Wednesday, January 22
Quilters Guild
The Bitterroot Quilters Guild will holding its January meeting on Wednesday, January 22 at 6:30 p.m. at the Daly Leach Chapel Community Room, 1010 W. Main St., Hamilton. It’s easy to find and there is ample parking for all who attend. The program will be by member Karen Parker, explaining “Why Your Quilt Isn’t Square” and giving helpful information on how to make it square. Meetings are always open to guests. “Show and Tell” is always spectacular, showing what you can do with scraps of fabric.
CSL film showing
The Center for Spiritual Living will present a showing of the film “Healing: Miracles, Mysteries and John of God” on Wednesday, January 22, at 6:30 p.m. Through this award-winning documentary you will witness the outstanding abilities of John of God, one of the most powerful and respected healers in the world today. During the past 50 years over a million people have visited this remarkable man in Brazil. Z’eva Singer, past counselor in Missoula and current resident of Abadiania, Brazil, where John of God resides, will lead a discussion based on her experiences after the movie. The Center for Spiritual Living is located at 1720 S. First Street in Hamilton (north of Sears). For more information visit CSLBitterroot.org.
Thursday, January 23
Stevensville Town Council
The Stevensville Town Council will meet Thursday, January 23 at 7 p.m. at the Town Hall. Agenda items include discussion of audits for FY 9-10, FY 10-11 and FY 11-12, mayor’s appointment of Megan Hanson to the Planning & Zoning Board, and prioritizing COW meeting items for 2014.
Victor Park District
The next meeting of the Victor Park District will be Thursday, January 23 at 7 p.m. at the Farmers State Bank meeting room in Victor. The board will be discussing next year’s budget, and the results of the meeting with the County Commissioners regarding Victor Park. The public is welcome. Call Roger at 961-3953 if you have any questions about the Victor Park District.
Sleeping Child Hot Springs for All
The first meeting of Sleeping Child Hot Springs for All will be held Thursday, January 23 at 7 p.m. at the Bitterroot Public Library Meeting Room, State and S. Fourth in Hamilton. Enter downstairs on the west side. Sleeping Child Hot Springs for All is a new group formed to explore how to move the private property of Sleeping Child Hot Springs (that is for sale) just south of Hamilton into public hands (or have it open to the public under long term non-profit private ownership). The meeting will explore history, share stories, and weigh public interest for this endeavor. The group will nominate or accept volunteers for a board of directors and explore possibilities. For more information see the Facebook page, or call Dorinda at 363-1806.
Friday, January 24
Driver safety course
A newly designed Smart Driver Safety Course is being offered in 2014. The four-hour course will emphasize how driving has changed, new vehicle technologies, safe driving practices and skills, recognizing the importance and benefits of assessing driving skills, and safe driving actions. The course will be presented on Friday, January 24 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital. The state of Montana mandates discounts for qualified drivers. There are no tests or exams to complete. The course is sponsored by AARP and the cost is $15 for AARP members and $20 for non-AARP members. Call 363-6583 to make a reservation. Space is limited.
BPL Story Time
Young children are invited to meet in the children’s corner of the Bitterroot Public Library on Friday, January 24 to enjoy “Stories About Boo Boo!” with author Wendy Ervin. Hear great stories, meet Boo Boo’s daughter 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.
Stevi school improvement team
The Stevensville School Improvement Team will meet Friday, January 24 from 12 noon to 3:30 p.m. in the 4-8 conference room. Agenda items include a discussion on the middle school reconfiguration. The public is welcome.
Eagles taco night
Tacos and more will be served to the public on Friday, January 24 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Eagles Lodge, 125 N. 2nd, Hamilton. Tacos, burritos, quesadillas, taco salad and more will be available.
Relay for Life meeting
A kick-off meeting for Ravalli County Relay for Life will be held Friday, January 24 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the First Interstate Bank Building at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds. Come hear about the new changes for this year’s relay for life. This is an opportunity for everyone to learn about the event and how to get involved. All team captains, committee members, survivors, caregivers, sponsors and the general public are invited. Help create a world of less cancer and more birthdays! There will be lots of food, fun and prizes and surprises. For more information call Robin at 239-5740.
Stevensville Playhouse production
Stevensville Playhouse presents “Noises Off,” this classic farce by the Tony award winning author Michael Frayn, is not one play but two: simultaneously a traditional farce, “Nothing On”, and the backstage “drama” that develops during “Nothing On’s” final rehearsal and tour. The two begin to interlock as the characters make their exits from “Nothing On” only to find themselves making entrances into the even more comical nightmare that’s happening backstage. The play contains adult language. Show dates are January 24, 25, 31 and February 1 at 7:30 p.m. and January 26 and February 2 at 2 p.m. For reservations call 777-2722 or visit www.stevensvilleplayhouse.org.
