Thursday, October 4
Daly Hospital blood drive
The American Red Cross strives to collect over 700 pints of blood to meet the needs of patients in this area alone. In the Montana service area every 27 minutes someone needs blood. Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital (MDMH) helps the Red Cross meet this need by sponsoring blood drives four times a year. The next scheduled MDMH Blood Drive will be on Thursday, October 4 from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in Conference Rooms B/C. This will be the last MDMH sponsored blood drive for 2012. To schedule your blood drive appointment call Gary Schulz at 375-4451. Donors: remember to eat complete meals and drink plenty of water before donating blood and bring your identification. For more information visit www.mdmh.org.
NVPL Tech Class: Intro to Craigslist
Introduction to Craigslist will be presented on Thursday, October 4 from 1:00 to 3:30 p.m. at the North Valley Public Library. The library’s tech specialist will teach the basics of how to search for items being sold on Craigslist and how to post your own advertisements. You’ll walk away having the confidence to navigate this popular classifieds website. Space is limited; call or stop at the library to sign up. North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville. For more information, call the library at 777-5061.
Candidate forum
The Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce will hold a candidate forum for Ravalli County Commissioner and Senate candidates, fielded by a well-informed ‘Media Panel’ on Thursday, October 4 from 6 to 8 p.m. in Florence at the Florence Carlton Old Gym. A media panel will present to the candidates a list of pre-selected questions. Equal time for candidate response will be provided and rebuttal time, if needed, will be allocated. Invited panel guests include representatives from the Ravalli Republic, the Bitterroot Star, KLYQ and KPAX. Everyone is invited to attend and become more informed about the candidates and their platforms.
Tired Iron Club
The Bitterroot Tired Iron Club will meet Thursday, October 4 at 7 p.m. at the home of Al and Wilma Simmons, 283 Olde Road, Hamilton. For more information call Bob Thorson, 961-3405.
Friday, October 5
Pumpkin Carving Contest
The Stevensville Main Street Association will sponsor the annual Pumpkin Carving Contest on First Friday, October 5 in Creamery Garden Park next to the New Coffee Mill. There will be three categories: 16 years to Adult, 9 to 15 years, and 8 years and under. The top pumpkin in each category wins a $10 prizes; overall winner get $20. Carve your pumpkins and have them at the Creamery Park by 6:30 p.m. on First Friday. Winners will be posted at 7:30 p.m. Entry forms are available at the Stevensville Main Street Office, 777-3773, or just make sure your Name, Age Group, Pumpkin Name and Phone Number are on the pumpkin and bring to the park on Friday before 6:30 p.m.
Estate Fabric Stash Sale
There will be an Estate Fabric Stash Sale on Friday, October 5 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. and Saturday, October 6 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church on Main Street in Stevensville. There will be cottons, wool and silk suitings, brocades, corduroy and needlework cloth. All proceeds will benefit Pantry Partners Food Bank and Clothes Closet.
North Valley Pachyderm Club
The North Valley Pachyderm Club will meet Friday, October 5 at 12 noon at the Frontier Café, Hwt 93 in Stevensville. The guest speaker will be State Senator Bob Lake, candidate for Public Service Commission. North Valley Pachyderm Club meets the first and third Friday of each month at the Frontier Cafe. The North Valley Pachyderm Club is an educational arm of the Republican Party. All are welcome.
Scarecrow Festival
The 7th Annual Stevensville Scarecrow Festival is a public art event with individuals, groups, and businesses to create and display sculptures in the theme of scarecrows, crows, fall, etc. The scarecrows are displayed on the walking path north of town. This year the festival will also include Living Statues at various locations on Main Street. Prizes are awarded for People’s Choice, Artistic Merit, and Living Statues. Scarecrows will be on display on First Friday, Oct. 5 starting at 5 p.m. through Saturday, Oct 13. Living Statues will be on Main Street on Oct. 5 from 5 to 9 p.m.
