers who wish to place a vegetarian order.
All pasties are $3 each. Place your order early with Lisa at 777-3145 or Corrine at 544-8586. Pasties may be picked up at the Grange Hall south of Hamilton on October 19 between 1 and 5 p.m.
Young women empowerment series
“Girls Today, Women Tomorrow” class for girls ages 9-12 will be held at the Local Living Family Center on Wednesdays, Oct 19 through Nov 16, from 6 to 8 p.m. This series will help girls identify and build on their strengths, engage their humor and share their natural and ordinary courage, support their desire for genuine relationships and ignite their potential to work together. The Local Living Family Center is located at 5501 US Hwy 93 N, Suite 3, just behind the Town Pump in Florence. For more info call 273-0142.
Thursday, October 20
Cares for Kids Network
The Bitterroot Cares for Kids Network will hold its next meeting Thursday, October 20 from 9 to 11 a.m. at 515 Madison in Hamilton. The Network is open to community members who want to help connect our youth and families to valuable prevention resources and services. Breakfast will be served. RSVP to Ryan or Faylee at 532 9140.
Coast and Costume Exchange
The 3rd Annual Coat and Costume Exchange will be held Thursday, October 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Local Living Family Center, 5501 US Hwy 93, Suite 3, Florence (next to Town Pump). Bring last year’s coat and Halloween costume for exchange! Or, even better, come down and create a new costume with all the goodies! Chili will be served, so come and chow down! Don’t have a coat to exchange? No worries. There will be dozens of coats to be given away, graciously collected by “Coats for Community Coat Exchange”, Girl Scout Troop 3661. All coats will be dry cleaned prior to coat exchange. Want to donate a coat prior to the exchange? Drop off coats at any of the boxes placed at all Farmers State Banks in Missoula and Ravalli County. Or drop them off at the Local Living Family Center. For more information call 273-0142.
PFLAG event
The Hamilton-Bitterroot PFLAG invites the community to listen to the “coming out” stories of local lesbians, gays and their families. The program will be Thursday, October 20 at 7 p.m. in the basement community room at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church at 600 S. Third St. in Hamilton.
Lesbians, gays, transsexuals, and their families are in every community. They are your neighbors, co-workers, friends, and family. Often times they blend in with the rest of the community members because at our core we are no different. However, unfortunately many are closeted in fear of rejection and discrimination. Therefore, it is important to note how beneficial “coming out” is. Through this process of accepting one’s true self, a person’s health, especially in regard to mental, social, and emotional well-being, is promoted. “Coming out” gives a person a voice and enables them to be an active participant in our democratic process. Also, people who know someone who is gay, lesbian, or transgendered are less likely to oppose equal civil rights for all individuals. Simply knowing and making contact with a member of a minority group helps people connect and identify with each other as equal members of society.
All of us have the power to make a difference just by treating everybody with dignity and respect. You can become an ally, a friend, and a member by joining PFLAG. The mission is to promote the health and well-being of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered persons, their families, and their friends through support which helps cope with an adverse society, through education which enlightens the public, and through advocacy to end discrimination while securing equal civil rights. The local chapter meets every third Thursday of the month at 7 pm. in the community basement room at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church at 600 S. Third St. in Hamilton. For more information visit PFLAG.org.
Trout Unlimited
The October 20 BRTU meeting will feature Liz Lodman presenting a talk on “How to Lure Women Outdoors – Montana’s Becoming an Outdoor Woman Program.” The meeting will start at 7 p.m. at the Hamilton Elks Lodge, 203 State St in Hamilton. The meeting is open to the public and there is no charge for admission.
Becoming an Outdoor Woman (BOW) is a nationwide program and the one that Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks operates is known as one of the best in country. According to the MFWP BOW website (http://fwp.mt.gov/education/bow/default.html), “Montana’s Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) program has been providing women the opportunity to learn outdoor skills since 1994. BOW helps break down barriers that might prevent women from fishing, hunting, or pursuing other outdoor activities.” BOW holds workshops around the state to encourage women of all ages to learn about and to participate in fishing, hunting, canoeing, etc.
