Wednesday, March 7
BPL preschool story time
Preschoolers are invited to meet in the children’s corner of the Bitterroot Public Library in Hamilton on Wednesday to enjoy “We’ve Got Rhythm!” 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.
City Life fundraiser
Tim Tebow will be coming to Missoula on Wednesday, March 7 as a fundraiser for the City Life Community Center. He will be speaking at the Adams Center from 12 to 1 p.m. Tickets will be sold at griztix.com. Tickets will be $100 for the floor, $75 for reserved seating, $50 for general admission, and $30 for U of M students and anyone under the age of 20.
Thursday, March 8
‘Welcome Baby’ meeting
Welcome Baby group meets Thursday, March 8 at 10 a.m. at the North Valley Family Center, 5501 Hwy 93, Suite 3, Florence Business Center (behind Town Pump). The topic of “Homemade Baby Food” will be presented by: Allison Dunne. Learn how to prepare and make your own baby food. Welcome Baby is for new and expecting parents. Come bring your baby and meet other new or expecting parents in the North Valley. Call 273-0142 for more information.
Book signing
Diane Hipp, award winning Stevensville author, will be signing copies of her latest book on Thursday, March 8 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Super 1 Foods in Stevensville. Stoneydale Press has just released the second in a series of self-help books for children written by Hipp entitled “Hermis and Howard: A Bully Finds His Heart”. This book takes a fresh look at how bullying can be dealt with. Diane will have her award winning “Stuart the Donkey: A Tale of His Tail” also available at the book signing.
BPL parent/child reading program
A “Fun for Parents and Children” reading readiness program meets in the west meeting room of the Bitterroot Public Library in Hamilton on Thursday, March 8 from 10:30 to 11:20 a.m. The workshop presents the five early literacy practices along with simple activities that parents, caregivers, and children ages birth to 5 can enjoy together while developing early literacy skills. Register at 363-1670.
Women Newcomers Club
Bitterroot Women Newcomers Club is meeting on Thursday, March 8 at 10:15 a.m. at First Christian Church, 328 Fairgrounds Rd, Hamilton. All women from the Bitterroot Valley are welcome to join whether you are new to the area or not. The group holds monthly potlucks and small groups that get together for bowling, card games, and more. This month after the business meeting, attendees are taking a guided tour of Woodside Farm at 876 US Hwy 93.
Museum Business After Hours
A Business After Hours will be held Thursday, March 8 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Ravalli County Museum, 205 Bedford, Hamilton. The event will be hosted by the Chamber of Commerce. Come enjoy fun, food and socializing. The Ravalli County Museum and Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital will be making a special announcement.
WECAN job networking event
Rural Employment Opportunities (REO), in conjunction with the Bitterroot Job Service, will be hosting a job networking event on Thursday, March 8 at 5 p.m. at the Bitterroot Job Service, 274 Old Corvallis Road, Hamilton, called Workers Employed through Community Asset Networks (WECAN). The first WECAN event was held in December 2011.
WECAN is a community-based, collaborative program that connects job seekers to employment and networking opportunities, in addition to financial education information. Participants will have the opportunity to connect with fellow community members, share information about jobs and training opportunities, and learn about the new WECAN online network. The program also provides opportunities for community members to volunteer as financial coaches or career mentors.
Looking for a job can feel like work, but it does not have to be that way. A job network can also be a fun support network.
Rural Employment Opportunities is a statewide nonprofit organization. REO works with more than 300 rural families as they struggle to support themselves and their families. Through REO, adults and children access and complete education, job-training and individual development programs that lead to year-round employment, improved family income, and greater economic security.
For more information contact Kristina Cerrone at (406)442-7850 or by e-mail at kristinac@reomontana.org.
