Thursday, September 5
Dance class registration
Register for dance classes at River Street Dance Theater on Thursday, September 5 from 3 to 6 p.m. at the studio, 421 N. Second St, Hamilton. The dance curriculum for ages 3-1/2 through adult includes Creative Movement for Young Children, Modern Dance, Ballet, Tap, and Jazz/Hip-hop. Younger children are inspired to move by props such as hoops and scarves, as well as by music, stories, and poetry. As the children develop their dance skills over several years, their classes become more technical. The students become versed in several styles of dance and by college age are ready to enter the second year of any college dance program or to audition for dance companies. Several former RSDT students have dance degrees and are dancing professionally. Phone 363-1203 for a class schedule.
Creamery Picnic business meeting
The Stevensville Main Street Association and the Civic Club Creamery Picnic Committee will hold a meeting on Thursday, September 5 at 6 p.m. at the Main Street office, 102B Main to allow business owners to voice their concerns and ideas for improving business involvement in the Creamery Picnic. RSVP is required by calling 777-3773.
Friday, September 6
North Valley Pachyderm Club
The North Valley Pachyderm Club will meet Friday, September 6 at 12 noon at the Frontier Café, Hwy 93 in Stevensville. Guest speaker will be State Senator Scott Boulanger. The North Valley Pachyderm Club is an educational arm of the Republican Party. All are welcome.
K of C Fish Fry
The Knights of Columbus will hold their regular First Friday Fish Fry this coming Friday, September 6 from 5 to 6:45 p.m. at St. Francis Pastoral Center, 411 S. 5th St. Hamilton. The “all you can eat” meal consists of fish, fries, coleslaw, mac & cheese, vegetables, dessert and soft beverage. Cost is $10.00 per person; children under nine eat free. Wine can be purchased separately. Everyone is welcome so come out, bring a friend and enjoy the evening. For information contact Nick Hooper at 961-3930.
Art opening
There will be an opening on First Friday, September 6 for “Max’s Menagerie,” watercolor paintings by Jan Hanson and Patti Ochsner, with a reception from from 6 to 8 p.m. at The Frame Shop & Gallery, 325 Main St in Hamilton. These works will be on display through September 20th. Call 353-6684 for more information.
Art opening
Heidi Zielinski, a nationally recognized fiber artist, will be the featured artist for September at River’s Mist Gallery of Fine Art in Stevensville. The work in this solo exhibition by Zielinski seeks to emphasize the layers of design that are inspired by the cloth, and the many, varied techniques and materials available. One can see the building of layers with each step of the process blending line, color and shape. The result is a piece of art that reflects the familiar artistry of a painter layering paint on canvas to capture shadow and light. Zielinski is the recipient of multiple national awards and her quilts with corresponding articles have been included in many national quilting magazines such as Machine Quilting Unlimited, The Quilt Life in the October 2013 issue and American Quilter Magazine in the May 2014 issue.
An artist’s reception will be held Friday, September 6 from 6 to 9 p.m. “Layers of Design,” a Gallery Talk by Heidi Zielinski, will be on Thursday, September 19 at 6:30 p.m. This event is free and refreshments will be served. The gallery is located at 317 Main Street in Stevensville. For more information call 777-0520.
Book signing
Two Montana authors will have joint book signings this Friday in Stevensville. Both authors will be at Stevensville Valley Drug on Main Street as a part of Stevensville’s First Friday activities on September 6 from 6 to 9 p.m. The authors are Warner B. Bair II of Deer Lodge and Darrell Berkheimer of Butte. Bair is a fiction writer of mystery thrillers while Berkheimer writes non-fiction. Both men are announcing publication of their third books. Bair’s latest book is the third in his Anonymous Man series, titled “The Feral Pistillate.” His previous books in the series are titled “Kismet” and “The Manse.” Berkheimer’s latest book is titled “Writing – As Readers Want It!” His previous books are “Abuses in Trucking – Why All of Us Pay More!” and “Stories from The Golden Throne – a Crusader.”