Liz Lodman manages BOW for the state of Montana and will present a great overview of the program with a special emphasis on fishing. Plan to attend and to encourage your friends to come learn about this program.
Trout Unlimited will host a dinner with Liz at Spice of Life at 5 p.m. before the meeting. Long-time TU supporter Karen
Suennen will be donating 10% of the proceeds to the club. For more information, contact Cassie at 363-3485.
Back Country Horsemen
Bitter Root Back Country Horsemen host their monthly meeting on Thursday, October 20, at the Corvallis School Cafeteria on Eastside Highway in Corvallis. Potluck dinner is served at 6:30 p.m. and the general meeting starts at 7:00. Program speaker is Shannon Alexander from Western Montana Equine Rescue & Rehabilitation, who will discuss the organization’s goals and history, their hands on help for horses and owners, and their rescue operations. Guests are welcome to attend, and for more information call Karen at 961-0101 or check the website at www.bchmt.org/bitterroot.
Friday, October 21
North Valley Pachyderm Club
The North Valley Pachyderm Club will meet Friday, October 21, at noon at the Frontier Café, Hwy 93 in Stevensville. Guest speaker will be Bitterroot Forest Supervisor Julie King who will talk about the state of the forest and future outlook. 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.
RSVP coat drive
The Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) will be holding its second annual winter coat drive. Coats of all sizes are needed along with gloves, scarves and hats. Everything collected will go to organizations that help families in need. Good quality, clean items will be collected at the Darby Community Public Library on October 21 from 4 to 6 p.m., the Bitterroot Public Library (downstairs in the meeting room) on October 22 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon and at the North Valley Public Library on October 22 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. For more information contact RSVP at 363-1102.
Driver safety class
A 4-hour AARP Driver Safety Class will be presented at the Stevensville Senior Center, located at 100 Mission Street, on Friday, October 21, from 1 to 5 p.m. This safe driving strategies class is designed for drivers age 50 and over, all drivers are welcome. The class fee is $12.00 for AARP members and $14.00 for non-members. Pre-registration is advised. There are no written exams or driving tests and, Montana mandates an insurance discount for qualified graduates. A free Car Fit program by AAA will follow for those interested. For further information, contact Betty Lowell at 777-5681 or Thom Ainsworth, District Coordinator, at 369-0149.
Saturday, October 22
‘Root Food Dinner
SLS’s Annual ‘Root Food Dinner, Work Party, and Salsa Making will take place Saturday, October 22 at the new Victor Community Garden on 5th Avenue, just west of Victor town. Work starts at 10 a.m., dinner is at 2 p.m., with salsa making to follow. The Work Party will be creating a native pollinator garden in the center of the community plots and a picnic area of native trees and bushes off to the side. Come and help plant. Most of the plants are being donated by Great Bear Restoration, and the planting will be directed by horticulturist Michelle Bradley from Great Bear. Bring gloves and a shovel. The Dinner will feature local, organic, home cooked food by the SLS board, including barbecued local, grass fed beef. For the Salsa Making, the ingredients will be provided; you bring jars, a knife and cutting board. Cost is $10.00, $5.00 for children, $5.00 for salsa making only. Donations are accepted. (Dinner is free for workers.) Call Marie Anne at 642-3604 with any questions.
‘Dancing with BEAR’ benefit
Kick up your heels and howl at the moon with Portland’s Keegan Smith and the Fam at the 15th annual Dancing with BEAR Halloween bash Saturday, October 22 from 7:30 to 11 p.m. at the Hamilton Community Center. The event raises important funds for BEAR’s outdoor-based youth mentoring programs. Featured will be dancing, delicious hors d’oeuvres, no host bar, silent auction, and prizes for best costumes! Adults only, please. Advance tickets available for $18 at Chapter One Bookstore, Blacksmith Brewing, and Rockin’ Rudy’s. Admission is $25 at the door. Come support programs that help youth discover the world around them while developing character and lasting positive relationships. For more information about BEAR visit www.bearoutdooradventures.com.
