County recycling
Ravalli Recycling is open Mondays from 3 to 5:30 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.
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.
DCPL American Girl Book Club
American Girl Book Club for children meets every first Friday from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Darby Community Public Library. This popular book club includes participant book reviews and craft making such as design and creation of paper doll clothing and doll accessories. To join, call the library at 821-4771 or come to the next meeting.
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.
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.
Darby Bread Box
The Darby Bread Box is collecting canned tuna, Rice-a-Roni and toilet tissue for the month of December. You can drop off the donated items at People’s Market and the Bitterroot Credit Union in Darby. Any donation is appreciated.
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!
Ernst Peterson photo contest
The deadline for submissions to the 20th Annual Ernst Peterson Photograph Montana Contest is Thursday, February 7, 2013. The photo exhibit will open on Thursday, February 14 with the judging and award ceremony on Thursday, March 7 at the Ravalli County Museum, 205 Bedford, Hamilton. The contest invites photographers from all over Montana, amateur and professional alike, to showcase the “Best of Montana” photographs. There is also a Junior category for 12 and under. During the contest, a portion of the vast Peterson collection is on display and interpreted, along with the contestants’ work. A modest entry fee is collected and set aside for the ongoing preservation of the collection. Download a form at www.brvhsmuseum.org to participate. Call the Museum for details, 363-3338.
Animeals food drive
The Barnyard Bunch 4-H Cloverbuds are holding their First Annual “Feed The Critters” drive for Animeals. Donation bins are located in the
Lone Rock School lobby, Stevensville Feed & Farm, and Ace Home & Ranch Center in Stevensville. Their wish list includes dish/laundry soap, paper towels, and litter/bedding as well as wet/dry cat and dog food, hay cubes, grain, etc. The food is being gathered until Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2013. Be a sweetheart and help feed the critters. Call Danelle with any questions, 370-3636.
Wednesday, December 19
NVPL storytime
Come to the library on Wednesday, December 19 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. to celebrate the holiday season. Music Makers and Storytime will combine to create a celebration full of singing, dancing and reading classic holiday tales. There will be hot cocoa to sip on and gingerbread men to decorate. North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville. For more information, call the library at 777-5061.
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.
Thursday, December 20
Christmas food box preparation
Pantry Partners Food Bank volunteers will fill holiday food boxes for distribution on Thursday, December 20 at 8:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Family Center.
Back Country Horsemen
Bitter Root Back Country Horsemen host their monthly meeting on Thursday, December 20, at the Corvallis School Cafeteria on Eastside Highway in Corvallis. Potluck dinner is served at 6:30 p.m. and the general meeting starts at 7:00. The annual membership drive will take place, and all members who have paid their dues for 2013 are eligible to win raffle prizes. Guests are welcome, and for more information call Karen at 961-0101 or check the website at www.bchmt.org/bitterroot.
PFLAG Christmas party
PFLAG Hamilton-Bitterroot will have a Christmas Potluck and White Elephant gift exchange on Thursday, December 20 at 7 p.m. in the community basement room at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 600 S. Third St. Hamilton. The main dish will be provided by PFLAG. Support and information will be available for people experiencing stress during the holiday family gatherings. Yearly membership registrations are due and $25 can be paid this evening or mailed to P.O. Box 202, Hamilton MT 59840.
Stevensville Town Council
The Stevensville Town Council will meet Thursday, December 20 at 7 p.m. at the Stevensville Town Hall, 206 Buck. Agenda items include FFA presentation on Roads and Trails; First Reading of Ordinance No. 116, amending Chapter 12.28 of the Municipal Code of Regulation of Encroachments; discussion/decision on Resolution No. 308, adopting Amendments to the 2009 Growth Policy; discussion/decision on Resolution No.309, annexing the Stevensville Airport into the Town of Stevensville; and discussion of Chapter 5.04 (Business License Requirements) in Town’s Municipal Code and fees; among others.
Friday, December 21
North Valley Pachyderm Club
The North Valley Pachyderm Club will meet Friday, December 21 at noon at The Frontier Café, Hwy 93 in Stevensville. There will be installation of 2013 officers, Christmas lunch and a white elephant gift exchange. The North Valley Pachyderm Club meets the first and third Friday of each month from noon to 1 p.m. at the Frontier Café and is an educational arm of the Republican Party. All are welcome.
Saturday, December 22
Book signing
Author Joanne Puccinelli of Lolo will hold a book signing for her new children’s book on Saturday, December 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Valley Drug in Stevensville.
