Wednesday, March 19
Bitterroot College Advisory Council
The Advisory Council for Bitterroot College University of Montana will hold its monthly meeting on Wednesday, March 19 at 3 p.m. at the Human Resource Council Building Conference Room, 316 N. 3rd Street, Hamilton. The BC Advisory Council is a public board and welcomes members of the public to observe and participate at its meetings. The meeting agenda and supplemental meeting materials are available on the BC website at Advisory Council Meetings or by calling the BC Business Office at 375-0100.
Lutheran Lenten events
Lent and Easter Events at Faith Lutheran Church, 171 Lewis Lane, Hamilton (east of Murdoch’s). For more information, call the church office at 363-2964.
Faith Matters takes place on Wednesday evenings at through April 9. A Soup Supper is served at 6:15 p.m. with a presentation at 6:30 p.m. and Holden Evening Prayer at 7:30 p.m. Schedule is:
March 19 – Bug Busters: What’s new at RML? Dr. Marshall Bloom & Chris Bosio
March 26 – The Three Principals, Kimzey, Lewis & Larson
April 2 – What Happened to Harold? Dominick Farrenkopf (Dealing with Dementia)
April 9 – Not in Hamilton! Linda Loosen, Mary Lyn, Soroptimists, on Human Trafficking
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.
Thursday, March 20
RASS training
Western MT Addiction Services is holding a Responsible Alcohol Sales and Service (RASS) training on Thursday, March 20 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at 209 N. 10th Street, Suite C in Hamilton. The cost of the training is $15 for materials (cash only). The “Let’s Control It” course teaches participants to recognize and prevent intoxication in others. Program participants are trained by certified instructors to detect the signs of intoxication and intervene effectively to prevent alcohol-related problems. The course also teaches participants how to identify underage persons to help limit their access to alcohol. The “Let’s Control It” curriculum is Montana state-approved and participants will receive a certificate of completion. For further information or to register call 532-9149 or email ffavara@wmmhc.org by March 19.
Natural history talk
A very exciting, 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 join museum staff for a closer look at the environment we all live in through a lecture series presented on Thursday nights at 6 p.m. by dedicated individuals in the field. The next lecture is Thursday, March 20 at 6 p.m. “Wildlife Highway Crossing Research” will be presented by Kerry R. Foresman, Professor Emeritus of Biology and Wildlife Biology, The University of Montana. Highway construction in the United States continues to increase at a rapid pace as the population grows. New industries and new housing developments require new roadways and existing highways are being expanded. A similar situation is seen in Montana. One of the most recent examples is the expansion of Highway 93 from the Canadian to the Idaho border over the past 10 years, construction which runs directly through the Bitterroot Valley. Such highways serve as a barrier to the movement of all species of wildlife from the smallest such as mice and chipmunks to the larger, more visible species like deer, elk, and bear. Highway development fragments animal populations, and animals that attempt to cross the roadway risk being killed; drivers also risk injury or death in resultant collisions. Since 2001, Foresman’s lab at the University of Montana has been studying these effects and developing ways to mitigate these concerns, specifically along highway 93 from Missoula to Hamilton. He will discuss a variety of ways that we and the Montana Department of Transportation have approached this issue and update the results of this work. For more information call the Museum at 363-3338.
Back Country Horsemen
Bitter Root Back Country Horsemen host their monthly meeting on Thursday, March 20, at the Corvallis School Cafeteria on Eastside Highway in Corvallis. Potluck dinner is served at 6:30 p.m. and the general meeting starts at 7:00. Program speaker is Ken Coffland who will present “Seven Steps to Survival” which is a framework for staying alive when your day goes bad in the backcountry. Ken ran the Coast Guard Survival School in Kodiak, Alaska, and has presented survival techniques to audiences in China, Saipan and across the United States. In addition, upcoming trail projects and clinics will be discussed. Guests are welcome and if you value riding and hiking on trails in the valley, this group works to preserve that value. For more information call Karen at 369-0725 or check the website at www.bchmt.org/bitterroot.
Trout Unlimited
Dr. Michael Young from US Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station will give a presentation on “How we got here: the origins of the rivers and the fishes of the Northern Rocky Mountains” at the Trout Unlimited meeting on Thursday, March 20 at 7 p.m. at the Hamilton Elks Lodge, 203 State Street. The public is invited to attend and there is no charge for admission.
Did you ever wonder why certain fish are native to certain drainages and not others? Why there are westslope cutthroat east of the Divide? Then attend this month’s TU program and be amazed! Mike Young’s field of research is the shifting pathways of rivers over the last few million years, how that geology built the fish communities we have now, and what will happen in a warmer and drier future. The fancy word for this field is paleohydrogeology, but don’t let the syllables fool you – this is really interesting stuff.
