County recycling
Ravalli Recycling is open Mondays from 3 to 6 p.m. or dusk, and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon (Sat. only buying aluminum cans, scrap metals and car batteries). #1 and #2 plastics, cardboard (flattened and no wax), telephone books, magazines and tin cans are currently being accepted. Containers must be rinsed and no lids or caps are accepted. The recycling center is located at 131 Old Corvallis Road, Hamilton, next to Habitat for Humanity, www.ravallirecycling.org for more information. The center is 99% run by volunteers. Volunteers always needed. Call 375-5398 for details.
Stevi Booster Club Bazaar
The annual Stevensville Booster Club Bazaar will be held Saturday, December 1, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Stevensville High School. Shop for great crafts, and enjoy homemade soup and pie. To get an application or ask about available space, call Karla at 777-0059.
Misa en Español
St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, La calle Main Street, en frente de la biblioteca el segundo y cuarto Miercoles de cada mes a las 7 p.m. Todos estan bienvenidos! Preguntas? Llama la Revda Dori Zubizarreta, 360-2661. (English also spoken.)
Soccer signups
Registration is now open for Ravalli United Soccer Club’s competitive spring season. Boys and girls aged 11-19 are invited to register. The strict deadline for the receipt of completed applications is December 15, 2012. For registration information and forms, visit www.ravallisc.org or call Shawn at 961-3104.
Florence senior lunches
Lunch is available through the Council on Aging for senior citizens and others in the Florence area on Mondays at the Florence Fire Hall. Serving begins at 11:30 a.m. Prices are: 60 and over – $3.50, under 60 – $6.00. For more information, call the Council on Aging at 363-5690.
Aqua Zumba classes
Come and try a Aqua Zumba class for free! Your first time is free when you try Zumba in the water at the Bitterroot Aquatic Center. Classes are Wednesday and Fridays mornings from 8:45 to 9:30 a.m., and Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7 to 8 p.m. Call 375-8200 for more information.
Stevensville ‘Splendor on Main’
The Stevensville Main Street Association will host Splendor on Main on Saturday, December 8 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Rocky Mountain Bank, 220 Main Street. There will be an hors d’oeuvre buffet, wine and beer tasting, and live and silent auctions. Tickets are $25 per person and can be reserved by calling 777-3773.
Florence Toys for Tots collection
This Holiday season the Florence Civic Club will partner with Toys for Tots. Simply purchase a toy or gift for any age child and place it in a box located at Florence Ace Hardware, Florence-Carlton Family Chiropractic, Florence Carlton Elementary and High School, Gary & Leo’s IGA and Farmers State Bank in Florence. There are many children in need, and your generosity helps. For more information call Ann at Florence Ace Hardware, 273-4333 or 403-6491. To apply for assistance, just stop by Pantry Partners in Stevensville, Florence Carlton Elementary and High Schools and NOVA (North Valley Living Center) as well. Application deadline is December 7.
Toys for Tots toy drive
New toys are now being collected through Toys for Tots – local donations stay local! Look for boxes at these locations:
Hamilton – Walgreens, Murdoch’s, The Edge Restaurant/Hamilton Liquor, First Interstate Bank, Me & Mom, Hamilton Assembly of God, IGA, Albertson’s, Bella Valle Italian Family Restaurant;
Corvallis – Corvallis Drug, Ravalli County Bank, Corvallis Primary School. FLORENCE – Farmers State Bank, Gary & Leo’s, Florence Schools, Florence-Carlton Chiropractic, Ace Hardware;
Stevensvillle – Farmers State Bank, Rocky Mountain Bank, Valley Drug, Full Moon Saloon, High Country Club, Ravalli County Bank, Stevensville Elementary, Lone Rock School, Three Mile Store;
Victor – Farmers State Bank, Victor Mercantile.
Donate online at stevensville-mt.toysfortots.org. For more information, contact Leah Duke, 493-4293 or stevitoys@gmail.com.
Soroptimist candy sales
Soroptimist International of Hamilton announces its See’s Christmas Candy Sale, beginning November 24 and ending December 24. Hours are Monday through Friday 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Come early for the best selection of this delicious candy. Look for the See’s trailer in the parking lot of First Security Bank in Hamilton located on Main and Hwy. 93.
