Wednesday, February 12
Drum Circle
A Drum Circle will be held Wednesday, February 12 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Center for Spiritual Living. African Hand Drumming allows us to access the Universal heartbeat that exists within and around all things. Bring your drum, rattles, and other instruments and come be part of the fun. No drum? No worries. There are plenty of extras. Let your Inner Drummer out! 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 Carolyn at 375-2548 or visit www.CSLbitterroot.org.
Thursday, February 13
BPL Lego Club
Lego Club will meet Thursday, February 13 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in the meeting room of the Bitterroot Public Library in Hamilton. Lego lovers, ages 4-10, accompanied by a parent, are invited to create and build with Legos. Legos are provided, and the program is free.
Ravalli Tea Party
The Ravalli Tea Party will meet Thursday, February 13 at 6:30 p.m. at the Willow Court Apartments, 150 Skeels Ave, Hamilton (from Hwy 93 turn east on Foxfield by Tire-Rama, dead ends at Skeels, turn right, apts on left, park across the street). Join in an open discussion of local, state and national issues and plans for the summer. For information contact Jennine Jones, 369-1656.
Natural history lecture
The next presentation in the Natural History Lecture Series will take place Thursday, February 13 at 6 p.m. at the Ravalli County Museum, 205 Bedford, Hamilton. Bruce Farling will speak on “Water Resources: Water and Fish in the Bitterroot and Beyond.” A Natural History Exhibit is ongoing at the Ravalli County Museum titled “How Well Do You Know and Observe Your World?” Now through April the museum will continue to expand the exhibit, so check the website www.brvhsmuseum.org for upcoming information. A lecture series takes place on Thursday nights at 6 p.m. with special programming on some Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 12 noon for children and the young at heart, or call the Museum at 363-3338. The museum courtroom is full of hundreds of rare objects and close-to-home historic images, with cutting edge hands-on interactive experiences for all ages that make history come alive, all educational, informational, necessary and fun things for all ages, so plan to stop by anytime to see it all.
Back Country Horsemen
Do you love the rugged beauty of our Montana wilderness? Does preserving our wilderness trails and making new riding friends sound like fun? Or, would you like to learn how to pack? If so, you’re invited to attend the next meeting of the Selway-Pintler Wilderness Back Country Horsemen on Thursday, February 13 at 630 p.m. Board meeting starts at 5 p.m. – all are welcome. The meeting will be held at the Bitterroot National Forest building, 1801 N. 1st St in Hamilton. Entry is in the rear of the building. There will be the usual “trail talk” and discussions on summer projects. Valentine desserts and coffee will be served. Guests are always welcome. For more information call Kathy at 821-0921.
Cross Country Ski Club
Seth Tonsmeire, Operations Manager for Wilderness River Outfitters in Lemhi, Idaho unravels the mystery of the Stateline Yurt perched in the backcountry near Lost Trail Pass, at the next Bitterroot Cross-Country Ski Club meeting on Thursday, February 13 at 7 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church, 1220 W. Main Street, Hamilton. From the early days of its beginning many years ago to its current comfortable offerings, Seth explores the many opportunities available from this base camp for winter adventures in the area west of Saddle Mountain. Find out more and what is to come for the future. Now, going on two hundred multi-day river trips and 12 years of guiding, Seth dedicates himself to providing quality wilderness adventure. He spends most of his time rafting, kayaking, fishing, snowboarding/skiing, hiking, camping, and working on Hayden Creek Ranch in the winter. A MSU grad in Geography with a minor in Native American Studies, Seth leads WRO trips in Idaho, Montana, Alaska and Canada. The public is encouraged to attend.
Lone Rock park board
The Lone Rock division of the Ravalli County Park Board will meet Thursday, February 13 at 7 p.m. at the Three Mile Fire Hall. The public is welcome.
BPL Fellowship Club
The Bitterroot Public Library’s Fellowship Club will be meeting on Thursday, February 13 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the West Meeting Room of the BPL, to discuss the book “No Self, No Problem” by Anam Thubten.
“No Self, No Problem” shows how we can realize the ultimate meaning of life in each moment by dissolving all notions of ego identity. This easy-to-read book discusses in simple, but profound and inspiring language how, by learning to see through the illusion of the self, we can live a life full of love, satisfaction, and happiness.
