Vendor opp
There are still a few spaces left for the 2nd annual Bounty of the Bitterroot Show which will be held on Saturday, November 16 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the First Interstate Building at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds in Hamilton. This is an “all local” show and sale to showcase locally produced products and services and locally owned businesses. Call 777-3928 or email editor@bitterrootstar.com for an application.
Vendor opp
Bitterroot Art Guild is now taking application for its annual Christmas Show held at the First Interstate Building at Hamilton Fairgrounds. Dates of show are November 22 and 23. Call Mary for an application at 821-4678.
Vendor opp
Valley Christian School will hold its annual Candy Cane Craft Fair on November 23 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Deadline for vendor sign up is November 15. Contact Nancy at 829-6636 for more information.
Vendor opp
The Stevensville Booster Club will hold its 30th annual Craft Bazaar on Saturday, December 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Stevensville High School. For an application call Karla at 777-0059.
Darby holiday opps
The South Valley Civic Group is seeking participants for the holiday parade on Saturday, December 7 at 10 a.m. in downtown Darby. There will also be a craft fair from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Darby Club House and Catholic Church, vendors in the Park starting at 11 a.m., a Live Nativity at 5 p.m. The group is also looking for an ice carver, a chestnut roaster, jugglers, clowns, and candy donations for the parade. For more information contact Annie Edwards at 370-1309.
Audubon calendars available
Don’t forget one of the best holiday gifts is a local product showing off the beauty of where you live. Be sure to get your glorious Bitterroot Audubon 2014 Calendar before they run out like they did last year! You can purchase them at many local venues in Hamilton; Deb’s Restaurant in Darby; Lisa Archer Silks in Stevi; and the Naturalist’s Mercantile in Missoula. They can also be purchased online at the BAS website at www.bitterrootaudubon.org. What makes these calendars so precious besides the unique layout and beautiful photos is that all proceeds go to fund local education and scholarship programs.
Turkey drive
Stevensville Pantry Partners food bank is in need of turkeys for the Christmas Food Box Distribution. The Pantry is expecting to provide boxes to 380 families this year. All sizes of turkeys are appreciated. They may be delivered to Pantry Partners located on the corner of Middle Burnt Fork and ALC Way. For information call 777-0351.
Museum Gallery of Trees
The Ravalli County Museum, 205 Bedford in Hamilton, is hosting a “Gallery of Trees… in the Spirit of Giving”, now through November 22. These stunning trees have been decorated by local businesses, and during this time period you will have the opportunity to bid on the tree of your choice. You may take it home with you, give it to a deserving local non-profit organization of your choice, or the Museum will designate a recipient for you. Call the Museum at 363-3338 for more information.
NVPL ‘food for fines’
Are your library fines beginning to add up? Why not exchange food for fines? Throughout November and December the North Valley Public Library will be accepting donations of non-perishable food, small personal care items, and pet food instead of cash to waive library fines. Items will be exchanged at the rate of $1.00 per item, at the discretion of library staff. Please, no expired food. Donations will benefit the Food Pantry in Stevensville. This offer applies to only overdue fines, not lost items. North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville. For more information, call the library at 777-5061 or go to www.northvalleylibrary.org.
Golden Age dances
Looking for something to do on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Sunday afternoons in the winter months of December, January and February? The Golden Age Club will be changing its dance schedule for the winter months to allow dancers to avoid hazardous night-time driving. Come enjoy the great dance floor and music with potluck snacks provided during the break in a non-alcoholic and non-smoking environment. Music is from 1 to 4 p.m. Admission $3.00 a person. Dances are held at the Golden Age Club, 737 S. Fifth St. Hamilton.
Wednesday, November 13
Healthy Living Series
The Healthy Living Series at the Center for Spiritual Living continues on Wednesday November 13 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. with “Turn Holiday Recipes to Healthy Recipes.” The holidays are typically a time of indulgence in unhealthy foods. Come learn how you can adjust traditional recipes with a little covert, overt nutrition. Free recipe booklets and samples of yummy (healthy) food will be provided. This class is taught by Katelyn Anderson, MSU Extension Agent. 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 360-5568 or go to www.cslbitterroot.org.
Corvallis Scholastic Book Fair
The annual Scholastic Book Fair is going on now through Friday, November 15 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Corvallis Primary School Library. The fair is also being held during Parent-Teacher Conferences on Wednesday, November 13 until 6 p.m. and Thursday, November 14 until 7:30 p.m. There are lots of affordable books and great gifts for the book lovers on your holiday shopping list. This book fair is an annual fund-raiser for the library. For more information call 961-3261, ext. 307.