Saturday, September 7
Conner Wesleyan Church anniversary
Conner Wesleyan Church, seven miles south of Darby on Hwy 93, will be holding special events on September 7 and 8 commemorating their 70 years in the community. The congregation is hoping to remodel the old Conner church and wants the public to come and see it “The Way it Was” before the changes start to take place. Saturday will start off with a fundraiser auction at 2 p.m. There will be ice cream and homemade pie, and beverages at a concession stand throughout the afternoon. Late afternoon, following the auction, there will be hamburgers and hotdogs. At 5:30 p.m. there will be an old fashioned Singspiration along with a power point and history of the church along with a sharing time. On Sunday, the 8th, Sunday School will be held at 9:45 a.m. with Worship at 11 a.m. with older hymns and greetings from former Pastors and a word form current Pastor Dwight Peterson. A good old fashioned potluck dinner will follow. All are welcome. Call 821-3570 for more information.
Apron style show
An apron style show, auction and luncheon by Clown Around Unit of the Daughters of the Nile will be held Saturday, September 7 at the Stevensville Masonic Lodge, 300 Church Street. Admission is $5.
Senior Center bingo
Hamilton Senior Center will be hosting a Special Saturday Bingo on September 7. Doors open at 12 noon, games start at 1 p.m. Paper cards will be used and free refreshments will be served. You must be 18 to play. Call Cathy at 375-9276 for information.
Dances of Universal Peace
Dances of Universal Peace will be held on Saturday, September 7, at the Center for Spiritual Living, 1720 N. 1st St., Hamilton (behind the Sears Store at the Selway Shopping Center). Bring a food dish, plate and silver to enjoy a yummy potluck at 6 p.m., or just come for the dancing at 7. Live music and instruction with each dance makes for an evening of companionship and opens hearts to Universal Peace. All are welcome. $3 suggested donation. For more information call Brian or Star at 546-5344.
Sunday, September 8
Center for Spiritual Living
The Center for Spiritual Living presents “Recalibrating Your Compass” with Lea Guthrie on Sunday, September 8 at 10 a.m. Lea is a Certified Personal Coach with Coaching For Life. She will help you revisit intentions you may have set for yourself for 2013 and give you an opportunity to make any adjustments as you head into the fall season. There will be special music and singing with Brian Jameson and Doug Soehren. Refreshments and conversation follow at 11:15 a.m. The Center for Spiritual Living is located at 1720 N. First Street in Hamilton (just north of Sears in Selway Commons).
Accordion Association
The 5 Valley Accordion Association invites one and all to the Rustic Hut In Florence on Sunday, September 8 from 1 to 5 p.m. Come dance and listen to accordions, guitars, banjos, drums and more. Cost is $3.00 for members and $4 for nonmembers. Call 240-9617 for info.
Monday, September 9
Drivers education course
Signups for the upcoming session of the drivers education class at Stevensville High School take place September 9 through 16. The class is open to any student who is at least 14-1/2 years of age by October 7, 2013 or older attending Stevensville High School or a home school. The class will run from approximately September 23 through November 26. Cost is $260. The first informational meeting for SHS students is September 16 at 12:24 in high school room 103. Out-of-district and/or home school students may register by calling instructor John Munk, 777-5539.
Rotary Club
Louise Rock, a transplant recipient, will be speaking at the Monday, September 9 meeting of the Hamilton Rotary Club. The club meets Mondays at 12 noon at BJ’s Restaurant, 900 N. 1st Street, Hamilton. Rotary meetings are open to the public. For further information, call 363-2960.
