Rummage items needed
West House Crisis Stabilization Facility is having a Rummage Sale on May 18 and needs items donated to sell. All proceeds go to help people with mental illness purchase medications and other special items. Bring your used items to the West House parking lot, 1404 Westwood Drive, Hamilton (near the West bridge). Cut-off date for bringing items will be Tuesday, May 7. Questions may be answered at 532-8990.
Museum art donations needed
Donations of used art, jewelry and antiques are needed for the annual Stevensville Historical Museum’s Used Art, Jewelry & Antiques Sale which will be held Friday, May 3 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday, May 4 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at 309 Main Street, Stevensville. Those who donate to the sale are invited to attend a Pre-Sale Party on Thursday, May 2 from 7 to 9 p.m. with hors d’oeuvres and door prizes. Call 777-5126 or 777-3201 to make arrangements to donate items for this sale.
Summer Youth Theater Workshop
The Stevensville Playhouse will offer a two-week Theater Workshop June 10-21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for students grades 1-12. This workshop will focus on circus skills. The cost is $100 for the instruction and participants will leave with a variety of skills and tools. These skills may be valuable to those who wish to audition for “Barnum,” the Stevensville Playhouse fall musical about the life of P.T. Barnum. Workshop skills may be used at the Renaissance Faire, Western Heritage and the Creamery Picnic Parades. Registration is limited. Anyone interested should call 777-2722 or 360 489-7114 to register or for more information.
Recycled art show
Art City’s 15th Annual Recycled Art Show is on display through May 31. Created from discarded materials and found objects, the artwork in the show is a whimsical commentary on what would otherwise be considered junk. This work by a dozen local artists represents a thoughtful and often humorous take on our “throw-away society.” Art City is a cooperatively managed gallery featuring work by local artists. It is located in an historic downtown Hamilton building at 407 W. Main St. For more information contact Art City, 363-4764.
Wednesday, April 24
BPL preschool story time
Preschoolers are invited to meet in the children’s corner of the Bitterroot Public Library on Wednesday, April 24 to enjoy “Celebrate Trees!” with storyteller Jennifer DeGroot. 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.
Herb Chat
On Wednesday, April 24 from 12 noon to 1 p.m., Jessica Thomas, Outlaw Herbalist, will give an Herb Chat on local Medicinal Herbs for Your Garden at the Bitterroot Public Library in the west meeting room. The first greens are popping their heads out of the ground after a long winter slumber. Did you know that these common lawn ‘weeds’ are actually revered for their culinary and healing properties? Do you have your own wild and weedy recipes? Bring your brown bag lunch. The talk is free and open to the public. Call 363-2435 for more information.
Metcalf Refuge Volunteer Open House
Past, present, and future volunteers are invited for lunch to celebrate the time and efforts you will/have dedicated to the Refuge mission. On Wednesday, April 24, visit Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters (just north of Stevensville) at 12 noon for a picnic-like menu and conversation centered on wildlife conservation accomplishments. Talk with Refuge staff and exchange success stories with other Refuge volunteers. Call Bob to register your attendance, 777-5552 x203.
Bitterroot College Advisory Council
The Advisory Council for the Bitterroot College of The University of Montana will hold its monthly meeting on Wednesday, April 24 at 3 p.m. at the Human Resource Council Building Conference Room, 316 North 3rd Street, 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 or by calling the BC Business Office at 375-0100.
Habitat for Humanity groundbreaking
Habitat for Humanity of Ravalli County is having the groundbreaking celebration for the first ever Habitat Home in Stevensville. It is the first of two new homes to be built in Stevensville. The Celebration starts at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 24 at 105 Mission Street, just south of the Senior Citizens Center in Stevensville. Refreshments will be served after. Volunteers are needed, not just for the actual home build. Volunteer registration and job descriptions will be available for those who want to volunteer to help out Habitat for Humanity in Ravalli County. Turn west off of Main at the Cenex on Buck St. then right on Mission. Call Ravalli County Habitat for Humanity at 375-1926 or go to ravallihabitat.org for more information.
Sound Awareness Workshop
Find your voice and express your authentic self with toning, singing and spiritual chanting at a free Sound Awareness Workshop on Wednesday, April 24 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Center for Spiritual Living. The workshop is facilitated by Becky Lellek, a licensed hypnotherapist and Sound Awareness Instructor. 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 or go to www.cslbitterroot.org.
