Hamilton Senior Center activities
Monday – 11:45 lunch, bingo on 1st & 3rd weeks, pinochle on 2nd week, 7 p.m.
Tuesday – cloggers at 3 p.m., line dancing 6-7:30 p.m., country dance lessons 7:30-9 p.m.
Wednesday – 11:45 lunch, bridge at 1 p.m., cloggers at 5 p.m., country dance lessons at 7:45 p.m.
Thursday – exercise at 9 a.m.; pinochle on 3rd week, 1 p.m.
Friday – 11:45 lunch, line dancing 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Saturday – flea market every 2nd Saturday, 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Sunday – bridge, 1 p.m.
Stevi Senior Center activities
Mon-Friday – Lunch, 11:30 a.m.
Monday – Bridge and Special Music, noon
Monday & Saturday – Pinochle, 7 p.m.
Tuesday – Exercise class, 10-11 a.m.
2nd Tuesday – Quilters, 6:30 p.m.
Every Other Wednesday – Fiddlers at Lunch
3rd Wednesday – Special Birthday Dinner, noon, with music. Blood pressures taken.
Thursday – Exercise class, 10-11 a.m.
1st & 3rd Thursday – American Legion Bingo, 7 p.m.
For more information call the Center at 777-5681 or 777-5707.
Victor Senior Center activities
Sundays – AA meeting, 7 p.m.
Monday-Friday – Men’s Coffee, 8:30-10 a.m.
Monday-Friday – Lunch, 11:30 a.m. Includes main course, salad bar, beverage, dessert. Senior donation $3.50, under 60 years $5.75. (RSVP 642-3320)
Tuesdays – Bingo, 7 p.m.
Wednesdays – Pinochle, 7 p.m.
Fridays – Ladies’ Coffee, 10-11 a.m.
Golden Agers
The Golden Age group meets every Friday from 7:30 to 10 p.m. at 727 S. 5th in Hamilton. If you are a senior citizen and are bored, looking for fun or just want something new to experience, attend and enjoy good food, live music, dancing and fellowship. Cost is $5 per couple and $3 per single. Snacks are potluck. Exercise classes are held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9 a.m. Blood pressure is checked every first Wednesday of the month. Also on the first Wednesday of every month a potluck is held at 12:30 p.m. followed by the business meeting. Card parties are held on the second Wednesday at 7 p.m. On the last Wednesday of the month a birthday party is held at 2 p.m.
Al-Anon
Stevensville Al-Anon Group meets each Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at the North Valley Public Library. Anyone who is affected by the compulsive
drinking of a relative or friend is invited. For more information call 721-5818.
Gamblers Anonymous
Gamblers Anonymous meets Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. at St. Francis Catholic Church, 411 S. 5th Street in Hamilton.
Debtors Anonymous
Debtors Anonymous is a twelve-step program offering help to people with compulsive spending issues. Anyone is welcome. Debtors Anonymous meets Mondays from 7 to 8 p.m. in the Step Room of the 4-D Club, 450 Broadway, Missoula. Call 206-426-5486 for more information.
TOPS
Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS), a weight loss support group, meets in Stevensville every Thursday at 9 a.m. at the Community Baptist Church, 409 Buck Street. Guests are always welcome. Call Jerry Sue at 777-5355 for more information.
Bitter Root VFW
VFW Post 1430 meets the first Monday of every month at 8 p.m. at the American Legion Hall in Hamilton.
Bitter Root VFW Auxiliary
The Bitter Root VFW Auxiliary meets the first Monday of each month at 2:30 p.m. at 282 Grundy Lane, Hamilton.
Florence American Legion
The Florence American Legion Post 134 meets the first Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Florence Fire Hall. For further information contact Post Commander Jim Hamilton at 777-3948.
Stevensville American Legion
The Stevensville American Legion Post 94 meets on the third Tuesday of every month at 7:30 p.m. at the Post Home on Middle Burnt Fork Road. For more information contact Jerry Esmay, 777-5517.
American Legion Auxiliary
Fort Owen Post 94, Stevensville, American Legion Auxiliary meets the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. Call 777-4335 for location.
Corvallis American Legion
The Corvallis American Legion Post 91 meets the third Thursday of every month at 7:30 p.m. in the Corvallis High School library. For further information contact Post Commander Edna Nasca at 523-9565 or Post Adjutant Nelson Carlos.
Darby American Legion
Darby American Legion Post 38 meets every third Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Darby Community Library. Any military veteran or active duty service member is encouraged to attend. For information call Post Adjutant Diana Thomas, 369-0119.