Green Thumbs Up
The Green Thumbs Up garden club will meet on Monday, September 9 at 1 p.m. in the Community Meeting Room, downstairs in the Bitterroot Public Library, Hamilton. (Note the earlier time for this first meeting.) Katelyn Andersen, MSU Extension Agent will present “Preserve Your Garden’s Bounty.” Canning your garden bounty can be a healthy option if done correctly. Come learn how to safely can high acid and low acid foods and learn the differences between a hot water bath and a pressure canner. Plus, get updated canning resources – canning books published prior to 1994 will not have safe processing times and/or methods. The meeting is free and open to the public. For further information, call Susan Duff, 961-5455.
MAPS presentation
Darby Community Public Library will host a MAPS Media Arts presentation on Monday, September 9 at 11 a.m. at the Darby High School gym. Peter Rosten, founder of the MAPS Media Institute, is scheduled to lead this presentation for the 8th-12th grade students in the Darby High School Gym. The general public is welcome to attend this event which will include a general overview of the Ravalli County program, as well as information about the specific areas of study offered to students including Film, Cyberskills, Design, and Music.
Old Como Schoolhouse meeting
The Old Como Schoolhouse will hold its monthly meeting on Monday, September 9 at the Schoolhouse. A potluck dinner will start at 6 p.m. with a lecture at 7 p.m. Guest speaker will be Ted Hall, author of “The Trail Between the Rivers,” a book on the travels of the Lewis & Clark Corps of Discovery over the mountains of Montana and Idaho. Hall will present a power point lecture, describing the trek over Lost Trail Pass, and other aspects of their journey through the Bitterroot Valley. The public is invited to attend both the potluck dinner and lecture, or either one. The old Como Schoolhouse is located on the corner of Hwy 93 and Old Darby Road, about 12 miles south of Hamilton.
Tuesday, September 10
YAP meeting
This is a call to all young people who want to see a change in our world for now and the future. YAP (Youth Advocating Prevention) invites you to be a part of a movement to prevent the underage abuse of nicotine, alcohol and other drugs. Featuring ReAct (which stands for React Against Corporate Tobacco), high school students who want to make some noise about changing the culture of addiction and underage substance abuse are invited to attend. The first meeting will be on Tuesday, September 10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 209 N. 10th, Hamilton. Lunch and a light breakfast will be served. Talk to your school about this date as a community service and join in to help come up with projects and events that will create a brighter future free from addictions and substance abuse. To sign up call Lyndsay at 375-6573 or Ryan at 532-9146.
Women Helping Women
Want to have a healthier you? Come join other gals for “Women Helping Women” as they share healthy eating and food preparation tips and then exercise together every Tuesday morning at 9:30 a.m. starting Sept. 10th at the Conner Wesleyan Church, seven miles south of Darby on Hwy 93. For more information call the church at 821-3570.
Stevi school board meeting
The regular meeting of the Stevensville School Board of Trustees will be Tuesday, September 10 at 7 p.m. in the Stevensville Music Center Choir Room.
Clubs and Groups
Hamilton Senior Center activities
Monday – Lunch 11:45; bingo on 1st & 3rd weeks, pinochle on 2nd week, 7 p.m.
Tuesday – Line dancing 9:30-11:30 a.m., cloggers at 3 p.m., country dance lessons 7:30-9 p.m.
Wednesday – Lunch 11:45; bridge at 1 p.m., cloggers at 5 p.m., country dance lessons at 7:45 p.m.
Thursday – Exercise at 9 a.m.; pinochle on 3rd week and last week, 1 p.m.
Friday – Lunch 11:45
Saturday – Flea market every 2nd Saturday, 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Sunday – Bridge, 1 p.m.
Stevi Senior Center activities
Monday-Friday – Lunch, 11:30 a.m.
Monday – Bridge and Special Music, noon
Monday & Saturday – Pinochle, 7 p.m.
Tuesday – Exercise class, 10-11 a.m.
2nd Tuesday – Quilters, 6:30 p.m.
Every Other Wednesday – Fiddlers at Lunch
3rd Wednesday – Special Birthday Dinner, noon, with music. Blood pressures taken.
Thursday – Exercise class, 10-11 a.m.