Hospice Tree of Lights
Let a light shine on the Marcus Daly Hospice Tree of Lights in remembrance of a friend or loved one. Hospice Fundraiser. Purchase a light for $5.00 or an ornament for $15.00 to honor someone special in your life. To assure your loved one’s name will be included in the Tree of Lights memorial event on Dec. 13, make your purchases by December 7. Ornaments can be picked up at the Marcus Daly Hospice Center or for additional fee of $5.00 it will be mailed to you. Hospice Celebration of Light: All are welcome at the 21st annual non-denominational Hospice Tree of Lights community remembrance on Thursday, December 13 at 4:30 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 1220 W. Main Street, Hamilton. This year’s event 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. To purchase a light or for more information visit marcusdalyhospice.org or call Marcus Daly Hospice Services at 363-6503.
Clothes Closet opportunities
The Stevensville Clothes Closet, a free store, will host its 2nd annual “Children Only” Christmas shopping day on Saturday, December 15 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. On that day, Clothes Closet will open its doors for children to shop for gifts for their families. Volunteers will help them shop, then help wrap each gift. It’s helpful if each child comes ready with a list of family members to whom they’d like to give. Kids will leave with wrapped gifts ready to put under the tree for their loved ones. The Clothes Closet is in need of goods and volunteers for this event. Men’s socks and small gifts are especially needed. Also needed are gift bags to help streamline the wrapping process and volunteer wrappers. The items can be donated during regular Clothes Closet hours which are Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, 1 to 4 p.m. Interested volunteers can contact Gail Fisher at 777-5694. The Stevensville Clothes Closet is located on Middle Burnt Fork Road and ALC Way.
Nativity display
Historic Saint Mary’s Mission annual display of Nativity Scenes will be on First Friday, December 7. The display will also be shown on December 8 and 9. This year the display will be Nativity Scenes and St. Nicholas. The help of everyone is needed in order for the display to be a success. All the pieces will be in a protected area and well taken care of. Bring your Nativity Scenes and/or St. Nicholas to Historic Saint Mary’s Mission on Tuesdays and Wednesdays between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. in November and the first week of December and pick them up December 11 through 14. If you need to make other arrangements call St. Mary’s Mission at 777-5734 or Johni Cellarius-Steinke at 273-5411 or 531-6104.
SAFE Giving Tree
Now through December 19th, SAFE is sponsoring the Annual Holiday Giving Tree for the Emergency Shelter, Transitional Housing and Outreach residents. Each family has ornaments on the tree asking for gifts they cannot afford to provide for their families. SAFE is asking anyone who is interested in helping a family who has been affected by domestic violence to choose an ornament from the tree and return a gift unwrapped or in gift bags by December 19. Return the gift to the SAFE on First Thrift Store located in Hamilton behind Verizon Wireless. SAFE on First is open Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call Connie for more information at 363-2793.
Letters to Santa
The Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce that it will again have Santa’s Mail Box at the Chamber office, 105 E. Main in Hamilton, for kids of all ages to drop off their letters to Santa. All letters will be answered to remember to put your return mailing address on the letters along with first and last names.
Wednesday, November 28
BPL Preschool storytime
Preschoolers are invited to meet in the children’s corner of the Bitterroot Public Library on Wednesday, November 28 to enjoy “Dudley the Door Mouse” with storyteller Patty Holmes. 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.
NVPL Storytime and Craft Hour
Come to the North Valley Public Library on Wednesdays from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. to check out Storytime and Craft Hour, a free early learning program for toddlers and preschoolers. With a different theme each week, children will listen to engaging library picture books, engage in fingerplays, songs and create an enriching craft. At each storytime, a healthy snack is provided and there is time to play and socialize with new friends. North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville. For more information, call the library at 777-5061.
Thursday, November 29
Organic conference
The Montana Organic Association is celebrating their benchmark anniversary and hosting its Tenth Annual Conference at the Holiday Inn, downtown Helena, Montana, from November 29 to December 1. Headliners include: Jeff Moyer, Farm Director at Rodale Institute, who brings his expertise in organic crop production systems; Gary Zimmer, renowned farmer, agri-businessman, author and educator who has dedicated his life to improving farming through restoring and balancing soils; and Atina Diffley, an organic consultant, educator, and author of the 2012 memoir, “Turn Here Sweet Corn: Organic Farming Works.” The Conference is an easy way to learn about organics and the latest developments in the field. It’s an opportunity to network with others who are just beginning, established experts, or somewhere in between. The conference features delicious organic food, thought-provoking discussions, profitable business networking and fun entertainment—a perfect gathering to learn, relax, get energized, be inspired and be inspiring. The conference kicks off Thursday night at 7 p.m. with a social hour followed by the screening of the documentary, “In Organic We Trust,” which explores the content beneath the label and the truth behind the marketing. Visit www.montanaorganicassociation.org to learn more about the conference.