Tea Party Patriots
Ravalli County Tea Party Patriots will meet Thursday, March 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). Republican candidates for state Senate District 45, Gary MacLaren and Fred Thomas, will present their views and answer questions. Come and get to know the candidates for this important legislative seat. All are welcome. For more information contact Jennine Jones, 381-0314, donandjennine@gmail.com
Selway-Pintlar Wilderness Back Country Horsemen
SPWBCH will hold its next regular meeting on Thursday, March 8 at 6:30 p.m., at the USFS office, 1801 N. First St., Hamilton (rear entrance). Cure your cabin fever with an exciting discussion of summer trail work and ride planning. Forest Supervisor Deb Gale will attend to provide information details and answer questions. Other topics will be the (also exciting) upcoming Youth Day and State Convention. For any questions, call Linda, 961-1435.
Stevi Town Council meeting
The Stevensville Town Council will meet Thursday, March 8 at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers at 206 Buck.
Cross country Ski Club
“Exotic Peru, From Sea Level to 20,000 Feet in 45 Minutes” will be the topic of speakers Russ Lawrence and Jean Matthews at the Bitterroot Cross-Country Ski Club meeting on Thursday, March 8 at 7 p.m. The couple recently returned home from Peru after 2-1/2 years in the Peace Corps and they will share in about 45 minutes their after-hours adventures hiking, trekking, climbing, and other recreational activities in the remote areas of Peru. The meeting is held at the First Presbyterian Church, 1220 West Main St, in Hamilton. The public is welcome and refreshments will be served. For more information call Ginny at 961-4829.
Friday, March 9
Tot Time
“Music and Motion” is the theme of Tot Time on Friday, March 9 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon at the North Valley Family Center, 5501 Hwy 93 N, Suite 3, Florence Business Center (behind Town Pump). Come enjoy the many wonders of music, singing and dance with your toddler. This month’s theme focuses on weather and will be facilitated by Melissa Sparks. Call 273-0142 for more information.
South Valley Pachyderm Club
Virginia Clark, Director, Bitterroot College Program of UM, and MT Senator Bob Lake, District 44 (R) who is running for the Montana Public Service Commission District 4, will be speaking at the Friday, March 9 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.
Victor community dinner
A Taco Soup Dinner for the community will be held Friday, March 9 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Victor Community Church, corner of 5th and Martin, Victor. Everyone is welcome. Free will donations will be accepted. For more information call Linda, 239-4026.
Grace Lutheran Bingo Night
Bingo Night will take place Friday March 9 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church and Learning Center, 275 Hattie Lane, Hamilton. Donations benefit the scholarship program at the learning center. Free childcare, great prizes and fun for the whole family!
Saturday, March 10
Flea market
A flea market will be held Saturday, March 10 at the Hamilton Senior Center, 820 N. 4th, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. There will be antiques, collectibles, arts and crafts, new and used, tools, hunting and fishing items and household items. Bring a friend come see! Food and beverages will be available. Rent a table for $5 by calling Katie at 363-2316.
Family Fun Day
“Spring Planting” is the theme for the next Family Fun Day on Saturday, March 10 from noon to 3 p.m. at the North Valley Family Center, 5501 Hwy 93 N, Suite 3, Florence Business Center (behind Town Pump). Escape from the house and bring your kids for activities fun for the whole family! Celebrate the coming spring with a seed planting activity, fun games, and have some cool arts and crafts projects. Lunch will be served. All ages are welcome. Call for more info: 273-0142.
Travelers’ Rest Storytelling Series
Visit Travelers’ Rest State Park near Lolo this March and take part in the age-old Salish tradition of sharing history through storytelling during the cold winter months. The one-hour programs begin at 11 a.m. on all Saturdays.
The program line-up is as follows:
March 10: Charles M Russell, Richard Ellis, Historian, Humanities MT
March 17: Northern Plains Lifestyle, Kae Cheatham, Author, Humanities MT
March 24: Salish Stories, Tony Incashola, Salish Culture Committee Director
March 31: Language & Oral History, panel discussion
For a complete line-up of the Winter Storytelling Series, visit the Travelers’ Rest website at travelersrest.org or call 273-4253.