Natural History Lecture Series
From November to April, take a closer look at the environment we all live in through a lecture series presented by dedicated individuals in the field at the Ravalli County Museum in Hamilton. January’s focus is on Fields and Forests of the Bitterroot. On Thursday, January 24 at 6 p.m., staff from the Bitterroot National Forest will address all components of the federal government’s many obligations of providing “The Most Good for the Most People” over the long period.
Bitterroot Dancers
A country western public dance sponsored by Bitterroot Dancers, Inc. will be held Friday, January 24 from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. at the Bedford Bldg/City Hall (2nd floor), 223 S. 2nd, Hamilton. Western Union band will be playing. Admission is $7.00.
Saturday, January 25
Beekeepers of the Bitterroot
The Beekeepers of the Bitterroot will hold the 2nd Annual “Beeginner” Talk on Saturday, January 25 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at the North Valley Library in Stevensville. This discussion is geared towards NewBees or WannaBee Beekeepers – topics include Honey Bee basics, how they work and equipment needed to get started with Beekeeping. Current Beekeepers are welcome as well. Now is the time to educate yourself and get your equipment ready – sign up for bees starts in February from the group’s source in Polson. The regular monthly club meeting will be held on the second Saturday of each month, currently scheduled at the North Valley Library in Stevi: February 8 and March 8 from 9 to 11 a.m. Call 381-3053 for more information.
Storytelling series
Visit Travelers’ Rest State Park in Lolo on Saturday, January 25 at 11 a.m. to hear Dr. Vernon Finley share stories of the Kootenai people. Dr. Vernon Finley is a member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and was born and raised on the reservation. His early years consisted of spending much of the time with his grandparents who had a very significant impact on his life. They were fluent speakers of the native languages and practitioners of traditional culture. Dr. Finley is a member of the Kootenai Culture Committee, overseeing the Language Curriculum Project. The event takes place at the Holt Visitor Center and Museum, 6717 Highway 12 W, Lolo (approximately half a mile west of Lolo). For directions and more information about Travelers’ Rest State Park visit: http://stateparks.mt.gov/travelers-rest/. Admission to each program is $4 per adult. Youths/teens under 18 and all current Travelers’ Rest Preservation & Heritage Association (TRPHA) members are free. Complimentary coffee, tea, hot chocolate and home-baked treats will be available. The Visitor Center and Museum will be open after the programs, from noon until 3:30 p.m.
Sunday, January 26
Sacred Circle Discussion
A Sacred Circle Discussion will be held Sunday, January 26 at 10 a.m. at the Center for Spiritual Living. The discussion will follow a video message from Rev. Kathianne Lewis. This is also Potluck Sunday. Bring your favorite dish to share and plan to stay a while to enjoy fine fellowship and food in a loving environment, following the service at 11:30 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 information call Dave at 381-2355 or visit www.CSLbitterroot.org.
Affirmation Card Workshop
On Sunday, January 26 from 1 to 3 p.m. there will be an Affirmation Card Workshop at the Center for Spiritual Living. Come and develop personal affirmations and create beautiful cards to remind you of your intentions for 2014. The cards you create will be filled with images and words to help you anchor your affirmations. The instructor, Kim Lewis, is an acupuncturist and has studied a variety of healing techniques. Donations for supplies will be taken. The Center for Spiritual Living is located at 1720 N. 1st Street (north of Sears), Hamilton. To sign up call 360-5568 or visit cslbitterroot.org.
Accordion Assn.
The 5 Valley Accordion Association invites one and all to the Rustic Hut in Florence Sunday, January 26 from 1 to 4 p.m. Listen and dance to accordions, guitars, banjos, drums, bass and more. Admission is $3.00 for members and $4.00 for nonmembers $4.00. For info or if interested in joining, call 240-9617.
Monday, January 27
Stevi school menu
Monday: Breakfast – French toast or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Winter stew, tossed salad with ranch dressing, pears, bread & butter, milk
Tuesday: Breakfast – Muffins or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch- Burritos, Spanish rice, lettuce & salsa, oranges, bread & butter, chocolate or regular milk
Wednesday: Breakfast – Cereal or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Chef’s salad with turkey & cheese, apricots, bread & butter, milk
Thursday: Breakfast – Pancake on a stick or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Cheeseburgers, taters, bananas, bread & butter, milk
Friday: Breakfast – Egg wraps or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Chicken tenders, fresh veggies with ranch dressing, applesauce, bread & butter, chocolate or regular milk
Stevensville Playhouse auditions
The Stevensville Playhouse will hold auditions for “The Boys Next Door” on Monday and Tuesday, January 27 and 28 at 7 p.m. The play, written by Tom Griffin, is set in the Boston area and deals with four men with various mental health issues who live in a group home. It takes place over roughly a two-month period and consists of brief vignettes about their lives. The play provides a humorous commentary on the men’s lives, taking a surprising turn as Barry’s father comes to visit, and Jack (their caretaker) accepts a new job. The cast is seven men and two women. Scripts are available for check out at the Stevensville library.