Monday, October 24
Rotary Club
Owen Robbins, Director of Marketing with Farmers State Bank, will be speaking at the October 24 meeting of the Hamilton Rotary Club. The club meets Monday noons at BJ’s Restaurant, 900 N. 1st Street, Hamilton. Owen will be providing members with his analysis of our current local economy from his bank’s perspective. This meeting is open to the public. For further information call 363-2960.
Community dinner
Suppertime Community Dinners will begin on Monday, October 24. Wonderful family-style dinners will be served free to families, individuals, seniors and anyone in need of a great meal and connection to the community. Dinners are served Monday through Thursday, 6 to 7 p.m. at 515 Madison in Hamilton. If you are a high school student or adult who would like to volunteer to help out in the kitchen give a call to 363-3450.
Estate Planning for Young Families
Estate Planning for Young Families will be presented Monday, October 24 at 7 p.m. at the South Valley Child and Family Center, 515 Madison, Hamilton. Do you know how to protect your property for your minor children if you should pass away? Do you know the difference between a guardian and conservator? Do you know when a will has control over your property and it doesn’t? Marsha Goetting, Extension Family Economics Specialist at Montana State University, will answer these questions and also explore how can you avoid probate with payable on death designations (PODs), transfer on death designations (TODs), and other beneficiary designations. She will share how Montana law provides a method of distributing items that do not have title and highlight the Beneficiary Deed law that was passed by the Montana legislature. For more information contact your MSU/Ravalli County Extension Office, 375-6611.
Tuesday, October 25
Financial Check Up session
Come for your free Financial Check Up to spot potential problems early enough to take action! Prevent a minor financial ailment from becoming a serious financial health issue. Learn useful tips for performing a self-diagnosis of your financial health, such as: making credit and debt decisions, saving on Montana and federal income taxes, determine if your retirement savings are on track, assessing the risky business of investments. Non-Retirees session is Tuesday, October 25 from 10 a.m to 2:30 p.m. and Soon-to-be-Retired or Retired session is Wednesday, October 26 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Hamilton City Hall. RSVP by October 14 to MSU/Ravalli County Extension, 375-6611, for free lunch and materials.
Republican Women’s Club
Ravalli County Republican Women’s Club will hold its monthly meeting and lunch on Tuesday, October 25 at 11:30 a.m. at BJ’s Restaurant in Hamilton. Guest speaker will be Dave Hedditch, chairman of the Airport Advisory Board speaking about the airport expansion. Ravalli County Republican Women meet the fourth Tuesday of each month.
Wednesday, October 26
BPL preschool story time
Preschoolers are invited to meet in the children’s corner of the Bitterroot Public Library on Wednesday to enjoy “Going Batty” with storyteller Sally Blevins. 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. You’re welcome to wear costumes!
Thursday, October 27
Book discussion group
“Brown Bag It” Book Discussion Group will meet Thursday, October 27 from noon to 1 p.m. in the west meeting room of the Bitterroot Public Library. The group will be discussing “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” by Mark Twain. These book discussions occur monthly the last Thursday of the month. Everyone is welcome.
South Valley Civic Group
The next meeting of the South Valley Civic Group will be held on Thursday, October 27 at 6 p.m. at the First Baptist Church. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres will be served. Attend and bring a friend. Everyone is welcome.
Exhibit opening
An opening of “Taking Stock: A Study of Historic Agricultural Buildings in the Gallatin Valley” will take place Thursday, October 27 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Ravalli County Museum in the Old Courthouse. Maire O’Neill curator and associate professor at the School of Architecture at MSU, will give a presentation at 7 p.m. This drawing project was directed by Maire O’Neill, associate professor in the School of Architecture from 2004 to 2009. Between 2004 and 2009 approximately 80 buildings were recorded for the project involving hundreds of hours of fieldwork and studio work with architecture students. The exhibit presents extant historic buildings on early farmsteads in the Gallatin Valley, which are rendered in pen and ink in precise plan, section, and elevation drawings. These simple drawings are elegant and inspiring architectural art. The exhibit runs through January 6. For more information contact the Ravalli County Museum at 363-3338.