Thursday, November 14
Obamacare forum
The Bitterroot Job Service Employer Committee and the Ravalli County Economic Development Authority are sponsoring a free forum on the Affordable Care Act on Thursday, November 14, 9 to 11 a.m. at the Bedford Building (City Hall), 223 S. 2nd, Hamilton. There will be three presentations covering the basics of the Affordable Care Act, the implications of the law on small businesses (under 50 employees), and the tax credits that are available for businesses that want to offer their employees health insurance. Presenters are Karen Murphy, Montana Health Co-op, giving an overview of the Affordable Care Act; Christa LeCoure of Payne West Insurance, on the changes and impacts for employers; and Adam Sangster of APEX Human Resources, talking about the tax credits available to small employers. To register call Vickie Steele at the Bitterroot Job Service, 363-1822 or 375-6045.
Women Newcomers Club
Bitterroot Women Newcomers Club will meet Thursday, November 14 at 10 a.m. at the First Christian Church, 328 Fairgrounds Rd. in Hamilton. Guest speaker is Lisa Schultz, an EMT, who will talk about a day in the life of a local volunteer. Visitors are welcome to attend and learn more about the group and its activities. For more information, contact Dona Fisher at 381-6444.
American Turning Point Forum
American Turning Point Forum will meet Thursday, November 14 at 6:30 p.m. at Nick’s Restaurant (northwest meeting room) in Hamilton on Hwy 93 (Note: this is a location change).
Join in a discussion of the recent Self Governance class, transfer of public lands to state jurisdiction, Legislative Interim Committee reports and other topics of interest. Contact Jennine Jones, 381-0314, donandjennine@gmail.com, for more information.
Cross Country Ski Club
The Bitterroot Cross-Country Ski club will host Zack Porter of the Montana Wilderness Association speaking on “Unknown and Unprotected – Montana’s best backcountry destinations” on Thursday, November 14 at 7 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church, 1220 W. Main Street, Hamilton. Montana is blessed with more wild country than almost any other state, but little of it is well-known to even the most intrepid backcountry travelers. While iconic, protected landscapes like the Selway-Bitterroot and Absaroka-Beartooth Wildernesses receive well-deserved attention, Montana’s unsung gems often struggle to find their voice. Through photos, hiking tips, and discussion of ongoing conservation efforts, Porter will help you become familiar with these special places so that you can explore their wild beauty and speak up on their behalf. The public is encouraged and welcomed to attend all meetings.
BPL Fellowship Club
The Bitterroot Public Library’s Fellowship Club will be meeting on Thursday, November 14 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the West Meeting Room of the BPL, to discuss the book: “The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself” by Michael. A. Singer.
What would it be like to be free from limitations and soar beyond your boundaries? What can you do each day to find this kind of inner peace and freedom? This book offers a simple, profoundly intuitive answer to these questions. It begins by walking you through your relationship with your thoughts and emotions, helping you uncover the source and fluctuations of your inner energy. It then delves into what you can do to free yourself from the habitual thoughts, emotions, and energy patterns that limit your consciousness. Finally, with perfect clarity, the book opens the door to a life lived in the freedom of your innermost being.
Michael A. Singer has made major contributions in the areas of business, the arts, education, healthcare, and environmental protection. During his doctoral work, he had a deep inner awakening and went into seclusion to focus on yoga and meditation. In 1975, he founded Temple of the Universe, a now long-established yoga and meditation center where people of any religion or set of beliefs can come together to experience inner peace.
The Fellowship Club meets every second Thursday of the month in the West Meeting Room of the Bitterroot Public Library and is free and open to anyone seeking to promote individual and collective well being. Call 363-1670, or email jacostant@gmail.com for more information.
Friday, November 15
Driver safety class
An AARP Driver Safety Class (formerly ’55 Alive’) will be presented at Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital, 1200 Westwood Drive in Hamilton, on Friday, November 15. The class begins at 9 a.m. and lasts approximately four hours. While this safe driving strategies class is designed for drivers age 50 and over, all drivers are welcome. The class fee is $12.00 for AARP members and $14.00 for non-members. There are no written exams or driving tests and, Montana mandates an insurance discount for qualified graduates. Pre-registration is advised. To sign-up, contact Jones-Korman Insurance at 363-6583 or, for further information, call Thom Ainsworth, District Coordinator, at 369-0149.
BPL story time
Young children are invited to meet in the children’s corner of the Bitterroot Public Library on Friday, November 15 to enjoy “Sheep and Sleep” with storyteller Jennifer Crawford. Hear some great stories and try some activities and crafts! 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.
North Valley Pachyderm Club
The North Valley Pachyderm Club will meet Friday, November 15 at 12 noon at the Frontier Café, Hwy 93 in Stevensville. Guest speaker will be County Commissioner Jeff Burrows. The North Valley Pachyderm Club meets the first and third Friday of each month from 12 noon to 1 p.m. The North Valley Pachyderm Club is an educational arm of the Republican Party. All are welcome.
