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.
Stevensville – 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, Cowboy Troy’s.
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 is selling See’s Christmas Candy through 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. 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.
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.
Free spay/neuter
Free spaying and neutering for Ravalli County free-roaming cats is being sponsored by PetSmart Charities. Fifty appointments are available. Call 273-6007 for more information.
Christmas Share Tree
The Stevensville Christmas Share Tree is supported by the greater Stevensville community, providing nearly 300 Stevensville children from needy families with an outfit of clothing (or other needed item, like coats and boots). Tags with children’s sizes are available at Farmers State Bank, Ravalli County Bank, and Rocky Mountain Bank; monetary donations are also welcome and fully tax deductible and can be sent to Acts of Kindness, P.O. Box 677, Stevensville MT 59870. For more information contact Leah Duke, 777-1135.
Service personnel addresses requested
American Legion Unit 94 is requesting addresses for those serving overseas from family and friends so that they may send Troop Boxes throughout the year. Contact Carol at 406-529-9908.
Model trains
The Bitterroot Valley Model Railroaders (BVMRR) continue to run their trains in the basement of the Kohl Building, downtown Stevensville, during the following times: First Friday of each month, 4 to 8 p.m. and third Saturday each month, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. In addition, the club will be running the trains every Saturday through December 22 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. If interested in joining the club, contact Tony Oberting at 273-0006.
Soroptimist Mini Golf Tournament
It’s time to dust off your putter, put aside the winter blahs and sign up for the Hamilton Soroptimist 12th Annual Winter Mini Golf Tournament to be held Saturday, February 2 in downtown Hamilton. Teams can play “caddyshack” or traditional with prizes offered for just about everything! Golfers must pre-register. Call Mary Alice Holloway at 381-1335 or go on line at www.sihamilton.org. Space is limited, so register soon!
Wednesday, December 12
NVPL Storytime
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, you’ll hear engaging library picture books, engage in fingerplays and 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.
Darby Library art exhibit
Kathleen Sheard will present her artwork in glass to high school art students and the public on Wednesday, December 12 at 1:45 p.m. at the Darby Community Public Library. All are welcome.
Thursday, December 13
NVPL Book Club
Join the NVPL book club from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the community room to have a lively discussion about this month’s selection, “Red Rover” by Missoula author Deirdre McNamer. Haven’t read the book? Not a problem. The library is able to supply ten copies of the each book club selection so come down to the library and indulge your inner bibliophile. ! Newcomers are always welcome. North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville. For more information, call the library at 777-5061.
Stevensville Civic Club
The Stevensville Civic Club will meet Thursday, December 13 at 12 noon at St. Mary’s Mission. The Full Moon will be providing lunch. Leah Duke from “Acts of Kindness” will be the speaker. There will also be some time to share all of the upcoming events your organization has planned. The February 14 meeting will be the 2013 Kickoff Membership meeting.
NVPL tech class
Did you know the library offers free tech classes on most Thursdays? These are small, hands on classes available to novices or for those looking to brush up on specific skills. On Thursday, December 13 from 1 to 3 p.m., the library is offering a class on the differences and similarities between laptop and desktop computers. Perhaps you are shopping for a new computer this holiday season and would like to know the pros and cons between the two? This class will teach you all you need to know to make an informed decision; learn about the power settings, WiFi connections, touchpads vs. consolidated keyboards and much more. Registration is appreciated as space is limited. North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville, 777-5061.
Tea Party Patriots
Ravalli County Tea Party Patriots will meet Thursday, December 13 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). Discussion will be on interesting new developments and direction for the group. For info contact Jennine Jones, 381-0314.
Selway-Pintler Wilderness Back Country Horsemen
SPWBCH will be holding their next regular monthly meeting on Thursday, December 13 at 6:30 p.m., in the USFS office, 1801 N. First St., Hamilton. Use the entrance in the rear of the building. Officer and director elections will be held. A Christmas raffle and refreshments are additional incentives for attendance. There will probably be some discussion regarding trail projects next year. Call Linda at 961-1435 for more information.
