White Ribbon Week
October 17 to 24 is White Ribbon Week, a community-wide event to raise awareness about domestic violence in Ravalli County. Show your support for ending domestic violence by wearing a white ribbon during the week. Ribbons will be available at SAFE and Safe on First Thrift starting October 14. You can also request ribbons to pass out at your church, business, book club, BBQ or other gathering. We all have an interest in ending domestic violence. Wearing a ribbon is a simple way to send a powerful message: We all deserve to live in homes that are safe and free from violence. White Ribbon Week is sponsored by the Ravalli County Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence, a group of professionals and community members working together to improve the community’s response to domestic and sexual violence. For information call 363-2793.
Wednesday, October 8
Assistance for Business Clinic
The Assistance for Business Clinic will be in Hamilton on Wednesday, October 8 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Bitterroot River Inn. Cost is $40.00 per person. The Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce is coordinating this event and it is focused on keeping businesses informed on state government related processes. To attend, contact Pat Easley at the Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce at 363-2400. This is always a worthwhile event. There will be presentations by Dept. of Labor & Industry, Dept. of Revenue, Montana State Auditors and Bitterroot Job Service.
Candidate Forum
A candidate forum is scheduled for Wednesday, October 8, at the Bedford Building community room from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bring a lunch and ask questions of your candidates for Commissioner and Justice of the Peace. This lunchtime event is sponsored by Commissioner’s Administrative Assistant Glenda Wiles each year as an opportunity for county employees to quiz their candidates. Questions for the candidates may be submitted to Wiles any time prior to the forum.
Victor School Travel Club benefit
Victor School Travel Club is hosting a fundraising dinner and silent auction on Wednesday, October 8 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Victor School’s multipurpose room. The group is cooking up a Peruvian dinner from scratch at only $7 per plate. There will be tons of silent auction items and gift cards to bid on. Everyone is welcome to attend. This is also the first parent/teacher evening of the year, so leave the cooking to the Travel Club!
Sapphire Quilters
The Sapphire Quilt Club will meet Wednesday, October 8 at 7 p.m. at the Stevensville Senior Center, 100 Mission, Stevensville. Barbara will demonstrate applique and embroidery techniques. All quilters from beginner to expert are welcome. For more info contact Judy at 363-4676.
York Rite Masons
The York Rite Masons of Hamilton will have a Chapter meeting on Wednesday, October 8 at 7:30 p.m. in the Masonic Lodge Hall, 115 S. 3rd Street, Hamilton. The meeting will be preceded by a potluck supper prepared by the women at 6:30 p.m. in the north lounge. All members are encouraged to attend and sojourning members in good standing are invited to join in.
Thursday, October 9
Women Newcomers Club
If you live in the Bitterroot Valley you have no excuse to be bored! Join the Bitterroot Women Newcomers Club and enjoy some of the varied activities that the members organize. The club meets on the second Thursday of each month. On Thursday, October 9 at 10 a.m. there will be a brief meeting on the front porch of the Marcus Daly Mansion, on Eastside Highway, after which club members will tour the Mansion. Don’t be misled by the name, the club welcomes all residents of the Valley, both new and old. Call Valerie Dannels at 360-0770 for more information!
Joint pain class
A free educational class on dealing with joint pain will be held Thursday, October 9from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in conference rooms B and C at Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital. Living with joint pain can be stressful, life altering and at times cause depression. Get helpful tips on the right kind of exercise to reduce joint pain and increase your pain threshold, learn about the source of your pain and options for bringing movement back into your life. Participate in this interactive expert panel discussion with Drs. Jeremiah Clinton and Timothy Woods, Bitterroot Orthopedics and Sports Medicine clinic and Pete Dunn, OTR/L, Marcus Daly Rehabilitation Center. Attend this educational session and be entered to win a spot in the Arthritis Foundation nine week class, either Walk with Ease or Exercise Program starting the week of October 13th. For more information, visit www.mdmh.org or call 363-2211.
Cross Country Ski Club
The Thursday, October 9 meeting of the Bitterroot Cross Country Ski Club will feature an introduction to why waxing for kick and for glide continues to provide the ultimate in performance and how properly waxed skis enable longer glides with less effort. Learn about wax alternatives, application, and base maintenance. Do you have the right equipment for the skiing you want to enjoy this season? What works best on groomed and ungroomed trails? What about backcountry touring? Tony Neaves and Randy Leavell have years of experience to share and ignite the season. Bring your questions to learn from the experts and get your equipment ready now! Everyone welcomed. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church, 1220 West Main in Hamilton.