Museum presentation
There will be a free presentation on “Native North American History as Expressed Through Art” by Corwin “Corky” Clairmont on Wednesday, April 24 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at the Ravalli County Museum, 205 Bedford St., Hamilton. Corky will be presenting a talk on contemporary American Indian Art and his own art work, in collaboration with Bitterroot College. Corky, born on the Flathead Reservation, is a celebrated contemporary artist and member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, and seeks to explore situations that affect Indian Country historically and in contemporary times, which he believes is an important acknowledgment of a culture and people that are very much alive today. Call 363-3338 for more information.
North Stevensville TFID
The North Stevensville Tax Increment Finance District Advisory Board (TIFD) will meet Wednesday, April 24 at 5:30 p.m. at Stevensville Town Council Chambers.
PFLAG program
“Understanding our LGBT Families, Friends & Community” is the program for the next PFLAG and Community Partners meeting on Wednesday, April 24. Build your comfort with and awareness of LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered) experiences, and of the LGBT people in your life, by building a shared language and deepening your understanding of bullying and mistreatment. A list supper will be served from 5 to 5:30 p.m. with the program from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Daly-Leach Chapel, 1010 W. Main Street, Hamilton. The event is facilitated by NCBI (National Coalition Building Institute).
Fairgrounds open riding
Open riding season has begun at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds. Riders must fill out a Hold Harmless Agreement and make a payment in the drop box at the arena gate. Cost is $5/ride, $30/individual season pass, or $50/family season pass. Purchase a season pass and be entered into a drawing to win a season pass for next year. Call the Fairgrounds Office for more info at 363-3411.
Thursday, April 25
BPL children’s workshop
A free parent and child workshop on “Fun with Science and Math” for ages 2-5 will be held on Thursday, April 25 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in the downstairs meeting room of the Bitterroot Public Library. Help your child be successful in science, math, and early literacy. Do the bee dance! Learn about metamorphosis by acting out the stages! Sort and explore rocks and buttons! Sign up by calling the Library at 363-1670.
BPL Book Discussion Group
The Bitterroot Public Library monthly Book Discussion Group meets on Thursday, April 25 from 12 noon to 1 p.m. for a discussion of Gabriel Garcia Marquez and “One Hundred Years of Solitude.” Newcomers always encouraged and welcome at this brown bag lunch discussion group. Call 363-2435 for more information.
WNET brown bag luncheon
The next WNET meeting will be Thursday, April 25 from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m. in the Conference Room at the Montana Women’s Business Sub-center, RCEDA, 274 Old Corvallis Road, Hamilton. The presentation will be Stress Relief through Yoga and Massage. Join Gretchen Langton of Tipi Rock Yoga and Massage to learn how to identify and tackle stress. Through a combination of breathing, stretching, self-massage, and proper diet, stress can be managed and/or eliminated. After the presentation and Q & A there will be time for general networking. Like all WNET brown bag lunches, there is no fee. For more information call 375-9416.
Stevensville Community Gardens
Stevensville Community Garden invites all gardeners who would like a plot at the new gardens at St. Mary’s to attend an organizational meeting on Thursday, April 25, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at St. Mary’s Family Center in Stevensville. For questions and more information, contact the SCG director, Colleen Miller, at 777-1167.
Osteoporosis panel
Could you have osteoporosis and not know it? Millions of Americans do! An educational and informative panel discussion about osteoporosis, the silent disease, will be held Thursday, April 25 from 5:15 to 7 p.m. at Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital. The panel will feature special guest Endocrinologist Christopher Corsi, MD, and Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital medical staff. Learn from the experts about the risk factors, treatment, prevention and outcomes of this disease. The medical experts speaking are: Jeremiah Clinton, MD, Bitterroot Orthopedics & Sports Medicine; Christopher Corsi, MD, Western Montana Clinic; April Weinberger, MD, Corvallis Family Medicine; and Holly Jarvis, PT, Marcus Daly Rehabilitation Services. Attend this session and be entered to win a free vitamin D screening. Reservations are not required. For more information, visit www.mdmh.org or call 363-2211.
