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.
Darby Library seeking volunteers
Do you love libraries? Are you looking for something new and interesting in 2013? Would you like to volunteer a few hours a week for your community? If so, consider volunteering at the Darby Community Public Library. One of the nicest small-town libraries in Montana, the Darby Library is a successful and growing community resource, and is in need of more support and assistance. If you would be interested in sharing your time and talents, think about joining the staff of dedicated volunteers in the new year. Volunteer applications are available at the library. For more information call Wendy Campbell at 821-4771.
Upcoming BPL events
Computer classes with the Web on Wheels Bus are held on Thursdays from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Word Basics will be presented January 24. Preregistration is required.
The “Great Conversation” at the BPL Socrates Café will be held January 22, 7 to 9 p.m. at the West meeting room of the library.
Celebrate the long winter nights with others. Come to the “How to Festival” – 6 Events, 6 weeks, 100% free. The January events begin with Chip Jasmin in Concert on January 24 from 7 to 8 p.m. in the west meeting room of the library. On January 31 there will be Knit and Purl (Basic Knitting) from 7 to 8 p.m. in the west meeting room of the library.
Come to the “Brown Bag It” Book Discussion on January 31 from 12 noon to 1 p.m. in the west meeting room of the library. Discussion will be on “The Flame Trees of Thika: Memories of an African Childhood” by Elsbeth Huxley.
All programs are free and open to the public. Call the library at 363-1670 for more information.
Flu shots for veterans
Veterans can get a free flu shot at the VA clinic in Hamilton or Missoula. No appointment is needed. Clinic addresses and phone numbers can be found at www.montana.va.gov or call 1-877-468-8387. Flu can cause serious illness and death even in young, healthy people. The most common side effect of flu vaccination is soreness, redness, and swelling at the injection site for a day or two. The vaccine isn’t perfect, but vaccines have proven to be effective for reducing illness in 70%-90% of healthy adults.
Darby Bread Box collections
The Darby Bread Box is collecting the following items for the month of January and February: canned chili, tuna, dried beans and rice. You can drop off the donated items at People’s Market and the Bitterroot Credit Union in Darby. Any donation would be appreciated.
Free tax preparation
Starting February 7, free income tax preparation is available to low and moderate income individuals of all ages every Thursday at the Stevensville Senior Center by appointment. Call 777-5681 for more information.
Folk dancing at Senior Center
Come out Saturday evenings for a fun time dancing Mainstream and Plus Square Dances with cued Round Dances between Tips. The Round Dances include Two Step, Waltz, Rumba, Cha Cha, Jive and Fox Trot as time permits. Boots and Calico Square Dance Club has their dance with a Plus Workshop of Round Dances from 7 to 7:30 p.m. and Mainstream Dance from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Callers for the dances are Ray Dunbar and/or Barry Bartlette. Doctors have documented that square dancing is good physical and mental exercise for maintaining health.
Darby Library Adopt-A-Book
Darby Community Public Library is offering an annual Adopt-A-Book program, an opportunity to “adopt” a children’s book for the children’s collection at the library. Adopt-A-Book takes place during “I Love To Read Month” in February. This program relies on the generosity of library supporters to add quality library materials to our collection. Community members can purchase a book to honor a special child, friend, relative, or event such as Valentine’s Day. Donors may also choose to adopt a book as a memorial to a loved one. Each hardbound book is $15. A wide variety of colorful new books are now on display and awaiting adoption at the library. Following adoption, a bookplate will be inscribed with donor’s personal message and adhered to the inside book cover. A special acknowledgement letter will be included for the book donor to share with the honoree. For more information, call the library at 821-4771 or stop by the circulation desk at 101 ½ South Marshall Street, Darby.
Ski bus program
The Hamilton Lions Club and the Greater Ravalli Foundation will once again sponsor a ski bus on Saturdays to Lost Trail Ski Resort program for local youth. Cost is $5.00 per rider. Discounted ski rates are: under 13, $20.00; 13 and older, $25.00; adults, $25.00. Bring exact amounts for riding and skiing; no checks can be accepted. Dates are Saturdays, January 26 and February 2, 9, 16, 23. Bus loads at Westview Center, Hamilton at 8 a.m. and departs at 8:30 a.m. Return bus loads at 3:30 p.m. and leaves ski area at 4 p.m. sharp, getting back to Westview by 5 p.m. All skis and boards must be in a bag and are carried in an escort pickup. Boots and lunch bags can be carried on bus. If rental is needed a signed rental slip must accompany the rider; sponsors cannot sign slips. Rental forms are available at the bus; rental fees are paid at lodge when getting equipment.