Cross Country Ski Club
Manager Buffie Cerutti’s program for the Bitterroot Cross Country Ski Club’s monthly meeting on Thursday, December 13 at 7 p.m. will chronicle the saga of the Lolo Pass Area and Visitor Information Center. With a rich history dating to an ancient trail, Lolo Pass was used by the Nez Perce to travel east to hunt buffalo and by the Salish traveling west to fish for salmon. The Pass was crossed by Lewis and Clark in 1805 and during the Nez Perce War in 1877. Travelers now visit Lolo Pass as a major trail head for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling in winter and endless other attractions during all seasons. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear about a unique Bitterroot landmark from an expert. The Club will also host its annual Potluck Dinner at 6 p.m. sharp. Everyone wishing to share in the evening’s activities is welcomed to attend the dinner and meeting held in the First Presbyterian Church at 1220 West Main Street, Hamilton.
BPL Fellowship Club
The Bitterroot Public Library’s Fellowship Club will be meeting on Thursday, December 13 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. to discuss “Change Your Thoughts – Change Your Life: Living the Wisdom of the Tao” by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer. In this book Dr. Dyer has reviewed hundreds of translations of the Tao Te Ching and has written 81 distinct essays on how to apply the ancient wisdom of Lao-tzu to today’s modern world. This work contains the entire 81 verses of the Tao, compiled from Wayne’s researching of 10 of the most well-respected translations of text that have survived for more than 25 centuries. Each chapter is designed for actually living the Tao or the Great Way today. Wayne spent one entire year reading, researching and meditating on Lao-tzu’s messages, practicing them each day and ultimately writing down these essays as he felt Lao-tzu wanted you to know them. Dr. Wayne W. Dyer is an internationally renowned author and speaker in the field of self-development. He’s the author of 30 books, has created many audio programs and videos, and has appeared on thousands of TV and radio shows. Several of his books are NYT bestsellers and have also been featured as National Public Television specials. 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.
Friday, December 14
Mature driving course
Are you as good a driver as you think you are? Today’s driver faces a variety of driving challenges: New traffic laws, aggressive drivers, vehicle safety features and devices. Learn solutions for these and many more situations. AARP offers its Driver Safety Program (formerly ’55 Alive) for all persons age 50 and over. The class fee is nominal, there are no driver exams or tests and membership is not required. Qualified participants may be eligible for auto insurance discounts, as mandated by the state of Montana. This four hour class will be held on Friday, December 14 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital, 1200 Westwood Drive, Hamilton. Pre-registration is advised; walk-ins may enroll but space is limited. For information contact Jones-Korman Insurance, 363-6583 or Thom Ainsworth, class instructor, at 369-0149.
South Valley Pachyderm Club
Doug Mason, Corvallis native and Historian of Corvallis American Legion Post 91, will be speaking at the South Valley Pachyderm Club meeting on Friday December 14 at 12 noon. The club meets 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.
Accordion Ensemble concerts
The Montana Accordion Ensemble will be presenting two Christmas Concerts. The first one will be Friday, December 14 at 7 p.m. at the Hamilton Senior Center and the second one will be on Saturday, December 15 at 1 p.m. at the Missoula Senior Center on Higgins Ave. The ensemble consists of accordion players from western Montana. The ensemble is under the direction of 17-year-old Kassie Patterson, a talented young accordionist who will be featured as a soloist. The concert will also feature other soloists as well as duets and quartets. Refreshments will be served at intermission. Admission is $5.00 and all proceeds will go to providing instruction and supplies for young musicians.
Saturday, December 15
NVPL Movie Matinee
Come to the North Valley Public Library on Saturday, December 15 at 12 noon for a free and fun family flick. The library will be showing a holiday favorite. Call the library at 777-5061 for movie title and information. North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville.
