Wednesday, March 12
St. Mary’s Mission Meet & Greet
Historic St. Mary’s Mission will host a Meet & Greet on Wednesday, March 12, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Visitor Center on West 4th Street, Stevensville. Meet the Board of Directors and learn more about this treasured National Historic Landmark. Enjoy the spectacular setting with the Bitterroot Mountains rising majestically in the background. Visit St. Mary’s Museum and Art Gallery and enjoy conversation and refreshments. Call 777-5734 for more information.
Drum Circle
Drum Circle will take place Wednesday, March 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 will be 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.
Tennis lessons
The Florence Civic Club announces that the Tennis is Elementary class is starting Wednesday, March 12 and will continue to April 2. Introductory indoor tennis lessons are offered in the Fellowship Hall of the Florence Carlton Church after school. For more information and to register go to montanatennis.org, click on “youth tennis” or contact
Lauren Olson, lolson.mta@gmail.com or 406-579-2716.
Thursday, March 13
Women Newcomers Club
Bitterroot Women Newcomers Club will meet on Thursday, March 13 at 10 a.m. at the First Christian Church on Fairgrounds Road. Visitors are welcome to attend the meeting and learn about the club. You don’t have to be new to the Valley. The goal is to promote friendships and provide activities for women. This month the guest speaker is from the Bitter Root Humane Association. For more information, call Dona Fisher at 381-6444.
Stevensville Museum
The annual meeting of The Stevensville Historical Museum will be held on Thursday, March 13 at 4:30 p.m. at the Stevensville Main Street office. Anyone who is interested in the history of Stevensville and the Bitterroot Valley is welcome to attend. Volunteers will be needed at the Museum this year for the summer season. For more information call Stacey at 777-5126 or Ruth at 777-3201.
BPL Lego Club
Lego Club will meet Thursday, March 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. Call 363-1670 for more information.
Museum lecture series
An educational and interactive Natural History Exhibit is ongoing now at the Ravalli County Museum, 205 Bedford, Hamilton, titled “How Well Do You Know Your and Observe Your World?” Now through April take a closer look at the environment we all live in through a lecture series presented by dedicated individuals in the field. The next lecture is Thursday, March 13 at 6 p.m. “Wolf Ecology & Management of Wolves in Montana” will be presented by Liz Bradley, Wolf Management Specialist with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. Bradley will be talking about wolf management and biology in western Montana. More specifically she will be covering some history and background of wolf recovery in the region, how wolves are monitored and counted, the population, managing conflicts between wolves and livestock, wolf effects on big game, and some wolf biology. For more information call the Museum at 363-3338.
Selway-Pintler Wilderness Back Country Horsemen
Do you have High Country Fever? It’s time to start dreaming of the mountains and warm spring trails! Come enjoy a musical slideshow of SPWBCH’s summer 2013 and see what being a Back Country Horsemen volunteer is all about! The group will be discussing and planning summer trail work, scouting trips, pack trips and group activities. If you need a break and would like to start planning your 2014 “in the saddle” lifestyle, attend the Selway-Pintler Wilderness Back Country Horsemen’s next meeting on Thursday, March 13 at 6:30 p.m. in the Hamilton Forest Service Bldg. located at 1801 N 1st St. Entry is in the rear. Guests are always welcome to join in for coffee, desserts and lots of “trail talk”. For more information call Kathy at 821-0921.
Ravalli Tea Party
The Ravalli Tea Party will meet Thursday March 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). Come join in the open discussion of local, state and national issues and plans for the summer. Contact: Jennine Jones, 369-1656, donandjennine@gmail.com.
Stevi Town Council
The Stevensville Town Council will meet Thursday, March 13 at 7 p.m. at the town hall, 206 Buck. Agenda items include discussion/decision on joining Tree City USA program and discussion/decision on Resolution 338 to authorize application to Mt. Dept. of Commerce for Big Sky Trust Fund, among others. The regular meeting will be preceded by a public hearing at 6:30 p.m. on Community Development Needs and a public hearing at 7 p.m. for a second reading on Ordinance 144.
Cross Country Ski Club
The Bitterroot Cross-Country Ski club will show “The Story of the Bitterroot” on Thursday, March 13 at 7 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church, 1220 W. Main Street, Hamilton. The public is encouraged and welcomed to attend.
