Habitat for Humanity
Ravalli County Habitat for Humanity is seeking volunteers for the following committees:
Building Committee, meets ad hoc, contact Rick at 207-0285; Family Selection/Support Committee, Meets ad hoc, contact Jess at 544-3250; Public Relations & Fundraising Committee, meets at 6 p.m. on third Tuesday of month, Marcus Daly Hospital (Hamilton), Conference Room D; Volunteer Relations/Church Relations Committee, meets ad hoc – contact Ruth at 375-5106. For more information: Website: http://www.ravallihabitat.org/; phone: 375-1926.
Florence clothing, toy drive
The Florence Civic Club is again sponsoring the Florence Share Tree, which provides new clothes for local children in need of assistance. The Share Tree is located at Farmers State Bank and Florence Ace Hardware and is decorated with tags that contain clothing sizes for a child in need. To participate, just stop by the bank or hardware store and select a tag, then purchase two or three items of clothing for the child. The clothing should be delivered to the bank by Dec. 13. The Florence High School Key Club will wrap the clothes on December 19.
The Florence Civic Club is also collecting toys for these children. Toys for Tots boxes for new and gently used toys are located at Gary & Leo’s, Florence Ace Hardware, Florence-Carlton Chiropractic, Florence Elementary and High School, and Farmers State Bank. To help, just drop a new toy in any of these boxes.
To receive clothing or toys through these programs, you may pick up an application from the counselors at Florence-Carlton School, the North Valley Family Center or Pantry Partners in Stevensville. The application deadline is Dec. 9.
Civic Club members will be selling raffle tickets to raise funds for the Florence Share Tree. Tickets are available at Florence Ace Hardware and will also be sold at the Florence Bazaar. You can win a one night stay at a Town House Inn anywhere in Montana, a visit from Santa Charlie, wine tasting and wine from Café Firenze or a turkey from Gary & Leo’s plus a turkey cooker from Florence Ace Hardware.
For more information call Janelle Corn 273-7705.
BPL fall fund drive
The Bitterroot Public Library’s annual fall fund drive runs through December. Each year the library invites you to contribute to the annual drive. The library relies on your donations, grants, bequests and memorials to fill its funding gaps. All gifts are tax deductible. For more information contact the library at 363-1670.
Soroptimist candy sale
Soroptimist See’s Christmas Candy Sale will continue through Saturday, December 24 at First Security Bank, Hamilton Branch parking lot. Hours are Monday-Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Come early for best selection. For information contact Marcia Babowicz, 369-0915.
Library ‘food for fines’
Looking for an affordable way to wipe out your library fines? North Valley Public Library will offer their annual “Food for Fines” program during the month of December. Help the library help others! Bring your non-perishable food items to the library and your overdue fines will be waived at a rate of $1.00 per can. (Lost or damaged library materials not included.) Food gathered will be donated to the Pantry Partners Food Bank in Stevensville. The North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville. For more information, call the library at 777-5061.
Darby Bread Box donations
Darby Bread Box is collecting canned sweet potatoes or yams, canned pumpkin, peanut butter and tuna for the month of December. The donations can be dropped off at People’s Market or the Bitterroot Credit Union in Darby. The drawing for the rocking horse will be Dec. 16. so come in and buy your raffle tickets at the Bitterroot Credit Union.
DCPL featured artist
Darby Community Public Library displays the work of a local artist each month. This month the featured artist is Kathleen Sheard. See her work in glass through December.
Santa’s Mailbox
The Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce will have Santa’s Mail Box at the Chamber office at 105 East Main in Hamilton for kids of all ages to drop off their letters to Santa.
All letters will be answered so please remember to put your return mailing address on the letters along with first and last names.
Operation Santa Paws
Animal lovers everywhere are invited to donate to Operation Santa Paws and help support the Bitter Root Humane Association. The BRHA houses hundreds of animals a year and helps find them loving homes. They are in need of the following items: liquid laundry detergent, dishwashing liquid, paper towels, toilet paper, Simple Green all-purpose cleaner and surgical gloves, hand sanitizer and other items. BHRA also operates a “pet food bank” for people who might otherwise have to surrender their animals to the shelter. Donations of dry and canned dog and cat food would be greatly appreciated. Burnt Fork Veterinary Clinic and Sapphire Animal Hospital are accepting donations through December 24 and will deliver everything collected to the BRHA. For more information call Burnt Fork Veterinary Clinic at 777-3844 or Sapphire Animal Hospital at 777-4399.