NVPL Tech Class
On Thursday, November 29 from 1 to 3 p.m., the North Valley Public Library is offering a free Digital Photo Editing class, specifically using the free online program, Picasa. The library’s tech specialist will teach the basics of how to upload and edit photos. Whether you have family photos that you want to organize or spruce up your most recent vacation shots, this is the class for you. Space is limited; call or stop by 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.
City Life fundraiser
The City Life Community Center will be hosting its annual auction on Thursday November 29. The evening will include a live and silent auction with professional auctioneer Jackson Allen, live music by Steve Kalling’s discount quartet, heavy hors d’oeuvres, hundreds of items including a championship team signed Griz ball, great vacations, Harley Davidson gear and amazing door prizes. A great place to Christmas shop. Doors open at 5:30. Silent auction begins closing at 7:20 and the live auction begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $100 per couple and include a $50 auction credit. Get a sneak peak of items as they become available at www.citylifemt.com. Call 531-1555 to buy your ticket today.
Victor Park Board
The Victor Park District will hold its next regular meeting on Thursday, November 29. 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 discussion will begin on next year’s budget. There will not be any meeting in December this year. Call Roger De Haan at 961-3953 with any questions.
Herb Collective
The Bitterroot Herb Collective brings together gardeners, users, professionals and beginners to exchange information and products. The quarterly meeting will take place November 29 at 7 p.m. at 802 Main Street, Hamilton (Youth Connections office). Come for invigorating discussion, and begin planning for your spring herbal gardens. For more information call Star at 546-5344.
Storytelling workshop
A Storytelling and Puppetry Workshop for educators and parents of young children will be held Thursday, November 29 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Bitterroot Public Library. Enjoy an evening with Dulcie Belanger and her creative talents at the Bitterroot Public Library West Meeting Room. Enliven a simple story with your own handmade felted puppets. Space is limited. Register at the information desk or call 363-1670.
Museum lecture
“Riverscapes: The Geology and Human Culture of Rivers” will be presented on Thursday, November 29 at 6 p.m. at the Ravalli County Museum in Hamilton. World class expedition kayaker and PhD scientist Doug Ammons presents “Riverscapes”, a voyage into the geology and shaping of human culture by rivers. It will be an evening of incredible photos and insights, highlighting how rivers and geology shape both the physical world and human culture. Doug was recently named by Outside Magazine as “one of the top ten ‘game changers’ in adventure since 1900” for his extreme solo whitewater descents and international exploratory runs. He is equally adept at exploring human relationships to the natural world. Doug is not only a legend among whitewater kayakers, he’s a poet, scientist, philosopher, and classical guitarist. He’ll show you how to ferry across a river without taking a single stroke, and then he’ll say, “canoeing is an active meditation on the beauty of fluid motion.” For more information call 363-3338.
Puppetry Workshop
Enjoy a puppetry workshop for educators and parents of young children with artist and early childhood educator Dulcie Belanger on Thursday, November 29 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Bitterroot Public Library west meeting room. Enliven a simple story with your own handmade felted puppets. Space is limited. Register at the information desk or call 363-1670.
Friday, November 30
Stevensville School “I Pledge to Graduate” Rally
In the United States, one in four students will not graduate from high school. In Montana, five students drop out of school every day. Last year 2.3% of Stevensville students dropped out of school. Research shows that students are more likely to reach a goal if they commit to meeting it and identify their own motivations; therefore, Stevensville Schools will host an “I Pledge to Graduate” rally on November 30 at 2:40 p.m. in the high school gym to encourage students to set graduation as their principal goal in high school. Students will be asked to sign pledge cards and wear bracelets and buttons confirming their pledge to graduate. The keynote speaker will be the Bitterroot Valley’s own Forrest Gump, Steve Weber. Weber brings humor, insight and inspiration to his audiences as the iconic movie personality while developing his positive and motivational presentation. Stevensville Mayor Gene Mim Mack will also be a guest speaker. The public is welcome.
Ballet performance
The traditional annual “Nutcracker” performance will be at the Hamilton Performing Arts Center November 30 through December 2. Tickets are available at Wireless Connection in the Sportsman’s Complex in Hamilton. This performance features adults and children from the Bitterroot Valley and is presented by the children’s non-profit performing arts company Ballet Bitterroot. For more information call 961-1818. Tickets for this performance range from $7 to $16 a seat.