People’s Choice voting will be Friday, Oct 5 from 5 to 9 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 6 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Artistic Merit judging will be Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Living Statue judging will be Friday from 5 to 9 p.m. The Award Ceremony will be Saturday at 3 p.m. on the Forest Service lawn, hosted by weatherman Mark Heyka of KECI. Plan to attend this family oriented event and vote for your favorite entries. Info and schedule is at www.sassart.org or for more information contact Gary Knapp at 777-3797.
Oktoberfest Gone Pink!
October is breast cancer awareness month and Hamilton merchants have teamed up with Soroptimists and Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital in a pink First Friday event on October 5 called Oktoberfest Gone Pink! Enjoy the music of Joan Zen, check out the fabulous pink windows, purchase pink raffle tickets, and support your favorite pink Mammo Man. The Mammo Man contest will begin at 7 p.m. You’ll be helping Bitterroot Valley women get their mammograms and other necessary procedures at Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital. Make a difference and help save local lives – support downtown Hamilton First Friday and the Aid for Mammography fund.
Eagles dinner
Tacos and more will be available at the Eagles Lodge, 125 N. 2nd in Hamilton on Friday, October 5 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Art opening
The Art of Woodworking will be the show for the month of October at River’s Mist Gallery of Fine Art in Stevensville. Featured artists are Brian Thorp, Scott Aries, John Boman and Nick Boynton of Missoula, Dave Carlson and Dan McArdle of Helena and David Coffin of Bozeman, along with other fine woodworkers. These men have dedicated their lives to the pursuit of fine woodworking, creating one of a kind, museum quality residential furniture and furnishings. An artist’s reception will be held Friday, October 5 from 6 to 9 p.m. The show runs October 5 through 30. The gallery is located at 317 Main Street in Stevensville. For more information call 777-0520.
Art opening
“Fitting In,” a new abstract collage series by mixed media artist Jennifer Ogden, opens First Friday, October 5 at Art City in Hamilton. A fellowship at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago allowed Ogden to explore themes of belonging, time and travel. Inspired by a vintage photograph and collection of “brand new” but never worn vintage accessories, Ogden constructed her new abstract collages of readily available ephemera and torn oil paintings on paper.
There will be a First Friday opening reception October 5 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. The work may be seen through November 10 at 407 W. Main in Hamilton. For information contact Art City at 363-4764.
Stevensville Playhouse production
“Wait Until Dark” continues at the Stevensville Playhouse. Harry Roat is missing his doll, and it’s a very special doll indeed. Susy Hendrix may have the doll, but she doesn’t know that, because she’s blind. How far are Roat and his two thugs willing to go to get back that doll? Come enjoy this first play of the season, but leave the little ones at home; this play is not appropriate for children under the age of 10. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at show time. Show dates are October 5-6, and 12-13 at 7:30 p.m. and October 17 and 24 at 2 p.m. For reservations call 777-2722.
Saturday, October 6
Flea market
The Lady Eagles Flea Market will be held Saturday, October 6 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Eagles Lodge in Hamilton. Vendor tables are available at $5.00 per table. The lunch counter will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 363-2763 for vendor reservations.
Senior Center bingo
The Hamilton Senior Center will be hosting a Special Saturday Bingo on October 6. Doors open at noon, games start at 1 p.m. Paper cards will be used. Free refreshments will be served. Players must be 18 or over. Call Cathy at 375-9276 for information.
Blessing of the Animals
The annual Blessing of the Animals service will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on Saturday, October 6, at 4 p.m. This event honors the traditional feast day of St. Francis of Assisi – patron saint of animals, and churches all over the world open their doors to creatures of all kinds.
In earlier days, farm animals were brought to receive a fertility blessing. These days the church sanctuary is often full of a lively assortment including cats, dogs, reptiles, farm animals and livestock.
