Fair theme contest
How would you like to create the theme for Fair 2014? The Ravalli County Fairgrounds is looking for a theme for Fair 2014. Last year’s theme was “4-H Pride and an Eight Second Ride.” The Theme Contest is open to all ages and there is no limit for entries. Submit your ideas by February 7th at 5 p.m. and you could win Fair season passes, VIP parking, VIP seating at the arena and a Fair 2014 logo t-shirt! Submit your ideas to the Fairgrounds Office, email to Beth Perkins at bperkins@rc.mt.gov or mail to: Ravalli County Fairgrounds, attn. Theme Contest, 100 Old Corvallis Road, Hamilton MT 59840. The winner will be announced February 12.
Food bank collection
The Darby Bread Box is collecting the following items for the months of Jan-Feb-March: wheat flour, Rice-A-Roni and boxed macaroni & cheese. Drop off the donated items at People’s Market and the Bitterroot Credit Union in Darby. Any donation would be appreciated.
Free spay/neuter program
February is Spay/Neuter Awareness Month and Fox Hollow Animal Project is offering a limited number of free surgeries and clinics to spay/neuter cats and to spay female dogs during February. Call 273-6007 to make an appointment. Fox Hollow Animal Project is a local, non-profit organization which sponsors low-cost spays and neuters for companion animals and feral cats.
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.
Friday, January 31
BPL Story Time
Young children are invited to meet in the children’s corner of the Bitterroot Public Library on Friday, January 31 to enjoy “A Letter for You” with storyteller Jen De Groot. Hear 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.
Bitterroot Dancers
Bitterroot Dancers, Inc. will hold a public country western dance on Friday, January 31 from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. at the Bedford Bldg./City Hall, 223 S. 2nd St., Hamilton. The Revelators band will provide the music with a no host bar available. Admission is $7. For more information, call 370-7551.
Stevensville Playhouse production
Your last chance to see “Noises Off” at the Stevensville Playhouse will be this weekend. 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. Adult language. Show dates are January 31 and February 1 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, February 2 at 2 p.m. For reservations call 777-2722 or visit www.stevensvilleplayhouse.org.
Saturday, February 1
Youth Group Fundraiser
A Craft & Food Bazaar will be held Saturday, February 1 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Jesus Community Church Activity Center, 318 College Street, Stevensville. There will be an assortment of crafts as well as a silent auction to benefit the youth group’s upcoming mission trip to Belize. Desserts will be available for purchase.
Writing coaches training
Writing Coaches of Missoula is looking for volunteers interested in working with Missoula County public school students on their writing and critical thinking skills. Volunteers must believe in the value of literacy, relate well to middle and high school students, and be available during the school day. Scheduling is flexible. Trainings for new coaches will be Saturday, February 1 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, or Tuesday, February 4 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on the UM campus in Missoula. For more information, go to www.writingcoaches.wordpress.com.
Winter Storytelling Series
Join Montana State Parks at Travelers’ Rest State Park in Lolo for the annual Winter Storytelling Series on Saturdays at 11 a.m. in February. On Saturday, February 1, join Salish Elder and tribal member, Frances Vanderburg, as she shares Salish stories, language, family history and oral traditions. A Salish language teacher at Arlee Elementary School, Frances will focus on the significance of unique names and roles of both maternal and paternal family members while touching on her childhood experiences. Travelers’ Rest State Park – Holt Visitor Center and Museum is located half a mile west of Lolo at 6717 Highway 12 W. 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 at all programs. The Visitor Center and Museum will be open after the programs, from noon until 3:30 p.m.
Senior Center bingo
The Hamilton Senior Center will be hosting a special Saturday Bingo on February 1. Doors open at 12 noon, games start at 1 p.m. Paper cards will be used. Free refreshments will be served. Players must be at least 18. Monday Night Bingo is held on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month. Early bird games start at 5:45 p.m. Regular games start at 6 p.m. Call Cathy at 375-9276 for information.
Sunday, February 2
Center for Spiritual Living
The Center for Spiritual Living presents I Serenity discussing “Receiving Your Good” on Sunday, February 2 at 10 a.m. If we want our intended life experiences to manifest, we need to cultivate a consciousness of Receiving. Serenity helps us learn how to maintain a consciousness of allowing or receiving our good to show up. Also, special music by LeGrande Harvey. 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 Dave 381-2355 or visit CSLbitterroot.org.
Golden Age dance
Join the Golden Age Club for their continuing winter live band dance schedule on Sunday, February 2 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Golden Age Club on 727 S. 5th St. in Hamilton. The venue is non-alcoholic and non-smoking. Potluck snack at music break. Cost is $3 per person. For information call 240-9617.
Monday, February 3
Stevi school menu
Monday: Breakfast – Pancakes or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Pulled pork sandwiches, corn, mandarin oranges, bread & butter, milk
Tuesday: Breakfast – Bagels with cream cheese or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Chicken fajitas with lettuce & salsa, refried beans, apples, bread & butter, chocolate or regular milk
Wednesday: Breakfast – Cereal or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Beef steaks, mashed potatoes & gravy, grapes, bread & butter, milk
Thursday: Breakfast – Waffles or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Hot ham & cheese sandwiches, fresh veggies, pineapple, bread & butter, milk
Friday: Breakfast – Scrambled eggs or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Dave’s catch of the day, broccoli Normandy, peaches, bread & butter, chocolate or regular milk.
