Spring Thaw
The 4th Annual Spring Thaw is scheduled for Saturday, March 16 in the First Interstate Center at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds. This is a marketplace to see what your neighbors have been making over the long winter, and to sell your goods. Crafters and businesses are invited to participate, applications are available at http://rc.mt.gov/fair/forms.mcpx. Call 363-3411 for more information.
Challenganza signups
Do you believe in a great life above the influence of drugs and alcohol? Need to make a change? Come and celebrate fun, safe choices and your healthy self at the Above the Influence Challenganza on Saturday, March 23 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at the Rocky Mountain Grange, 1436 S. 1st Street in Hamilton. What is a Challenganza? A football toss, basketball shoot, archery range, putting green, soccer kick and more challenging and fun things for everyone 10 years old and up. Teams of four can also enter. Everyone wins! Free t-shirt and lunch for participants! Sign up by March 15. Entry forms are available online at www.bckn.weebly.com, by calling 532-9149 or at your school’s front office. This is a fundraiser for Tobacco Free Ravalli and WMAS Prevention and all monies will go to providing youth-oriented community events.
Capitol field trip
Would you like an opportunity to travel to Helena and tour the Capitol as well as sit in on some sessions and ask our representatives questions? Leadership Bitterroot is offering you this opportunity. On Wednesday, March 20, Chamber of Commerce members will be traveling by bus to Helena. The bus will leave the Chamber around 7:30 a.m. and will return approximately 8 p.m. It will be a long day, but a very interesting one for everyone going. There will be a guided tour of the Capitol, followed by lunch with our representatives. You will then have an opportunity to sit in on whichever session you choose. Cost will be $45 per person, which will cover lunch, Capitol tour and traveling expense. You will also be able to tour the Capitol Museum, which is within walking distance, at a discount price (usually around $5). On the return trip there will be a stop at The Law Dog Saloon for a light dinner. If you are interested, give Pat a call at 363-2400. Seating will be limited so don’t wait – call now!
Tack consignments wanted
Consignments are being accepted for the 9th annual 4-H Tack Swap to be held Saturday, March 16 at the Lone Rock Elementary School Gym. Consignment drop off dates are Saturday, March 9 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday, March 10 from 2 to 5 p.m. and Wednesday, March 13 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. behind the Three Mile Trading Company on Store Lane. For more information call Theresa at 207-1130.
Fair poster art contest
The Ravalli County Fairgrounds is hosting an art contest for the annual Fair Poster and T-shirt. Winner will receive a cash prize of $250, two season passes to the 2013 Ravalli County Fair, VIP parking and reserved seating for all arena events Aug 28-31. Successful candidate will create the fair poster depicting the 2013 fair theme “4-H Pride and an 8 Second Ride” The judges would like the poster to showcase the community spirit of fair, the sport of rodeo, and the dedication of 4-H youth. Submit your entries to the Ravalli County Fairgrounds Office in .jpeg format by noon on April 5 or email to ravallicountyfair.org.
Darby Bread Box collections
The Darby Bread Box is collecting the following items for the months of March, April and May: canned corn, soup and spaghetti sauce. Drop off the donated items at People’s Market and the Bitterroot Credit Union in Darby. Any donation is appreciated.
Victor Community Garden plots available
Victor Community Garden is now accepting reservations for the
2013 summer. The garden offers 20′ by 20′ plots and supplies compost, mulch, tools and watering. The cost is $26 for the year and that
also includes rent of a port-a-potty. The garden is on 5th Ave, just west of Victor. For more information contact Jill at 642-3601.
Wednesday, March 6
NVPL storytime
Come to the library on Wednesday, March 6 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. for Storytime and Craft Hour, a free early learning program for toddlers and preschoolers. With a different theme each week, children will listen to an engaging library picture book, 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.
Stevi Main Street Assn.
The monthly general meeting of the Stevensville Main Street Association will be held Wednesday, March 6 at 12 noon at the Main Street office, 102B Main. Erin Lambson. office manager for Stevensville Community Physicians Group, will give a presentation. The Catered Table will be providing lunch for $6 per person. For more information call 777-3773.
Baby Sign Language Class
Would you like to jumpstart your baby’s language development? Enhance your child’s self-esteem? Stimulate your baby’s intellectual development? Strengthen your parent-infant bond or reduce your child’s communication frustrations?
A Baby Sign Language Class designed to benefit most children and their guardian will begin Wednesday, March 6 and meet every Wednesday for 6 weeks from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. in the Marcus Daly Rehabilitation Service’s pediatric gym. The gym is located inside the new Marcus Daly Rehabilitation Center at the west end of 1200 Westwood Drive, Hamilton. Amy Yockey, MS, CCC/SLP, an accomplished and licensed Speech Therapist at Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital, will be teaching this class. If you have a child in your life 6 months to 3 years of age, call Marcus Daly Rehabilitation Services at 375-4570 to reserve your spot today. The fee is $25 and space is limited.