The blessing of the animals honors the many relationships between humankind and animal kind: whether of pet to guardian, or between a sight-impaired person and their seeing-eye dog, or that between a rancher and a herd of cattle, or a fisherman and the creatures of the sea. It acknowledges the gift of creatures who supply our food, carry our burdens, share our fortunes, provide us with clothing, give us companionship, who have tendered a service to humankind since the world began and who, in the words of Francis of Assisi, are, indeed, our brothers and sisters.
Rev. Dori Peterson-Zubizarreta will conduct the worship service at St. Paul’s, and following the service there will be refreshments for both animals and their humans downstairs. The regular Contemporary Mass will be offered at 5:30 in the sanctuary. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church is located at 600 S. 3rd, at the corner of S. 3rd and Desmet in Hamilton. The blessing of the animals registration begins at 3:30 p.m.
Allen/mammography fund benefit
Friends of Jo Allen and merchants of Hamilton have come together to put on a benefit to raise money both for Jo’s battle with cancer and to raise money to give to Marcus Daly’s program Aid for Mammography which will be matched dollar for dollar by the hospital. The event will be Saturday, October 6 starting at 5 p.m. in the Bedford Building on S. 2nd in Hamilton. There will be a live and silent auction and barbecue dinner along with music by Joan Zen. For more information call Steve at 369-2072.
Performing arts series
The Bitterroot Performing Arts Council will kick off its season with Grammy Award-winning artist Poncho Sanchez and his Latin Jazz Band on Saturday, October 6 at 8 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center in Hamilton. “As Elvis is to rock, and James Brown is to soul, Poncho Sanchez is to Salsa…especially the congas.” Find out more about the upcoming season by visiting www.bARTc.org. You can purchase tickets on the website or call the box office at 363-7946.
Sunday, October 7
Bitterroot Life Chain
The Bitterroot Life Chain will take place Sunday, October 7 from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Come join with hundreds of Christians from valley churches to take a stand against abortion. Participants will hold signs in a peaceful silent witness lining both sides of Hwy 93 in Hamilton. This is a once-a-year opportunity for Christians in Ravalli County to stand together, devoting one hour to pro-life prayer and meditation. If you would like to participate, you may pick up a sign at the corner of Pennsylvania Street and Hwy 93 at 2:15 that Sunday. Call 360-1485 for more info.
Lone Rock Park Board
There will be a special meeting between the Lone Rock division of the Ravalli County Park Board and the Lone Rock School Board on Sunday, October 7 at 7 p.m. at the Three Mile Fire House.
Monday, October 8
Rotary Club
Jack Buber, of Victor, the coordinator for the Highway 93 landscape through Victor, will be speaking at the next meeting of the Hamilton Rotary Club on Monday, October 8. The club meets Mondays at noon at BJ’s Restaurant, 900 N. 1st Street, Hamilton. There will be time for questions and discussion. This meeting is open to the public. For further information, call 363-2960.
Tuesday, October 9
NVPL Music Makers Storytime
Did you know that you can help your little ones build literacy skills before they even begin to talk? You can, for free, at the North Valley Public Library every Tuesday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. when volunteer Melissa Sparks leads an enriching and educational music and movement story time for babies and toddlers. A rotating theme each month provides a fun basis for early learning and literacy through singing, talking, reading and playing. October’s theme is “The Fall and Halloween.” There will be time to stay and play after the program as well as share in a healthy snack. North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville. For more information, call the library at 777-5061.
First-time homebuyer class
The Bitter Root Resource Conservation & Development Area, Inc. (RC&D) is holding a nationally certified homebuyer education class October 9-11 from 6 to 9 p.m. (each night) at the Human Resource Council Building, 316 N. Third St., Hamilton. The class is especially beneficial to first-time homebuyers with below median incomes, but any potential homebuyer will benefit from the class. Anyone who has not owned a home for 3 or more years is considered a first-time homebuyer and may be able to purchase a home for monthly payments comparable to what they are paying in rent. The current market is right for homebuyers. Homebuyer education classes are brought to you by the Bitter Root RC&D in partnership with US Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Montana Board of Housing, NeighborWorks Montana, and the Human Resources Council. Completion of this class is required in order to qualify for some of the special homebuyer loan assistance programs.