“The Story of the Bitterroot” is a heartfelt look at a most unusual plant and its relationship to the Salish Indian culture and the Lewis and Clark expedition. This comprehensive video by Steve Slocomb relates how the bitterroot came to be Montana’s state flower, how it was loved by an old man, and why its botany is so unique.
Steve Slocomb started taking photos in 1968 and was soon hired by designer/film maker Charles Eames where he learned motion picture techniques. He went on to a long stint in Hollywood on special effects films including several 3D theme park films for Disney. Steve moved to Montana in the early 1980s and eventually was doing video projects for network news shows and continues to create Forest Service educational videos.
Local ‘Survivors’ show
You’re invited to a hilarious revamp of the reality show “Survivors” by members of the Lone Rock Homeschool Co-op on Saturday, March 13 at 7 p.m. at Lone Rock Bible Church, 1142 Three Mile Creek Road, Stevensville with a cast including none other than the “Founding Fathers” of our nation, the USA. Entertaining and educational, this musical will be interesting for all ages. Admission is free and refreshments will be served. Call 207-5514 for more information.
Lone Rock park board
The Lone Rock Division of the Ravalli County Park Board will meet Thursday, March 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, March 13 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the West Meeting Room of the BPL, to discuss “Warrior of the Light: A Manual” by Paulo Coelho.
This book is an inspirational companion to “The Alchemist”, an international bestseller that has inspired millions of readers around the world.
“The Manual” is written as if it were an actual handbook for a supposedly Templar or Paladin warrior, the warrior being a metaphor not for those who serve a certain lord, an ideal or the weak, but for those in pursuit of their dreams and who appreciate the miracle of life. It describes the challenges the warrior faces and solutions to the problems, including paradoxes, e.g. the warrior behaving like a Rock (stability) and like Water (flexibility).
This book, meant for those who strive to meet their destiny and who aspire to a higher level of being, brings out the Warrior of the Light within each of us. Every short passage invites us to live out our dreams, embrace the uncertainty of life, and rise to our own unique destiny.
Paulo Coelho is a Brazilian lyricist and novelist. He has become one of the most widely read authors in the world today. He is the recipient of numerous international awards, amongst them the Crystal Award by the World Economic Forum. In total, Coelho has sold more than 150 million books in over 150 countries worldwide.
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, March 14
BPL Story Time
Young children are invited to meet in the children’s corner of the Bitterroot Public Library on Friday, March 14 to enjoy “Leo the Leprechaun,” also known as Dominic Farrenkopf. 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
Jessica Sena, State Chair of Young Republicans, will be speaking this Friday, March 14 at 12 noon at the meeting of The South Valley Pachyderm Club. The club meets at 12 Noon on the second and fourth Fridays at BJ’s Restaurant, 900 N. First Street, in Hamilton, and is an officially recognized allied organization of the Republican Party. Members of the public are welcome.
Special Families
A Special Families event will be held Friday, March 12 at 6 p.m. in the meeting room of the Bitterroot Public Library in Hamilton. Pam Erickson of River Street Dance Theater will keep participants on their toes! All families with children with disabilities are welcome. Call 363-1670 for more information.
Christian school fundraiser
“Uncle Phil’s Diner” will be presented on Friday and Saturday, March 14 and 15 at 6 p.m. each night at Canyon View Church, 195 Skalkaho Hwy, Hamilton. This is an evening of fun and food for the whole family and all your friends. It is a musical written about the happy days of the 50’s taking place at Uncle Phil’s Diner. Great diner food will be served and musical numbers are sure to delight. Audience participation is encouraged! Tickets are $15 which include a meal and can be purchased at Bitterroot Christian Bookstore in Hamilton. Grab your poodle skirts and leather jackets and come to the hottest spot in town! All proceeds will benefit the Hamilton Christian Academy’s move to Grantsdale School.
Knights of Columbus Fish Fry
Our Lady of the Mountains Knights of Columbus Council 13093 of Stevensville is holding a fish fry every Friday of Lent through April 11, at St. Mary’s Family Center. Menu consists of fish, coleslaw, vegetable, mac and cheese, french fries, and dessert. Coffee and lemonade will also be served. Price for a meal is adults $8.00, children ages 5-12 years $4.00, children under 5 years free.