Eagles Taco Night
Tacos and more will be served on Friday, November 15 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Eagles Lodge, 125 N. 2nd, Hamilton. The menu includes tacos, burritos and quesadillas. The public is welcome.
Natural history lecture
The Ravalli County Museum, 205 Bedford in Hamilton, will open a new exhibit – Natural History, How Well Do You Know Your World? on Friday, November 15 at 6 p.m. in the Courtroom Gallery. This exhibit will cover Geology to Climate Change and closes on April 15th. Greg Peters, UM Professor, will give an opening lecture on “How Geology Affects Flora and Fauna.” The Sunshine Kids will sing, dance, and perform. The kids range in age from 3-13. Call the Museum at 363-3338 for more information.
Infectious disease lecture
Dr. Lipkin, a Columbia University research professor who served as scientific adviser for director Steven Soderbergh’s film, will discuss “Bad Bugs on the Big Screen” during a community presentation Friday, November 15 at 7 p.m. in the Hamilton High School Performing Arts Center, 327 Fairgrounds Road. The talk is free and open to the public as part of a community outreach series sponsored by Rocky Mountain Laboratories (RML). RML is part of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, a component of the National Institutes of Health.
International microbe hunter W. Ian Lipkin, M.D., has helped solve some of the world’s most pressing infectious disease mysteries for decades, with projects ranging from West Nile virus in New York and MERS coronavirus in Saudi Arabia to colony collapse disorder in bees and SARS coronavirus in Beijing. Just as high on his list of most memorable experiences: Training Kate Winslet to play the role of scientist for the 2011 film “Contagion.”
“Contagion” has been described as one of the most accurate depictions of how an emerging viral disease can rapidly affect health care systems, economies, and social behavior. Among its messages are themes influenced by Dr. Lipkin: research programs are vital, and be prepared for the unexpected.
“ ‘Contagion’ provided a rare opportunity for a scientist to take a lifetime of research experiences to a global audience and say, ‘This is what we do, and this is why it’s important,” Dr. Lipkin said.
RML scientists collaborate with Dr. Lipkin’s research group on various projects. For example, the researchers are currently sharing expertise to better understand the Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) coronavirus, which was first described in two patients in September 2012. According to the World Health Organization, MERS now has caused disease in 149 people and killed 63.
“Ian is probably the only virologist in the world capable of bridging the cutting edge of science to the cutting room floor of Hollywood,” said Marshall Bloom, M.D., RML Associate Director for Science. “His lecture will not only describe his work, but will chronicle the way infectious disease research has been portrayed on the silver screen. This will be not only informative, but very engaging.”
NIAID conducts and supports research—at NIH, throughout the United States, and worldwide—to study the causes of infectious and immune-mediated diseases, and to develop better means of preventing, diagnosing and treating these illnesses. News releases, fact sheets and other NIAID-related materials are available on the NIAID Web site at http://www.niaid.nih.gov.
Saturday, November 16
BRHA ‘Frosty Paws’
The Bitter Root Humane Association’s annual “Frosty Paws” event has moved and will now be part of the Bounty of the Bitterroot Show on Saturday, November 16 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the First Interstate Building at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds. Enter at the northwest door. Spotlight Photo will be taking photos with Santa Claus. Bring your favorite pets, your children or your entire family for photos with Santa. Grandparents, your photo with Santa will make a great gift for children or grandkids. Photos will be available as CDs or in print. Printed photos will be available for pick up at Picturesque in Hamilton, November 22, in plenty of time to use as gifts or holiday cards. After your photo session, shop the Bounty of the Bitterroot vendors for gifts galore. For more information call Kathy Good, 363-0117.
Back Country Horsemen
The Selway-Pintler Wilderness Back Country Horsemen will celebrate Thanksgiving by hosting a Dutch oven cookout/potluck on Saturday, November 16 at the Lake Como Three Sisters Pavilion across from the Rock Creek Horse Camp. Arrive at 11 a.m. to set up and start the Dutch ovens; lunch served around 12:30. If you are interested in becoming a Back Country Horsemen, come and learn to Dutch oven cook! Members will give thanks for the mountains we love, great friends and our ever faithful horses and mules! Guests are welcome to join members around the campfire for coffee/hot cocoa and share lots of “trail talk.” Bring a hearty appetite, your choice of beverage and a chair. For more information contact Linda at 961-1435.
Book signing
A book signing for local author Wendy Ervin will be held on Saturday, November 16 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Freckled Paws K9 Hostel in Corvallis. “Boo Boo” and “Boo Boo Loses His Voice” are the first two of several stories that chronicle the life and adventures of this little Corgi from Corvallis. The stories are designed for ages four through eight. Each book comes with an audio download so that children can listen to the stories as they read. “Boo Boo” is perfect as a traveling companion, for bedtime reading or as a little something under the Christmas tree. Freckled Paws can be reached at 375-5369.