Saturday, October 29
Fall Festival
A Fall Festival will be held Saturday, October 29 at 4 p.m. at Rocky Mountain Grange. This family event will offer pony rides, all ages costume contest, gourd chucking, dinner, and too many Harvest and Halloween activities to list. Cost is $4 per child (suggested donation). For more information call 363-7288.
Republican spaghetti dinner
The Ravalli County Republican Central Committee will sponsor the annual Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser, “2012 Election Kickoff – Take Back Our State” on Saturday, October 29 at the Eagles Lodge, 125 N. 2nd in Hamilton. Social hour is 6 to 7 p.m. with dinner at 7:30. The main speaker is Steve Daines, running for Denny Rehberg’s Congressional seat. The emcee is County Attorney Bill Fulbright. Several gubernatorial candidates will also be in attendance. The event includes dinner, music, auction, and door prizes galore. For tickets call 207-7630. Seating is limited.
Red Ribbon Mash
Is there anything scarier than disco? Come to the Red Ribbon Mash 2011 and find out! Open and free to all Ravalli County teens, the Red Ribbon Mash happens Saturday, October 29 from 8 to 11 p.m. at the Bedford Building, 223 S. 2nd St., Hamilton, as part of Red Ribbon Week 2011. There will be great food, wonderful prizes, a live band, D.J., costume contest and a dance contest to K.C. and the Sunshine Band’s “I’m Your Boogie Man.” The winners of the Red Ribbon Poetry Contest will be announced. Celebrate living your life free from addiction at this fantastic party sponsored by Tobacco Free Ravalli and the Prevention Program at Western MT Addiction Services.
Museum ‘Ghost’ Tour
On Saturday, October 29 from 9 p.m. until 3 a.m., Ravalli County Museum will host a tour of the Museum that takes place in the dark, during the “witching hour”. There will be EMF (Electromagnetic Frequency) detectors, recording devices, thermometers and cameras to try and capture evidence of haunting. Be sure to bring your camera (a flashlight is also recommended.) From disembodied voices, to lights coming on by themselves, to the elevator moving up and down and opening on its own – many of the staff at the Ravalli County Museum have experienced unexplainable phenomena in the corridors of what was once the Ravalli County Courthouse. Experience a tour of the local Museum from a very different angle! Take a walk down the dark passageways in the basement, experience the energy of the judge’s chambers, sit quietly in the old courtroom and decide for yourself… The cost is $20.00. Space is limited, so sign up early by calling the Museum at 363-3338 or drop on by at 205 Bedford, Hamilton. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. No one under the age of 12 will be admitted. This can be a frightening experience that is not suitable for children.
Monday, October 31
Halloween party
Get your costumes ready for the 2nd Annual Trunk or Treat with guest appearance by “SLASH,” the Missoula Maulers mascot, on Monday, October 31 from 4 to 7 p.m. at The King’s Christian Church, 9830 Valley Grove Drive, Lolo. Outside there will be many festive trunks of treats and inside there will be free food, games and more treats for the whole family. For more information call 273-0682.
Thursday, November 3
A Capella Society supper
Gourmet pancakes and sizzling sausage links will be served up on Thursday, November 3 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Corvallis United Methodist Church, corner of Eastside Highway and Old Cemetery Road just south of Corvallis, to benefit The Montana A Cappella Society, the Bitterroot Valley’s own community-based, all volunteer musical group dedicated to storytelling through a cappella music. Bring the whole family for a great supper; entertainment will be provided. Free will donations accepted.
Friday, November 4
First Friday at NV Library
North Valley Public Library will host Celtic Knots band Friday November 4, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The Celtic Knots is a five-member band featuring a wide variety of instruments including fiddle, Irish flute, guitar, penny whistle, Irish drum and Horu pipes. The band plays traditional Scottish Irish folk music, waltzes, polkas, jigs and reels. This performance is part of the monthly First Friday festivities in downtown Stevensville. Admission is free and light refreshments will be served. The North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville. For more information, call the library at 777-5061.