Special Olympics
The 2013 Winter Special Olympics will be held Tuesday and Wednesday, January 29 and 30 at Lost Trail / Powder Mountain Ski Area. Individual, family, and group volunteers are needed for this event. No winter sports skills are required; just be prepared for a day filled with more smiles and good times than you’ll get in a year! If you would like to volunteer, call Carla Christofferson at 363-3028.
Fair theme contest
Everyone is invited to submit entries for the annual fair theme to: ravallicountyfair@gmail.com or mail to: Ravalli County Fairgrounds, 100 Old Corvallis Road, Hamilton, MT 59840. Deadline for submissions is Friday, February 1. The winning theme will be chosen by the Fair Commission at their February meeting. The winner will receive a season pass to the 2012 Ravalli County Fair, a VIP parking pass, VIP seating for all arena events and a fair t-shirt.
Wednesday, January 23
NVPL Storytime
Come to the library on Wednesday, January 23 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. for Storytime and Craft Hour, a free early learning program for toddlers and preschoolers. With a different theme each week, storytime features listening to engaging library picture books, fingerplays and songs and creating 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.
Bitterroot College Advisory Council
The Advisory Council for the Bitterroot College of The University of Montana will hold its monthly meeting on Wednesday, January 23 at 3 p.m. in the Conference Room at the Human Resource Council Building, 316 N. 3rd Street in Hamilton. The BC Advisory Council is a public board and welcomes members of the public to observe and participate at its meetings. The meeting agenda and supplemental meeting materials are available: on the BC website at Advisory Council Meetings, by calling the BC Business Office at 375-0100, or by emailing victoria.clark@umontana.edu.
Thursday, January 24
NVPL Tech Class
Computer Basics 102 will be offered on Thursday, January 24 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the North Valley Public Library. This small, hands on class is available to novices or for those looking to brush up on specific skills. You do not have to have attended the Basics 101 course to come to this class. Don’t be shy, bring your questions! Registration is appreciated as space is limited. North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville, 777-5061.
CHS Cheer Camp
The Corvallis High School cheerleaders will host a Cheer Camp on January 24-26 open to K-8th grades. This is a fundraising event for the GAN Warriors with proceeds to benefit Hannah’s Hope Fund for GAN. Call 406-381-3053 for more information.
Stevi Town Council
The Stevensville Town Council will meet Thursday, January 24 at 7 p.m. at the Town Hall, 206 Buck. A public hearing will precede the meeting at 6 p.m. At the hearing, comments will be accepted on the proposed amendment to the municipal code concerning general business licensing. Agenda items for the regular meeting include: first reading of the business license code amendment, discussion/decision on legal services contract, discussion/decision on bids for airport taxilane project, and discussion/decision on MFCU sewer line agreement, to name a few.
Victor park board
The Victor Park District will hold its next regular meeting on Thursday, January 24 at the Farmers State Bank meeting room in Victor (enter rear door from the south parking lot) at 7 p.m. Discussion items include upcoming open seats on the Board, the election process, and the budget for the year. The public is welcome. Call Roger De Haan at 961-3953 for more information.
BPL musical evening
“An Evening with Chip Jasmin: a Concert for Adults and Teens” will be held Thursday, January 24 from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Bitterroot Public Library in Hamilton. Chip Jasmin is a musician, songwriter, and educator with a unique way of teaching about our home. Enjoy an evening of acoustical music. This Artist in Schools/Communities program is partially supported by grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Montana Arts Council and the State of Montana. The concert will be held in the West Meeting Room and is free and open to the public.
Friday, January 25
South Valley Pachyderm Club
Alexandra Morton will be the speaker for the next meeting of the South Valley Pachyderm Club on Friday, January 25 at 12 noon. She will be discussing what it’s like growing up and live under communism. 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.