Fellowship Club
The Bitterroot Public Library’s Fellowship Club will be meeting on Thursday, October 9 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. to discuss “The Five Levels of Attachment: Toltec Wisdom for the Modern World” by Don Miguel Ruiz Jr., with Foreward by Don Miguel Ruiz.
Building on the principles found in his father’s best-selling book, “The Four Agreements,” Don Miguel Ruiz Jr. invites us to gauge how attached we are to our own point of view.
The author then helps us gain awareness of the agreements we have been implicitly making all these years that shape our reality and affect our future, and shows us how to release the attachments which no longer reflect who we really are. Ruiz explains each of the Five Levels of Attachment in detail and shows that as our level of attachment to a belief or idea increases, “who we are” becomes directly linked to “what we know.”
Our attachment to beliefs – our own and the beliefs of others – manifests as a mask we don’t realize we can take off. But with Ruiz’s help, and some Toltec wisdom along the way, we can return to our True, Authentic Selves, unhindered by judgment and free to pursue our true life’s calling.
Don Miguel Ruiz Jr. is a Nagual, a Toltec Master of Transformation. He is a direct descendant of the Toltecs of the Eagle Knight lineage. By combining the wisdom of his family’s tradition with the knowledge gained from his own personal journey, Ruiz now helps others realize their own path to personal freedom.
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.
Back Country Horsemen
Attention back country enthusiasts and horsemen! The Selway Pintler Back Country Horsemen, an active, work oriented BCH chapter, is looking for members who really want to ride, pack, and clear trails. The best of the backcountry always comes in the beauty of the fall colors! The next general meeting will be Thursday, October 9 at 6:30 p.m. in the Hamilton Forest Service Bldg. There will be discussion of completed summer projects, fall trail rides, BCHM Convention, upcoming elections and Youth Engagement ideas. Guests are always welcome to join in for coffee, cookies and lots of “trail talk”. Entrance is in the rear. For more information contact Kathy at 821-0921.
Stevensville Town Council
The Stevensville Town Council will hold a regular meeting on Thursday, October 9 at 7 p.m. in the Town Hall, 206 Buck. Agenda items include discussion/decision on Resolution No. 361, adopting a purchasing policy; discussion on a curfew ordinance; and discussion on a personnel policy, to name a few.
Lone Rock park board
The Lone Rock Division of the Ravalli County Park Board will meet Thursday, October 9 at 7 p.m. at the Three Mile Fire Hall. The public is welcome.
Friday, October 10
South Valley Pachyderm Club
Jim Pearson, candidate for Ravalli County Justice of the Peace, Department 1, and Rocky Bailey, candidate for Justice of the Peace, Department 2, will be speaking at the next meeting of the South Valley Pachyderm Club, on Friday, October 10 at 12 noon at BJ’s Restaurant, 900 N. First Street, in Hamilton. The South Valley Pachyderm Club is an officially recognized allied organization of the Republican Party. Members of the public are welcome.
Phlebotomy training
The next application and fee deadline for phlebotomy training is Friday, October 10 for the program date of October 24-25 at the Bitterroot College. This program provides training in both theory and technique of phlebotomy. Students learn the basic blood draw methods, which include: Vacutainer, butterfly draws, and finger sticks. All students will be required to volunteer their arms and fingers for training purposes. Other areas of study include: basic medical terms, universal precautions, professionalism, and patient’s rights. Fee is $265. For more information contact Darlene Reese, Bitterroot College Advising & Enrollment Services Assistant, 375-0100 or darlene.reese@umontana.edu.
Eagles Taco Night
Come have tacos and more on Friday, October 10 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Eagles, 125 N. 2nd, Hamilton. Serving tacos, burritos, quesadillas, taco salads, etc. The public is welcome.
FS film showing
The Forest Service will hold a film premiere of “Brandy” on Friday, October 10 at 7 p.m. at the Bedford Building, 223 S. 2nd in Hamilton. “Brandy” is a new short film about the passage of the 1964 Wilderness Act and the role that local conservationist Stewart Brandborg played in developing grassroots support for its passage. The film was produced by the Forest Service-Northern Region. Refreshments will be served.
Golden Age dance
The Golden Age Club is continuing their every Friday night live band dances with the next one scheduled for Friday, October 10 from 7:30 to 10 p.m. at the Golden Age Hall, 727 S. 5th St. in Hamilton. This is a non-alcoholic, non-smoking venue. Potluck snacks are served during the music break. Cost is $3.00 per person. For info call 240-9617.