Knights of Columbus Fish Fry
The Lent season is here and the Knights of Columbus Council 6130 will hold their first Friday Fish Fry on Friday, March 14 from 5 to 6:45 p.m. at St. Francis Pastoral Center, 411 S. 5th, Hamilton. The meal consists of all-you-can-eat fish, fries, coleslaw, mac ‘n cheese, vegetables, dessert and soft beverage for $10.00 per person. Children under nine eat free. Wine can be purchased separately. Some nights there will be entertainment! Everyone is welcome so come out, bring a friend and enjoy the evening. Lenten Friday Night Fish Fries will continue on March 14, 21, 28, April 4 and 11. For information contact Nick Hooper at 961-3930.
Eagles Taco Night
The Eagles Lodge, 125 N. 2nd, Hamilton, will serve tacos and more on Friday, March 14 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The public is welcome.
NASA astronaut to speak
The Karen Bleibtrey Memorial Lecture Series is proud to feature NASA Astronaut, Everest Climber and Physician Dr. Scott Parazynski on Friday, March 14 at 7 p.m. at the Bitterroot River Inn Conference Center in Hamilton. The event is a fundraiser for the Corvallis Middle School Science Olympiad Team National Competition.
A graduate of Stanford University and Stanford Medical School, Dr. Parazynski went on to train at Harvard and in Denver in preparation for a career in emergency medicine. In 1992 he was selected to join NASA’s Astronaut Corps and flew five Space Shuttle Missions and conducted seven spacewalks. In addition, he’s a lifelong SCUBA diver and an accomplished mountaineer. He scaled Mt. Everest to become the first astronaut to stand on the top of the world. Not to stop there, Dr. Parazynski is also a commercial and seaplane-rated pilot.
Dr. Parazynski’s 40 years of mesmerizing adventures inspire and amaze both children and adults alike. He teaches important lessons in teamwork and leadership under the most demanding circumstances, on or off the planet. His goal is to share that you can dream big and accomplish anything. For more information visit www.parazynski.com
Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime chance to meet a real life adventurer. Tickets for the event are $20 each. Limited tickets to the VIP reception are $200 each. Tickets are available at Corvallis Middle School (961-3201), Corvallis Physical Therapy, 1050 Eastside Hwy, Corvallis, Hamilton Physical Therapy, 336 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton, and Chapter One Bookstore, Hamilton. Checks payable to Corvallis Middle School.
Financial Peace University
Financial Peace University will be held starting Friday, March 14 at 7 p.m. at Jesus Community Church, 318 College Street in Stevensville. Contact Nathan DeBoer at 777-2710 for more information or to register.
More than two million families have positively changed their financial future through Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University (FPU). The nine-week course provides families and individuals with practical tools to gain control of their finances and set themselves up for long-term financial success. The course meets once a week where a different lesson is taught by Dave on DVD followed by a small-group discussion. Lessons include budgeting, relationships and money, getting out of debt, saving for emergencies and investing. Through common-sense principles and small-group accountability, FPU gives people the tools they need to change their behavior and succeed financially. On average families who complete FPU pay off $5,300 and save $2,700 in the first 90 days. Following the class nearly 94 percent of those families budget regularly.
FPU lessons include guest speakers Rachel Cruze, speaker and daughter of Dave Ramsey, and Chris Hogan, counselor and speaker for the Dave Ramsey organization.
After purchasing a membership each participant receives a workbook, Dave Ramsey’s Complete Guide to Money, an envelope system and an audio CD library. Participants will also have access to budgeting forms and MP3s of all the lessons. For more information or to purchase a membership, go to www.daveramsey.com.
Bitterroot Dancers
A country western public dance sponsored by Bitterroot Dancers, Inc. will be held Friday, March 14 from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. at the Bedford Bldg/City Hall (2nd floor), 223 S. 2nd St., Hamilton. “Pay Dirt” will provide live music. Admission is $7.00 with a no host bar available. A free dance lesson sponsored by Let’s Dance will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Come learn a few new steps and then stay to practice!
Saturday, March 15
Museum kids’ event
Come to the Ravalli County Museum, 205 Bedford, Hamilton on Saturday, March 15 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon for “Weird Rocks” with author Michele Corriel who will do a reading to kids from her book examining the strange and wonderful world of rocks: rocks that float, are made from poop (yes, poop!), that cut, that stink and other amazing things that can be found on our planet. She will bring her collection of weird rocks and present a few hands on activities for kids and the young at heart! Also, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. enjoy Antique Rock Show with Wayne Farley, Geophysical Engineer with the Bitterroot Gem and Mineral Society who will be on hand to help you identify pieces from your rock collection at only $1.00 per rock. Call the museum at 363-3338, ext. 18 for more information.