Disabled American Veterans
Disabled American Veterans meet the first Monday of the month at the Elks Club, 203 State Street in Hamilton at 6:30 p.m.
WIC clinics
A WIC clinic is offered in Hamilton Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. at 205 Bedford St, Suite P, District Courthouse building in Hamilton. The Stevensville clinic is open on Wednesdays at the United Methodist Church, 216 College St. in Stevensville. The Victor clinic is open the second Monday of the month at the Victor Nazarene Church. The Darby clinic is open every other month, the third Monday of the month at the Darby Library. For more information call 375-6685.
Sapphire Quilt Club
The Sapphire Quilt Club meets monthly on the second Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Stevensville Senior Center, 100 Mission Street. Teaching of short cuts and easy techniques begin at 6:30 p.m. Join this fun group of people to learn about quilting. For information, contact Linda Powell at 777-1070.
Bereavement Support Groups
When you grieve the death of a loved one, you sometimes hide it so others think you’re over your sorrow and loss. Marcus Daly Hospice offers an opportunity to share grieving experiences and grow from them. For anyone in the community dealing with the loss of a loved one, a bereavement support group meets Tuesday afternoons from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in the Marcus Daly Hospice Center living room. All are welcome. Marcus Daly Hospice invites you to take this opportunity for unloading your mind and mending your heart. For more information call the Marcus Daly Hospice Bereavement Coordinator at 363-6503.
Spanish conversation group
Habla Espanol? Do you travel? Do you work with Latinos? Do you just want to keep your mind sharp? If you are a beginner or just a bit rusty, join the Stevi Spanish Conversation Group at the North Valley Public Library Wednesdays from 6 to 7 pm to brush up on your Spanish language skills. This is not a class to learn to speak Spanish. It will be an informal, weekly gathering to practice speaking the Spanish language. The focus will be role playing for situations experienced during travel and everyday life. For more information, call the library at 777-5061.
Soroptimists
Soroptimist International of Hamilton meets the first, second and third Thursdays of each month at noon at BJ’s Restaurant. Soroptimist is a worldwide organization for women in management and professions working through service projects to advance human rights and the status of women. All interested business women are encouraged to attend.
Rotary Club
The Hamilton Rotary Club meets Mondays, 12 noon at BJ’s Restaurant, 900 N. First Street, Hamilton. For information about Rotary, call 363-2960.
PFLAG Chapter
Hamilton/Bitterroot Valley PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) meets the third Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 600 S. 3rd St., Hamilton, in the community basement room. The building is handicap accessible from Desmet Street; backdoor of the church. PFLAG offers support to parents, families, friends of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in the local community. Chapter representatives Dr. Michael Moran and Terry Moran state one of PFLAG’s primary objectives is to maintain families in loving relationships and to keep families together. For additional information call 363-7656.
Valley Veterans Services
Ever wonder what VA benefits you’re entitled to? Valley Veterans Service Center provides free assistance to veterans and their dependents in filing claims with the VA. Valley Veterans Service Center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Stop by for a visit or call for an appointment at 363-9838. The center is located at 299 Fairgrounds Road, Suite 4 in Hamilton or online at http://valleyveteransservicecenter.org/
Veteran-to-Veteran (V2V) meetings
The V2V outreach group meets every Friday morning at 8 a.m. in the backroom at BJ’s Restaurant in Hamilton. These informal meetings are for all veterans. Many veterans have both unresolved and resolved issues from their experiences in the military that impact their lives. At the meetings participants can discuss whatever they want and the outreach group gives veterans an opportunity to get together to share information and talk about issues. For further information contact Dan Mayer, 360-5435, from the Bitterroot Chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America.
Vietnam Veterans of America
The Bitterroot Chapter #938 of the Vietnam Veterans of America meets the first Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. at 319 N. 3rd. Vietnam era veterans often need assistance with problems and issues and many have similar stories. The Bitterroot Chapter VVA is your organization to provide the opportunity to obtain and share information, to organize grass root activities, lend a helping hand, and offer assistance to all veterans in dealing with the Veterans Administration. Also, through the National VVA organization, the local chapter supplies input to state and federal government legislators on issues important to veterans. For more information contact George Mayer, 360-5435.
Bitterroot Toastmasters
Bitterroot Toastmasters Club meets Wednesdays from 12 to 1 p.m. at Perkins Restaurant in Hamilton with optional no host lunch before or after. Meetings are designed to build confidence and skills in communication and leadership. Guests are welcome. Call Douglas at 381-3214 for more information.