1st & 3rd Thursday – American Legion Bingo, 7 p.m.
For more information call the Center at 777-5681 or 777-5707.
Victor Senior Center activities
Sundays – AA meeting, 7 p.m.
Monday-Friday – Men’s Coffee, 8 a.m.
Monday-Friday – Lunch, 11:30 a.m. Includes main course, salad bar, dessert. Senior donation $3.50, under 60 years $6.00 (RSVP 642-3320)
Tuesdays – Bingo with Bill and Barbara, 6:30 p.m.
Wednesdays – Pinochle, 7 p.m.
Fridays – Ladies’ Coffee, 10 a.m.
Everyone welcome.
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.
Golden Agers
The Golden Age group meets every Friday from 7:30 to 10 p.m. at 727 S. 5th in Hamilton. If you are a senior citizen and are bored, looking for fun or just want something new to experience, attend and enjoy good food, live music, dancing and fellowship. Cost is $3 per person. Snacks are potluck. Exercise classes are held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9 a.m. Blood pressure is checked every first Wednesday of the month. Also on the first Wednesday of every month a potluck is held at 12:30 p.m. followed by the business meeting. Card parties are held on the second Wednesday at 7 p.m. On the last Wednesday of the month a birthday party is held at 2 p.m.
AA meetings
Alcoholics Anonymous meets at the following times and places:
Monday: Convergence Ministries, 7 p.m., Hwy 93 & 101 Ann’s Lane, Lolo
Tuesday: Working With Others Group, 7 p.m., First Baptist Church basement, 401 Church Street, Stevensville
Wednesday: Big Book Study Meeting, 7 p.m., St. Joseph Mission, 224 Linder Street, Florence
Thursday: 7 p.m., St. Mary’s Parish basement, 333 Charlo Street, Stevensville
Friday: Discussion Meeting, 7:30 p.m., St. Joseph Mission, 224 Linder Street, Florence
Al-Anon
Stevensville Al-Anon Group meets each Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at the North Valley Public Library. Anyone who is affected by the compulsive
drinking of a relative or friend is invited. For more information call
721-5818.
Narcotics Anonymous
Narcotics Anonymous meets every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at St. Francis Parish Center, 411 S. 5th, Hamilton (north entrance).
Gamblers Anonymous
Gamblers Anonymous meets Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. at St. Francis Catholic Church, 411 S. 5th Street in Hamilton.
Debtors Anonymous
Debtors Anonymous is a twelve-step program offering help to people with compulsive spending issues. Anyone is welcome. Debtors Anonymous meets Mondays from 7 to 8 p.m. in the Step Room of the 4-D Club, 450 Broadway, Missoula. Call 206-426-5486 for more information.
TOPS
Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS), a weight loss support group, meets in Stevensville every Thursday at 9 a.m. at the Community Baptist Church, 409 Buck Street. Guests are always welcome. Call Jerry Sue at 777-5355 for more information.
Bitter Root VFW
VFW Post 1430 meets the first Monday of every month at 8 p.m. at the American Legion Hall in Hamilton.
Bitter Root VFW Auxiliary
The Bitter Root VFW Auxiliary meets the first Monday of each month at 2:30 p.m. at 282 Grundy Lane, Hamilton.
Florence American Legion
The Florence American Legion Post 134 meets the first Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Florence Fire Hall. For further information contact Post Commander Ted Hall at 214-5383, tchall@usa.net.
Stevensville American Legion
The Stevensville American Legion Post 94 meets on the third Tuesday of every month at 7:30 p.m. at the Post Home on Middle Burnt Fork Road. For more information contact Jerry Esmay, 777-5517.
American Legion Auxiliary
Fort Owen Post 94, Stevensville, American Legion Auxiliary meets the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. Call 777-4335 for location.
Corvallis American Legion
The Corvallis American Legion Post 91 meets the third Thursday of every month at 7:30 p.m. in the Corvallis High School library. For further information contact Post Commander Edna Nasca at 523-9565 or Post Adjutant Nelson Carlos.