Spring Thaw Indoor Market
The annual Spring Thaw Indoor Market will be held Saturday, March 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds in Hamilton. Come see what your favorite market vendors have been working on all winter. Good food, great products and live entertainment throughout the day. Free admission. Call 363-3411 for more information.
Daly Mansion Speaker Series
The free 2014 Daly Mansion Spring Speaker Series continues on Saturday, March 15 with “The Birth of the Bitterroot Valley – 80 million Years in the Making,” presented by Daly Mansion Volunteer Bruce Gould. The talks are held in the Trophy Room of the Daly Mansion at 251 Eastside Hwy, Hamilton. Each talk begins promptly at 10 a.m. For more information or to reserve a seat call 363-6004 4#.
Storytelling Series
Jennie Pak presents the Humanities Montana Speakers Bureau program, “Mrs. Woody’s Trunk Full of Memories.” on Saturday, March 12 at 11 a.m. at the Holt Visitor’s Center at Travelers’ Rest State Park in Lolo. Pak presents this living history interpretation of one of Montana’s early pioneer women. Sarah Elizabeth Woody moved west and found herself at the forefront of the birth of a community and the state of Montana. As a wide-eyed young woman, she couldn’t know what life had in store for her. Join Mrs. Woody as she sifts through her old travel trunk. Each item sparks a poignant memory of a life well lived. Mrs. Woody ruminates on the wagon train journey from Iowa to California, her time as a frontier school teacher, and her marriage to Frank H. Woody, Missoula’s first mayor, in a small cabin in the burgeoning village of Missoula. Jennie Pak is a business owner and an avid historical researcher and re-enactor.
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.
Square dance
Boots and Calico Square Dance Club will hold a St. Patrick’s Dance on Saturday, March 16 from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at the Hamilton Senior Center. Ray Dunbar will be the caller.
Sunday, March 16
Center for Spiritual Living
The Center for Spiritual Living presents Chris Love discussing “Touchstones for Creating Safe Community” on Sunday, March 16 at 10 a.m. Chris Love is a Corvallis-based facilitator for the Center for Courage and Renewal and will explore guidelines for creating conversations that welcome integrity, authenticity and the “shy soul” to emerge. These guidelines have been tested in hundreds of spiritual retreats involving faith leaders, health professionals, educators and other serving professionals throughout the U.S. and abroad. Bring the family! Children’s program provided. Music with LeGrande Harvey. 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 Dave at 381-2355 or at CSLbitterroot.org.
St. Patty’s Day Brunch
The Bitterroot Celtic Society will hold a St. Patty’s Day Brunch on Sunday, March 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Sapphire Lutheran Homes, 501 N. 10th in Hamilton. Choose an Irish breakfast or gourmet brunch for $10. Call 274-8886 for information.
Pruning workshop
On Sunday, March 16 at 12 noon, Sam’s Spade Garden Tools and Wares will offer a free pruning workshop. Andy Roubik of Quality Tree Service will be conducting a pruning workshop to address the proper care of young trees. Early care ensures a healthy, long lived tree for your landscape. Bring pen, paper, camera and questions. You will be observing Andy’s pruning techniques, you do not need any tools. To register or for more information visit www.samsspade.com.
Golden Age dance
Come down to the Golden Age Club on Sunday, March 16 from 1 to 4 p.m. for a live band dance at 727 S. 5th St. in Hamilton. This is a non-smoking, non-alcoholic environment. Potluck snacks will be served at the music break. Cost is $3.00 per person. Members of the Accordion Association will provide the music.
Monday, March 17
Stevi school menu
Monday: Spring Break – No School
Tuesday: Breakfast – Bagel with cream cheese or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Chalupa with lettuce & salsa, refried beans, apples, bread & butter, chocolate or regular milk; Ala carte – Corn dogs
Wednesday: Breakfast – Breakfast burrito or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Chicken & Noodles, peas & carrots, peaches, bread & butter, milk; Ala carte – Burrito
Thursday: Breakfast – Pancake on a stick or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Chili & crackers, fresh veggies with ranch dressing, bananas, bread & butter, milk; Ala carte – Hamburgers
Friday: Breakfast – Egg wraps or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Chicken sandwich, taters, pineapple, bread & butter, chocolate or regular milk; Ala carte – Hot dogs
Rotary Club
Dan Kimzey, Hamilton High School Principal, will be speaking at the next meeting of the Hamilton Rotary Club on Monday, March 17, at 12 noon at BJ’s Restaurant, 900 N. 1st Street, Hamilton. Kimzey will be discussing “Career Pathways”, and other high school topics. The meeting is open to the public. For further information call 363-2960.
