Wednesday, February 22
BPL preschool story time
Preschoolers are invited to meet in the children’s corner of the Bitterroot Public Library on Wednesday to enjoy “Mouse Tales” with storyteller Dominic Farrenkopf. 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. Stick around for “Stay and Play” open-ended activities.
Art Contest Judging
Judging for this year’s art entries for the Ravalli County Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence’s Love Is Respect poster contest will be held on Wednesday, February 22 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at SAFE. High school students were invited to submit original artwork for this annual contest which is designed to promote healthy relationships and to prevent teen dating violence. For more information, contact Wendy or Sonya at SAFE at 363-2793.
NVPL Toddler/Preschool Storytime
North Valley Public Library Toddler/Preschool Storytime will be held Wednesday, February 22 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. This is an enriching storytime and craft hour that enhances early literacy skills and creates a lifelong love of reading and the library. This week’s theme is “Soup’s On!” Listen to stories, play games and make a craft. As always, a healthy and delicious snack is provided. Contact Caitlin at 777-5061.
Stevi baseball signups
Stevensville Youth Baseball Sign-ups will be held Wednesday and Thursday, February 22 and 23 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Lone Rock School and Saturday, February 25 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Super One Foods in Stevensville. For more information call Karla at 550-2440.
Local author to speak
The University Center will host award-winning author Marty Essen of Victor on Wednesday, February 22, at the University of Montana. Essen will present his high-energy multimedia show “Around the World in 90 Minutes” at 7 p.m. in the UC Theater. The event is free and open to the public. The show features interesting facts, humorous stories and the best of thousands of photos he took while traveling the world for his book “Cool Creatures, Hot Planet: Exploring the Seven Continents.” Be ready for laughter, learning and excellent photography. Essen grew up in Minnesota and moved to Victor in 1996. For the past four years he has presented at colleges across the nation. For more information visit http://life.umt.edu/uc/ucsi/leadership/default.php.
Thursday, February 23
Local food strategies workshop
Montana Farmers Union (MFU) will host Ken Meter of Crossroads Resource Center, Minneapolis, MN, in Great Falls, February 23 at the Holiday Inn, for a local food workshop. Meter’s national reputation on working to build local food economies is well-known. He was recently commissioned by MFU to analyze 16 Montana counties that include the Golden Triangle region and the region southeast of the Golden Triangle, and he presented his findings at the October 2011 MFU convention.
Meter now returns to Montana to continue the conversation with interested parties about logical ‘next steps’ to building local food capacity in Montana.
Meter says that successful local food economies build health, wealth, connections and capacity. The goal of this workshop is to think about producing, processing, storing, distributing, and eating food as close to where it is grown as possible, and recycling wastes from these processes into fertility, and building a stronger local economy for the region.
MFU is inviting all who are interested in participating in local food development to participate in this all-day workshop. Invited are farmers, ranchers, direct marketers, food processors, CSA providers and supporters, economic development organization representatives, city and county representatives and elected officials, Food and Ag Center representatives, local food activists, community gardeners, chefs and grocers, to name just a few.
The workshop begins with registration at 8:30 a.m. at the Holiday Inn, Mansfield Room. Meter’s presentation begins at 9 a.m. Active audience participation is encouraged. Registration is requested to ensure an accurate meal count. Registration is just $5 for MFU members and $10 for non-members. RSVP to MFU by 2/17/12 at 1-800-234-4071 or MFU@montanafarmersunion.com.
RASS training
Western MT Addiction Services will be holding a Responsible Alcohol Sales and Service training on Thursday, February 23 from 9 a.m. to noon at 209 N. 10th, Suite C in Hamilton. The cost of the training is $15 for materials. The “Let’s Control It” curriculum is approved as a state-mandated RASS training by the MT Dept of Revenue and participants will receive a certificate of completion. For information or to register call 532-9149 or email ffavara@wmmhc.org by February 22.