Darby American Legion
Darby American Legion Post 38 meets every third Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Darby Community Library. Any military veteran or active duty service member is encouraged to attend. For information call Post Adjutant Diana Thomas, 369-0119.
Disabled American Veterans
Disabled American Veterans meet the first Monday of the month at the Elks Club, 203 State Street in Hamilton at 6:30 p.m.
WIC clinics
A WIC clinic is offered in Hamilton Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. at 205 Bedford St, Suite P, District Courthouse building in Hamilton.
The Stevensville clinic is open on Wednesdays at the United Methodist Church, 216 College St. in Stevensville. The Victor clinic is open the second Monday of the month at the Victor Nazarene Church. The Darby clinic is open every other month, the third Monday of the month at the Darby Library. For more information call 375-6685.
Sapphire Quilt Club
The Sapphire Quilt Club meets monthly on the second Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Stevensville Senior Center, 100 Mission Street. Teaching of short cuts and easy techniques begin at 6:30 p.m. Join this fun group of people to learn about quilting. For information, contact Linda Powell at 777-1070.
Bereavement Support Groups
When you grieve the death of a loved one, you sometimes hide it so others think you’re over your sorrow and loss. Marcus Daly Hospice offers an opportunity to share grieving experiences and grow from them. For anyone in the community dealing with the loss of a loved one, a bereavement support group meets Tuesday afternoons from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in the Marcus Daly Hospice Center living room. All are welcome. Marcus Daly Hospice invites you to take this opportunity for unloading your mind and mending your heart. For more information call the Marcus Daly Hospice Bereavement Coordinator at 363-6503.
Spanish conversation group
Habla Espanol? Do you travel? Do you work with Latinos? Do you just want to keep your mind sharp? If you are a beginner or just a bit rusty, join the Stevi Spanish Conversation Group at the North Valley Public Library Wednesdays from 6 to 7 pm to brush up on your Spanish language skills. This is not a class to learn to speak Spanish. It will be an informal, weekly gathering to practice speaking the Spanish language. The focus will be role playing for situations experienced during travel and everyday life. For more information, call the library at 777-5061.
Soroptimists
Soroptimist International of Hamilton meets the first, second and third Thursdays of each month at noon at BJ’s Restaurant. Soroptimist is a worldwide organization for women in management and professions working through service projects to advance human rights and the status of women. All interested business women are encouraged to attend.
Rotary Club
The Hamilton Rotary Club meets Mondays, 12 noon at BJ’s Restaurant, 900 N. First Street, Hamilton. For information about Rotary, call 363-2960.
PFLAG Chapter
Parents, Friends and Families of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) Hamilton Bitterroot invites you for support and friendship every third Thursday at 7 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 600 S. 3rd St. in Hamilton.
Valley Veterans Services
Ever wonder what VA benefits you’re entitled to? Valley Veterans Service Center provides free assistance to veterans and their dependents in filing claims with the VA. Valley Veterans Service Center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Stop by for a visit or call for an appointment at 363-9838. The center is located at 299 Fairgrounds Road, Suite 4 in Hamilton or online at http://valleyveteransservicecenter.org/
Veteran-to-Veteran (V2V) meetings
The V2V outreach group meets every Friday morning at 8 a.m. in the backroom at BJ’s Restaurant in Hamilton. These informal meetings are for all veterans. Many veterans have both unresolved and resolved issues from their experiences in the military that impact their lives. At the meetings participants can discuss whatever they want and the outreach group gives veterans an opportunity to get together to share information and talk about issues. For further information contact Dan Mayer, 360-5435, from the Bitterroot Chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America.