Thubten illuminates the path of going beyond the misconceptions of the ego to experience the reality of our true nature, which is already enlightened. In his words, “true freedom is emancipation from our concepts, from the psychological veil that is distorting our view of the way things are.” When we finally wake up to the truth, “we will be shocked by two things: how much time we wasted searching and how easy it was after all.” Most important of all, this book gives the right message very explicitly: awakening is not a complicated business
Anam Thubten was born in Golok, eastern Tibet, and undertook Buddhist training in the Nyingma tradition at an early age. An accomplished Buddhist meditation teacher, Thubten speaks with profound insight and knowledge into the human condition, and illuminates the path of enlightenment for those willing to go to the heart of the matter.
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, February 14
BPL Story Time
Young children are invited to meet in the children’s corner of the Bitterroot Public Library on Friday, February 14 to enjoy “I Like Myself” with storyteller Reba Howells-Casterson. 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.
South Valley Pachyderm Club
At the next meeting of the South Valley Pachyderm Club on Friday February 14, the featured speakers will be Ravalli County Commissioners Suzy Foss and Jeff Burrows presenting a “State of the County” address. The club meets from 12 noon to 1 p.m. on the second and fourth Fridays of each month at BJ’s Family Restaurant, 900 N. First Street at Fairgrounds Road in Hamilton. Members of the public are invited to attend. The South Valley Pachyderm Club is an officially recognized allied organization of the Republican Party.
BPL Special Families Event
Special Families meet on the second Friday of the month at 6 p.m. in the meeting room of the Bitterroot Public Library in Hamilton. Enjoy the music and company of children’s musician Brevy Walden on February 14th. Bring your little Valentine and enjoy some snacks and crafts. All families with children with disabilities are welcome.
Eagles Taco Night
Tacos and more will be served Friday, February 14 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Eagles Lodge, 125 N. 2nd, Hamilton. The public is welcome.
Bitterroot Dancers
Bitterroot Dancers, Inc. will hold a Country Western Public Dance on Friday, February 14 from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. at the Bedford Building/City Hall, 223 S. 2nd St., 2nd Floor, Hamilton. The Pay Dirt band will provide music with a no host bar available. There is a $7.00 admission donation. For more information call 370-7551.
Guitar concert
The Bitterroot Performing Arts Council welcomes the California Guitar Trio and the Montreal Guitar Trio on Friday, February 14 at 8 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center at Hamilton High School.
This very special double bill concert on Valentine’s Day brings not one, but two, virtuosic guitar trios to our stage for one incredible evening of music. The California Guitar Trio’s fearless multi-genre explorations have produced 14 albums and more than 1500 concerts across its 22-year career, proving that a zero-compromise musical approach can yield an ever-expanding audience. Founded in 1992, the CGT initially gained notoriety opening for the likes of King Crimson, John McLaughlin and David Sylvian, and have steadily built their fan base over the years touring extensively throughout the states, Japan, Italy, Europe and South America. Masters of bridging diverse genres of music, the Montreal Guitar Trio (MG3)–described by the CBC as “the hottest guitar ensemble in Canada”–has quickly established itself as a force to be reckoned with. For more than 13 years, the trio’s virtuosity, rigor, creativity, and dynamic stage presence have been winning audience admiration as they criss-cross the globe subtly mixing strains of world dance music. Together, the groups will present their own set and then will perform as one dazzling six-guitar ‘phenomensemble’!
To learn more, visit www.cgtrio.com and www.mg3.ca. For tickets, call the BPAC Box Office at 406.363.7946 or visit our website at www.bitterrootperformingarts.org
Saturday, February 15
Travelers’ Rest 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 15,Tony Incashola, Director of the Salish-Pend d’Oreille Culture Committee since 1995, tells Stories of the Salish. As director, Tony oversees culture committee operations including archiving oral histories, photos, and songs, producing books, and holding of ceremonial events in the tribal longhouse. He was the first Native American to open a session of Congress with a prayer. Tony was born in St. Ignatius in 1946 and continues to reside there with his wife Deborah, her four children and many foster children.
The series takes place at Holt Visitor Center and Museum, 6717 Highway 12 W, Lolo, approximately half a mile west on Highway 12. 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.
Stevensville Choirs’ Valentine Show
The Stevensville High School Choirs will present a dessert concert on Saturday, February 15 with shows at 3 and 7 p.m. in the high school gym. Bring your sweetie or just bring yourself to enjoy a delightful assortment of sweet bites for your stomach and blissful sound bytes for your ears! Cost is $8.00 for the general public and $5.00 for students. Tickets are available by calling Kyla at 777-5481, ext. 402 or from any Stevensville Choir student.