Call the Bitter Root RC&D office at 363-5450 to reserve a space. Attendance on all three nights is required for certification. The charge is $40 to cover the cost of reference materials. (If you are buying your home as a couple, one household, you both need to attend the class.)
Stevi school board
The regular meeting of the Stevensville School Board of Trustees will be Tuesday, October 9 at 7 p.m. in the Stevensville Music Center Choir Room.
Wednesday, October 10
Bitterroot Cares for Kids Network
The Bitterroot Cares for Kids Network will meet Wednesday, October 10 at 9 a.m. at 209 N. 10th in Hamilton. The group is looking for new members to help enhance the lives of the families of the Bitterroot. Created in 2011 and comprised of non-profits, school representatives and community members, the mission is to connect all kids and families with resources that help them to thrive and be happy. The group has many projects in the works and meets on a monthly basis to plan and implement events and programming. Call 532-9149 or email bcareforkids@gmail.com for more information.
Thursday, October 11
NVPL Book Club
The first meeting of the NVPL Book Club will be Thursday, October 11 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon in the community room. Members will be discussing the logistics of meetings as well as future book selections. This month’s selection is “Blind Your Ponies” by Stanley Gordon West. “Blind Your Ponies” is a novel that explores a diverse range of characters in a rural Montana town who are brought together by a boys’ basketball team. The library is able to loan 10 copies of this book at no charge; additional copies are the responsibility of book club members. Discussion of the novel will take place the following month. For more information, contact the library at 777-5061. North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville.
SAFE Pint Night
Come have a pint and support SAFE at Higher Ground Brewing Company on Hwy 93 North in Hamilton on Thursday, October 11 from 4 to 8 p.m. There’ll be a silent auction, music by Celtic Knots, and more. Plus a portion of every pint sold will go to support SAFE in its effort to reduce the incidence and impact of domestic and sexual violence in Ravalli County.
Back Country Horsemen
Attention back country enthusiasts and horsemen! The SPWBCH, a traditional, work oriented BCH chapter, is looking for members who really want to ride, pack, and clear trails. The next general meeting will be Thursday, October 11 at 6:30 p.m. in the Hamilton Forest Service building. Discussion will be on completed summer projects, fall trail rides, pack trips and upcoming elections. The best of the back country always comes in the beauty of the fall colors! Guests are always welcome for coffee, cookies and lots of “trail talk”. Entrance is in the rear. For more information please contact Linda at 961-1435.
BPL Fellowship Club
The Bitterroot Public Library Fellowship Club will meet on Thursday, October 11 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the West Community Room of the library, to discuss the book “Stillness Speaks” by Eckhart Tolle.
In “Stillness Speaks”, New York Times best-seller Eckhart Tolle illuminates the fundamental elements of his teaching, addressing the needs of the modern seeker by drawing from all spiritual traditions.
At the core of this book is what the author calls the state of presence, a living in the now that is both intensely inspirational and practical. When the pressures of future and past thinking disappear, fear and frustration also vanish, conquered by the moment. “Stillness Speaks” takes the form of 200 individual entries, organized into 10 topic clusters that range from “Beyond the Thinking Mind” to “Suffering and the End of Suffering.” The entries are concise and complete in themselves, but, read together, take on a transformative power.
Eckhart Tolle, a contemporary spiritual teacher, motivational speaker, and writer, is not aligned with any particular religion or tradition. In his writing and seminars, he conveys a simple yet profound message with the timeless and uncomplicated clarity of ancient spiritual masters. Tolle, whose work The Power of Now was acclaimed by the NYT as “the ‘right book’ for many people at this point in time,” travels extensively, taking his teachings throughout the world.
The Fellowship Club meets every second Thursday of the month 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.