Wednesday, April 3
BPL preschool story time
Preschoolers are invited to meet in the children’s corner of the Bitterroot Public Library on Wednesday, April 3 to enjoy “Ten!” with storyteller Sally Blevins. 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 story time
Plant a Seed Storytime will be held Wednesday, April 3 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the North Valley Public Library in Stevensville.Storytime and Craft is an enriching early learning program for toddlers and preschoolers. With a different theme each week, children will enjoy listening to entertaining books, engaging in fingerplays and songs and creating a fun 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 Community Public Library events
The Darby Community Public Library invites the community to celebrate National Poetry Month and National Library Week at the Darby library in April. Homeschool Story Hour will be held April 3at 11 a.m.
In celebration of National Poetry Month, the Darby library is pleased to display local poetry from young and old throughout the library this month. National Library Week is April 14-20. Enter to win a free book with every visit to the library this week. Families are welcome after school on Tuesday, April 16 to Stay and Play at the library, with building blocks, early literacy games, and a new Lego center for family play time. Basic Computer help with one-to-one assistance will be held April 26 at 9 a.m. Also, every week the library sponsors a Children’s Story Time on Tuesdays at 11 a.m. for all children aged five years and under.
Come visit the library during April.
Spiritual Cinema
The Center for Spiritual Living invites everyone to Spiritual Cinema on Wednesday, April 3 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The movie entitled “I Am” is a 2010 documentary film written, narrated, and directed by Tom Shadyac, director of such box-office-gold comedies as “Ace Ventura” and “Bruce Almighty.” The documentary explores Shadyac’s personal journey after a 2007 bicycle accident, “the nature of humanity” and “world’s ever-growing addiction to materialism.” The Center for Spiritual Living is located at 1720 N. First Street, Suite C in Selway Commons, north of Sears in Hamilton. For more information call 381-2355.
Thursday, April 4
BPL iPad Users Group
iPad Users Group meets on Thursday, April 4 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. in the west meeting room of the Bitterroot Public Library in Hamilton. Share tips and tricks and learn new applications from others. The meeting is free and open to the public.
Poster contest
Students in the Keystone to Discovery After-school Program will compete in a special poster contest opportunity from the Bitter Root Water Forum and the Bitterroot Conservation District on Thursday, April 4 at 6 p.m. at the Ravalli County Museum, 205 Bedford in Hamilton. Come and vote for your favorite poster. Prizes will be awarded to the winners. Presented by the Bitter Root Water Forum and Ravalli County Museum. For information call 363-3338, ext. 18.
Stevi COW meeting
The Stevensville Town Council will hold a Committee of the Whole meeting on Thursday, April 4 at 6:30 p.m. at the town hall, 206 Buck. The agenda includes a review and discussion of the sidewalk construction ordinance, animal ordinance, special events permit ordinance and weapons ordinance.
Owl Walk at Teller Refuge
Explore owls at Teller Wildlife Refuge during an evening stroll on Thursday, April 4. Meet at 7:45 p.m. at the Woodside Bridge Fishing Access Site, located on the east side of Woodside Bridge between the Woodside Crossing of Highway 93 and Corvallis. The group will walk just over a mile on the Teller Trail along the Bitterroot River, stopping to survey for northern pygmy-owls, long-eared owls, and northern saw-whet owls. The trail is generally flat but there are some uneven spots and river cobbles to cross. Depending on spring run-off, it may be necessary to cross some areas with shallow water; wear waterproof hiking or irrigation boots. Participants will need to bring a flashlight or headlamp. This walk will take approximately 1.5 hrs. This event is co-sponsored by Teller Wildlife Refuge and Bitterroot Audubon. For information call 381-1115.
Tired Iron Club
The Bitterroot Tire Iron club will meet Thursday, April 4 at 7 p.m. at the home of Richard and Barbara Staat, 121 Meadow Lane, Victor. For more information call Bob Thorson at 961-3405.
Water Month
The Bitter Root Water Forum (BRWF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring clean water for this and future generations through conservation projects and watershed education. To recognize the importance of our local water resources, BRWF celebrates “Water Month” every April through art contests, restoration projects, and local education efforts.
Through a partnership with Super 1 Foods, BRWF will have water droplets for sale to help raise funds to provide youth education and restoration projects for our communities.
April highlights include:
• View local youth artist’s interpretations of the theme, “Where Does Your Water Shed?” at the poster contest display at the Ravalli County Museum on Thursday, April 4 at 6 p.m.
• Vote for your favorite “We Are Water” photo at the Blacksmith BreweryApril 5through April 27. Join BRWF to reveal the winner at the “Water Month Pint Night” on Saturday, April 27.