Admission to the programs is $4 per adult, and children under 18 and all current Travelers’ Rest Preservation and Heritage Association (TRPHA) members are free. All programs are held at the Holt Museum and Visitors Center at Travelers’ Rest State Park. To reach the park, travel approximately ½ mile west of Lolo on Highway 12.
Friendship Force
The Friendship Force of Missoula-Western Montana next meeting will be Saturday, March 10. A potluck is scheduled at 5:30 p.m. in the Welcoma Club, 3108 Clark, Missoula. A slide show program will be given by members Lilian Evans and Mary Ann Schipf sharing their exchange experience in Colombia in 2011. Non members are welcome. Call 728-2995 for information.
Contra Dance in the Bitterroot
A contra dance will be held Saturday, March 10 from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Hamilton Rocky Mountain Grange, 1436 S. 1st (south of Hamilton on Hwy 93, east side). The caller will be Bev Young with music provided by the Celtic Knots. A practice session for new dancers will be held at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $5 per person, $10 per family. Dancers need no experience, all dances are taught, and singles are welcome. The event is fragrance-free. These dances are held on the second Saturday of each month. For info call 642-3601.
Sunday, March 11
Accordion Assn.
The Five Valley Accordion Association will hold its next jam/dance session on March 11, at the “Rustic Hut” in Florence. The event will run from 1 to 5 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.
Lone Rock Park Board
The Lone Rock division of the Ravalli County Park Board will meet Sunday, March 11 at 7:30 p.m. at the Three Mile Fire House. The public is welcome.
Monday, March 12
Stevi school menu
March 12-16
Monday: Breakfast – Cereal or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Hot Pockets, peas and carrots, pears, bread and butter, milk
Tuesday: Breakfast – French toast, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Chicken fajitas, lettuce, salsa, apples, bread and butter, milk
Wednesday: Breakfast – Muffins, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Mac & cheese, broccoli Normandy, pineapple, bread and butter, milk
Thursday: Breakfast – Pancake on a stick, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Chicken drumsticks, mashed potatoes, gravy, kiwi, bread and butter, milk
Friday: Breakfast – Cereal or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Corn dogs, baked beans, Mandarin oranges, bread and butter, milk.
Rotary Club
The Hamilton Rotary Club is honoring our U.S. Military during the month of March. Speaker for the March 12 meeting will be Peter Samulevich, Major, US Army (Ret). Peter served as a prison guard and special Escort Guard at the Palace of Justice, for the Nuremberg, Germany War Trials in 1945-46. He has appeared in at least two episodes of the History Channel TV coverage of that event. There will be time for questions and discussion. The club meets Monday noons at BJ’s Restaurant, 900 N. 1st Street, Hamilton. This meeting is open to the public. For further information call 363-2960.
SAFE Book Club
SAFE is hosting a book club discussion on Monday, March 12, at 7 p.m. at Chapter One Book Store. Come join in the discussion of Alan Brennert’s “Honolulu.” For more information, contact Sonya at 363-2793.
Crisis line volunteer training
Become a valued member of the Supporters of Abuse Free Environments (SAFE) volunteer crisis line team to serve victims of domestic or sexual violence. Crisis line volunteers provide information and a listening ear to victims of domestic violence or sexual assault and other callers. Training will be held March 12-14 and March 19-20 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the SAFE office in Hamilton. Pre-registration is appreciated. A background check is required of all applicants after training is complete. Call Theresa Rivera, Volunteer Coordinator, for registration and information at 363-2793.
Journalism lecture
Anne Marie Squeo, vice president for communications for Lockheed Martin Electronic Systems, will give a lecture titled “The Split Personality of Branded Journalism” on Monday, March 12 at 7 p.m. in the University Center Theater at The University of Montana.