Spiritual Cinema
The monthly Center for Spiritual Living Spiritual Cinema will meet on Wednesday, March 6 at 6:30 p.m. The movie this month will be “Defending Your Life,” with Meryl Streep, Albert Brooks and Michael Durrell. The Center For Spiritual Living is located at 1720 N. First Street in Hamilton (Selway Commons just north of Sears). For more information visit www.cslbitterroot.org.
Thursday, March 7
Herb Collective
The third quarterly meeting of the Bitterroot Herb Collective will be Thursday, March 7, at 7 p.m. at Youth Connections, 802 Main Street, Hamilton. Join in to discuss your herbal needs and interests and view a DVD entitled “Herbalism: Unlocking the Healing” which discusses Western Herbalism and tapping into the “life force energies” of plants to heal a variety of illnesses and conditions. Participants will also share their hopes for spring plantings. BHC is a group of gardeners, herbalists, healers and cooks who value herbs for healing, herbal products, how-to’s, and general information. All are welcome.
Photo contest awards ceremony
The Awards Ceremony for the Ernst Peterson Photo Contest will be held Thursday, March 7 at 6 p.m. at the Ravalli County Museum, 205 Bedford in Hamilton. Come mingle with fellow shutterbugs from your community and view over 400 beautiful and creative photos. Special awards will be announced! Ribbons will be up and light refreshments will be served.
Tired Iron Club
The Bitterroot Tired Iron Club will meet at the home of Russell and Bonnie Zacha on Thursday, March 7 at 7 p.m. The address is 903 Birch Creek Loop, Corvallis. For more information call Bob Thorson at 961-3405.
Friday, March 8
South Valley Pachyderm Club
Ravalli County Sheriff Chris Hoffman will be speaking at the next meeting of the South Valley Pachyderm Club on Friday, March 8. Sheriff Hoffman will be speaking about the issues of gun control versus our Constitutional rights. There will be time for questions and discussion. The club meets at 12 noon 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.
Eagles dinner
Chef Greg will be serving Friday night dinner for the public at the Bitterroot Eagles lodge on Friday, March 8 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The menu is pork roast, mashed potatoes, veggies and dessert for $8 per meal. Proceeds will go to the Bitterroot Eagles Scholarship program.
Knights of Columbus Fish Fry
The Knights of Columbus will hold their fourth of six Lenten Friday Fish Fry this coming Friday, March 8 from 5 to 6:45 p.m. at St. Francis’ Pastoral Center located at 411 S. 5th, Hamilton. The meal consists of fish, fries, coleslaw, “Niezgodzki’s Mac n Cheese”, vegetables, dessert and soft beverage. It is “all you can eat” for $10.00 per person; children under nine are free. Wine can be purchased separately. The money earned at the fish fries goes back to the community through various charity and community events conducted by the Knights of Columbus. Your donation is tax deductible. Everyone is welcome so come out, bring a friend and enjoy the evening. For information contact Nick Hooper at 961-3930.
Women’s Day film showing
Celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8 by coming to a special showing of “Half the Sky,” the provocative documentary inspired by the groundbreaking book by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn. “Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide” was filmed in 10 countries and follows Kristof, WuDunn, and celebrity activists America Ferrera, Diane Lane, Eva Mendes, Meg Ryan, Gabrielle Union, and Olivia Wilde on a journey to tell the stories of inspiring, courageous individuals. Across the globe, oppression is being confronted, and real meaningful solutions are being fashioned through health care, education, and economic empowerment for women and girls. The film addresses gender-based violence, economic empowerment, sex trafficking and forced prostitution, maternal mortality and educating women and girls. It is an inspiring call to action and a hopeful tribute to those working for women and girls worldwide.
The showing will be held at the Ravalli County Museum, on Bedford Street in Hamilton. Part one will be shown from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., with a potluck dinner and discussion following. Part two will be shown from 7 to 9 p.m., with time to linger and converse afterward. People are welcome to come and stay for the entire evening, or as they are able. This event is free and hosted by Supporters of Abuse Free Environments and Soroptimist International of Hamilton. For more information, call 363-2793.
Saturday, March 9
Beekeeping workshop
A workshop for beginning beekeepers will be held Saturday, March 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Montana State University. The instructors will explain how to buy bees and equipment, establish a new beehive, register and maintain hives, prevent pests, and harvest honey and wax. They will also demonstrate candle-making. Participants will be able to taste various types of honey. Cost of the workshop is $25 per person, which includes lunch. A registration form is available at
https://www.msuextension.org/Intranet/document/share/2013%20Spring%20Beekeeping%20Workshop.pdf. Participants should send a check (make it out to MSU) and the registration form to: Spring Beekeeping Workshop, Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology, P.O. Box 173150, MSU, Bozeman, MT 59717-3150. Directions and parking instructions will be emailed to registered participants. For more information contact Ruth O’Neill at (406) 994-5176 or ruth.oneill@montana.edu.
Bitterroot Beekeepers
Beekeepers of the Bitterroot will meet Saturday, March 9 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Solid Rock Baptist Church, 1050 East Side Highway in Corvallis. Topics will include: getting ready for spring, what to look for, what can go wrong, as well as feeding and medication. There will also be information about buying nucs (bees in a five-frame box) from Spokane, in April, in order to restock hives. The public is invited. For more information contact Allen Bjergo at 961-4538.