Rotary Club
The next meeting of the Hamilton Rotary Club will be Monday, February 3 at 12 noon at BJ’s Restaurant, 900 N. 1st Street, Hamilton. The meeting is open to the public. For further information call 363-2960.
Veterans for Peace
Veterans of United States Services are invited to attend the monthly meetings of the Western Montana Chapter of Veterans for Peace which are currently being held at the Jeannette Rankin Peace Center in Missoula on the first Monday of the month at 4 p.m. The next meeting will be at the Center on Monday, February 3. For more information contact Patrick Vaughan, 363-6150.
Tuesday, February 4
Building Bitterroot Business Classes
A series of business planning classes starts February 4 at the Bitterroot College. The first class, Intro to Small Business Planning, is free. All classes are approximately three hours long. This basics course is for those who need to write a business plan, need professional advice on starting their own business or have questions about their business model. The classes are taught by business professionals with many years experience helping small business people. Topies are as follows:
Intro to Small Business Planning. Tuesday, February 4, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Free; includes pizza at 12 noon.
Financial Management. Tuesday, February 11, 9 a.m.-12 noon. $25. Instructor: Lisa Glenn, CPA.
Marketing. Tuesday, February 18, 9 a.m.-12 noon. $25. Instructor: Cynthia Rademacher, CMR Marketing Strategies.
Basics of Business Law. Tuesday, February 25, 9 a.m.-12 noon $25. Instructor: Dick Weber, PC.
Hiring and Firing, What You Don’t Know Can Cost You Money. Tuesday, March 4, 9 a.m.-12 noon $25. Instructor: Bitterroot Job Service staff
To register contact the Bitterroot College at 375-0100. To register for Intro to Small Business Planning, contact the RCEDA at 375-9416 or email john@rceda.org. Course fees and forms are due 3 days prior to class start date. Call to check course availability.
Sons of Norway
Bitterrootdalen Lodge, Sons of Norway, will meet Tuesday, February 4 at 5 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Hamilton. The program will include a history of Valentine’s Day, and an introduction of the history of Norway’s Constitution, for the 200th anniversary on May 17th. The Lodge will provide a “baked potato bar,” drinks and service. Members and visitors are invited to bring a side dish, or a Valentine’s treat. The public is invited. For information call Jackie at 961-4538.
Fly Fishers of the Bitterroot
The monthly meeting is Tuesday, February 4 at BJ’s Restaurant in Hamilton. Social hour is 6 to 7 p.m. with cocktails and dinner optional. The featured speaker is Dan Shepherd from Grizzly Hackle Fly Shop. His presentation is about Bikini Atoll, located in the Marshall Islands, an exotic saltwater lottery! Dan hosted a group of adventurous fly fishers last October. He will highlight the adventure side of his trip and showcase nearly 20 species caught on a fly rod. He will reveal a new fly that had them jumping in the boat! For more information about the club or the meeting, call Dorreen at 363-0744.
Wednesday, February 5
Microsoft Office Suite Basics series
The Microsoft Office Suite is the most popular business software in the world and remains the industry standard. These programs are the most widely used programs for spreadsheet functions, computer presentations and email and contact management. Instructor: Lee Tickell, Bitterroot College Business Technology Adjunct Faculty and Certified Microsoft Trainer.
MS Excel Basics: Wednesdays and Fridays, Feb 5-14 (Four 3 hour classes) 9 a.m.-12 noon. $90 ($10 off if you register by Jan 29). In this class you will explore the basics of spreadsheet functions, learn short cuts to assist in data entry and how to create formulas and basic formatting. You will also learn how to print in Excel and how to manage an Excel workbook, cross sheet formulas and viewing multiple sheets. Prerequisite: basic computer knowledge. Microsoft PowerPoint Basics: Wednesday and Friday, Feb. 19 & 21 (Two 3 hour classes), 9 a.m. to 12 noon. $50. This class will teach you how to create presentations in which you combine text, shapes, pictures, graphs, animation, charts, videos, and much more. This class will focus on the most common features used for creating presentations for your business or organization. You will learn how to create, manage, and collaborate with other people, enrich your presentations with video, picture, and animations, and deliver and share your presentations more effectively. Prerequisite: basic computer knowledge.
Microsoft Outlook Basics: Wednesday and Friday, Feb. 26 & 28. (Two 3 hour classes), 9 a.m. to 12 noon. $50. The Outlook software class includes new features and capabilities to help you stay connected with people and better manage your time and information. This class will cover all the features of the program including Mail, Calendar, Contacts, Tasks, Notes, Journal, and Folders. Class will focus on how to make Outlook 2010 your personal information manager for all your email accounts. Prerequisite: basic computer knowledge. To register 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.
Stevensville Garden Club
The Stevensville Garden Club will meet Wednesday, February 5 at 12 noon at the Community Baptist Church, 409 Buck Street, Stevensville. Lunch will be served with bingo games (with prizes) after. The public is welcome. Call 777-5170 for more information.
Sleeping Child Hot Springs for All
Sleeping Child Hot Springs for All will meet Wednesday, February 5 at 6:30 p.m. at Daly Leach Chapel meeting room, 1010 W Main, Hamilton. The group will be setting up a board of directors, hear reports by information gatherers, and much, much more. Be there and invite your family and friends. Visit Sleeping Child Hot Springs for all Facebook page for more information and to stay updated.”