Mansion Christmas Party
Santa Claus will be the guest of honor at the Daly Mansion’s Community Christmas Party on Saturday, December 15 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This family celebration will include holiday festivities such as live holiday music by the Bitterroot Ragtime Society and pianist Joan Roe, dance performances by the River Street Dance Theater, self-guided tours of the Mansion, cookie decorating, crafting, children’s story time with Mrs. Santa, photos with Santa, and refreshments. There will be a special holiday admission rate that day of $5.00 for adults and $2.00 for children. Children under six will be admitted free. In thanks to our veterans, veterans will be given a $1.00 discount off of their admission and children of enlisted men and women will be admitted free. For more information, call 363-6004, ext. 3#. The Daly Mansion is located at 251 Eastside Hwy between Hamilton and Corvallis and is operated by the non-profit organization The Daly Mansion Preservation Trust.
‘Let the Parents Shop’ Day
Rock ‘N’ Riders 4H will sponsor “Let the Parents Shop” Day” on Saturday, December 15 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the American Legion on Middle Burnt Fork Roa in Stevensville. The group will watch your children while you run your Christmas errands. Snacks, lunch, games, and crafts will be provided for $5.00 per child or $10.00 per family (up to 4 kids). Children must be potty trained. There will be at least two parents on site all day. Contact Shelley Brown to reserve your spot at 777-3539 or 240-4879.
Sunday, December 16
Lone Rock park board
The Lone Rock Division of the Ravalli County Park Board will meet Sunday, December 16 at 7 p.m. at the Three Mile Fire Hall. The public is welcome.
Monday, December 17
Stevi school menu
Monday: Breakfast – Cereal or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk, Lunch – Ham & scrambled eggs, hash browns, applesauce, bread & butter, milk
Tuesday: Breakfast – Waffles or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Tacos, refried beans, orange smiles, bread & butter, chocolate or regular milk
Wednesday: Breakfast – Muffins or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Hot dogs, taters, peaches, bread & butter, milk
Thursday: Breakfast – Pancake-on-a-stick or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Pizza, glazed carrots, kiwi, bread & butter, milk
Friday: Breakfast – Egg & cheese wraps or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, cheese sticks, fresh veggies with ranch dressing, mixed fruit, bread & butter, chocolate or regular milk.
Rotary Club
The Hamilton Rotary Club program for Monday, December 17 will be a number of seasonal songs performed by the Montana A Capella Society. The club meets Mondays at noon at BJ’s Restaurant, 900 N. 1st Street, Hamilton. The A Capella Society has been invited to perform at an International Choral Festival in Ireland this coming April. It will be a special treat to hear their music. This meeting is open to the public. For further information call 363-2960.
Blood drives
Monday, December 17, Corvallis Physical Therapy, 1050 Eastside Highway. Blood mobile will be in the parking lot, 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. For appointment visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code corvallisPT.
Tuesday, December 18, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, 903 S. 4th Street. Blood mobile will be outside the gates, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For appointment visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code rml.
Wednesday December 26, Walgreens, 901 N. 1st, Blood mobile will be in the parking lot. For appointment visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code walgreenshamilton.
Hamilton Bands Winter Concert
The Hamilton Middle and High School Bands will be presenting their annual Winter Concert on Monday, December 17 in the HHS PAC beginning at 7:30 p.m. The concert will feature the middle school percussion ensemble, 6th Grade Concert Band, 7th-8th Grade Concert Band, and the HHS Symphonic Band performing traditional wind band literature as well as seasonal tunes. The concert is free of charge and everyone is encouraged to attend.
Tuesday, December 18
RASS training
State-mandated Responsible Alcohol Sales and Service training (RASS) will be held Tuesday, December 18 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at 209 N. 10th Street, Suite C, Hamilton. Any community members who are not yet certified are welcome to attend and newly hired employees may take the training within 60 days of hire. There is a $15 materials fee. Call Ryan at 532-9146 to preregister by the day before the class is held. At least five participants are needed to hold the class.
Wednesday, December 19
RCEDA
Ravalli County Economic Development Authority will hold its regular monthly board meeting on Wednesday, December 19, beginning at 3 p.m. The meeting will be held in the REC conference room, 274 Old Corvallis Rd, Hamilton, and is open to the public.