South Valley Civic Group
The South Valley Civic Group will meet Thursday, April 25 from 6 to 7 p.m. at Canyon Springs Log Homes located just north of Lightfoot Cycles on Hwy 93 in Darby. Refreshments will be served.
Marine Corps League
The next meeting of the Bitterroot Valley Detachment of the Marine Corps League will be a potluck on Thursday, April 25 at 6 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church, 1220 W. Main Street, Hamilton. There will be installation of officers and presentation of awards. Spouses are welcome to this event. Bring some food to share if you can. Also, an SOS breakfast (other items available) will be held Saturday, May 4 at 9 a.m. at the Hangar Café, Hamilton Airport. Family and friends are also welcome.
The Marine Corps League is a veteran’s organization for Marines and FMF Navy Corpsmen with honorable service, and the only Marine organization that is federally chartered by an Act of Congress. The organization supports Marines and their families, fellow veterans, wounded Marines, Toys for Tots, youth organizations and activities, honors ceremonies, and community events. “Once a Marine, always a Marine.”
Intercultural Dialogue Series
The Jeannette Rankin Peace Center would like to invite the public to participate in an intercultural talk series starting on Thursday, April 25 at 5 p.m. at the Jeanette Rankin Peace Center, 519 S. Higgins Avenue, Missoula. The first talk will feature visiting Humphrey Fellows at the University of Montana’s English Language Institute in Missoula. They are from a diverse group of countries – Algeria, Brazil, Burundi, China, Colombia, Congo-Brazzaville, Haiti, Romania and Vietnam – and represent several areas of expertise, including human rights law, journalism, agricultural development, public health and health policy, substance abuse prevention/treatment, educational policy and public administration. They will provide insights based on their culture and area of expertise to many relevant and compelling global issues.
The effects of globalization have made many issues relevant at the international level and dialogue is essential to further the cause of peace and justice in an increasingly interconnected world. Each meeting will focus on a unique global topic of interest to our guests as well as the local community. This is an opportunity to learn from many cultures and put some of these issues in a broader perspective. Questions and curiosity are welcomed and encouraged.
The first installment of the series will cover human rights. Topics for later conversations will develop but might include agriculture, health, economics, trade or other internationally relevant issues.
Future talks will be held on the last Thursday of the month through July with the exception of May.
Victor Park District
The Victor Park District will meet Thursday, April 25 at 7 p.m. at the Farmers State Bank meeting room in Victor (enter rear door from the south parking lot). This month discussion will continue on possible involvement with the Victor Park, and spring landscaping plans. The public is welcome. Call Roger De Haan at 961-3953 for more information.
Stevensville Town Council
The Stevensville Town Council will meet Thursday, April 25 for a public hearing at 6 p.m. and a regular meeting at 7 p.m. The public hearing is for the purpose of adopting Ordinance 138 – Sidewalks, Ordinance 139 – Weapons, and Ordinance 140 – Repeals of Chapters 5.24, 5.28, 5.32 and 5.38 of the Municipal Code.
A partial list of agenda items includes: water and sewer project updates; discuss/decision on TIFD Sewer Line Project Bid Award; discussion/decision on Resolution No. 312 to Authorize Submission of CDBG Application; Second Readings of Ordinances 138, 139 and 140; discussion/decision on Ethan Fadely Eagle Scout Project of Buck Brothers Commemorative Bench at Town Hall; discussion/decision on Special Event Permit and fee waiver request for Bitterroot Family Fellowship Vacation Bible School at Lewis and Clark Park August 6-8; discussion/decision on Special Event Permit for SMSA Western Heritage Days, June 21 and 22; discussion/decision on Establishing a No Parking Zone across from the entrance of Marcus Daly Ambulance; discussion/decision on Stevensville Fire Department Thermal Imaging Camera Purchase with CIP Funds; Mayor’s Appointment of Stevensville Fire Department Personnel; and discussion/decision to set Public Hearing on the Town of Stevensville Animal Ordinance.
Friday, April 26
South Valley Pachyderm Club
Rev. Vern Sandersfeld, Pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, will be speaking at the South Valley Pachyderm Club on Friday, April 26 at 12 noon.
