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 Calendars before they run out like they did last year! You can purchase them in Hamilton at Forest Service Store, Lakeland Feeds, Picturesque, Paper Clip, Chapter One, Sam’s Spade, Art Focus, Bitterroot Drug, and Robbins; in Darby at Deb’s Restaurant; in Stevensville at Lisa Archer Silks; and in Missoula at Naturalist’s Mercantile and the Montana Natural History Center. 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.
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. November dances will still be at 7:30 p.m. on November 22 and 29. On the 22nd, the club will hold a special holiday buffet with seasonal goodies prior to the dance. (There will be no birthday/anniversary celebrations in November and December due to the holiday season.)
Toys for Tots toy drive
Now collecting new toys through Toys for Tots – local donations stay local! Look for boxes at these locations: Hamilton – Walgreens, Murdoch’s, The Edge Restaurant/Hamilton Liquor, First Interstate Bank, Me & Mom, Hamilton Assembly of God, IGA, Albertson’s, Quizno’s, Valley Veterans Organization; Corvallis – Corvallis Drug, Ravalli County Bank, Corvallis Primary School; Florence – Farmers State Bank, Gary & Leo’s, Florence Schools, Florence-Carlton Chiropractic, Ace Hardware, Glenn’s Café, Florence Boutique; Stevensville – Farmers State Bank, Rocky Mountain Bank, Valley Drug, Full Moon Saloon, High Country Club, Ravalli County Bank, Stevensville Elementary, Lone Rock School, Three Mile Store; Victor – Farmers State Bank, Victor Mercantile, Cowboy Troy’s, Victor School. Donate online at stevensville-mt.toysfortots.org. For more information, contact Leah Duke, 493-4293.
Soroptimist candy sale
Soroptimist International of Hamilton will be selling See’s Candy during the holiday season in the parking lot of First Security Bank in Hamilton. The See’s Candy Mobile will be open from November 26 to December 14 from 10:30 to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 pm. on Saturdays. Proceeds help support educational and health programs for women and girls.
Wednesday, November 27
Lutheran Advent activities
Our Savior Lutheran Church in Stevensville considers that the holiday season begins not with Thanksgiving shopping, football and a gut-busting meal, but with the prayers of thanksgiving the congregation shares on Thanksgiving eve, followed swiftly by the season of Advent. Come worship in thankfulness on Wednesday, November 27 at 7 p.m.
Then the old Church Year ends as the new one begins with the first Sunday in Advent on December 1. Advent, or The Coming, is a time set aside by the Church to prepare for the arrival of the long-promised Messiah, Savior, Lamb of God, Prince of Peace.
Advent is a time of spiritual preparation, for making hearts ready for the gift of the Christ Child. Amidst the bustle of preparations for the commercial and very secular Christmas, Thursday evenings may be the perfect time to pause and contemplate the spiritual aspect of Christmas, the miracle of grace, our undeserved gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah. Both the Our Savior congregants and members of the community are urged to set aside Thursday evenings for 7 p.m. Advent evening prayer services with candlelight, starting Thursday, December 5, and continuing the following two Thursdays, the 12th and the 19th.
To simplify evening worship for hard-working families, the people of Our Savior are again preparing 6 PM soup and sandwich suppers. Pick up your family on your way home from work and come to eat with the members of Our Savior before the service. Food and fellowship followed by the power of God’s Word will make this holiday season more meaningful, as well as less hectic.
Our Savior, located at 184 Pine Hollow Road, is affiliated with the Lutheran Church––Missouri Synod. To find the church, head south from Stevensville on the Eastside Highway. One mile past Middle Burnt Fork Road, turn east on Pine Hollow. Cross the tracks and the canal, and the church will be on your left, marked by three crosses.
Thursday, November 28
Darby Turkey Day Fun Run
Lace up your shoes and head out the door on Thanksgiving morning for the second annual Darby Turkey Day Pick a K Fun Run and Walk. Get out of the kitchen for an hour and join your neighbors for a casual morning of exercise and socializing. Bring your out of town guest and family or just show up on your own. You choose the distance. There will be mile markers at every mile as well as the 5K and 10K turn around points. Costumes are encouraged. This year’s event will benefit the Darby Bread Box, Darby’s own local food bank. Bring a nonperishable food item, cash, or check made out to the Darby Bread Box. The Fun Run and Walk starts at 9:30 a.m. at the Darby High School Gym parking lot on Thursday, November 28. The run will start on the Darby Trail of Discovery to Bunkhouse Road and then continue on Old Darby Road. Help support the Darby Bread Box and add a healthy habit to your Thanksgiving Day. For more information, contact Lisa Poe, 369-5050.