Stevensville Playhouse performance
“The Littlest Angel,” a delightful and touching Christmas tale, will be performed at the Stevensville Playhouse in December. Directed by Gretchen Spiess, this classic tale of a small mischievous child new to heaven who brings a special gift to the Christ child will be performed November 30, December 1, 7, 8, 14, and 15 at 7:30 p.m. with two matinees on December 9 and 16 at 2 p.m. For tickets and information call the Stevensville Playhouse at 777-2722 or go online to stevensvilleplayhouse.org.
UFO presentation
Helena author Joan Bird, author of “Montana UFOs and Extraterrestrials,” will give a program about UFOs at the Bitterroot Public Library on Friday, November 30, at 7 p.m. The public is invited. The following day, December 1, she will sign copies of her book at Chapter One Bookstore from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Whether you are a skeptic or a believer, the topic will be of interest. It will make you think twice about what might—or might not—be true.
Saturday, December 1
Cookie Walk and Bake Sale
Do yourself a favor this holiday season and skip all the fuss of baking those holiday sweet treats by attending the 4th Annual Cookie Walk & Bake Sale on Saturday, December 1, hosted by the Montana Companion Animal Network. This year talented area bakers have been busy whipping up their favorite holiday cookies of every flavor, shape and size. Shoppers can tour the cookie tables to choose their favorites in any quantity, which will be sold by the pound and stock up on individually priced cakes, pies, breads, candy, diet-restricted items and jar gifts. A raffle for a homemade edible 6ft “gingerbread creation” and gift items of tee-shirts, potholders and beautiful jewelry will also be for sale. The event is being held at the Human Resource Council Building located on the corner of Pine and Third Streets in Hamilton and doors will be open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Plan to come early for the best selection, last year sold out by 1 p.m.! All proceeds from the event will be used by MTCAN to assist animals in need throughout the coming year. For more information contact Mary at 642-3785 or email at mary@mtcan.org.
NVPL Movie Matinee
Come to the North Valley Public Library on Saturday, December 1 at 12 noon for a free and fun flick. Get into the holiday spirit this month as the library shows a variety of classic favorites and new releases. Call the library at 77-5061 for title and information about the movie. North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville.
Senior center bingo
Hamilton Senior Center will be hosting a special Saturday Bingo on December 1. Doors open at noon, games start at 1 p.m. Paper cards will be used and free refreshments will be served. Players must be 18. Call Cathy at 375-9276 for information.
Dances of Universal Peace
The Dances of Universal Peace quarterly get together is on Saturday, December 1, with a celebration of the Persian poet, Rumi. Enjoy a potluck at 6 p.m., and dancing from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Bring your own plate (cups and silver will be provided). New meeting space is at the Selway Shopping Center, north of Sears in Hamilton (1782 N. 1st Street). Dances of Universal Peace are moving meditations which combine simple folk dance movements with live music and spiritual chant. The Dances open participants to experiences of peace, love and joy and honor the world’s spiritual traditions. Each dance is taught each time, and children are always welcome. $5 donation is appreciated. Contact Star at 546-5344 for more information.
Eagles Holiday Dinner
The Bitterroot Eagles Annual Holiday Dinner will be Saturday, December 1 at 5:30 p.m. at the Eagles Lodge in Hamilton. This is open to members, family, and guests. Those planning to attend must sign up by November 29 at the Lodge or call 363-1113.
A Cappella Society concert
The Montana A Cappella Society will perform a Christmas in Killarney on Saturday, December 1 at 7:30 p.m. at the Mary Stuart Rogers Performing Arts Center, 425 Fourth Avenue, in Victor. The venue is on the Victor School grounds. This is a benefit for the Society as they raise funds to travel to Ireland this coming spring. Admission is $5.00. If possible, a donation of a can of food to support the local food bank is appreciated. For more information, call Michael at 240-0216. Tickets are available at the door or in advance at Chapter One Books in Hamilton.
Monday, December 3
Stevi school menu
Monday: Breakfast- Cereal or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Cheese filled bread sticks, marinara sauce, peas & carrots, apricots, bread & butter, milk
Tuesday: Breakfast – Waffles or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Chicken fajitas, lettuce, salsa, oranges, bread & butter, chocolate or regular milk
Wednesday: Breakfast – Bagels with cream cheese or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – BBQ pork sandwich, taters, applesauce, bread & butter, milk
Thursday: Breakfast – Pancake on a stick or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Tater Tot casserole, mixed veggies, grapes, bread & butter, milk
Friday: Breakfast – Ham bites or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Hot pockets, broccoli Normandy, mixed fruit, bread & butter, chocolate or regular milk.