Stevi Civic Club
The Stevensville Civic Club will hold its annual membership luncheon on Thursday, February 23 at noon at the Fellowship Hall of the Stevensville United Methodist Church. Cost of lunch is $7. Potential members and guests are welcome. Annual dues of $20 will be collected at the luncheon. For more information call President Robin Holcomb at 777-5553.
Tourism Workshop
The Montana Department of Commerce Office of Tourism (MTOT) is conducting a follow-up tourism and brand workshop in Hamilton on Thursday, February 23 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Bitterroot River Inn Conference Center in Hamilton.
MTOT hosted a well-attended workshop for the Bitterroot Valley entitled “Coming Together to Expand Montana’s Tourism Story” on February 3. This second workshop is an opportunity for MTOT to share recommendations on how to increase tourism to the Valley, garnered in part from input provided at the first workshop. In addition, the workshop will include a recap of the MTOT road trip of the area that took place prior to the initial workshop.
“We were very pleased with the level of enthusiasm and engagement from the wide array of participants at the first workshop,” said Montana Office of Tourism Administrator Jeri Duran. “We are excited to return and share our assessment on how the area can capitalize on their strengths to encourage more of the 224,000 visitors that are traveling through the Bitterroot Valley annually to stop and enjoy the area longer.”
There is no cost to attend, and interested participants should RSVP to Carmen Levick at MTOT at (406) 841-2873 or at http://bit.ly/BitterrootRegistration2.
‘Evening at UM’
The University of Montana invites local high school students to campus on Thursday, February 23, to learn more about the academic excellence, superior student services and infinite opportunities available right in their own backyard. “An Evening with UM” will begin with a welcome from President Royce Engstrom at 6 p.m. in University Center Rooms 330-333, followed by refreshments and conversation with UM students, admissions counselors and faculty. The event also includes complimentarily tickets to the Griz basketball game against Northern Arizona University which tips off at 7 p.m. in Dahlberg Arena. To RSVP for “An Evening at UM,” email Karissa Drye at karissa.drye@mso.umt.edu. For more information about attending UM, visit the Enrollment Services-Admissions website at http://admissions.umt.edu/.
Victor Park District
The Victor Park District holds its regular meetings on the fourth Thursday of each month. The next meeting is Thursday, February 23. All meetings are held at the Farmers State Bank meeting room in Victor (enter rear door from the south parking lot) at 7 p.m. This month there will be discussion on the donation of over 1,500 native plants to be grown by the High School students. The public is welcome. Call Roger De Haan at 961-3953 for more information.
Friday, February 24
South Valley Pachyderm Club
Terry Nelson, chair of the Ravalli County Republican Central Committee who also serves as Ravalli County Planning Administrator and Hamilton School Board Trustee, and Nancy Ballance, a Republican candidate for House District 89, will be speaking at the Friday, February 24 meeting of the South Valley Pachyderm Club. The club meets at 12 noon on the second and fourth Fridays at BJ’s Restaurant, 900 N First Street, in Hamilton. The South Valley Pachyderm Club is an officially recognized allied organization of the Republican Party. Members of the public are welcome.
Habitat for Humanity ReSale
Habitat for Humanity of Ravalli County will be hosting its first two-day ReSale. The ReSale grand opening is at the Habitat Center, 131 Old Corvallis Road (across from fairgrounds), Hamilton, Friday and Saturday, February 24 and 25, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be many items for sale, including doors, vanities, appliances, plumbing fixtures, lighting and much more. For more information call 375-1926.
Chocolate and Authors event
The 17th Annual Chocolate and Authors Fundraiser will be held on Friday, February 24, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the North Valley Public Library, Main Street, Stevensville. Lots of chocolate, many authors. Here’s a list of the ones who are coming, so far: Dale Burk, Kathleen Meyer, Jim Cotton, Alberta and Lila Douglas, Kathy Dufresne, Molly Hackett, Diane Hipp, Charlotte Kasl, Matt Kuntz, Russ Lawrence, David Merrick, Jeanne O’Neill, Greg Patent, Susie Risho, Joan Sisson, Roberta Swartz, Craig Thomas, Ed Wolff. Come and say hello to the authors you know and meet the ones you don’t, while enjoying delicious desserts of all kinds. See what Charbonneau’s Chocolate Company surprises attendees with this year, and have a fine time visiting with fellow community members. Door prizes will be given away every hour and there will be opportunity to purchase raffle tickets for outstanding gifts. Admission is a $5.00 donation at the door, children under 12 free. Advance admission and raffle tickets can be purchased at the library or from any Friends of Library member. Note that the library will close on the 24th at 12 noon to prepare for the festivities.