Railroad holidays
Christmas time is fast approaching and that signals the Bitterroot Valley Model Railroaders to fire up their layout every Saturday until the Big Day. “Engineers” will be running the layout in the Kohl Building (below Valley Drug) every Saturday through Christmas Eve, the 24th. Come and bring the kids – it’s fun and it’s free!
Toys for Tots collection
New toys are now being accepted through Toys for Tots – local donations stay local! Look for boxes at these locations: Hamilton – The Edge Restaurant/Hamilton Liquor, First Interstate Bank, Kmart, Me & Mom, Hamilton Assembly of God, IGA, Mountain View Wesleyan Church, Walgreens; Corvallis – Corvallis Drug, Ravalli County Bank, Corvallis Primary School; Florence – Farmers State Bank, Gary & Leo’s, Florence Schools, Florence-Carlton Chiropractic, Ace Hardware; Stevensville – Farmers State Bank, Ravalli County Bank, Rocky Mountain Bank, Valley Drug, Stevensville Elementary, Lone Rock School, High Country Club, Potton Insurance, Full Moon Saloon, Edward Jones Investments; Victor – Farmers State Bank, Victor Mercantile. Donate online at stevensville-mt.toysfortots.org. For more information contact Leah Duke, 493-4293.
Stevensville Christmas Share Tree
The Christmas Share Tree is an opportunity for the community to help each other at Christmas. Families can apply for an outfit of clothing (or other needed item, like coats or boots) for their children ages 18 and under, still in school and living at home. Tags with children’s sizes are available at Farmers State Bank, Ravalli County Bank, and Rocky Mountain Bank. For more information contact Leah Duke, 493-4293.
Hamilton Christmas Share Tree
An Angel Tree for children under 15 who require some extra help at Christmas is located at Massa Home Center, 1600 N. First, Hamilton. Pick up tags with children’s wishes and sizes off the tree. Unwrapped gifts need to be returned to Massa by December 15. For more information call Deana at 363-1922.
Wednesday, December 7
BPL preschool story time
Preschoolers are invited to meet in the children’s corner of the Bitterroot Public Library on Wednesday, December 7 to enjoy “Dance by the Light of the Moon” with storyteller Lorna Gabel. 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.
NVPL storytime
Toddler/Preschool Storytime at North Valley Public Library will be held Wednesday, December 7 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Through play your child learns valuable social and literacy skills. Come play at the library during Music Makers Storytime! This engaging activity, led by Melissa Sparks, encourages movement, singing, fingerplays and reading. Contact Caitlin at 777-5061 for more information.
Garden Club Luncheon
The Stevensville Garden Clubs invites you to join them at the annual Christmas Luncheon “The Night Before Christmas”. It will be held Wednesday, December 7 at 12 noon at the Community Baptist Church. Enjoy good food, meeting new friends and musical entertainment. For ticket information contact JoAnn at 777-3749.
Beginning Grant Writing seminar
Sharon Bladen, Program Director of RSVP will be presenting a grant writing seminar on Wednesday, December 7 from 1 to 4 p.m. This is a beginning class for first time grant writers. The class will be held at 310 Old Corvallis Rd., Hamilton in the Council on Aging conference room. The seminar is free to RSVP volunteers and $5.00 for the general public. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Call 363-1102 for more information or to register.
Victor Fire District open house
Victor Rural Fire District will hold an open house entitled “Give Thanks” on Wednesday, December 7 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the main firehouse located at 121 N. Tudor in Victor. The entire community is invited. The District will be providing hot cinnamon cider and brownies for everyone. A short program will begin at 7 p.m. to include: an opening by Chaplain Mark Hawes, a report from Chief Dennis Pings, a training report from Captain Scott Hackett, and awards for retiring fire district members. The District’s apparatus will be on display including a new used structure fire truck.