Grace Lutheran Thanksgiving
Grace Lutheran Church invites you for Thanksgiving. There is room at the table! “He opens His hand and satisfies us with good things!” Come enjoy turkey and all the fixings on Thursday, November 28 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, 275 Hattie Lane, Hamilton. For a ride or home-delivered meal, call by Tuesday, November 26, 363-1924. All are welcome.
Friday, November 29
Hamilton downtown activities
The Hamilton Downtown Association invites everyone to attend their holiday season events, beginning with the traditional downtown Christmas Stroll following the lighting of the Christmas tree, on Friday, Nov. 29.
The evening’s festivities will begin at 5:30 p.m., with caroling by the Sunshine Generation children’s group, and the Montana A Capella Society, capped by the lighting of the tree and the arrival of Santa Claus, at 6 p.m., all taking place on the sidewalk along the south side of the Hamilton Post Office.
Following that, Santa will remain on hand for photos with kids, and many downtown stores will stay open until 8 p.m. for shoppers’ convenience, offering refreshments and holiday specials. Kids are invited to make s’mores, with HDA providing the ingredients, at the burn barrels downtown.
Saturday, Nov. 30, the HDA encourages everyone to “Shop Small” at businesses throughout Hamilton, for Small Business Saturday. This promotion celebrates the businesses that are the backbone of our local economy, and that give all of Hamilton its unique character. Find participating stores at www.shopsmall.com.
Each Friday until Christmas, many downtown businesses will be open until 8 p.m.
Dec. 6 is the traditional First Friday, where you’ll find live music in some local eateries and in-store specials.
Dec. 13 will be celebrated in some stores as the day of St. Lucia, traditionally honored with wheat berries, lights, and wine. Come see how that’s honored!
Dec. 20 is the Winter Solstice, celebrated with lights and candles. The HDA will once again put out its burn barrels, and provide s’mores makings for kids and families to enjoy.
To find out more, visit the HDA website at www.hamiltondowntownassociation.org or call 360-9124.
Saturday, November 30
Corvallis Christmas Bazaar
The annual Corvallis Christmas Bazaar will be held Saturday, November 30 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in both Corvallis High School gyms. Vendors will be selling arts & crafts, food, furniture and more. Concessions will be available and admission is free. The bazaar is brought to you by the Corvallis High School Boys and Girls Basketball teams and Sidewinders 4-H Club. For more information contact Dori Tintzman at 369-2131.
Florence ‘Day of Giving’
The Florence Civic Club will hold its 3rd annual “Day of Giving” on Saturday, November 30 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Florence Ace Hardware, 5524 Old US Hwy 93, in Florence. “Day of Giving” is an opportunity for community members to buy a raffle ticket, donate a toy to Toys for Tots, or make a monetary donation to the Florence Civic Club, to be used with the Share Tree. The Share Tree serves needy children and their families at Christmas time, by purchasing much needed shoes, coats, pants and more. Come by to grab a free bowl of chili! Cupcake decorating will be available for the children. For information on how to donate or help serve, call or email Ann at (406) 403-6491, abethea17@gmail.com. The Florence Civic Club meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Florence Fire Hall.
BRHA Festival of Wreaths
The 2nd annual Festival of Wreaths, a benefit for the Bitter Root Humane Association, will be held on Saturday, November 30, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Bitterroot River Inn Ballroom. 35+ artists and businesses created holiday wreaths which will be available during a silent/live auction. Riversong Gourmet will present a selection of delicacies and a no-host bar will be available from The Banque Club as well as dessert treats and live music. Admission is $35.00 per person and reservations can be made by calling Sue at 370-8071 or stop by the shelter during business hours. Bidder packets (including one free drink ticket) will be available on arrival at the event. These “forever” wreaths are beautiful and will decorate your holidays for years to come.
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 30 at 1 p.m. 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.
Sunday, December 1
Spiritual Living program
The Center for Spiritual Living presents Chris Love discussing “Finding Light in our Darkness” on Sunday, December 1. December brings opportunities to reflect on moments of darkness on our spiritual journey and the light that renews and reveals; Chris helps us “Find Our Light.” Special music with LeGrande Harvey. Refreshments and conversation follow at 11:30 a.m. Come early for Meditation 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 or visit www.CSLbitterroot.org.
Our Savior Women’s Christmas Party
The ladies of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League of Our Savior Lutheran Church of Stevensville invite all women of the community––whether young or young at heart––to an Advent/Christmas party on Sunday, December 1, at 2 p.m. Join together with Christian women to celebrate God’s gracious gift to His people, His Son, our Savior. What better way to share the joy than with fun, food, fellowship and, best of all, friendship? If you can, bring along a wrapped white elephant Christmas ornament for a silly gift exchange. For more information call 239-5573. The party will be held at Our Savior Lutheran, located at 184 Pine Hollow Road. From the Eastside Highway, about one mile south of the intersection of the Eastside Highway and Middle Burnt Fork Road, turn east onto Pine Hollow. Cross the tracks and the canal and the church will be on the left, marked by three crosses.