Vietnam Veterans of America
The Bitterroot Chapter #938 of the Vietnam Veterans of America meets the first Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. at 316 N. 3rd in Hamilton. Vietnam era veterans often need assistance with problems and issues and many have similar stories. The Bitterroot Chapter VVA is your organization to provide the opportunity to obtain and share information, to organize grassroots activities, lend a helping hand, and offer assistance to all veterans in dealing with the Veterans Administration. Also, the local chapter supplies input to state legislators and through the National VVA to federal government legislators on issues important to veterans. For more information contact George Mayer, 274-2578.
Bitterroot Toastmasters
Bitterroot Toastmasters Club meets Wednesdays from 12 to 1 p.m. at Nick’s Family Dining, 1285 N. First in Hamilton (formerly Perkins) with optional no host lunch before or after. Meetings are designed to build confidence and skills in communication and leadership. Guests are welcome. The mission of Toastmasters is to provide a mutually supportive and positive learning environment in which every individual member has the opportunity to develop oral communication and leadership skills, which in turn fosters self-confidence and personal growth. Call Amos Parks at 381-2319 or Douglas Taylor at 381-3214 for more information.
BPL toddler story time
It’s never too early to introduce your baby or toddler to the wonderful world of books and reading. Together you will discover the joy of songs, finger plays, simple books and bouncing rhymes. The toddler story time for babies through age 2 meets every Friday at 10:30 a.m. in the downstairs meeting room of the Bitterroot Public Library. Toddler story time lasts approximately 45 minutes. For more information, call 363-1670.
DCPL storytime
Learning to read begins before children start school. Your public library promotes early literacy and social development with weekly programming for children. The Darby Community Public Library offers a weekly Children’s Story Time every Tuesday at 11 a.m. for all children under five years old with a caregiver. Come talk, sing, read, write, and play at your library, 101-1/2 S. Marshall St. Call 821-4771 for information.
NVPL Music Makers Storytime
Did you know that you can help your little one build literacy skills before they even begin to talk? Every Tuesday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., volunteer Melissa Sparks leads an enriching and educational music and movement storytime for babies and toddlers at the North Valley Public Library. A rotating theme each month provides a fun basis for early learning and literacy through singing, talking, reading and playing. There is time to stay and play after the program as well as share in healthy snack. North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville. For more information, call the library at 777-5061.
NVPL Kids Create Storytime
Kids Create is an enriching early learning program for toddlers and preschoolers that is held every Wednesday from 10:30 to 11:30 p.m. at the North Valley Public Library. Using a different theme each week, we’ll read entertaining library picture books, engage in fingerplays and songs and create 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.
NVPL Book Club
Join the NVPL Book Club in the Montana Room the second Tuesday of every month from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon to have a lively discussion about the month’s selection. Newcomers are always welcome, and the library is able to supply ten copies of the book club selection. So come down to the library and indulge your inner bibliophile. Call the library for monthly book selections. North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville. For more information, call the library at 777-5061.
NVPL Herb Chat
Ever go on a walk along the river, or maybe on your favorite trail and wonder what a plant or flower you saw was? We are surrounded by flora that have healing potential. Join Jessica Thomas in learning about the herbs, plants, wildflowers, and berries that grow in our area. Herb Chats are held every second Tuesday of the month from 12 to 1:30 p.m. at the North Valley Public Library and are informal discussions on the many uses of plants and herbs. All are welcome to share their knowledge, ideas, and experiences with fellow herb enthusiasts. North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville. For more information, call the library at 777-5061.
Elks dinner
The Elks Club at 203 State Street in Hamilton serves dinner to the public every Wednesday at 6 p.m. The $9.00 complete meal includes dessert and coffee. Proceeds help to aid Elks charities. For more information call 363-3031.
Sabre Soccer meetings
Stevensville Sabre Soccer meetings are held the third Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Main Street Association building in Stevensville. The general public and all interested parties are welcome to attend. For more information contact Brooke Flynn at 880-2903.
Fiber Arts Guild
Big Sky Fiber Arts Guild meets the last Saturday of every month. If you are a wool spinner or work with fibers, contact Shelley at 777-5205 or Marty at 777-2421 for location or information.