• Celebrate Earth Day by planting native shrubs on one of the warmest creeks entering the East Fork. Volunteers needed to help with plantings to provide shade and reduce stream temperatures on Cameron Creek on April 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
For more information contact BRWF at 375-2272 or brwaterforum@bitterroot.net
Friday, April 5
North Valley Pachyderm Club
The North Valley Pachyderm Club will meet Friday, April 5 at 12 noon at the Frontier Café, Hwy 93 in Stevensville. The guest speaker will be Sheriff Chris Hoffman talking about gun control issues. The North Valley Pachyderm Club meets the first and third Friday of each month from noon to 1 p.m. and is an educational arm of the Republican Party. All are welcome.
SAFE Pint Night
Come support SAFE at Blacksmith Brewing Company during First Friday, April 5, in Stevensville. Enjoy good brews, a silent auction, split the pot and more, with a portion of the proceeds going to help SAFE recover from their recent fire. For more information call SAFE (Supporters of Abuse Free Environments) at 363-2793.
Eagles taco night
On Friday, April 5 from 5:30 to 7 p.m., the Bitter Root Eagles Auxiliary will be serving Tacos and More at the Eagles Lodge in Hamilton. The menu includes burritos, chili verde, quesadillas, flour and corn tortillas and taco salads. The public is welcome.
Knights of Columbus Fish Fry
The Knights of Columbus Council 6130 will hold their regular First Friday Fish Fry on Friday, April 5 from 5 to 6:45 p.m. at the St. Francis Pastoral Center, 411 S. 5th, Hamilton. The price for the “all you can eat” meal is $10.00 per person; children under nine eat free. Everyone is welcome so come out, bring a friend and enjoy the evening. For information contact Nick Hooper at 961-3930.
NVPL First Friday
Celebrate warm weather during Stevensville’s April First Friday at the North Valley Public Library. Get in the spirit listening to the lively, festive music of “Three Times the Fun.” Join local musicians Judy and Tom Dempsey and Al Aman, April 5 from 6-8 p.m. Judy, Tom, and Al (also known as The 3 Musketeers) will perform a wide variety of accordion music from traditional European polkas to Latin music and everything in between. Admission is free and all ages are welcome. Light refreshments will be served. North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville. For more information, call the library at 777-5061.
Art exhibit
The Fourth Annual Stevensville High School Art Show will be held during the month of April at River’s Mist Gallery of Fine Art in Stevensville. The show will run April 5-30. These talented local young artists include: Rachel Coyle, Josh Fernandez, E.J. Hanson, Mersadiez Leese, Jacquie Reed, Mickelle Stevens, and Gharrett Warner, Rachel Agosto, Alex Doll, Samantha Hackworth, Savannah Harris, Andre Morawic, Maria Morton, Haley Mullins, Desiree Ousley, and Tyler Wohlman. An artist’s reception will be held Friday, April 5 from 6 to 9 p.m. The gallery is located at 317 Main Street in Stevensville. For more information call 777-0520.
Saturday, April 6
Child safety seat clinic
Child safety seat inspections will be conducted Saturday, April 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Mildenberger Motors in Hamilton. Appointments can be made by calling Nick at 381-1200. This is a great opportunity for parents and others caring for kids to make sure they are using their safety seats properly. Nearly 73% of child restraints are not installed or used correctly. Coffee is provided by Mildenberger Motors.
Eagles flea market
A flea market will be held Saturday, April 6 at the Eagles Lodge in Hamilton. Vendor tables (6’ x 2½‘) are available for $5.00 each. To reserve call Nita at 363-2763.
Daly Mansion lecture series
Paul Mogenson will present “Bribery and Legalized Thievery In Butte” on Saturday, April 6 at 10 a.m. at the Daly Mansion. From 1898 until 1909, the battle between Marcus Daly, the “upstart” Fritz Heinze, and other assorted characters ensued over the Apex Law of Mining. Lawsuits flew fast and furious with amazing and sometimes humorous testimonies before “purchased” judges. Mogenson, a Daly Mansion volunteer with a lifetime of mining experience, speaks to the Apex Law being described by some miners as a vein of copper going “west of China and down the dip to Hell,” and the resulting havoc the law created in Butte. This is a community educational offering presented through grants and partnership with Humanities Montana. All presentations will be located in the Trophy Room of the Daly Mansion located at 251 Eastside Hwy in Hamilton. Admission is free with donations gladly accepted.
NVPL Movie Matinee
Stop by the library on Saturday, April 6 from 12 noon to 2 p.m. to watch a free and fun flick. This week, the library features a new animated release perfect for the whole family. Contact the library for film title information. North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville, 777-5061.