Hamilton Downtown Assn. membership event
The Hamilton Downtown Association invites the public to the first annual membership drive at the Bitter Root Brewery on Friday, February 24 from 5 to 7 p.m. Hamilton Downtown Association advocates solely for a healthy and vibrant Hamilton business community. Your support is needed to help visualize and develop this grassroots organization into one that genuinely reflects and tailors to the needs of this unique place. HDA’s goals are to re-invest in and revitalize the Hamilton business community through group advertising and events; to promote Hamilton as a cultural, historic, entertainment and business destination; to contribute o the vitality and well-being of the community; and to continually reach out to the residents of the valley educating them on Hamilton’s products and the importance of supporting local businesses. HDA encourages the public support downtown Hamilton by becoming a member.
BPL Family Night
Family Night at the Bitterroot Public Library will be held Friday, February 24 from 5 to 7 p.m. The theme is “Polar Bears or Penguins?” Explorers ages 8-13 further investigate the polar regions, and play a fast paced board game “Go with the Floes”! Family Nigh is held in the west meeting room.
Hamilton Fish Fry
During the Lenten period the Hamilton Knights of Columbus Council 6130 will present a weekly Friday Night Fish Fry starting Friday, February 24 from 5 to 7 p.m. at St. Francis Pastoral Center, 411 S. 5th St., Hamilton. This week’s theme is “The Wild West-Cowboys and Cowgirls.” Anyone participating in the theme will receive a $1.00 discount off the cost of the dinner which consists of fish, fries, coleslaw, vegetables, dessert and soft beverage. The price for the meal is $8.00 per person; children under nine are free. Wine can be purchased separately. Proceeds go back into the community through the many charitable projects of the Knights of Columbus. For information contact Nick Hooper at 961-3930.
Stevi Fish Fry
The Stevensville Knights of Columbus will hold their annual Lenten Friday Fish Fry on Friday, February 24, March 2, 9, 23 and 30 from 5 to 7 p.m. at St. Mary’s Family Center in Stevensville. The menu is fish, potatoes, coleslaw, mac & cheese, dessert, coffee, tea and lemonade. Cost is $8 for adults and $4 for children under 12.
Stevensville Playhouse production
“Finian’s Rainbow” will be performed on February 24-25 and March 2-3 at 8 p.m. and February 25-26 and March 3-4 at 2 p.m. at the Stevensville Playhouse. Advance tickets are $10 for adults (or $12 at showtime) and $8 for children 12 and under (or $10 at showtime). For reservations call 777-2722.
Saturday, February 25
Victor Junior Class sale
The Victor Junior Class will be having an indoor yard sale on Saturday, February 25 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the lunch room located in the High School.
Lincoln/Reagan Luncheon
The Ravalli County Republican Central Committee invites you to its annual Lincoln/Reagan Luncheon on Saturday, February 25 at the Victor Steak House, in Victor. Meet and greet the state and local candidates from 10 a.m. to noon. Lunch will be served at noon. A few of the auction items are a 4-month-old longhorn steer from Indian Prairie Ranch, Victor, a handmade saddle rack, and 20 yards of topsoil delivered within Ravalli County. Congressman Denny Rehberg is the main speaker. This event sells out; for tickets call 207-7630.