Pastor Sandersfeld will be speaking of his church’s perspective regarding current events in America. There will be time for questions and discussion. 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.
Florence drama presentation
The Florence High School drama department will present “No Place Like Nowhere,” a hilarious comedy by Andrew Ross that explores just what could happen if the government decided to drop 500 tons of toxic waste on a small town in the middle of the desert. The play will run Friday and Saturday, April 26 and 27 at 7:30p.m. and on Sunday, April 28 at 2:30 p.m. in the old gym at Florence Carlton High School. Admission is $5. Come out and support the drama program. For more information contact Florence Carlton High School at 273 6301.
Saturday, April 27
Photography workshop
Do you own a smartphone, digital point and shoot, throwaway/disposable film or high powered DSLR camera? The Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge has scheduled a free workshop on Saturday, April 27 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon dedicated to photography basics for whatever hardware you own. It’s all about getting beyond just ‘point and shoot’ when outdoors; have your photos celebrate the beauty of mother nature. Steve Akre, owner of a 15-year-old photography business, will share his knowledge with you to improve your artistic and technical camera skills. Meet at the Refuge Headquarters (just north of Stevensville) for this photography workshop opportunity. Call Bob to register at 777-5552, ext. 203.
Daly Mansion lecture series
“Baa Baa Black Sheep – Where did they go?” is the title of a presentation by Maureen “Mo” Lischke on Saturday, April 27 at 10 a.m. at the Daly Mansion. Through the 1930’s thousands of sheep inhabited the Bitterroot Valley, Montana and the United States. It was a common scene to see sheep being herded to greener pastures by herders with their dogs and wagons when, in a blink of the eye, they disappeared. Mo discusses the role sheep played in the United States, Montana and the Bitterroot Stock Farm and what caused them to disappear with a comparatively small number being raised commercially today. Mo is a Daly Mansion volunteer who raises Alpacas and is passionate about all things wooly.
The lecture will be in the Trophy Room of the Daly Mansion located at 251 Eastside Hwy in Hamilton. Admission is free with donations gladly accepted.
BPL dog bite safety program
The “Be a Tree” program will be held on Saturday, April 27 from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. at the Bitterroot Public Library Meeting Room. An additional session will be held on Wednesday, May 22 from 4 to 4:45 p.m. Call the library to register for either session: 363-1670.
Doggone Safe is a non-profit organization dedicated to dog bite prevention through education, and dog bite victim support. Doggone Safe member Jewel Willis, Lakeland Feed and the Bitterroot Public Library are making the “Be a Tree” educational programs available in Hamilton. The “Be a Tree” program is an innovative and interactive dog bite prevention education program aimed at children ages 4 through 12. Half of all children are bitten by a dog by the time they are 12 years old. Dog bites are considered to be a serious public health problem by the American Veterinary Medical Association and by the Canada Safety Council. Most bites are by the family dog or other dog known to the child and can be prevented through education. Both children and adults can benefit from understanding dog body language and knowing how to act in situations involving dogs.
HDA crab feed
The Hamilton Downtown Association is holding a Community Crab Feed on Saturday, April 27 at the Bedford Building. The no-host bar opens at 5:30 p.m. with dinner served from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $30 and are available at Me & Mom and The Paper Clip. Pirate costumes are encouraged!” This is a fundraiser to help fund downtown events like Daly Days and the Christmas Stroll.
Emma’s House fundraiser
April is National Child Abuse Prevention month and Emma’s House is celebrating by hosting the annual Bike Parade on Saturday, April 27. This year there will also be a performance by The Whizpops!, a family-fun band, at the Bitterroot River Inn immediately following the parade. The event is free and open to all ages.
Festivities will begin with the bike parade at 10 a.m. from Emma’s House at 800 N. 2nd St. in Hamilton through town ending at Hieronymus Park, in walking distance to the Bitterroot River Inn. Starting at 12 noon, the music fun will begin along with treats.
Emma’s House Children’s Advocacy Center has served children and families of the Bitterroot Valley for seven years, conducting forensic interviews and free medical exams as part of child abuse and neglect investigations, and free counseling to the children and non-offending family members. On an annual basis, Emma’s House sees over 100 kids on average.