Sons of Norway Cultural Camp
Bitterrootdalen Lodge, Sons of Norway, will hold a free cultural weekend starting Friday, January 25 at 5:30 p.m. at the Town House Inn in Hamilton. Friday evening will feature cards and games, with emphasis on learning how to play whist. Other card games and games for kids will also take place. On Saturday, January 26, activities will include: a rosemaling class at 10 a.m., wheat weaving class at 11 a.m. and lefse-making at 12 noon. Denis Huck of Helena will teach chip carving at 1 p.m. There will be other hobbies and crafts from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be a table with information on language, genealogy, and “antiques roadshow” for the public to bring artifacts and Scandinavian objects for evaluation. Vendors will have Scandinavian gifts and free snacks will be available.
The Cultural Camp will adjourn to Faith Lutheran Church on Lewis Lane at 3 p.m. for the Scandinavian dinner and return for an evening of cards and games. As always, visitors are cordially welcome.
NVPL Film Noir Series
Experience the iconic black and white style of Film Noir at the library all through the month of January at the North Valley Public Library. Every Friday evening from 6 to 8 p.m., the library will host a free film and casual discussion for film buffs, mystery lovers and anyone wanting to add a little suspense and intrigue into these dark winter nights. Contact the library for film title information. North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville, 777-5061.
Saturday, January 26
Darby Little Guy Wrestling signups
The Darby Wrestling Club will be having Little Guy Wrestling sign-ups for all children 6 to 14 years old on Saturday, January 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Darby High School Gym entrance. Wrestlers who sign up will receive free admission to the High School Wrestling tournament that day. Little Guy Wrestling is a 4- to 6-week wrestling program with meets on some Friday evenings and Saturdays beginning February 11 and running through mid-March. Children do not have to be enrolled in Darby Schools to participate. After the first four weeks, wrestlers will have to qualify to continue the next two weeks. Come join the fun and let your little athlete learn a new sport and burn off some of that extra winter energy! If you can’t make the scheduled sign-up date or need assistance with the cost of the program, contact Robin Conner at 821-4864. DWC is also looking for qualified volunteer coaches to help build the program. Contact Ted Adams at 529-0283 for more information.
Travelers’ Rest Storytelling Series
The Annual Winter Storytelling Series at Travelers’ Rest State Park in Lolo is held every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in January and February at The Holt Museum and Visitor Center. For many Native American cultures, winter is the time for storytelling around the campfire. The Salish and Kootenai, Pend d’Orielle, and others pass on tribal history, family stories and the ways of their culture through their oral traditions. Today, tribal elders and cultural leaders preserve the powerful tradition of storytelling at Travelers’ Rest State Park.
Storytellers featured in the series are:
Jan. 26: Kootenai Wintertime Stories – Vernon Finley, Kootenai tribal member, will present traditional Kootenai winter stories. He is the language curriculum coordinator for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.
Feb. 2: Family Storytime – Amber Jean Greymorning, daughter of Neyooxet Greymorning, will present a program especially for kids and families that will include crafts, hands-on discovery and hot cocoa. Greymorning studies music education at the University of Montana. She began to learn Arapaho in the seventh grade and is dedicated to revitalizing the language.
Feb. 9: Salish Wintertime Stories – Frances Vanderburg has taught Salish language at Arlee Elementary School and the Salish Kootenai College for more than 35 years. She builds bridges in the community by teaching the Salish language and culture to all students regardless of their tribal affiliation.
Feb. 16: Coyote Stories – Stephen Small Salmon is a Pend d’ Oreille Elder from Pablo. He is a member of the Salish/Pend d’Oreille Culture Committee and works as a Salish language specialist at Nkwusm School in Arlee.
Travelers’ Rest State Park, the location of a centuries-old Native American gathering ground, is also the site where the 33-member Lewis and Clark Expedition camped in 1805 and 1806. In the 2012 summer season (May – August) nearly 25,000 people visited this state park, a 14% increase over the 2011 season.
Visit Montana State Parks (stateparks.mt.gov) and enjoy camping, hiking, fishing, swimming, boating and more and discover some of the greatest natural and cultural treasures on earth.
Scandinavian Dinner
Faith Lutheran Church will hold a Scandinavian Dinner on Saturday, January 26 from 3 to 7 p.m. at the church at 171 Lewis Lane, Hamilton (turn east at Murdoch’s). Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for children 16 and under and are available at Faith Lutheran Church, the Paper Clip or at the door. Call 363-2964 for more information.