The Victor rural Fire District was established on Sept. 28th, 1950. The District encompasses 100 square miles in the center of the Bitterroot Valley. The District borders U.S. Forest Service ground for 10 miles on the West Side of the fire district. The eastern boundary is the Forest Service ground in Sapphire Mountains. The southern boundary is Sheafman Creek Road, 6 miles from Victor; the northern boundary is Indian Prairie Loop, 4 miles from the town of Victor. The District has both the Bitterroot River and Highway 93 running the entire length. The District has approximately 3200 residents and over 170 businesses.
The Victor Rural Fire Department provides volunteer personnel for the Fire District and carries about 30 members at any point in time. The Department maintains two fire stations, one in downtown Victor and a substation located at the junction of Bear Creek Road and Red Crow Road.
Thursday, December 8
‘Welcome Baby’ class
The North Valley Family Center’s “Welcome Baby” presents a free class on “Back Health: How to keep your back healthy during and after pregnancy” on Thursday, December 8 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the North Valley Family Center, 5501 Hwy 93 N, in Suite 3 of the Florence Business Center. Dr. Todd Woodward from Florence Carlton Chiropractic will be the presenter. Come meet other new or expecting parents. Welcome Baby meets once a month and hosts discussions on topics related to you and your new baby, presented by experts in their fields. All are welcome and meetings and classes are free. For more information call 273-0142.
Marcus Daly Hospice Tree of Lights
All are welcome to the annual non-denominational Hospice Tree of Lights ceremony of remembrance on Thursday, December 8 at 4:30 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 1220 West Main Street, Hamilton. This year’s ceremony features the Hamilton High School Choir as well as other local musicians. Following at Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital will be the lighting of the Hospice Tree of Lights and a homemade holiday Goodie Reception in the Hospital Conference Rooms B/C. For more information visit mdmh.org or call Marcus Daly Hospice Services at 363-6503.
Cross/Country Ski Club
The Bitterroot Cross/Country Ski Club is hosting its annual Pot Luck Christmas dinner along with a program on the Hiawatha Trail, a “Rails to Trails” bicycle route through Idaho open country. Talented professional photographer and videographer Steve Slocomb will include information on additional trails in his presentation. Come and enjoy this great feast on Thursday, December 8 at 6 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church at 1220 West Main St, Hamilton. Be sure to bring your plates and utensils and a dish to share.
Our Savior Lutheran Advent services
Our Savior Lutheran Church, Stevensville, observes Advent with services on Thursdays, December 8 and the 15 at 7 p.m. The women of Our Savior prepare a 6 p.m. soup and sandwich supper for busy people rushing from work. Pick up your family on your way home and come to eat with the members of Our Savior before the service. Food and fellowship joined with the power of God’s Word will surely make the holiday season more meaningful. Our Savior, located at 184 Pine Hollow Road, is affiliated with the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. To find the church, head south from Stevensville on the Eastside Highway. One mile south of Middle Burnt Fork Road, turn east on Pine Hollow. Cross the tracks and the canal, and the church will be on your left, marked by three crosses.
Fellowship Club
The Bitterroot Public Library’s Fellowship Club will be meeting on Thursday, December 8 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. to discuss “The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Wisdom” by Don Miguel Angel Ruiz.
In this best-selling book Don Miguel Ruiz gives the four principles to practice in order to create love and happiness in one’s life. Adopting and committing to these agreements is simple. Actually living and keeping these Four Agreements can be one of the hardest, and most challenging, things one will ever do.
Don Miguel explains how, through domestication, we often fail to see the challenges and resistance the mind will have to living just one of the agreements. In this process the choices we make and the life we live is more driven by the opinions we learned from others than one we would choose on our own. The author provides long term strategies for satisfying the quest for Personal Freedom based on the release of fear, illusions, and the fear-based beliefs in the mind.
Don Miguel Ruiz is a Mexican author of New Age spiritualist and neoshamanistic texts. His teaching is significantly influenced by the work of Carlos Castaneda. Ruiz also wrote a companion book to the Four Agreements and several other books, including “The Voice of Knowledge”, “Prayers”, and “The Mastery of Love”. He has subsequently released a sequel, “The Fifth Agreement”.
The Fellowship Club meets every second Thursday of the month in the West Meeting Room of the Bitterroot Public Library and is free and open to anyone seeking to promote individual and collective well being.
Call 363-1670, or email jacostant@gmail.com for more information.