Green Thumbs Up
The Green Thumbs Up garden club will meet Monday, December 3 at 2 p.m. in the Community Meeting Room, downstairs in the Bitterroot Public Library, Hamilton. Russell Wagner, past editor of the Cactus and Succulent Journal and a publisher of books on succulents, will be the presenter. The meeting is free and open to the public. For further information, contact Susan Duff, 961-5455.
Victor Museum Chocolate Tasting
The Victor Heritage Museum will hold its16th Annual Chocolate Tasting Party and Silent Auction
on Monday, December 3 from 4 to 9 p.m. Ride on the horse-drawn trolley. Taste some of the many wonderful handmade chocolates. $5.00 per person. For more information visit victormusum@cybernet1.com or call 642-3924.
DAV Appreciation Dinner
DAV members, drivers and spouses are invited to a potluck dinner on Monday, December 3 at 6 p.m. at the Elks Lodge, 203 State Street,Hamilton. Meat and potatoes will be furnished. RSVP required by calling
Eric at 240-3303.
Tuesday, December 4
Ag classes
MSU Ravalli County Extension will be offering a program to provide basic information to small acreage landowners who are interested in raising livestock. Topics will include animal nutrition, feed, housing, fencing, administrative issues, and pasture management. The program consists of four evening sessions starting at 6 p.m. at the Victor High School on December 4, 6, 11, and 13. The cost of the complete program is $20; registration forms can be found at the MSU Ravalli County Extension website at www.msuextension.org/ravalli or at the Extension office at 215 S. 4th St. in Hamilton.
Master Gardener Level 1 training will start January 10 and is an eight week evening program being conducted at Victor high school. A full day program on pasture renovation has been cooperatively developed with the Hamilton USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service office and is scheduled for February 5 at the Corvallis Grange. This pasture program will provide both commercial and private pesticide applicator education credit hours. Contact Ralph Johnson, MSU Ravalli County Extension Agent, at the Extension office for additional information on any of these upcoming programs at 375-6611.
Sons of Norway
Bitterrootdalen Lodge, Sons of Norway, will hold its Christmas Party on Tuesday, December 4 at 5 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Hamilton. The Lodge will provide meatballs, gravy and mashed potatoes, members and visitors are invited to bring a favourite Christmas side dish and cans of food for the food bank. There will be a program and singing. Attendees can also bring a wrapped white elephant item for the “Norwegian gift exchange” where numbers are drawn and when opened, gifts can be “appropriated” from each other. The public is always welcome.
Corvallis Christmas
Be sure to mark your calendars for the annual Corvallis Tree Lighting and Christmas Sing on Tuesday, December 4, at 5:30 p.m. in front of Corvallis High School. Kick off the holiday season with the lighting of the Marty Litvin Memorial Tree and then come inside for singing and refreshments. Santa Claus will put in an appearance with treats for all. This event is sponsored by the Corvallis Civic Club with assistance from the American Legion Auxiliary and members of the Women’s Club. For further information, contact Carol Peterson at 961-3362.
Fly Fishers of the Bitterroot
Fly Fishers of the Bitterroot will meet Tuesday, December 4 at BJ’s Restaurant in Hamilton. Social hour is 6 to 7 p.m., with cocktails and dinner optional. Steve Hoovler, who owns and operates Oarsmen Expeditions, will present “Yellowstone – off the beaten path.” He discusses remote fisheries and encourages people to explore the backcountry of Yellowstone Park. After college, Steve became a partner in Blue Ribbon Flies in West Yellowstone for eight years. He is a Montana outfitter and has lived in the state for 15 years. If you are interested in flyfishing, Fly Fishers of the Bitterroot is the place to meet friends and tell fish tales. For more information call Dorreen at 363-0744.
Wednesday, December 5
Garden Club Christmas luncheon
Come join the fun at the Stevensville Garden Club’s Christmas Luncheon, “A Montana Christmas.” It will be held on Wednesday, December 5 at 12 noon at the Community Baptist Church, 409 Buck, Stevensville. Tickets are limited and need to be purchased ($10 each) by November 16. For more information and tickets contact JoAnn at 777-3749.
BPL iCloud workshop
The Bitterroot Public Library will host an iCloud Workshop on Thursday, December 6 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. in the west meeting room of the library. This presentation is sponsored by the Library iPad Users Group. Stephen Goheen, Top Down Computer Consultant, will be presenting. iCloud is an Apple email, storage and data synchronization subscription service that provides 5GB of storage for free.