Habitat for Humanity meeting
Do you know a family that might become our next partner family? Habitat for Humanity of Ravalli County is currently accepting applications for a partner family for our next home build in Stevensville. A Partner Family informational meeting will be held Saturday, January 26 at 2 and 7 p.m. at the Stevensville Main Street Association office, 102 Main Street, Stevensville. Learn about Habitat for Humanity of Ravalli County, what being a partner family entails and fill out an application. Visit the web site www.ravallihabitat.org for more information and to download an application and checklist or call 375-1926.
Sunday, January 27
Five Valley Accordion Assn.
The Five Valley Accordion group invites you to join them at their jam in Florence at the Rustic Hut on Sunday, January 27 from 1 to 4 p.m. Come listen and dance to accordions, guitars, banjos, drums, etc. Admission is $3.00 for members and $4.00 for nonmembers.
Monday, January 28
Stevi school menu
Jan. 28-Feb. 1
Monday: Breakfast – Cereal or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Pizza, spinach salad, pineapple, bread & butter, milk
Tuesday: Breakfast – Pancake on a stick or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Chicken enchilada casserole, black beans, pears, bread & butter, chocolate or regular milk
Wednesday: Breakfast – Bagels & cream cheese or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Beef steaks, mashed potatoes & gravy, oranges, bread & butter, milk
Thursday: Breakfast – French toast or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Mac & cheese, fresh veggies, grapes, bread & butter, milk
Friday: Breakfast – Ham bites or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Chicken sandwiches, mixed veggies, mandarin oranges, bread & butter, chocolate or regular milk.
Rotary Club
During January, Hamilton Rotary Club speakers are focusing on Outdoor Activities in the Bitterroot. Chuck Stranahan, who owns the Hamilton business, “Flies & Guides”, will be speaker for the next meeting, Monday, January 28. The club meets Mondays at noon at BJ’s Restaurant, 900 N. 1st Street, Hamilton. This meeting is open to the public. For further information call 363-2960.
Folk dance lessons
Beginning Square Dance lessons are starting Monday, January 28 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The 10-week program will cover most of the mainstream basics. No dance experience is necessary. The class is being offered by the Hamilton Adult Ed program. To sign up call 375-6060, ext. 0. For further information call instructor Ray Dunbar, 961-4528.
Scrabble Club
Come and enjoy face to face fun playing America’s favorite word game on Monday, January 28 from 7 to 9 p.m. in the downstairs meeting room of the Bitterroot Public Library in Hamilton. The club meets the second and fourth Mondays. All abilities are welcome. For more information contact Tony Rasch, 363-3405.
Veterans’ Upward Bound courses
Veterans’ Upward Bound (VUB) is a free U.S. Department of Education program designed to help eligible U.S. military veterans gain and refresh essential skills so that they can successfully compete for jobs, start college, or simply improve their lives. The Bitterroot College is proud to bring VUB courses to Ravalli County. Courses include:
College Success Strategies – Jan 31 – Mar 21, Thurs, 6 to 7:30 pm
Computer Basics – Jan 28 – Mar 20, Mon & Wed, 6 to 7:30 pm
Math Refresher – Jan 28 – Mar 20, Mon & Wed, 4:30 to 6 pm
Writing Refresher – Jan 29 – Mar 21, Tues & Thurs, 4:30 to 6 pm
For more information or to register for Veterans’ Upward Bound courses, call 1-877-356-VETS (8387) or visit www.vubmt.com.All Courses
Fish & Wildlife Assn.
The Ravalli County Fish & Wildlife Association will hold a general meeting on Monday, January 28 at 7 p.m. upstairs at the Hamilton Fire Hall. Guest speaker will be Bitterroot Fisheries Biologist Chris Clancy. Topics to be covered are river projects, fish population trends in the river, a study on rainbow/cutthroat hybrids in the river and brown trout expansion in the East Fork of the Bitterroot and some tributaries. Meetings are open to the public and newcomers are welcome. If you have any questions, call Dave at 777-5786.
Tuesday, January 29
Valley Christian Info Night
Valley Christian School will host its annual High School Information Night on Tuesday, January 29 at 7 p.m. The evening starts in the North Building auditorium. Students and parents are invited to come learn more about the academics advanced placement classes, sports programs, extracurricular activities and clubs, missions trips, tuition grants, and more. Come discover how Valley Christian School combines academics and a Biblical world view to create an education for eternity. Valley Christian School is an interdenominational Christian school located at 2526 Sunset Lane, Missoula. For more information, call 549-0482.