Guitar workshop
A free workshop on fingerpicking, also called “thumbpicking,” will be held Saturday, April 6 from 2 to 4 p.m. at The Music Box in Hamilton. There will be discussion and demonstration of the styles of Mother Maybelle Carter, Merle Travis, Doc Watson, and Chet Atkins. Another free workshop, also at The Music Box, will be held Saturday, April 20 from 2 to 4 p.m. It will cover some lead guitar techniques useful in playing classic country, folk, swing, western swing, and similar styles. These workshops are basically demonstrations so there is no need to bring your guitar. For information call W. Clem Small, 961-4949.
South Valley Stamp Club
South Valley Stamp Club will meet Saturday, April 6 from 3 to 5 p.m. in conference room B at Marcus Daly Hospital. Swap and sell will be the program. The May meeting, being the last of this season until September of 2013, will be postponed until the second Saturday which will be May 11 (same time and place). This will be the club’s auction meeting. Bring what you would like others to bid on; also have an idea of what you may need to fill those holes in your collections. For information call Clyde at 375-5222.
4-H Carnival
The annual 4-H Carnival will be held Saturday, April 6 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the First Interstate Building at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds in Hamilton. The public is welcome. There will be more than 20 game booths, food, and a silent auction.
Performing Art series
The final performance of the season will be Saturday, April 6 at 8 p.m. at the Hamilton Performing Arts Center with the hilarious comedy improv of “Stuffed and Unstrung,” a puppet show for adults featuring the Miskreant Puppets. The show features 80 Henson Puppets and six comedians and is 100% uncensored.
Will you enjoy yourself? Yes! Should you bring the kids? No!
What happens when Henson puppeteers are unleashed? You get a new breed of intelligent nonsense that is “Stuffed and Unstrung” – a live, outrageous, comedy variety show for adults only. Enjoy an unpredictable evening when six talented, hilarious, expert puppeteers improvise songs and sketches based on your suggestions! With a motley group of characters brought to life by the world-renowned puppeteers of The Jim Henson Company, this is not your average night at the improv and it is definitely not for children. “Stuffed and Unstrung” is a madcap multimedia romp in which arts of puppetry and comedy collide. Unpredictable, irreverent and rebellious, it’s never the same show twice as the puppeteers set off on a trail of twisted sketches and songs at breakneck pace while interaction with the audience prompts the spontaneous storylines unfolding on stage. Two shows in one, audience members can choose to watch “the puppet show” on the big screen or witness the action and hilarious interaction of the puppeteers on the stage! See videos and more at stuffedandunstrung.com .
To purchase tickets, call 363-7946 or stop at the Box Office at
127 W. Main in Hamilton. To purchase online, go to www.bARTc.org .
Sunday, April 7
Center for Spiritual Living
The Center for Spiritual Living presents Laura Garber speaking on The Seeds of Life, Sunday morning, April 7, at 10 a.m. Laura owns and operates Homestead Organics farm south of Hamilton. She will talk about the thousands of generations of wisdom and life energy encoded and carried within seeds. The Center for Spiritual Living is located at 1720 N. First Street, Suite C in Selway Commons, north of Sears in Hamilton. For further information call 381-2355.
Monday, April 8
Stevi school menu
Monday: Breakfast – Pancakes or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Hot pockets, peas & carrots, apricots, bread & butter, milk
Tuesday: Breakfast – Cereal or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Chicken fajita, salsa, lettuce, apples, bread & butter, milk
Wednesday: Breakfast – Muffins or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Sloppy Joes, taters, cantaloupe, bread & butter, milk
Thursday: Breakfast – Waffles or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Sweet & sour chicken with rice, broccoli Normandy, bananas, bread & butter, milk
Friday: Breakfast – Egg & cheese wraps or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Sea wonders, coleslaw, peaches, bread & butter, milk
Exercise program
Looking for a better way to reduce pain and decrease stiffness? The Arthritis Foundation’s Exercise Program can help! Back by popular demand, starting Monday, April 8, participate in the eight-week program at the Marcus Daly Rehabilitation Center. Classes are one-hour twice per week, provided by certified instructors, and will meet Mondays and Fridays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The program is designed to help develop strength and flexibility, while increasing energy. Exercise can help you keep joints flexible and muscles strong, sleep better, increase energy and improve your overall outlook. Participants do not have to be diagnosed with arthritis and may also take the Walk with Ease Program along with the Exercise Program. Space is limited; call Marcus Daly Rehabilitation Center at 375-4570 or visit mdmh.org and register today.