Men’s Bereavement Breakfast
Marcus Daly Hospice sponsors a Men’s Bereavement Support Breakfast on the second and fourth Friday of each month at 9 a.m. in the Marcus Daly Hospice Dining Room. This breakfast creates a special opportunity for men coping with the death of a spouse or loved one to gather and share their journey of healing. Informal discussions are led by a trained Bereavement Facilitator and address such issues as dealing with grief, loneliness, forming new relationships, single parenting. A donation of $3.00 is appreciated for the meal. For more information call Marcus Daly Bereavement Coordinator at 363-6503.
Bitterroot Moms Club
Join a local group for moms to meet new friends, learn more about the area, host or attend play dates, book clubs, outings and much more. The group is geared for moms and children to interact during the day but there are occasional events for moms in the evening. For more information go to meetup.com and under “Topic,” type in The Bitterroot Valley Moms Meetup Group or call 777-7234.
Ragtime Society
The Bitterroot Valley Ragtime Society meets on the first Saturday of each month from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Hamilton Pub in Victor. There is no charge for membership, all are welcome. Come on out and listen to some vintage American music from the ragtime and early jazz era! For further information call 406-531-4699.
Spiritual discussion group
Between The Worlds metaphysical store in Hamilton is hosting a free Spiritual Discussion Group each week from 7 to 8 p.m. on the first Monday evening of each month and on Wednesday evenings the rest of month. These moderated discussions are open to everyone and are for people who wish to add understanding to their own particular spiritual path. All spiritual paths are respected and no one single path is promoted. This is a time for learning, getting to know new friends and sharing food and fun together. Between The Worlds is located at 205 W. Main Street, Suite B in Hamilton. For information, call 363-2969 or 381-2355.
Acoustic music jam sessions
Free community music jam sessions are held every Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. in the dining room at Sapphire Lutheran Homes, 501 N. 10th Street in Hamilton. Players and singers of all abilities are invited to bring their guitars, mandolins, harmonicas, fiddles, banjos, dobros or other acoustic instruments. Music includes old-time country, bluegrass, swing, cowboy, folk, old standards, etc. There is no charge for admission. Folks who want to play or just listen are encouraged to come – it’s always more fun with an audience and more jam participants. The weekly jam will continue to meet throughout the summer months with the exception of September 1. Contact John at 381-2483.
Thursday Night Acoustic Jam
Come join Bill LaCriox and friends for an evening of singing, playing and sharing songs in a circle every Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at the Bitterroot School of Music (located at the Music Box in Hamilton). This is a casual group of players who enjoy getting together to share songs, stories and the musical legacy of the folk tradition, though you may hear almost anything! No dues or other memberships required. All level of player and listener welcome and encouraged.
Lighthouse
The Lighthouse of the Bitterroot board meetings are held on the first Friday of each month at 2 p.m. in the Community Room at Canyon View Church, 195 Skalkaho Highway, Hamilton. The public is welcome.
Businesswomen’s Network
The Bitterroot Sub-network of the Missoula Businesswomen’s Network meets the second Thursday of each month, September through May, from noon to 1 p.m. at Nick’s Family Restaurant (formerly Perkins). Looking to connect and grow your business? Come and meet a group of supportive women and get to know them through member spotlight presentations, educational topics, and the referral and promotion of each other’s businesses. Contact JoAnn Candelaria at (406) 926-1711 with any questions.
Bitterroot NAMI
Bitterroot NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) family support group meets the second Thursday of the month at 700 N. 4th St. in Hamilton in the fellowship hall. Call 381-9884 for information.
