Community Band concerts
The Bitterroot Community Band performs a free concert at Claudia Driscoll Park in Hamilton every Thursday at 8 p.m. during the summer. Come enjoy classic band literature, marches, pop classics, show tunes and the occasional movie theme. Anyone interested in joining the band on stage can get details by inquiring at bitterrootcband@gmail.com.
Victor Fire Dept. helpers
A group is forming to provide snacks and food to the firefighters of the Victor Volunteer Fire Department. These volunteers work hard for the entire community putting out fires, rescuing lost hikers and giving aid to the injured, and community members would like to give something back by providing prepared food on a regular basis. If you’re interested in making and donating baked goods, sandwiches, casseroles or crockpot meals, etc., contact Sharon at 642-3844.
Farmers market coupons available
Seniors over the age of 60, with monthly income less than $1,799 for a single person and $2,425 for a married couple, can get $50.00 worth of coupons to use at the Farmers Markets in Ravalli County from the Council on Aging office. Pick up your coupons between 3 and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, at 310 Old Corvallis Road, Hamilton. They will also be available at the Council on Aging booth at the Hamilton Farmers Market on Saturday, July 12 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. These coupons may be used to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, cut herbs and Montana honey. If you have questions about this program, call the Council on Aging, 363-5690.
Wednesday, July 9
Drum Circle
The Center for Spiritual Living invites everyone to Drum Circle on Wednesday, July 9 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at River Park gazebo in Hamilton. In case of rain, meet at the Center. Bring your drum, rattles, and other instruments and be part of the fun. For information, contact Jerry at 381-7220 or jelb229@aol.com.
Sleeping Child Hot Springs for All
Sleeping Child Hot Springs for All will meet Wednesday, July 9 at 6:30 p.m. at 215 Marcus Street (the former Place to Ponder Bakery and Cafe behind the Iron Horse Gym and Bitterroot Brewery. Upstairs to porch, turn right to door on the west side.) There will be a report on activities at Bitterroot Days, new people for the board of directors and advisory board. Committees will be formed to work on a business plan, non-profit status, and business name registration with State of Montana and survey. For more information contact Dorinda Troutman, 363-1806, https://www.facebook.com/sleepingchildhotspringsopentopublic.
Thursday, July 10
Stevensville Citizen of the Year Committee
All former honorees are invited to attend this year’s committee meeting to select Stevensville’s 2014 top citizens. The meeting will be held Thursday, July 10 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the North Valley Public Library community room. For more information contact Amy at 777-5061.
StarLab Planetarium
As part of Science Thursdays, the Bitterroot Public Library presents StarLab, a Planetarium from UM’s Department of Physics and Astronomy on Thursday, July 10. It’s too big for the Bitterroot Public Library, so the StarLab will be set up from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. upstairs at City Hall (Bedford Building). Climb in and be introduced to the stars and constellations of the night sky. The hour-long program begins at 11 a.m. and repeats at 12 noon. Call 363-1670 for more information.
Women Newcomers
Bitterroot Women Newcomers will meet Thursday, July 10 at 10 a.m. for the monthly meeting at First Christian Church, 328 Fairgrounds Road in Hamilton. After a short business meeting, there will be a tour of Loree West’s Way Out West Clay and Glass Studio in Stevensville. For more information contact Dona Fisher, 381-6444.
Stevi Civic Club
The Stevensville Civic Club will meet Thursday, July 10 at 12 noon in the basement of St. Mary’s Mission Visitor Center. Lunch is $6 and anyone with an interest in the Stevensville community is welcome to attend. Call Tonya at 239-9431 for more information.
Ravalli County Recycling Pint Night
A Pint Night to benefit Ravalli County Recycling will be held on Thursday, July 10 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Higherground Brewery, 518 N. First Street, Hamilton. $1 from each glass sold goes to helping RCR’s mission to recycle and reuse as much as possible in Ravalli County. And what could be better than acoustic music by Tin Cup, cold beer, a big door prize, a raffle of recycled arts and crafts and talking “trash”? For more information call RCR at 375-5398 or visit ravallirecycling.org.
Museum exhibit opening
“Montana’s Treasures: Gold Camps and Ghost Towns” Exhibit will open Thursday, July 10 at 6 p.m. at the Ravalli County Museum, 205 Bedford, Hamilton. This exhibit is a permanent link to a period of Montana’s past that was often temporary, always colorful, and rapidly disappearing and documents how the discovery of gold and silver and the resulting boom/bust cycle influenced the settling of Montana. New strikes caused towns to spring up overnight and as the ore played out these towns fell into slow decay. The passage of time continues to erase the work of these hardy individuals. Exhibit closes on Nov. 6th. Call 363-3338 or visit www.brvhsmuseum.org for more information.
Photo group
On the second Thursday of each month, with the next meeting on July 10 at 7 p.m. in the Community Room at the Sapphire Lutheran Homes, aficionados of photography will meet to discuss and share photography. For this month’s meeting, members are encouraged to share 2-3 of their favorite images, bringing them on a flash drive or as prints (11″x14″ or larger preferred). Whether you are a beginner or pro or anywhere in between, feel free to join others to enjoy camaraderie and friendly, non-judgmental sharing… and always leave just a little bit wiser. For further information and/or to get on the contact list, connect with Jack Barry, President at: JackBarryPhoto@bitterroot.com.