BPL toddler story time
It’s never too early to introduce your baby or toddler to the wonderful world of books and reading. Together you will discover the joy of songs, finger plays, simple books and bouncing rhymes. The toddler story time for babies through age 2 meets every Friday at 10:30 a.m. in the downstairs meeting room of the Bitterroot Public Library. Toddler story time lasts approximately 45 minutes. For more information, call 363-1670.
NVFC Toddler Time
Toddler Time takes place every Friday at the North Valley Family Center, 5501 Hwy 93 N, Suite 3 in Florence from 10:30 a.m. to noon for ages 2-5. Ready!Set!Play! facilitated by Allison Dunne and Music and Motion facilitated by Melissa Sparks and Traci Kutzleb alternates every Friday. Join the fun! Toddler Time helps pre-school children, parents and caregivers to learn ways to support a child’s learning through fun and interactive activities. For more info: 273-0142.
American Sign Language Group
An American Sign Language Bible discussion group meets Wednesday evenings from 7:30 to 8 p.m. at the Kingdom Hall, 1115 S. Reserve St., Missoula. For more information contact Tom Gacek, 777-0747, aslgal@rocketmail.com.
Elks dinner
The Elks Club at 203 State Street in Hamilton serves dinner to the public every Wednesday at 6 p.m. The $9.00 complete meal includes dessert and coffee. Proceeds help to aid Elks charities. For more information call 363-3031.
Sabre Soccer meetings
Stevensville Sabre Soccer meetings are held the third Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Main Street Association building in Stevensville. The general public and all interested parties are welcome to attend. For more information contact Brooke Flynn at 880-2903.
Bitterroot Connections
Bitterroot Connections referral group (a sub-network of the Missoula Businesswomen’s Network) meets monthly for lunch from noon to 1 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month at the Hamilton Perkins Restaurant. Looking to grow your business? Come and meet a group of supportive women who get to know each other through member spotlight presentations, educational topics, and the referral and promotion of each other’s businesses. Call Sue Gust at 360-0820 or e-mail suegust@kikapaprika.com for more information or visit www.discovermbn.com for additional opportunities.
Empowerment group
The Bitterroot Empowerment group (a sub-network of the Missoula Businesswomen’s Network) meets the first Thursday of every month at Perkins Restaurant in Hamilton from noon to 1 p.m. Participate in an experience that can help you reach your goals, both personal and business related. Programs have a wide range of interest varying from month to month but the feeling of support and camaraderie will remain constant. Call Jane Foster at 406-531-9556 or 777-2280 or email Jane@fosterandfosterfs.com for more information or visit www.discovermbn.com for additional opportunities.
Fiber Arts Guild
Big Sky Fiber Arts Guild meets the last Saturday of every month. If you are a wool spinner or work with fibers, contact Shelley at 777-5205 or Marty at 777-2421 for location or information.
Women Helping Women
Want to be a healthily you? Looking for a support group to help you lose unwanted pounds? Women Helping Women meets Tuesday mornings at 9:30 a.m. at the Conner Wesleyan Church, 4674 Hwy 93, seven miles south of Darby. For more information call 821-3570.
Men’s Bereavement Breakfast
Marcus Daly Hospice sponsors a Men’s Bereavement Support Breakfast on the second and fourth Friday of each month at 9 a.m. in the Marcus Daly Hospice Dining Room. This breakfast creates a special opportunity for men coping with the death of a spouse or loved one to gather and share their journey of healing. Informal discussions are led by a trained Bereavement Facilitator and address such issues as dealing with grief, loneliness, forming new relationships, single parenting. A donation of $3.00 is appreciated for the meal. For more information call Marcus Daly Bereavement Coordinator at 363-6503.
Bitterroot Moms Club
Join a local group for moms to meet new friends, learn more about the area, host or attend play dates, book clubs, outings and much more. The group is geared for moms and children to interact during the day but there are occasional events for moms in the evening. For more information go to meetup.com and under “Topic,” type in The Bitterroot Valley Moms Meetup Group or call 777-7234.
Ragtime Society
The Bitterroot Valley Ragtime Society meets on the first Saturday of each month from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Hamilton Pub in Victor. There is no charge for membership, all are welcome. Come on out and listen to some vintage American music from the ragtime and early jazz era! For further information call 916-759-3168.