Fish & Wildlife Assn.
The Ravalli County Fish & Wildlife Association will hold its general meeting on Monday, January 27 at 7 p.m. at the Daly Leach meeting room, 1010 W. Main, Hamilton. Guest speakers will be Region 3 biologists Vanna Boccardori and Craig Fager along with Howard Burt, Region 3 Wildlife Manager. They will talk about Wildlife Management in the Big Hole. The meeting is open to the public and newcomers are invited to attend. If you have any questions, contact Tony at 381-0587.
Tuesday, January 28
Mule Team
The Bitterroot Mule Team will meet Tuesday, January 28 from 12 to 1 p.m. at Bouilla, 111 S. 3rd, Hamilton. Everyone is welcome. The group will be doing some more mind expanding sharing resources and planning steps for the future. If you are ordering lunch call ahead or come earlier than 12 noon. For more information call Becky at 369-5210.
Financial Planning course
A semester-long college course on financial planning is being offered at the Bitterroot College. This course deals with personal financial planning and investments. The course will focus on a variety of personal finance topics including the time value of money, liquid asset management, federal income and estate taxes, credit cards, consumer loans, automobile purchases and insurance. The course then looks at long-term investing. There is a one-time $30 fee for those new to the U System; people 65 and older can take this course for only $116.91. Instructor is Paula Freston, retired business professor with 15 years of experience. The class will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays, January 28 to May 15 (32 class meetings total) from 10:10 to 11:30 a.m. Contact the Bitterroot College at 375-0100. Course fee and form are due 3 days prior to class start date. Call to check course availability.
Wednesday, January 29
Hunter education classes
Hunter education classes will start Monday, February 3 at the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge in Stevensville. Registration is required with on-line sign ups strongly encouraged. A registration night will be held Wednesday, January 29 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The class is free of charge but any child that is under 18 MUST bring a parent with them to sign up for the class. Adult students and parents are most heartily encouraged to attend. All class sessions must be attended by students with safety criteria met to attain a certificate. Minimum age to attain a certificate is 11. All activity is at the refuge. Initial plan is to run two classes in conjunction with each other, a Mon/Wed session and a Tues/Thur session with both classes together on Friday, both Saturdays and Monday test night. Questions can be directed to FWP at 542-5518 or instructor Jerry Donaldson at 550-9422. A minimum of 10 to 15 students per class is needed or the classes may be combined into one.
Fun and Games Night
The Center for Spiritual Living invites everyone to Fun and Games Night on Wednesday, January 29 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. with Carol Hensel. Bring your favorite board game or card game to share. Come join us! 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 or at CSLbitterroot.org.
Thursday, January 30
Homeschool History Fair
Bring your family and enjoy “History Through the Ages” in the Homeschool History Fair, Thursday, January 30 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Ravalli County Museum, 205 Bedford. There is no charge to enter the Museum but you will want to hold onto your hats and heads as you walk past a full size guillotine! Learn about the sharpshooting Annie Oakley and the explorer/trader Marco Polo. Discover these and many more exciting inventions, events, and people from history as they come alive with homeschool students from the Bitterroot Valley. If you are homeschooled and have not already planned to take part in this History Fair, contact Amanda at 381-8619, Irene at 363-6559 or Tanya at 546-9838.
Nutrition class
A free showing of the movie “Forks Over Knives” will be held on Thursday, January 30 at 6:30 p.m. at Blodgett View Christian School, 119 West Bridge Road, Hamilton (next door to the Seventh-day Adventist church). Learn about preventing and reversing disease with a whole-food, plant-based diet. There will be sign-ups for Foods for Though Health Classes to be held on Thursdays, February 6, 13, 20 and 27 at 6:30 p.m. Class fee of $25.00 includes class, book, and a meal at each session. Pre-register and receive a $5.00 discount. For more information call Ciara at 1-406-219-7079.
Valley Christian info night
Valley Christian School will hold a High School Information Night on Thursday, January 30 at 7 p.m. starting in the North Building auditorium. Students and parents are invited to come learn more about the school’s excellent academics, advanced placement classes, sports programs, extracurricular activities and clubs, mission trips, tuition grants, and more. Come learn how Valley Christian School combines excellent academics and a Biblical worldview to create a topnotch education. Valley Christian School is an interdenominational Christian school located at 2526 Sunset Lane, Missoula. For more information call 549-0482.