Rotary Club
The program for the regular Monday meeting of the Hamilton Rotary Club, on Monday, April 8 at 12 noon will be the induction of three new Rotarians conducted by Ron Bryski, a former District Governor from California. 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, April 8 at 2 p.m. in the Community Meeting Room, downstairs in the Bitterroot Public Library, Hamilton. Ed Beachy and Emmet May of St. Ignatius will be the presenters. Ed Beachy will speak on three different types of greenhouses, and will also bring plans for greenhouses and garden sheds. Emmet May holds the Montana record for pumpkin size at over 1000 lbs. He will talk on ways to build your garden soil. The meeting is free and open to the public. For further information contact Susan Duff, 961-5455.
Childbirth Education classes
Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital (MDMH) is offering a Childbirth Education Class every Monday, beginning April 8. The class runs for four weeks from 7 to 9 p.m. in MDMH Conference Room C. This class provides information based on the Lamaze method of prepared childbirth. It includes the entire childbirth process, emphasizing breathing and relaxation techniques, lactation information, pre and post-delivery expectations and a tour of the Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital Delivery Suites. During these four weeks, the expecting parents have an opportunity to meet the medical staff and delivery team and learn what makes an optimum birth experience. Classes are taught by Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital Obstetrics Nursing Staff and Physicians. Guest speakers include: MDMH Physical Therapy, Anesthesia; as well as Breast Feeding Specialist, Vicki White, IBCLC. The class is $60 for mothers-to-be and their coach. The class runs April 8, 15, 22, and 29. Pre-registration is required as space is limited. For further information or registration, call Marcus Daly Education Coordinator, Kelly Schrammeck, 375-4654.
SAFE crisis line training
Become a valued member of the SAFE volunteer crisis line team to serve victims of domestic or sexual violence. Crisis line volunteers provide information and a listening ear to victims of domestic violence or sexual assault and other callers. The next training begins Monday, April 8. Call Theresa Rivera at SAFE (Supporters of Abuse Free Environments), 363-2793, for more information.
Medicaid expansion meeting
On Monday, April 8 at 7 p.m., the Bitterroot Human Rights Alliance will hold an informational session on the impacts of expanding Montana’s Medicaid program to cover individuals who live at or below 138% of the federal poverty level. The 2013 Montana Legislature will decide whether to accept federal funds to expand Medicaid to qualifying individuals.
If the Montana Legislature chooses to accept federal funds to expand Medicaid, 60,000 Montana adults will be newly eligible, including as many as 2,724 people in Ravalli County. Expansion would inject $6 billion in federal funds into Montana and $21 million into the Ravalli County economy.
The meeting will include an informational presentation on the impacts of expanding Medicaid in Montana and a question and answer session with experts on the policy. The meeting will be held at River Street Theater, 421 N. 2nd St, Hamilton. For more information, contact Pam Erickson, 363-5078.
Tuesday, April 9
Blood drive
A community blood drive will be held Tuesday, April 9 from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. at
Grace Lutheran Church, 235 Hattie Lane, Hamilton. For appointment visit www.redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code Hamilton or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.
Walk with Ease Program
Back by popular demand, the Marcus Daly Rehabilitation Center in conjunction with the Arthritis Foundation announces the Walk with Ease Program. Walk with Ease is a nine-week program starting Tuesday, April 9 at the Marcus Daly Rehabilitation Center. Classes are one-hour twice per week on Tuesday and Thursdays from 2 to 3 p.m., provided by certified instructors. The Arthritis Foundation’s Walk with Ease Program is specifically tailored to assist people with arthritis get the exercise that reduces pain, improves their overall health and helps build stamina for physical activity. Walk with Ease will help you motivate yourself to get in great shape, walk safely and comfortably, improve your flexibility, strength and stamina, reduce pain and feel great. All are welcome to participate and you do not need to be diagnosed with Arthritis. Also in addition to the Walk with Ease class there is an Exercise starting the same week. Space is limited, so call Marcus Daly Rehabilitation Center at 375-4570 or visit mdmh.org and register today.
Wednesday, April 10
NARFE
The National Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) will hold their monthly no host luncheon meeting on Wednesday, April 10 at 11:30 a.m. at Perkins Restaurant, 1285 N. 1st St in Hamilton. The speaker will be Gavin Ricklef, who will discuss the work of the Bitterroot Land Trust. A short business meeting will follow. All retired and active federal employees are welcome and encouraged to attend.
Spiritual Discussion Group
The Center for Spiritual Living invites everyone to Spiritual Discussion Group on Wednesday, April 10 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The topic this week will be Life and Teaching of the Masters of the Far East, facilitated by Dave Schultz. The discussion will highlight some of the illuminating observations of Eastern spiritual masters by Baird Spalding and his associates. Don’t miss it! The Center for Spiritual Living is located at 1720 N. First Street, Suite C in Selway Commons, north of Sears in Hamilton. For further information call 381-2355.