County recycling
Ravalli County Recycling (RCR) now offers curbside pickup service in the valley. Drop off location is at 131 Old Corvallis Road in Hamilton (next to Habitat for Humanity). Recyclable materials can be dropped off on Monday from 3 to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 noon only. On Saturdays RCR pays for aluminum cans, scrap metals and car batteries. Call 375-5398 for info or to schedule your curbside pickup. The web site has a list of accepted materials at www.ravallirecyclilng.org RCR is 99% volunteer run, so come and join the community and volunteer!
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.)
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.
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. If interested in joining the club, contact Tony Oberting at 273-0006.
Scrabble Club
Come and enjoy face to face fun playing America’s favorite word game on the second and fourth Mondays from 7 to 9 p.m. in the downstairs meeting room of the Bitterroot Public Library in Hamilton. All abilities are welcome. For more information contact Tony Rasch, 363-3405.
Stevi farmers market
A farmers market is held every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Rocky Mountain Bank parking lot on E. 3rd.
Cancer and recovery support group
A group of cancer patients and caregivers, family and friends who know and understand the need for support and encouragement to walk this path meet the fourth Sunday of each month from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in the He-Brews Café, 700 N. 4th Street, Hamilton. This is a ministry of support and prayer for anyone who is struggling with cancer, either as a patient, caregiver, family or friend. Refreshments are provided.
Darby Bread Box collections
In conjunction with the 2nd Sat in Darby, the Darby Bread Box is having an auction fundraiser on Sept 14 with many items, gift certificates and baked goods to be auctioned. Any new or good used items are welcome. Call 821-2081.
Card tournaments
Naomi Chapter #19 OES is sponsoring card tournaments beginning September 17 at the Masonic Hall above Farmers State Bank in Victor. Bridge and Pinochle tournament and luncheon is $10 per person. Proceeds go to Val Moore Music Scholarships and to sponsor a Victor girl to attend Girls State. Organize a table and call or email Terry Hinman to make reservations at 821-3702 (leave message) terry1944@dishmail.net.
Lunch will be served at 12 noon with card playing starting at 1 p.m. There will be progressive play with winners advancing. The winners will be announced each day the winners of each day and prized will be awarded to the Grand Winners and Reserved Grand Winners at the final tournament on April 15, 2014.
Additional tournament dates are October 15, November 19, January 21, February 19, March 18 and April 15.
Pressure canner gauge testing
Canning season has arrived. Remember to check the dial gauge on your pressure canner annually for accuracy. The Montana State University Extension Office in Ravalli County provides free pressure dial gauge testing. For up-to-date canning recipes and information, stop by the office, 215 S. 4th Street, Hamilton, email katelyna@montana.edu or call 375-6611 for more information.
Darby Library hours
The Darby Community Public Library has new hours of operation. The library is open Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesdays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The book drop, located to the left of the front door, is always open and wireless access is available when the library is closed. For more info call 821-4771.
Audubon calendars available
Bitterroot Audubon has produced a new calendar with photos by local photographers and local students. The photos and drawings highlight the beauty of the fascinating birds found in the Bitterroot Valley. You can buy this one of a kind calendar online at the BAS website http://www.bitterrootaudubon.org/support-us or at the Farmers Market, Bitterroot Drug, Robbins Hallmark, Chapter One, Paper Clip, Art Focus, Sam’s Spade, Lakeland Feed, and Stranahan’s Fly Shop in Hamilton, at Lisa Archer Silks in Stevensville, and at the Naturalist’s Mercantile in Missoula. All proceeds from the sales go to BAS Education and Scholarship Funds.
MAPS enrollment open
Applications for the 2013 session of the MAPS Media Institute are now available. Visit the website’s ‘contact’ page to apply at www.mapsmediainstitute.com for after-school classes in film, design, music and – brand new this year – cyberskills. For more information, call Wendy at 381-7230.
Crisis Line volunteer training
Make a difference in the life of a victim of domestic or sexual abuse – become a SAFE Crisis Line Volunteer. Volunteers provide information and a listening ear to someone who’s been traumatized by domestic violence or sexual assault. Volunteer training begins September 16, so call SAFE today, 363-4600.