Operation Christmas Child meeting
Want to know where your shoeboxes are going this year? Want to know what is happening in 2014? Join in celebrating how God is working in the lives of needy children around the world through Operation Christmas Child on Saturday, February 15 at 7 p.m. at Christian Life Center, 3801 S. Russell in Missoula. For more information contact Greg or Debbie Reinhardt, 360-4253 or shoeboxgreg@gmail.com.
Square dance
Boots & Calico Square Dance Club will host a Sweetheart Dance on Saturday, February 15 at the Hamiton Senior Center, 820 N. 4th. A plus workshop will run from 7 to 7:30 p.m. with a mainstream dance to follow from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. with plus tips. Ray Dunbar will be the caller. All are welcome to dance or watch!
Sunday, February 16
Spiritual talk
The Center for Spiritual Living presents Marti Monroe and Dane Steck discussing “Peaceful Communication, Courageous Connection” on Sunday, February 16 at 10 a.m. Marti and Dane will help you learn how to choose language that honors each other in your business and personal relationships, especially in conflict or stressful situations. Music with Luanne Cathey. Refreshments and conversation follow at 11:30 a.m. New feature: Children’s program at 10 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. Further information call Dave at 381-2355 or visit CSLbitterroot.org.
Golden Age dance
The Golden Age Club invites you to join them for a live band dance on Sunday, February 16 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Golden Age Club, 727 S. 5th St. in Hamilton. The is a non-alcoholic and non-smoking event. Potluck snack will be served at music break. Cost is $3.00 per person. For information on joining the organization call 240-9617.
Monday, February 17
Stevi school menu
Monday: President’s Day – No school
Tuesday: Breakfast – Muffins or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Chalupa with lettuce & salsa, refried beans, apples, bread & butter, chocolate or regular milk
Wednesday: Breakfast – Cereal or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Mac & cheese, peas & carrots, apricots, bread & butter, milk
Thursday: Breakfast – Waffles or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Turkey & stuffing, corn, bananas, bread & butter, milk
Friday: Breakfast – Ham bites or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Chicken sandwiches, fresh veggies, applesauce, bread & butter, chocolate or regular milk
Rotary Club
The next meeting of the Hamilton Rotary Club will be Monday, February 17 at 12 noon at BJ’s Restaurant, 900 N. 1st Street, Hamilton. This month’s programs feature club members sharing their life stories. The meeting is open to the public. For further information call 363-2960.
Bitterroot Audubon
Bitterroot Audubon will meet Monday, February 17 at 7 p.m. at the Bitterroot National Forest Headquarters on Hwy 93 at the north end of Hamilton (enter building from west side). The meeting will feature a presentation on the Bakken oil field by geologist George Furniss, adjunct Professor of Geoscience at the UM Bitterroot College. George will cover the Bakken’s geologic history, the current “boom”, technologies for oil and gas extraction and ramifications for the environment, including the impacts on wetlands, water, surrounding landscapes and birds. Oil extraction in the Bakken uses a lot of water, and North Dakota is a major waterfowl flyway. Even though the area is hundreds of miles from western Montana, it affects us in many ways. This will be a great opportunity to learn about what is happening over there. The program is free, and the public is invited. Contact Kay Fulton (642-3794) for further information.
Tuesday, February 18
Heart health class
Congestive heart failure has affected 1.5 million people under the age of 60 and is considered the most common diagnosis in hospital patients age 65 years and older. Don’t let it be you, get informed, so you can take action. Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital is hosting a free class entitled “Matters of the Heart,” on Tuesday, February 18, from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. at the hospital, in conference rooms B and C. Speaker Jason Cohen, MD, Hospitalist, will share how congestive heart failure affects people in many different ways, what this disease really is, the causes, signs, and treatment options, as well as how to live a healthier lifestyle, stay out of the hospital, and manage the disease through diet and medication. Visit www.mdmh.org for more information about this session.
RCEDA
Ravalli County Economic Development Authority will hold its regular monthly Finance Committee meeting on Tuesday, February 18 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. and the regular monthly meeting of the Board of Commissioners on Wednesday, February 19 from 3 to 5 p.m. Both meetings will be held at the RCEDA office, 274 Old Corvallis Road, Hamilton. The meetings are open to the public.
Devotional music jam
Sing to your heart’s delight with Devotional Music Jam on Tuesday, February 18 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Center for Spiritual Living. Simple songs from many faiths are taught each time; newcomers are welcome. Inclusive and informal. Bring your songs, your instrument, and 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 381-0617 or visit CSLbitterroot.org.