Accordion jam
Come down and support the veterans at the American Legion Hall on Saturday, November 16 from 7 to 11 p.m. Cover charge $7.00 or $5.00 by bringing in a canned good as a holiday donation. Call 240-9617 for information.
Sunday, November 17
Center for Spiritual Living
The Center for Spiritual Living hosts Scott Schultz presenting “Gratitude – One Man’s View” on Sunday, November 17. Scott shares his special insights on gratitude as a daily practice. There will be special music with LeGrande Harvey and Jill Davies. Refreshments and conversation follow at 11:30 a.m. Come early for Meditation in the Sanctuary at 9:30 a.m. 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, November 18
Stevi school menu
Monday: Breakfast – French toast or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Cheese-filled breadsticks, marinara sauce, mixed veggies, apples, bread & butter, milk
Tuesday: Breakfast – Bagel & cream cheese or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Burrito, salsa, lettuce, Spanish rice, pears, bread & butter, milk
Wednesday: Breakfast – Cereal or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Thanksgiving dinner with turkey, mashed potatoes & gravy, corn, stuffing, pineapple, rolls, bread & butter, milk
Thursday: Breakfast – Pancake on a stick or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Cheeseburgers, taters, grapes, bread & butter, milk
Friday: Breakfast – Egg wrap or yogurt, toast, milk; Lunch – Chicken tenders, baked beans, mixed fruit, bread & butter, milk.
Rotary Club
Ryan Conner, of R & R Conner Aviation, will speaking at the next meeting of the Hamilton Rotary club, on Monday, November 18 at 12 noon at BJ’s Restaurant, 900 N. 1st in Hamilton. Mr. Conner will be providing an overview of his company and how he measures our local economy. This meeting is open to the public. For further information call 777-3054.
Pre-audition workshop
Ever thought about being a part of your local community theater? Here’s your chance to take a closer look! The Hamilton Players and director Faylee Favara invite you to a Pre-Audition Workshop for the 2014 season productions of “Oklahoma!” and Mel Brooks’ “Young Frankenstein the Musical” (‘What hump?’) on Monday, November 18 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the theater at 100 Ricketts Road in Hamilton. The workshop will explore the music and stories of both shows, talk about characters and give a few tips on auditioning. No audience participation is needed and there is no requirement to audition (or guarantee of casting). Are you more interested in being backstage than onstage? Come and learn about volunteer opportunities. No need to reserve your spot; see you there!
Tuesday, November 19
RASS training
Western MT Addiction Services will be holding a Responsible Alcohol Sales and Service training on Tuesday, November 19 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at 209 N. 10th St Suite C in Hamilton. The cost of the training is $15 for materials. The “Let’s Control It” curriculum is approved as a state-mandated RASS training by the MT Dept of Revenue and participants will receive a certificate of completion. For information or to register call 532-9146 or email rwetzel@wmmhc.org. Register at least one week prior to training date.
Devotional music jam
A Devotional Music Jam will be held Tuesday, November 19 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Center for Spiritual Living. Simple songs from many faiths are taught each time; newcomers are welcome at this inclusive and informal event. Bring your songs, your instrument, or your voice. The Center for Spiritual Living is located at 1720 N. First Street, Suite C in Selway Commons, north of Sears in Hamilton. For information call Doug at 363-6391 or Brian at 381-0617.
Missoula Brass Consort concert
The Florence-Carlton School will present the Missoula Brass Consort on Tuesday, November 19 at 7:30 p.m. in the Florence-Carlton High School Gymnasium. This large 18-piece ensemble will showcase an evening of spectacularly brilliant sounds put on by the region’s finest brass and percussion musicians. Their mission is to “engage, enrich, educate & entertain” with a repertoire 500 years in the making – from the brass band to the brass jam! The Missoula Brass Consort presents thrilling and uncommon concert experiences for Western Montana audiences of all ages! This lively and fun show is a benefit event in conjunction with the Florence-Carlton High School Band. Proceeds will be used in their upcoming spring tour to California. Advanced tickets are $5.00 for students, senior & children, $10.00 for adults, and can be purchased through a Florence Carlton High School Band student. Or you can call Brenda Jones at 317-1263. Tickets purchased at the door are $10.00 for students and $15.00 for adults. Log on to www.missoulabrassconsort.org for more information.
Wednesday, November 20
RCEDA
Ravalli County Economic Development Authority will hold its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, November 20 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the RCEDA office, 274 Old Corvallis Rd, Hamilton. The meeting is open to the public.
Fun and Games Night
The Center for Spiritual Living invites everyone to Fun and Games Night with Carol Hensel on Wednesday, November 20 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Bring your favorite board game or card game to share. 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 Carol at 363-6402.