Pine beetle seminars
Timberline Tree Spraying and Fertilizing will be hosting two free educational Mountain Pine Beetle seminars held in Hamilton and Lolo that are open to the public. Timberline Tree Spraying and Fertilizing is a company whose only purpose is saving trees from the mountain pine beetle and has over a decade’s worth of experience. Because Timberline has worked and seen epidemics in Colorado, South Dakota and in Montana, they have a unique understanding of the beetle, how it works, and the most effective means of tree protection. Seminars will be held at the following locations: Saturday, February 25 at 3:30 p.m. at the Bitterroot Board of Realtors Office, 224 North 4th Street, Hamilton, and Saturday, March 3 at 3:30 p.m. at the Lolo Community Center, 12345 Hwy 93 South.
The Mountain Pine Beetle (dendroctonus ponderosae) is a native insect of our forests here in the Bitterroot Valley, but we are just now seeing the MPB in epidemic proportions. Much of Montana’s pine forests have already succumbed to the beetle and many thought the Bitterroot Valley would be spared, yet the rapidly growing number of brown trees on our western slope suggests otherwise. Bitterroot National Forest Darby District Ranger Chuck Oliver says, “They’re moving in, and they’re moving in fast.” When referring to the influx of beetles the Bitterroot forests face in the years to come, “fast” may be a bit of an understatement. The explosive rate at which these pests reproduce is no secret to residents of Helena and other infested areas that lost the majority of their pine forests in a time frame that lasted no longer than 5 years. The importance of early detection and rapid response is critical in saving your forests and property values.
Fish & Wildlife Assn. fundraiser
The Ravalli County Fish & Wildlife Association is hosting its 30th Annual Banquet and Auction to Benefit Wildlife on Saturday, February 25 at the 1st Interstate Building at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds. Tickets are $35.00 each and must be purchased in advance. They are available at Loose Ends Salon, 109 4th St. in Hamilton, Wilson Custom Draperies, north of Woodside Corners or call Linda at 961-1435. There are still a couple of sponsor tables available. They are $400 each and include eight dinner tickets, a Montana bronze and raffle tickets.
Sunday, February 26
Five Valley Accordion Assn.
The Five Valley Accordion Association will hold its next jam/dance session on Sunday, February 26 at the Hamilton Eagles Lodge (125 N. 2nd St.). The event will run from 1 to 4 p.m. Admission is $3.00 for members, $4,00 for non-members and free to performing musicians. Live music is performed by accordions, guitars, banjos, bass and drums. Come join in on the music, dancing, fun, and fellowship. For more details, call Mike Jones at 642-9693.
Monday, February 27
Rotary Club
Tom McClay will be speaking at the February 27 meeting of the Hamilton Rotary Club. The club meets Monday noon at BJ’s Restaurant, 900 N. 1st Street, Hamilton. McClay will be speaking about his proposed Bitterroot Ski Resort. This meeting is open to the public. For further information, call 363-2960.
Hunter Education Class
A Hunter Education class will be held at the Hamilton Assembly of God Church (601 W. Main) Feb. 27-March 12. Students must register online by Feb. 12 and attend an orientation night with their parent or legal guardian on Monday, Feb. 13 at 7 p.m. Interested students can register online now at fwp.mt.gov. Follow links to Education and Hunter Education. This class will finish in time for those that plan to apply for deer and elk permits by the new March 15 application deadline. Other hunter education classes will be held in Ravalli County later this spring in Florence, Corvallis, and at Lone Rock School, but schedules have not been set. For updates, check the online class schedule at fwp.mt.gov. Go to the Education tab, select Hunter Education and click to access the course schedule or, call the Missoula Fish, Wildlife & Parks office at 542-5500. All hunter education classes are free of charge, and students must be at least 11 years old to be certified. By state law, anyone born after January 1, 1985, must have completed the Hunter Education Course to buy a hunting license in Montana.
Florence Carlton Elementary fundraiser
Florence Carlton Elementary art and music departments will hold a Silent Auction on February 27 and 28 during Parent-Teacher conferences. The Florence-Carlton Elementary School has an opportunity to bring in Ron and Marsha Feller of Feller’s Arts Factory to do a mask making workshop which will encompass Music, Drama, Art, and Literature during September 2012. Elementary students will be making their own 3-D paper sculpted mask to accompany the book “Spotted Bear” by local author Hanneke Ippisch. This enrichment activity will complement the existing curriculum. Money raised through the silent auction will go towards workshop expenses.