Homecoming means a couple of things for children’s book author Puccinelli and one of them will be “coming home” to Stevensville, where she taught in the grade school for many years, to sign copies of her new book “Naughty Nello and the Sleds.”
The other homecoming will be, of course, in her native Anaconda where she grew up in a section of that community known as Goosetown, which, in turn serves as the setting for her series of children’s books built around a young boy named Nello who repetitively finds himself in one predicament after another. Her new book, “Naughty Nello,” delves into the distinction of learning what’s right in terms of taking someone else’s property without permission – in this case, sleds. She is scheduled to sign her new book Thursday (Dec. 20) in Missoula at the Village Senior Residence at 3 p.m. and will be in Anaconda on Friday, Dec. 21, from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Beyond Necessities Gift Shop.
“Naughty Nello and the Sleds” is the second in what is to be an ongoing series of books by Puccinelli featuring stories of personal struggles, family ties, community and love. “The values taught are relevant to all children and a reminder of the rich heritage our ancestors gave us,” the author said.
She issued her new book in cooperation with Stoneydale Press of Stevensville. She earlier had self-published the first book in her series, “Naughty Nello and the Sausages,” which also will be available at the Valley Drug signing. Her new book was illustrated by Brock Elam of Missoula.
Joanne, who writes under her maiden name, now resides in Lolo with her husband, Terry Boston. She is a graduate of Gonzaga University and earned a Master’s Degree in Guidance and Counseling at the University of Montana. Presently, she is a supervisor for student teachers at UM.
Children’s Christmas Party
The Eagles will sponsor the annual community Children’s Christmas Party on Saturday, December 22 at 1 p.m. at the Bitter Root FOE lodge on 2nd Street in Hamilton. This Christmas party for children 12 and under will feature music, crafts, and a visit from Santa. This event is open to the public. For more info contact the Lodge at 363-1113.
Sunday, December 23
Christmas services
First Baptist Church, 354 Cooper Lane in Hamilton, will be presenting the cantata “Mary, Did You Know?” on Sunday morning, December 23 at 10:45 a.m. In addition, there will be a Christmas Eve service on Monday, Dec. 24 at 7 p.m. All are invited. For more information call 363-3735.
Monday, December 24
Christmas Eve service
Lone Rock Bible Church invites you to attend a special one-hour service on Monday, December 24 beginning at 6 p.m. The church is located at 1142 Three Mile Creek Road, northeast of Stevensville.
Christmas Eve service
The Florence Carlton Community Church will hold Candlelight Christmas Eve services on Monday, December 24 at 5 and 7 p.m. All are welcome.
Christmas Eve service
St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church on Main Street in Stevensville invites all to a candlelight communion service on Christmas Eve at 5 p.m. Casual dress is encouraged because you should come as you are.
Christmas Eve service
On Christmas Eve at 8 pm, there will be a Candlelight Service held at Dayspring Church in Florence. All are invited to a special night of music and celebration to honor the birth of Jesus Christ. There will be refreshments served afterwards. The location is 185 Westgate Way in Florence.
Christmas gatherings
The First Baptist Church in Stevensville invites you to celebrate the immensity of the person of Christ this season. “Entering Chaos – The Birth of Christ” is the theme of a Christmas Eve gathering on Monday, December 24 at 6:30 p.m. “Conquering Chaos – The Life of Christ” is the theme of a Christmas Day gathering on Tuesday, December 25 at 11 a.m. which will conclude with a celebration meal. Everyone is welcome. The church is located at the corner of 4th and Church Streets. Call 777-5677 for more information.
Wednesday, December 26
Blood drive
There will be a blood drive on Wednesday, December 26 at Walgreens, 901 N. 1st, Hamilton. Blood mobile will be in the parking lot. For appointment visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code walgreenshamilton.
NVPL Winter Break Activities
Come to the library and get out of the house for winter break fun! Every weekday from 2 to 4 p.m., the library will host free and enriching activities and movies (with popcorn) for all youth and families. On Wednesday, December 26, check out the animated new release about a group of zoo animals on the run in Europe. On Thursday, December 27, prepare yourself to be transported to a mythical land in a movie about a headstrong girl and her Scottish family. On Friday, December 28, the library will host a winter art day – drop in to make a watercolor winter wonderland and a unique New Year’s Eve masquerade mask. And before you start the party on Monday, December 31, come to the library for a showing of Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones’ latest release about the secret world of aliens. Contact the library for movie title information. North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville. For more information, call the library at 777-5061.