Spiritual discussion group
Between The Worlds metaphysical store in Hamilton is hosting a free Spiritual Discussion Group each week from 7 to 8 p.m. on the first Monday evening of each month and on Wednesday evenings the rest of month. These moderated discussions are open to everyone and are for people who wish to add understanding to their own particular spiritual path. All spiritual paths are respected and no one single path is promoted. This is a time for learning, getting to know new friends and sharing food and fun together. Between The Worlds is located at 205 W. Main Street, Suite B in Hamilton. For information, call 363-2969 or 381-2355.
Lone Rock MOPS
MOPS, Mothers of Preschoolers, in the Bitterroot Valley, meets every first and third Wednesday from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Lone Rock Bible Church, 1142 Three Mile Creek Rd. There is free care and activities for the preschoolers, while the moms come together to be nurtured, find new friends, and enjoy a caring atmosphere as they strive to be the best moms they can be. For information call Shauna Pernsteiner, 777-5189, or Amy Herron, 777-2957.
Acoustic music jam sessions
Free community music jam sessions are held every Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. in the dining room at Sapphire Lutheran Homes, 501 N. 10th Street in Hamilton. Players of all levels are invited to bring their guitars, mandolins, harmonicas, fiddles, banjos, dobros or other acoustic instruments. Music includes old-time country, bluegrass, swing, cowboy, folk, old standards, etc. There is no charge for admission. Folks who want to play or just listen are encouraged to come – it’s always more fun with an audience and more jam participants. For more information, call John at 381-2483.
Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity of Ravalli County is seeking volunteers for the following committees: Public Relations and Fund Raising meets at 6 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month at the Habitat office located at 131 Old Corvallis Road, Hamilton. The Building and Church Relations committees meet ad hoc. For more information: http://www.ravallihabitat.org or 375-1926.
Florence Civic Club
The Florence Civic Club meets the first Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at the North Valley Family Center located next to Town Pump in Florence. The Florence Civic Club is a volunteer, community based, nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting community education and involvement in recreational, cultural, natural and economic interests to preserve and enhance the quality of life for Florence area residents. For more information contact Ann at 273-4333.
Lighthouse
The Lighthouse of the Bitterroot board meetings are held on the first Friday of each month at 2 p.m. in the Community Room at Canyon View Church, 195 Skalkaho Highway, Hamilton. The public is welcome.
Darby Library story time
Children’s Story Time is held every Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the Darby Community Public Library. Come listen to stories, sing songs, and play games in the library while preparing your toddler or preschooler for success in school. All children from birth through age 5 are welcome with their caregiver to story time at the library. Call the library at 821-4771 for more information or visit the website at www.darbylibrary.net for a complete calendar of library events and programs.
NVPL Music Makers
Music Makers with Melissa is held on Tuesdays from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the North Valley Public Library. Enjoy enriching music and movement storytime appropriate for ages birth-five with an accompanying adult. Melissa Sparks leads this program through singing, movement, fingerplays and stories. June’s theme is “My Body.” There is time after the program to stay and play while sharing a healthy snack. North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville. For more information, call the library at 777-5061.
Center for Spiritual Living
The Center for Spiritual Living holds Sunday Celebration Services at its new location, 1782 N. 1st, C&D, in the Selway Commons, Hamilton. This is a non-religious service inspiring love and honoring spiritual growth in a welcoming and inclusive community dedicated to living the Way of Love, the Truth of Oneness and a Life of Joy. Coffee and fellowship after the service. For more info, call 381-4068 or email schultz_dv@msn.com.
Bible Study
Bible Study is held every Thursday at the Conner Wesleyan Church, 7 miles south of Darby on Hwy 93. At 10 a.m., the women are studying “Daniel” using the Beth Moore work book. At 2 p.m. and again at 6 p.m., group study is focusing on deepening the love relationship to God, using “Crazy Love” by Francis Chan. On Saturdays at 7 p.m. through Oct 13, attend “Love and Respect,” a series to help strengthen the love and respect in your marriage. For more information call 821-3570.
Darby Bread Box collections
The Darby Bread Box is collecting canned corn, canned fruit cocktail and crackers during September. You can drop off the donated items at Peoples Market and the Bitterroot Credit Union in Darby. Any donation would be appreciated.
Fall Freeze Marketplace call for vendors
The 3rd Annual Fall Freeze Marketplace will take place in the First Interstate Building at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds on October 20, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Booths are available on a first come first served basis; there are 24 booths inside and some outdoor spaces left. All booths are 10×10 and are $60, corner booths are $70 and outdoor spaces are $50. Call the fairgrounds for further information, 363-3411.