4-H livestock project class
“Raising a 4-H Livestock Project for Beginners” will be offered on Saturday, March 9 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at the Church of the Nazarene (new facility) on 803 Fifth Avenue in Victor. Come learn about potential animal health needs, feed and nutrition, resources available for members and leaders, and what it is required for taking a livestock animal as a 4-H project. You will get a chance to talk with experienced 4-H members and leaders with a question & answer session to help demystify your new project adventure. For questions or additional information, contact the MSU/Ravalli County Extension office at 375-6611.
Gardening classes
Is your green thumb waking up from its winter nap? Join Molly Hackett for Starting Plants From Seeds on Saturday, March 9 from 10 to 11 a.m. and Container Gardening on Saturday, March 16 from 10 to 11 a.m. All classes are free and are located at Valley View Estates, 225 N. 8th Street, Hamilton, 363-1144.
NVPL Movie Matinee
Stop by the North Valley Public Library at 12 noon on the first, second and third Saturday of the month for a free and fun flick. During the month of March the library will feature movies to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Comedies, modern day musicals and fairy tales; all set in beautiful Ireland. Contact the library for film title information. North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville, 777-5061.
Dances of Universal Peace
The next gathering for Dances of Universal Peace will be Saturday, March 9, with a potluck at 6:30 p.m. and dancing at 7:30 at the Center for Spiritual Living, 1720 N. 1st Street, Ste. C, Hamilton (Selway Shopping Center, north of Sears store). Enjoy good food, community, and join the easy circle dances that are taught each time. The dances draw from many spiritual traditions to remember our Unity. All ages are welcome. Donation is requested for space rental and supplies. Call Star at 546-5344 for more information.
Contra Dance
Contra Dancing will take place Saturday, March 9 from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at River Street Dance Theater, 421 N. 2nd St., Hamilton. The caller will be Morna Leonard with music by Celtic Knots. Cost is $5 per person or $10 per family. Dancers need no experience, all dances are taught, and singles are welcome. The event is fragrance-free. For information call 642-3601.
Good Time Jamboree Concert
The upcoming concert of the ongoing Good Time Jamboree at the Rocky Mountain Grange Hall will take place on Saturday, March 9 from 7 to 9:15 p.m.
Opening the concert will be the trio of Clem Small, Pam Small, and Jack Mauer playing guitar, bass, and dobro playing Western swing music. Following this trio is a jazz duet combo of Charla Bauman and Greg Smith. The special program entertainment for the evening will feature the cowboy poetry of Buck Hagan. After intermission Jacqueline Brazil, Tim Ezzel, and John Mann will present a program focusing on the Celtic roots of American folk music. And rounding out the program for the evening will be Doug Hogan aka “Trail Rider” performing a number of his cowboy song selections. While admission to the concert is free, a suggested donation of $3 or more is always appreciated to help defray the costs of the jamboree. The Rocky Mountain Grange Hall is located about a mile south of Hamilton on the east side of Us 93 just past the Valley Pet Clinic. For more information or questions, contact John at 381-2483.
Monday, March 11
Rotary Club
Anna Green, director of the Bitterroot Youth Home, will be the speaker for Monday, March 11 meeting of the Hamilton Rotary Club. Green will be discussing the work and challenges of the Youth Home. There will be time for questions and discussion. 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.
Green Thumbs Up
The Green Thumbs Up garden club will meet Monday, March 11 at 2 p.m. in the Community Meeting Room, downstairs in the Bitterroot Public Library, Hamilton. Molly Hackett, writer of Dirty Fingernails, will speak on seed starting and timing, and as always, welcomes all questions regarding your gardening. The meeting is free and open to the public. For further information contact Susan Duff, 961-5455.
Stevi school menu
Monday: Breakfast – French toast or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Cheese filled bread sticks, marinara sauce, broccoli Normandy, apricots, bread & butter, milk
Tuesday: Breakfast – Cereal or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Taco salad, chips & salsa, oranges, bread & butter, chocolate or regular milk
Wednesday: Breakfast – Muffins or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Tuna salad sandwiches, fresh veggies with ranch dressing, peaches, bread & butter, milk
Thursday: Breakfast – Pancake on a stick or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Turkey & stuffing, tossed salad, grapes, bread & butter, milk
Friday: Breakfast – Scrambled eggs or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Corn dogs, baked beans, mixed fruit, bread & butter, chocolate or regular milk
Tuesday, March 12
Stevi school board
The regular meeting of the Stevensville School Board of Trustees will be Tuesday, March 12 at 7 p.m. in the Stevensville Music Center Choir Room.
Blood drawings
Tuesday, March 12: Hamilton Community, 12:30 to 5:30 p.m., Grace Lutheran Church, 275 Hattie Lane. For appointment call the American Red Cross, 543-6695.
Thursday, March 14: Stevensville community, sponsored by the Stevensville High School National Honor Society, blood drive will be held in the gym, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For an appointment call the high school, 777-5481.
Tuesday, March 26, Darby community, 2 to 6 p.m. Blood drive will be held in the Darby Community Club House. For appointment call Rita Ser Voss, 821-4130.