Friday, July 11
South Valley Pachyderm Club
Ravalli County Sheriff, Chris Hoffman, will be the speaker for the Friday, July 11 meeting of the South Valley Pachyderm Club. The club regularly meets at 12 noon on the second and fourth Fridays at BJ’s Restaurant, 900 N. First Street, in Hamilton. Club members are especially encouraged to attend to cast ballots for
the new South Valley Pachyderm Board of Directors. The South Valley Pachyderm Club is an officially recognized allied organization of the Republican Party. Members of the public are welcome.
Community barbecue
A free community barbecue will be held Friday, July 11 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Stevensville Bible Chapel, 510 Buck Street. Burgers and hot dogs will be served.
Florence Golf Scramble
The annual Florence Civic Club Golf Scramble will be held Friday, July 11 at Whitetail Golf Course. Registration is at 5 p.m., dinner at 5:30, and the tournament will begin at 6 p.m. with prizes awarded at 8:30 p.m. Players pay $35 to participate in the tournament, enjoy a delicious catered dinner from Caffe Firenze and bid on silent auction items. The funds raised support the Civic Club scholarship and the tennis court restoration project.
Saturday, July 12
Habitat for Humanity collection
Habitat for Humanity of Ravalli County will be in Florence on Saturday, July 12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to accept your items for the Re-Sale Store. The collection will take place at Florence Town Pump. Look for the Re-Sale box truck and signs on the north side of the parking lot. You can also donate at 131 Old Corvallis Road in Hamilton on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Check the web site at http://www.ravallihabitat.org for accepted items.
Forest Moon Walks
Once a month, as the full moon glows, it seems safe to venture out into the dark while the moon makes magnificent shadows across the landscape. You can still smell the wildflowers, feel the wind blowing through the trees, hear the water running through the creek bed, and sense the bustling nocturnal life.
For the 14th year, the Bitterroot National Forest and Bitter Root RC&D presents a series of interpretive Moon Walks from June to October. These free, educational walks are based on the book “Walk When the Moon is Full”, by Francis Hammerstrom about her children and the nature walks they took every month under the full moon.
You are invited to join interpreters and naturalists for the 2014 series. The presentations begin at 7 p.m. on the Saturday closest to the official full moon and last approximately 1-2 hours. Presenters include foresters, biologists, scientists, historians, poets, storytellers, and everything under the sun, or in this case – moon. Dress in layers because the weather in the Forest is often different than it is in town. Guests are also encouraged to bring a lawn chair, and a jacket.
Here are the topics that will be covered in the 2014 series:
Saturday, July 12 – Native Plant Moon at Hieronymus Park in Hamilton. Learn all about plant identification, native plants and insects, and the role they play in a healthy ecosystem. Join a botanist from the Bitterroot National Forest for a walk through the park to observe plants, insects, and wildlife. There will also be information on noxious weeds and ways to help minimize their establishment.
The 2014 Moon Walk Series is sponsored by the Bitterroot National Forest and Bitter Root Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D). For more information including directions to events, visit www.fs.usda.gov/bitterroot and click on Special Places or call 363-7100.
Sunday, July 13
Worship Service and Picnic
The churches of the RCMA (Ravalli County Ministerial Association) are hosting a community worship service and picnic on Sunday, July 13 at Claudia Driscoll Park on West Main Street in Hamilton. The worship service will be held at 11 a.m. with picnic to follow at 1 p.m., and baptisms in the Bitterroot River (optional) at 3 p.m. Free burgers and hot dogs will be served; bring your own beverages and sides. Got talent? Contact Ryan at 239-5095 to volunteer for worship team or Brenda at 381-1919 to offer afternoon music.
Monday, July 14
Faith Lutheran VBS
“Living in God’s Time” will be the theme as Faith Lutheran Church in Hamilton hosts VBS the week of July 14-17. Four college-age counselors from Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp will lead bible-centered activities that include singing, games, crafts, team building exercises, and worship. Youngsters from the age of three up to entering 6th grade are welcome to attend. Preschoolers will meet from 9 to 11:30 a.m. School-age children will meet from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (lunch will be served). Registration forms and information are available at the church office, 171 Lewis Lane (363-2964) or at www.faithlutheranhamilton.org (resources tab). Pre-registration is not required, but certainly appreciated, as it helps in the planning of numbers for food and crafts. Registration will be held in the lobby/ narthex beginning at 8:15 a.m. on July 14th. There is no charge to attend VBS, however donations are gladly accepted to help with expenses.
Rotary Club
The Hamilton Rotary Club will meet Monday, July 14 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.
Como Schoolhouse group
The Como Schoolhouse group will hold its monthly meeting on Monday, July 14, with a potluck at 6 p.m. and a history lecture at 7 p.m. Bruce Gould, third-generation Bitterrooter and amateur historian, will present a program on the history of Victor entitled “Merchants, Miners, Horse Thieves.” The public is invited to attend both the potluck and lecture. The Como Schoolhouse is located about 11 miles south of Hamilton at the intersection of Hwy 93 and Old Darby Road. For more information contact Barney Lambert at 821-3592.
Wednesday, July 16
Flower workshop
There will be a free floral design workshop on Wednesday, July 16 at 1 p.m. in the Floral Building at the Fairgrounds to practice making designs as designated in the Fair exhibitor handbook. This is a learning event for novices or those who want to improve their flower arranging skills. You will work as part of a team building a design and then discuss ideas for improvement with the group. All materials will be provided. You also will learn how to select, condition and enter cut specimens and plants in the horticulture section. Call JoAnne, 961-5642, for further information and to register.