PFLAG
PFLAG (Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) will meet on Thursday, March 20 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the new location, Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital, Conference Room C, 1200 Westwood Dr., Hamilton. All future support meetings will be held at Marcus Daly and signs will be posted inside the building to direct visitors. Topic of the month is “Targeting the LGBT Community: Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs.” Snacks and refreshments will be served. The group’s missions include support, education, and advocacy for families, LGBT people, and allies. The group welcomes the participation and support of all who share in the vision and mission. For more information, find PFLAG on facebook or visit the website at pflaghamiltonbitterroot.org or call 375-6573.
Friday, March 21
Stevi kindergarten registration
Stevensville Elementary Kindergarten Registration and Child Find (free health screening for ages 0-6) will be held Friday, March 21 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Elementary Gym. Students must be 5 on or before September 10th to register. Bring a copy of their immunization records and birth certificate. Call 777-5613 to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins are welcome, appointments are preferred.
Driver safety course
The newly designed Smart Driver Safety Course is being offered on Friday, March 21 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital in Hamilton. The four (4) 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 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.
NVPL book sale
Time once more for a big, big Book Sale at the Community Room of the North Valley Public Library, Main St., Stevensville on Friday and Saturday, March 21 and 22, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. More books of every kind will be offered for adults and children, with many more videos as well. All you can carry just for the price of a donation. Come see for yourself. Light refreshments served. For more information call Beverly, 777 2505.
BPL Story Time
Young children are invited to meet in the children’s corner of the Bitterroot Public Library on Friday, March 21 to enjoy “Kangaroos and Zoos” with storyteller Jennifer Crawford. 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. Stick around for Stay and Play, a time for children to engage in open-ended play that encourages communication, problem solving, and early literacy skills.
North Valley Pachyderm Club
The North Valley Pachyderm Club will meet Friday, March 21 at 12 noon at the Frontier Café, Hwy 93 in Stevensville. Guest speaker will be County Attorney Bill Fulbright. The North Valley Pachyderm Club meets the first and third Friday of each month from 12 noon to 1 p.m. The North Valley Pachyderm Club is an educational arm of the Republican Party. All are welcome.
Stevensville K of C 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.
Hamilton K of C Fish Fry
The Lent season is here and the Knights of Columbus Council 6130 will hold a Fish Fry on Friday, March 21 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 28, April 4 and 11. For information contact Nick Hooper at 961-3930.
Father Daughter Princess Ball
Lone Rock Homeschool Co-op will sponsor a Father Daughter Princess Ball on Friday, March 21 at 7 p.m. at Lone Rock Bible Church, Stevensville. Dads – bring your daughters! Daughters – bring your dads! There will be dancing, food, flowers, photos and fun! Advance tickets are $20 for Dad plus one or $25 for Dad plus two. For tickets at the door add $5 to above prices. RSVP to Whitney Alexander, 210-9567.
Saturday, March 22
Horsemanship seminar
Bitter Root Back Country Horsemen invites the public to a free horsemanship seminar on Saturday, March 22 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 at C-Max Stables, 657 Bass Lane, Corvallis. Participants should bring a chair and wear warm clothing. Topics covered (using demonstration stock) include equine behavior, safe handling, catching, tying, saddling and groundwork. Also covered will be safe mounting and dismounting, riding basics, equipment, tack, clothing, foot care, equine first aid and trailering. Chili and coffee will be available, and for more information contact Jack or Lisa at 961-1363.
Courage to Teach Workshop
Chris Love and the Center for Courage & Renewal will deliver a Courage to Teach workshop on Saturday, March 22 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Bitterroot College University of Montana, 274 Old Corvallis Road in Hamilton. The workshop costs $85, which includes lunch and materials, and will take place in the Bitterroot College Conference Room. All P-20 teachers are welcome to attend and K-12 teachers are eligible for six continuing education units upon completion of the workshop.
Courage to Teach focuses neither on technique, nor directly on school reform, but rather on renewing the inner lives of professionals in education. Participants will experience a thoughtful pace within a safe space among peers; engage in individual reflection and conversations that invite integrity authenticity and wholeness; share experiences from their own teaching journey; and explore how to listen without fixing, advising or correcting.
CTT was developed by Parker Palmer, founder and senior partner of the Center for Courage & Renewal. He is a world-renowned writer, speaker and activist who focuses on issues in education, community, leadership, spirituality and social change.