St. Patrick’s Day dinner
Historic St. Mary’s Parish will be serving their annual traditional St. Patrick’s Day Dinner of corned beef, cabbage, potatoes and carrots on Monday, March 17 from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Family Center, 400 Charlos St., Stevensville. Hot rolls, dessert and a drink will round out the menu. Cost of dinner will be $9.00 for adults and teens, children age 12 to 5 will be $4.00, and children 5 and under will be free. There will also be hot dogs and chips available for the little ones. Green beer will be available for adults, with the first glass free.
Eagles St. Paddy’s Day dinner
A corned beef and cabbage dinner will be served on Monday, March 17 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Eagles Lodge, 125 N. 2nd in Hamilton. Cost is $6.00 per person. The dinner is open to the public and proceeds will go toward the Aerie and Auxiliary Scholarship Fund. The Eagles Silent Auction will end on Monday, March 17. Bid Sheets will be pulled at 8 p.m. (after the dinner). The auction is
located in the Aerie Hall. Proceeds from the auction go to Aerie and Auxiliary Charities.
Music performance
Andrew Gromiller brings his live musical performance of his rhythm & funky blues rockin’ gospel soul music to the Stevensville Playhouse for a St. Patrick’s Day Show on Monday, March 17 and Tuesday, March 18 at 7 p.m. Andrew’s voice is one of a kind and, accompanied by his sparse but funky blues guitar, it is a set up for an amazing musical experience. Andrew’s love for the music and what he is doing shows very quickly after he takes the stage. That energy can’t help but spread into the rest of the band and audience and soon the journey is off. Andrew and his musical family live near McAllister, Montana. His wife Christine sings with him their 16-year-old son Zion accompanies them on drums. The oldest of five brothers, Zion has been performing with Andrew’s 11-piece band since age 11 as the band’s percussionist. Now Zion has taken the drum throne for his own as the band’s only drummer. Manny Yanes on bass completes the band. Tickets $10 and can be purchased at www.andrewgromiller.com or at the door on the evening of the show. Doors open at 6 p.m.
Tuesday, March 18
RCEDA
Ravalli County Economic Development Authority will hold its regular monthly Finance Committee meeting on Tuesday, March 18 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., and the regular monthly meeting of the Board of Commissioners on Wednesday, March 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.
Social Media for Business class
Course examines strategies for creating a social media business and/or organizational presence. Topics will include creating a social media strategy, branding with social media, and engaging versus sales using social media. Prerequisite: all students have an established social media account (e.g. Facebook or LinkedIn) and have prior experience with social media. Instructor: TBA, Bitterroot College. Tuesday, March 18 & Thursday, March 20 (2 class meetings total), 6-9pm. $50.00. Register by contacting the Bitterroot College at 375-0100. Deadline: Course fee and form are due 3 days prior to class start date. Call to check course availability.
Devotional music jam
Sing to your heart’s delight with Devotional Music Jam at the Center for Spiritual Living on Tuesday, March 18 from 7 to 9 p.m. Simple songs from many faiths 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 at CSLbitterroot.org.
Wednesday, March 19
Stevensville Playhouse auditions
Auditions will be held Wednesday, March 19 at 7 p.m. (children) and 8 p.m. (adults), and Thursday, March 20 at 7 p.m. (adults) for “Whistle Down the Wind” composed by Andrew Lloyd Weber with lyrics by Jim Steinman. “Whistle Down the Wind” is a touching musical set in the American South, which takes a look at what it is to have unfaltering faith against cynicism and fear. Scripts available for perusal at the Stevensville Public Library. There are multiple roles available for children, young adults, men and women. For more info visit www.stevensvilleplayhouse.org.
Spiritual retreat
The Center for Spiritual Living will offer “Tracing Threads of Spirit,” the first of two reflective retreat evenings on Wednesday, March 19 from 6:30 to 8:45 p.m. Participants will be invited to co-create a safe space where they may reflect on the threads that have woven their spiritual lives. Activities include journaling, creative expression and sharing what participants wish in small and large group conversations. Chris Love, Corvallis-based facilitator prepared at the Center for Courage and Renewal, will lead this event. 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.