As stated in a message from Attorney General Eric Holder as part of the Defending Childhood Initiative, “the majority of our kids – more than 60 percent – have been exposed to crime, abuse, and violence, many in their own homes. Ten percent of children in the United States have suffered some form of abuse or neglect; one in sixteen has been victimized sexually. And both direct and indirect exposure to violence is having a profound negative impact on the mental and emotional development of young people across the country.” And most importantly, 90 percent of the victims know their perpetrator well.
A children’s advocacy center is a safe place for children and families to talk to professionals about child abuse and neglect. Emma’s House strives to reduce trauma and promote healing for children and their families.
Fisk fundraiser
The staff of Hamilton School District #3 is sponsoring a fund raiser to support Teri Fisk, para educator at Grantsdale Elementary School who is battling cancer, on Saturday, April 27 at The Hideout, 942 Hub Lane, Hamilton. From 12 noon to 3 p.m. there will be a yard sale for gently used items, then from 3 to 5 p.m. there will be a silent auction. Also, cash donations are being collected in an account for Teri Fisk at American Federal Savings Bank. For more information contact Grantsdale Elementary, 363-1889.
Country Dances
Country Dances are held Saturdays from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Eagles in Hamilton. The Bitterroot Dancers sponsor these weekly shindigs, with DJs on the first and third Saturdays and live bands on the others. On April 27, The Revelators will play, on May 11, the Wild Coyote Band and on May 25, Jim Snow Band. Tickets are $5-$7; call 381-1392 for details.
Sunday, April 28
Lone Rock Park District
The Lone Rock Division of the Ravalli County Park Board will hold a special work meeting on Sunday, April 28 at 7:30 p.m. at the Three Mile Fire Hall. The public is welcome.
Monday, April 29
Stevi school menu
Monday: Breakfast – French toast or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Shepherd’s pie, green beans, peaches, bread & butter, milk
Tuesday: Breakfast – Cereal or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Chicken burrito, lettuce, salsa, Spanish rice, apples, bread & butter, chocolate or regular milk
Wednesday: Breakfast – Muffins or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Tuna sandwiches, taters, kiwi, bread & butter, milk
Thursday: Breakfast – Waffles or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Chicken & noodles, corn, apples, bread & butter, milk
Friday: Breakfast – Ham bites or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Corn dogs, baked beans, pears, bread & butter, chocolate or regular milk
Rotary Club
Justin Simmons of Canyon View Dental will be the speaker for the next meeting of the Hamilton Rotary Club on Monday, April 29, at 12 noon at BJ’s Restaurant, 900 N. 1st Street, Hamilton. Simmons will present a review of advanced dental technology. The meeting is open to the public. For more information call 363-2960.
Tuesday, April 30
Energy cost seminar
Ravalli Electric Co-op (REC) is offering a free half day seminar to its members on Tuesday, April 30 from 7:30 to 11 a.m. at the Corvallis Volunteer Fire Hall on the Woodside Cut-off Road. A light continental breakfast will be served prior to starting.
The presentation will provide an overview of electricity concepts and the components of the utility electrical system from generation to distribution. Members will learn best practices for energy using equipment as well as maximizing dollar savings from energy efficiency projects. Participants will be exposed to hands-on activities, problem solving exercises and videos. The seminar is non-technical and is for members who want to improve their basic knowledge of electricity and how to manage it in their homes, schools, and business operations. RSVP as soon as possible by email to jmaunder@ravallielectric.com or call 961-3001.
Wednesday, May 1
Free safety training
The Bitterroot Area Safety and Health (BRASH) will hold its first meeting on Wednesday, May 1 from 12 noon to 1 p.m. in the basement of the Bitterroot Public Library in Hamilton. This is a great opportunity for local employers and safety professionals to learn about the Montana Safety Culture Act and the free resources available for employers from the Montana Safety Bureau. For more information contact Rebekkah Stamp at 363-2494 or Chris Driemeyer at 207-4965.
Spiritual Cinema
The Center for Spiritual Living invites everyone to Spiritual Cinema on Wednesday, May 1 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The movie this month is “What the #$*! Do We Know!?” This movie explores neurological processes and quantum uncertainty through the eyes of a woman exploring great changes in her life. 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 or visit CSLBitterroot.org.