History lecture
A free lecture on “Celebrating Montana Place Names” by Brian Shovers will be held Thursday, December 8 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Ravalli County Museum, 205 Bedford, Hamilton. Ever wonder how the town Loma at the mouth of the Marias River got its name? According to sources, it‘s the shorthand for Lower Marias that was used by Great Northern telegraph operators. Shovers, one of the authors of “Montana Place Names: From Alzada to Zortman” will share what is known about local place names and hope to learn even more from community members at each program.
Presentations will be illustrated with maps and historical photos. The Montana Historical Society researchers, Brian Shovers, Rich Aarstad, Ellie Arguimbau, and Ellen Baumler, have a combined 70 years experience answering questions about Montana history and have written this book together. Books will be available for purchase in the Museum gift shop and Brian Shovers will be available to sign your copy of this fascinating book. For more information, call 363.3338, visit online at www.brvhsmuseum.org.
Tea Party Patriots
Ravalli County Tea Party Patriots will meet Thursday, December 8 at 6:30 p.m. at the Willow Court Apartments, 150 Skeels Ave, Hamilton (from Hwy 93 turn east on Foxfield by Tire-Rama, dead ends at Skeels, turn right, apts on left, park across the street). Enjoy a question/answer session with two of the 2012 Republican candidates for Governor, Ken Miller and Neil Livingstone. For more information contact Jennine Jones, 381-0314, donandjennine@gmail.com.
Dances of Universal Peace
Dances of Universal Peace will take place Thursday, December 8 from 7 to 9 p.m. at 378 Winkler (off Lewis Lane), Hamilton. The Dances of Universal Peace use simple movement, music, and lyrics to enhance our spiritual essence. These circle Dances include themes of peace, healing, and the celebration of Life’s Mystery from many different traditions. Honor the season of Light, enjoy an evening of singing and dancing. No experience necessary, all dances taught each time, live music, donation, light refreshments. Call Star at 546-5344 for more information.
Friday, December 9
Free Flu Vaccine Clinic
The best way to prevent the flu is to get the flu vaccination. If you have not gotten your flu shot yet, it is not too late. Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital is offering free flu vaccines to adults (over 18 years of age) on a first come first serve basis. The free flu vaccination clinic will be held at Physicians Clinic, a service of Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital, on Friday, December 9 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon or while supplies last. Physicians Clinic is located at 1200 Westwood Drive, to the right of the Hospital’s main entrance. Learn about your risks for the flu and the value of the flu vaccine by visiting Center for Disease Control & Prevention at www.cdc.gov/flu. For more information about the Free Flu Vaccination Clinic offered by Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital at Physicians Clinic visit mdmh.org.
Child/parent play day
Ready! Set! Play! will be held Friday, December 9 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon for children ages 2-5 and their parents at the North Valley Family Center, 5501 Hwy 93 N, Suite 3 in Florence (next to Town Pump). Parents play an important role in supporting children’s growth and development; learn ways to support children’s learning through fun and interactive activities. It’s free! For more information call 273-0142.
Bitterroot College gala
The Bitterroot College Program of The University of Montana will host a gala event on Friday, December 9 from 4 to 7 p.m. to celebrate its recent expansion. The open house is free and open to the public. It will take place at 274 Old Corvallis Road in Hamilton. From 4 to 5 p.m. guests will have the opportunity to visit with UM Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Perry Brown and John Cech, Montana deputy commissioner for two-year and community college education. Attendees can also meet with BCP faculty, staff and students, tour the facility and enjoy holiday food and drink. The event will also a feature a tree of wishes where supporters can help fund future growth of the program. The Bitterroot College Program provides responsive and sustainable adult and higher education opportunities to Ravalli County residents. BCP currently offers more than 30 UM courses in the Hamilton area. For more information, visit http://www.umt.edu/bcp or call 375-0100.
Christian musical
South Bitterroot Valley Churches will present a musical drama, “Your Light Has Come,” on Friday and Saturday, December 9 and 10 at 7 p.m. at the Conner Wesleyan Church, 7 miles south of Darby on Hwy 93 across from the weigh station.
The drama takes place in the town of Bethlehem where the birth of the Christ Child brings hope to the world. Everyone is welcome.