Drama production
The Bitterroot Accidental Theatre Company will present the Montana premiere of David Mamet’s brilliant farce “November” on November 4-5, 11-12, 18-19 at 7 p.m. at the South Valley Child and Family Center, 515 Madison in Hamilton. An outrageous comedy about the potential and misuse of the highest office in the land, no rock is left unthrown or person unoffended. Called “maniacally funny” and “a raucous comedy” by top critics, it features Russ Lawrence, April Johnson, Molly Hill, Carrie Storrow and Terry Croghan. Tickets are $10 at the door. Rated ‘M’ for mature language.
Saturday, November 5
Free Cholesterol Screening
Mark your calendars Saturday, November 5 for the free Lipid Profile/Cholesterol Screening at Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital from 7:30 to 10 a.m. in conference rooms B & C for all Ravalli County residents ages 18 and older. The screening will include Glucose and HDL, LDL, Cholesterol, Triglycerides and Chol/HDL Ratio, a value of over $100/person. Enter through the Hospital’s main entrance at 1200 Westwood Drive, Hamilton. Bring your drivers license or some from of identification, drink plenty of water but do not eat or have caffeinated drinks 8 to 10 hours prior to the screening. Test results will be mailed to you within one week. For more information visit mdmh.org or call Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital at 363-2211.
Wednesday, November 9
Wreath-making workshop
The Stevensville Garden Club invites you to a wreath-making workshop on Wednesday, November 9 from 1 to 3 p.m. You will go home with a Fall wreath and the knowledge to change it into a Christmas wreath. All supplies are furnished. Registration deadline is Nov. 1. Call Nina at 239-6822 or JoAnne at 961-5642 for more information.
Thursday, November 10
LifeNet banquet
LifeNet of Missoula will hold its annual fundraising banquet, “Hope and a Future,” on Thursday, November 10 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Parkside, 200 Pattee Street, Missoula. There is no charge to attend or sponsor a table, but pre-registration by October 28 is requested.
The evening begins with a reception and hors d’oeuvres at 6:30 p.m., followed by keynote speaker Gail McWilliams. McWilliams is an inspiring, motivating and humorous professional speaker who shares her powerful life story, paired with an instinctive ability to lift people’s spirits. She has extensive nationwide experience in public speaking, television and radio, as a recording artist and author.
The evening will include updates on programs offered by LifeNet of Missoula, such as the CareNet Pregnancy Support Center and Education for Life. Songwriter Pam ‘Sunny Russ’ Crittenden will provide the evening’s musical entertainment.
LifeNet is a privately funded, non-profit organization, dedicated to educating and empowering youth with the skills necessary to form and maintain healthy relationships that lead to healthy marriages and safe, stable families.
To learn more, pledge your support, or RSVP for the ‘Hope and a Future’ banquet by October 28, visit www.lifenetmissoula.org, or call Stacia Rathert, CareNet Executive Assistant and Event Coordinator at 549-0406.
Saturday, November 19
David Wilcox to perform in concert
Tickets are on sale now for an evening with one of the nation’s most celebrated singer-songwriter guitarists, David Wilcox, presented by the Bitterroot Performing Arts Council and appearing on the stage of the Hamilton PAC on Saturday, November 19 at 8 p.m. Wilcox is a true American treasure. Frequently compared to James Taylor, he is considerably more than your typical singer/songwriter. His baritone voice is warm and engulfing; his music more lyric poetry than mere melody; and his unique guitar styling speaks to genius, adaptability, and passion. David Wilcox is known for his open tuning acoustic guitar, sawed-off capos, storytelling wit, and insightful metaphors. Writing like his “life depends on it”, David Wilcox is a firm believer that the right song at the right time can have the power to be life-changing for the listener. More than twenty years of writing and traveling have also taught Wilcox that touring and composing are the journey–a fact he embraces with reverent conviction. It’s no wonder audiences perpetually respond with affectionate enthusiasm while wrapped in the intimacy of a David Wilcox performance. Tickets are available by phone at 363-7946, via website at www.bARTc.org, or in person at 127 West Main Street in Hamilton. Hours are Tuesday through Thursday, from 11 to 5, and Fridays and performance days from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.