The event, which is free and open to the public, is the fourth installment of the School of Journalism’s annual Jeff Cole Distinguished Lecture Series. The series honors Cole, a Butte native who graduated from the School of Journalism in 1980. He was aeronautics editor at The Wall Street Journal when he was killed in a plane crash while on assignment in January 2001. Squeo was a fellow reporter with Cole at the paper.
Squeo has nearly 15 years of experience as a journalist. She was part of a team of reporters at The Wall Street Journal that won the 2000 Pulitzer Prize for national reporting for stories that questioned U.S. defense spending and military deployment in the post-Cold War era, and offered alternatives for remaking the military for the 21st century. She won a prestigious Gerald R. Loeb award in 2004 for uncovering ethical and legal lapses at Boeing Co.
At Lockheed Martin, Squeo oversees the integrated communications program for the Electronic Systems business area, which employs about 45,000 people. She joined Lockheed Martin in 2009 after three years at Raytheon Co., where she was the Washington, D.C.-based director of public relations.
“Anne Marie has tremendous experience to share from the worlds of journalism and communications/public relations,” said journalism school Dean Peggy Kuhr. “These days, when journalism students must learn to love – or at least live with – the task of ‘branding’ their work, Anne Marie can help show the way.”
“I’m proud to have Anne Marie at UM as the fourth Jeff Cole Distinguished Lecturer,” said Maria Cole, the widow of Jeff. “She was a valuable team member when she worked for Jeff, and she continues to be completely devoted to her work. Her lecture will be relevant for everyone – journalists, business people and budding entrepreneurs alike.”
The lecture series is supported by the Jeff Cole Legacy Fund, which also offers an annual scholarship and a spring dinner for students who work at the Montana Kaimin, UM’s independent student newspaper.
Tuesday, March 13
Veterans affairs clinics
Roxanne Blanche, Service Officer for the Montana Veterans Affairs Division in Missoula, announces she will be available to veterans and their dependents that have questions or need to file a claim with the Department of Veterans Affairs on Tuesday, March 13 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Stevensville Town Council Chambers and from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Hamilton Job Service. For more information call 542-2501.
Stevi Airport Board
The Stevensville Airport Board will meet Tuesday, March 13 at 5:30 p.m. at the Stevensville Main Street office, 102B (next to Driver Services).
Stevi school board
The regular meeting of the Stevensville School Board of Trustees is Tuesday, March 13 at 7 p.m. in the Stevensville Music Building choir room.
Wednesday, March 14
Library travel presentation
Ever dream about visiting Ireland? Take a tour of County Clare and beyond with John Conlan as your host. John and his wife, Lorraine, have family ties in Ireland and will share with you some of the spectacular scenery and stories of the people they met. In time for St. Patrick’s Day, John will present his program “My Heart Tonight’s in Ireland – Tour County Clare and Beyond” in the Community Room of the North Valley Public Library, Wednesday March 14, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Admission is free and the program is open to all ages. There will be light refreshments and lively conversation. North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville. For more information, call the Library at 777-5061.
Thursday, March 15
TU meeting
The March 15 BRTU meeting will feature Kris Kumlien from Bozeman’s Montana Troutfitters at 7 p.m. at Hamilton Elks Lodge, 203 State Street in Hamilton. There is no charge for admission and the public is invited to attend. Kumlien has been guiding on the Madison since before he was born! That’s because Kris’s dad, legendary Bozeman guide Dave Kumlien, started Montana Troutfitters in 1978. Troutfitters (www.troutfitters.com) was Bozeman’s first full-service flyfishing shop and an obligatory stop for anglers heading to the Madison. Kris maintains the tradition and exacting standards, and to say that he knows “The Secrets of the Madison” is a plain and simple fact. If you want to learn how to fish this celebrated Montana river, don’t miss Kris’s program! TU members will be having dinner with Kris 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 Buhl (cassie.buhl@gmail.com) or Marshall Bloom (drtrout@mtbloom.net).