Stevensville Methodist Hanging of the Greens
The Stevensville United Methodist Church invites you to the 56th Annual Hanging of the Greens on Sunday, December 1 at 7 p.m. at 216 College Street, Stevensville. Come join in the beginning of Advent, a celebration of Jesus’ birth through Christmas songs, children decorating the tree, the placing of the creche, the Nativity story, and the special treat of delicious Christmas cookies!
Monday, December 2
Stevi school menu
Monday: Breakfast – Pancakes or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Winter stew, tossed salad with ranch dressing, mandarin oranges, bread & butter, milk; Ala Carte – Pizza
Tuesday; Breakfast – Muffins or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Chicken fajita with lettuce & salsa, apples, bread & butter, chocolate or regular milk; Ala Carte- Hamburgers
Wednesday; Breakfast – Cereal or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Hot ham & cheese sandwich, fresh veggies with ranch dressing, pineapple, bread & butter, milk; Ala Carte – Burrito
Thursday; Breakfast – Waffle or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Tater tot casserole, green beans, Kiwi, bread & butter, milk; Ala Carte – Chicken patty sandwich
Friday; Breakfast – Scrambled eggs or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Corn dogs, baked beans, peaches, bread & butter,
chocolate or regular milk; Ala Carte – BBQ ribs
Rotary Club
Vicki Dickerson, Vice Principal of Hamilton Middle School, will be speaking on the Hamilton School’s OLWEUS Bully Prevention Program at the next meeting of the Hamilton Rotary club, Monday, December 2. The club meets Mondays at 12 noon at BJ’s Restaurant, 900 N. 1st Street, Hamilton. The meeting is open to the public. For further information, call 777-3054.
Obamacare info session
Are you confused about the new healthcare law and changes, and how they affect you? On Monday, December 2 from 7 to 9 p.m. Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital will sponsor a free public information session on Obamacare in Montana at the Bitterroot River Inn in Hamilton. Monica J. Lindeen, Commissioner of Securities and Insurance and Montana State Auditor, will present “What you need to know” from 7 to 8 p.m. The Marketplace Insurers, PacificSource, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Montana Health Co-Op, will present from 8 to 8:30 p.m. Questions can be addressed between 8:30 to 9 p.m. Registration is not required and all are welcome. An opportunity for insurance enrollment will follow the information session and Navigators and Certified Application Counselors will be available to assist you. Come and learn about the new healthcare law and insurance options and get your questions answered. Make an informed decision about your healthcare insurance and enroll in the program that best fits your needs.
Tuesday, December 3
Sons of Norway Christmas Party
Bitterrootdalen Lodge, Sons of Norway, will start the Christmas season with a celebration on Tuesday, December 3 at 5 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, 275 Hattie Lane in Hamilton. There will be a program about Scandinavian Christmas customs, an opportunity to make traditional ornaments, a Christmas language lesson and singing. The Lodge will provide a main dish, drinks and service, members and guests are invited to bring a side dish and an item of five dollars or less for gift exchange. As always, the public is invited to attend. Call Jackie at 961-4538 for more information.
BPL Writer’s Group
The Bitterroot Public Library Writer’s Group will be meeting on Tuesdays, December 3 and 17 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the meeting room of the library. Hang out with other writers and improve your writing skills. John Robinson, instructor, welcomes all levels of writers. Classes are free and open. Call 262-1670 for more information.
Fly Fishers of the Bitterroot
The monthly meeting of Fly Fishers of the Bitterroot will be Tuesday, December 3 at BJ’s Restaurant in Hamilton. The social hour is between 6 and 7 p.m. with cocktails/dinner optional. Featured speaker is Tim Tollet. Tim worked for Powell Rod Company in the 70’s building some of the first graphite fly rods. In 1980, he and his wife, Teresa, opened Frontier Anglers in Dillon. His presentation “Beaverhead Country” is an accumulation of 37 years of fishing the Beaverhead, Big Hole and other Southwestern Montana waters. From the best insect hatches, to the best times to fish these famous waters, Tim will cover it all. For more information about the club call Dorreen at 363-0744.
Bingo night
The public is invited to play bingo on Tuesday, December 3 at 7 p.m. at 1064 Three Mile Creek Road. Bingo games will be held every first and third Tuesdays through the winter to have fun and raise funds to build the new Three Mile Community/Senior Center. For more information call 777-3710.