The silent auction will be held February 27 and 28 during parent-teacher conferences and will be set up outside of the library close to the third grade hallway. Auction items have been contributed from: Trader Brothers, Soleil Tanning and Nail Salon, Relics and Roses, Steve’s Saw Shop, Just Teasin’ Salon, Crazy Horse Consignment, Cowgirls Salon and Nails, Norwex, Daily’s Bacon. Original artwork has been donated by Katherine Fitchler, Weston Jones, Bob Phinney, Vickie Wallace, and Christy Hartman.
Monetary donations or donations of silent auction items are still being accepted and should be dropped off at the Elementary Office. Tax ID forms for donation tax purposes may be picked up at that time.
Ravalli County Fish & Wildlife Assn.
The Ravalli County Fish & Wildlife Association will hold its next general meeting on Monday, February 27 at 7 p.m. upstairs at the Hamilton Fire Hall. Guest speaker will be Ben Lamb from the Montana Wildlife Federation. Ben will be explaining how the Fish & Game season setting process works, including Adaptive Harvest Management Plans, the workings of the Fish & Game Commission and the importance in timing to get information to the Commission. This meeting is open to the public.
Tuesday, February 28
Republican Women’s Club
Ravalli County Republican Women’s Club will hold its monthly meeting and lunch on Tuesday, February 28 at 11:30 a.m. at BJ’s Restaurant in Hamilton. The guest speakers will be candidates for HD89 Nancy Ballance, Josh Hennes and Russ Vogel. Ravalli County Republican Women meet the fourth Tuesday of each month.
Stevi Science Fair
The Stevensville Science Fair will be held Tuesday, February 28 in the Stevensville Multipurpose Room. Displayed will be projects from Stevensville students grades 7-12. Judging will take place between 2 and 3:20 p.m. The fair will then be open to the public from 3:20 to 6:30 p.m. Those students, grades 7-12, with projects rated as superior will advance to the State Science Fair at the University of Montana in Missoula March 19. Volunteer Judges are needed for the local Science Fair. If interested contact Terry Rosin at 777-5481, x221, or the Junior High School Office at 777-5533.
BPL Family Night
Weather Games Family Night will be held Tuesday, February 28 at the Bitterroot Public Library. Two sessions available: 4:00-5:30 or 6:30-8:00 p.m. in the west meeting room of library. Children explore various aspects of weather through games, crafts, and weather observations. Designed for ages 5-7 though everyone is welcome. Call to register.
Forest health workshop
The mountain pine beetle is showing up in increasing numbers in the Bitterroot. The Montana DNRC is conducting a free workshop in Stevensville on Tuesday, February 28 from 6 to 8 pm. at the North Valley Public Library to provide information on the beetles, as well as pine butterfly, western spruce budworm and other pests one might encounter on forested lands. Amy Gannon, Forest Entomologist for the DNRC, will provide information on identification of the insects, measures to protect trees, and what to do if your trees become infested. The workshop is free, but those planning to attend are asked to call the DNRC in Missoula at 542-4300 so that the agency can make sure there is adequate space and materials for attendees.
Wednesday, February 29
Spring Pasty Sale
The spring pasty sale, sponsored by the Ravalli Democratic Women’s Club, will be held Wednesday, February 29 at two locations. The pasties will be made in Stevensville at Rich Marcus’ Catering, 205 Main St., Stevensville, and will be available at the Hamilton Grange Hall south of town between 3 and 6 p.m. for pickup. All pasties are $3 each. Place your order with Lisa at 777-3145 or Corrine at 544-8586.
NVPL First Friday music
Opus II, a classical guitar duet comprised of guitarists, Barb Schumaker and Jan Jost, will perform on First Friday, March 2 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the North Valley Public Library. Schumaker and Jost will play a variety of classical, South American and Spanish Music. Admission is free. All ages are welcome. Light refreshments will be served. North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville. For more information, call the library at 777-5061.