Fair premium pick up
Anyone who entered exhibits in the fair and/or won a ribbon can pick up items and premiums until October 1 at the fair office, just inside the west gate. The office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Mansion craft show call for crafters
The Daly Mansion Preservation Trust invites crafters and artisans to apply for jury consideration for the Mansion’s annual Holly Jolly Craft Show. This year’s show takes place November 2-4. A wide variety of vendors who produce and sell hand crafted and homemade goods are encouraged to apply. The Daly Mansion, located at 251 Eastside Highway between Hamilton and Corvallis, offers a unique venue on all three floors. Holiday items are strongly encouraged but not required. Booth fee is $60.00. The application deadline is September 14. To request an application form or for more information, contact Suzanne at 363-6004 ext. 2# or email your request to suzanne.casteel@dalymansion.org and include your mailing address.
Call for local producers
The Bounty of the Bitterroot show will be held Saturday, November 10 at the First Interstate Building at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds. This is a showcase for locally and regionally produced items of all kinds, including food, arts and crafts and more, and will be heavily publicized. A portion of the vendor booth fees will be donated to the valley’s food banks. Call Victoria at the Bitterroot Star, 777-3928, for vendor fees and guidelines.
Call for artists/crafters
The Bitterroot Art Guild are looking for vendors for their Christmas Show November 16-17 at the First Interstate Building in Hamilton. If you are interested call Carolyn at 961-4740 or Mary at 821-4678 for more information.
Crisis Line volunteer training
Make a difference in the life of a victim of domestic or sexual abuse – become a SAFE Crisis Line Volunteer. Volunteers provide information and a listening ear to someone who’s been traumatized by domestic violence or sexual assault. Volunteer training begins the week of October 1, so call SAFE today, 363-2793. You could be there for someone in crisis. Call Theresa at SAFE, 363-2793.
Business Women’s Network
The monthly luncheon meeting of the Bitterroot Subnetwork of the Missoula Businesswomen’s Network is held from 12 noon to 1 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month at the Hamilton Perkins Restaurant. Looking to grow your business? Come and meet a group of supportive women and get to know them through member spotlight presentations, educational topics, and the referral and promotion of each other’s businesses. Contact Jen Rivera at 327-5646 with any questions.
‘Monthly Grind’ variety show
The next Monthly Grind variety show will be held Saturday, October 20 at 7 p.m. at the Stevensville Playhouse. The $5.00 tickets are sold at the door so don’t be late. Anyone interested in baking can get in free by bringing a homemade dessert to be shared at intermission. If you or someone you know might be interested in performing at one of the Monthly Grinds call 360 489-7114 or 406 396-6519.
Community center survey
Community members have joined together to explore the possibility of developing a Community Center in Ravalli County. Research shows that community centers can be of great benefit to all ages. The group is trying to determine the level of interest in the center itself and in the programs that may be available through a center. Complete a quick survey at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NZCXC78
Your input is greatly appreciated. Survey takers will be at local grocery stores on September 27.
Audubon calendar sale
The Bitterroot Audubon Society will be selling its 2013 calendar at the Hamilton Farmers Market. This one-of-a-kind calendar is by Bitterroot photographers of Bitterroot birds, with drawings by Bitterroot 3rd and 4th graders, plus “hot spots” where you can find particular birds in our valley. The cost is $15 and all proceeds go to the Bitterroot Audubon Education Fund. You can also find these unique calendars at Chapter 1 Book Store, Sam’s Spade and Art Focus in Hamilton; Darby Wine and Spirits in Darby; and Lisa Archer Silks in Stevensville.
Bitterroot Mushers raffle
The Bitterroot Mushers are having a fundraising raffle. The grand prize is a 14-mile dogsled ride with junior Iditarod finisher, Aiyana Ferraro. Other prizes include: a one night stay for two at Lost Trail Hot Springs Resort with two 1-day lift tickets to Lost Trail Powder Mountain, $50 gift certificate for Darby Distribution, $40 gift certificate to the Naughty Moose Restaurant, 1-hour session of Positive Changes LLC PUSH muscle therapy, and a gift basket from Darby Wine and Spirits. Tickets are on sale through October 30. The drawing will be November 1 and you need not be present to win. Tickets are $5 each, 5 for $20. Visit www.bitterrootmushers.org or call Nicki at (406) 369-0707 for ticket sale locations and other information.
Darby Bread Box collections
For the months of October and November, the Darby Bread Box is collecting peanut butter, stuffing and pumpkin pie mix. You can drop off the donated items at Peoples Market and the Bitterroot Credit Union in Darby.