Love is a Courage and Renewal facilitator trained by Palmer. She offers leadership retreats for educators, faith leaders and medical professionals. She also is a facilitator for Humanities Montana Reflect and an adjunct faculty member at Bitterroot College UM.
Participants can register for the workshop by calling 375-0100 or online at http://www.umt.edu/bcp/docs/admreg/ContEd/BC-ContEd-Registration.pdf.
4H Tack Swap
The annual 4H Tack Swap will take place Saturday, March 22 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Lone Rock School Elementary Gym, 1112 Three Mile Creek Road. Breakfast and lunch will be served. The Cloverbuds will be collecting food for Animeals as a community service project the day of the sale. For more information call Theresa, 207-1130.
Daly Mansion Speaker Series
The free 2014 Daly Mansion Spring Speaker Series begins on Saturday, March 8 and ends Saturday, April 12. The six sessions, all held on Saturdays, are presented by members of the Daly Mansion Archives Team and the Humanities Montana Speakers Bureau. Located in the Trophy Room of the Daly Mansion at 251 Eastside Hwy, Hamilton, each talk begins promptly at 10 a.m. On March 22, “Gold Rush! The Journey of Mrs. Daly’s Father, Zenas E. Evans,” will be presented by Daly Mansion Volunteer Paul Mogenson. For more information or to reserve a seat call 363-6004 4#.
Museum talk
Michael McEachern will give a talk on “Montana Caves, Bats and People” on Saturday, March 22 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at the Ravalli County Museum, 205 Bedford, Hamilton. McEachern, a local cave explorer, will talk about caves, bats, and what people can do to prevent the spread of White Nose Syndrome (WNS) which has killed millions of bats. He is a member of the National Speleological Society and the Northern Rocky Mountain Grotto caving group. For more information call the museum at 363-3338.
Gardening talk
Organic grower and local sanitarian Rod Daniel will give an interactive talk on basic soil science as it relates to gardening in the Bitterroot Valley on Saturday, March 22 at 11 a.m. at the Bitterroot Public Library in Hamilton. Daniel will discuss soil texture, soil structure and pH, and participants will learn how to determine the texture of their own soil using common household items. Also discussed will be the importance of organic matter in improving a soil’s structure and mitigating undesirable soil qualities. For more info call 363-1293.
Storytelling Series
Diane Sands presents the Humanities Montana Speakers Bureau program “Taking Action: A Political History of Women in Montana” on Saturday, March 22 at 11 a.m. at the Holt Visitor Center at Traveler’s Rest State Park on Hwy 12 in Lolo. “Taking Action” surveys the role of Montana women beginning with suffrage campaigns during territorial days through their 1914 victory granting women the vote. The political work of diverse groups such as the Women’s Christian Temperance Union around alcohol abuse and the Montana Negro Women’s Clubs addressing hate crimes and equal pay on behalf of women and families continues to be relevant today. The presentation concludes with the role of the League of Women Voters in the 1972 Constitutional Convention where 19 women served as delegates and leaders. The political reforms begun more than 100 years ago, including definitions of women’s rights and equal opportunity continue as major political topics today. Diane Sands is an independent scholar who has spent more than 40 years exploring aspects of Montana women’s history. Diane taught women’s history courses for a decade and founded the Montana Women’s History Project. Retired from the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula, Diane serves on the steering committee for the celebration of the 2014 centennial of woman suffrage in Montana. She has served eight years as a member of the Montana House of Representatives.
Complimentary coffee, tea, hot chocolate and home-baked treats will be available at this free program. The Visitor Center and Museum will be open after the programs, from 12 noon until 3:30 p.m.
Square dance
Boots and Calico Square Dance Club will hold a dance on Saturday, March 22 from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at the Hamilton Senior Center, 820 N. 4th. Ray Dunbar and Barry Bartlette will be the callers. For information call Linda at 363-5244.
Sunday, March 23
Center for Spiritual Living
The Center for Spiritual Living presents a Sacred Circle discussion following a video message from Rev. Kathianne Lewis on Sunday, March 23 at 10 a.m. Bring the kids for the children’s program. Refreshments and conversation follow 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.
International Festival
The 23rd annual International Culture & Food Festival will be held Sunday, March 23 from 12 to 5 p.m. in the University Center at the University of Montana. The will be a world food bazaar, international culture show, children’s activities, cultural pavilions and more. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for children 3-12. Performers include dancers from the Elenita Brown Dance Studio in Stevensville.
Umpire info meeting
The South Valley Umpires are looking for kids and adults interested in making some money to umpire Little League, Babe Ruth, and Legion baseball games in Darby, Hamilton, and Corvallis. The first meeting of the 2014 season will be on Sunday, March 23 at 3 p.m. at the Hamilton Fire Hall.
Monday, March 24
Stevi school menu
Monday: Breakfast – French toast or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Chicken drumstick, mashed potatoes & gravy, mixed
fruit, bread & butter, milk; Ala carte – Burrito
Tuesday: Breakfast – Cinnamon rolls or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Taco salad with lettuce & salsa, oranges, bread & butter, chocolate or regular milk; Ala carte – Hamburgers
Wednesday: Breakfast – Cereal or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Tuna salad sandwiches, fresh veggies with ranch dressing, grapes, bread & butter, milk; Ala carte – Corn dogs
Thursday: Breakfast – Waffles or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Cheeseburgers, taters, apricots, bread & butter, milk; Ala carte – Chicken sandwich
Friday: Breakfast – Scrambled eggs or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Ham & scrambled eggs, hash browns, pears, bread & butter, chocolate or regular milk; Ala carte – BBQ pork ribs
Hospice Volunteer Training
Looking for a meaningful and valuable volunteer experience? Consider becoming a Marcus Daly Hospice Volunteer. Marcus Daly Hospice volunteer training is scheduled for Monday, March 24 and 31 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days. Marcus Daly Hospice Services are looking for compassionate, caring, and energetic individuals to volunteer with patients and families facing end of life challenges. Learn ways you can provide patient support, assist families, engage in the community and lend a helping hand. The class is free and offers a very informative curriculum on end-of-life care and support. Whether you are interested in assisting Hospice in the administrative operations or supporting Hospice patients and families, this training offers you the tools in developing those skills, as well as provides an exceptional life education opportunity. For more information or to enroll in Hospice Volunteer Training, call Marcus Daly Hospice Services at 363-6503.
Rotary Club
Riley Devins, Principal of Hamilton’s Washington Elementary School, will be speaking at the next meeting of the Hamilton Rotary Club, on Monday, March 24 at 12 noon at BJ’s Restaurant, 900 N. 1st Street, Hamilton. Devins, one of two new principals in the Hamilton School District this year, will be discussing his school and its current programs. The meeting is open to the public. For further information call 363-2960.
Tuesday, March 25
SpectrUM’s Brain Exhibit
One of the University of Montana spectrUM Discovery Area’s popular traveling exhibitions, “Brain: The World Inside Your Head,” will visit Lolo Tuesday through Friday, March 25-28. Featuring hands-on exhibits and activities exploring the wonders of neuroscience, “Brain” will transform the Lolo Elementary School gymnasium into an interactive science museum. Highlights of the exhibition include an EEG measurement station, a colossal brain and Mind Flex Duel, an activity that allows visitors to move a ball using just their brain waves.
Republican Women’s Club
Ravalli County Republican Women’s Club will hold its monthly meeting and lunch on Tuesday, March 25 at 11:30 a.m. at BJ’s Restaurant in Hamilton. Guest speaker will be State Representative Pat Connell, candidate for SD 43 and Mike Jeffords, candidate for HD85. Ravalli County Republican Women meet the fourth Tuesday of each month.
Mule Team
The Ravalli County Mule Team will meet Tuesday, March 25 from 12 to 1 p.m. at the TownHouse Inn just behind the Exxon on 93, 1113 N. First, Hamilton. Ravalli County Democratic candidates will be the featured guests. You can get to know them and ask them questions. Bring a sack lunch or chip in for sub sandwiches provided. Coffee and tea will be served. For information call Becky at 369-5210.
Wednesday, March 26
Spiritual retreat
The Center for Spiritual Living will offer “The Art of Asking Honest Open Questions,” the second of two reflective retreat evenings, on Wednesday, March 26 from 6:30 to 8:45 p.m., facilitated by Chris Love. Participants will be invited to “unlearn” ways such as fixing, advising and “setting straight” that they may have tried unsuccessfully to help friends, colleagues or family members in the past. The evening will introduce the art of asking “Honest Open Questions,” an effective, countercultural way to both serve and honor another who is facing a challenge. 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 at CSLbitterroot.org.
Pediatric Advanced Life Support Class (PALS)
Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital is offering the Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) course for healthcare providers who respond to emergencies in infants and children on March 26, 2014 from 8am to 4:30pm in conference rooms B and C. The class is designed for personnel in emergency response, emergency medicine, intensive care and critical care units such as physicians, nurses, paramedics, and other who need a PALS course completion card for job or other requirements. Class Fee is $150.00 for non-employees. For more information call Marcus Daly Education Services at 375-4654 or visit www.mdmh.org.