Saturday, October 11
Grange Hall Concert
The monthly concert on Saturday, October 11 at 7 p.m. at the Grange Hall will take on a new twist for this month’s concert. Featured performers are Bob Weber, Doug Hogan, and Warren Worth. The final set will be an informal jam session with all the performers plus any audience members who wish to bring their instruments and join in. Playing ability and skill level are not important. This is a community event held together by volunteer musicians from the Bitterroot and Missoula. It is hoped that this open evening jam session will become a regular feature at the concerts. The Grange Hall is located about a mile and a half south of Golf Course Road on US 93, just past Valley Pet Clinic. For more information contact John at 381-2483.
Museum Ghost Tours
The Ravalli County Museum, 205 Bedford, Hamilton, will be holding Ghost Tours on Oct. 11, 18, 25 and 31 from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m.Become a paranormal investigator for the night, gathering evidence and exploring rooms in the Museum that are not on the regular tour! Take a walk down the dark passageways in the basement, experience the energy of the judge’s chambers, sit quietly in the old courtroom and decide for yourself… Are some who died long ago still here haunting these halls?
This tour is done in the dark, with flashlights, and special ghost hunting equipment. There are EVP Recorders, EMF Detectors, Thermal Laser Guns, Spirit Boxes and even pendulums for the more adventurous! Bring your cameras. Share your findings in the museum’s evidence collection. To see evidence from previous tours, visit www.brvhsmuseum.org. Take a break during the long evening for some divination! Rune and Numerology readings available throughout the night for an additional $5 apiece. Tour cost is $20 for members and $25 for non-members. Space is limited and tickets sell out quickly! For more information, contact Sarah at the Ravalli County Museum, 363-3338.
This can be a frightening event. No one under 14 allowed – under 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Everyone attending Ghost Tours is required to sign a liability waiver.
Sunday, October 12
Center for Spiritual Living
The Center for Spiritual Living is pleased to host Lea Guthrie presenting “Coming Into Your Gifts” on Sunday, October 12 at 10 a.m. Lea’s message is part of the October theme of A Season for Harvest. Music with LeGrande Harvey. Refreshments and conversation follow at 11:15 a.m. Come early for Meditation 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 at CSLbitterroot.org.
Sustainability fair
Wildwood Brewing will hold its third annual sustainability fair on Sunday, October 12 from 12 noon to 8 p.m. at the brewery, 4018 Hwy 93 N, Stevensville. Vendors will display their products and services from 2 to 5 p.m. There will be food, pig roast, games, live music, organic beer, and demonstrations on the skills of sustainability and self sufficiency. This event is free for all and family friendly. If you can, bring a side dish to share. Call 777-2855 for more information.
Motivational meeting
A free motivational meeting with Pastor David Beaudry will be held Sunday, October 12 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Darby Clubhouse. Welcome to all, come and get your head on straight! For information call 361-5974.
Monday, October 13
Stevi school menu
Monday: Breakfast – Pancakes or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Chicken drumsticks, mashed potatoes & gravy, peaches, bread & butter, milk
Tuesday: Breakfast – Muffins or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Quesadilla with lettuce & salsa, refried beans, apples, bread & butter, milk
Wednesday: Breakfast – Cereal or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Sweet & sour chicken stir-fry veggies, rice, mandarin oranges, bread & butter, milk
Thursday & Friday: MEA Days – No school.
Arthritis program
Do you have concerns about exercising with arthritis? Do you need help learning about how to exercise safely and effectively? Then the Arthritis Foundation Exercise and Walk with Ease Programs offered at the Marcus Daly Rehabilitation Center are designed for you! These programs are specifically tailored to assist people who have arthritis get exercise to help reduce pain and improve their overall health, but you don’t have to have arthritis to participate!
The Arthritis Foundation Exercise program starts Monday, October 13, and meets on Mondays and Thursdays from 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. for nine weeks. It includes health education, exercise and relaxation activities. Walk with Ease starts October 14, and meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12 to 1 p.m. for nine weeks. Classes include different health education topics, warm-up and cool-down exercises, stretches, walking and a physical activity log book to track progress. Each class is limited to 15 participants, so call Marcus Daly Rehabilitation Center at 375-4570 today to register. You may take both classes simultaneously.
Rotary Club
2014-2015 Rotary District 5390 Governor, Roy Beekman of Kalispell, will be speaking at the next meeting of the Hamilton Rotary Club, on Monday, October 13 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.
Green Thumbs Up
Green Thumbs Up Garden Club will meet Monday, October 13 at 2 p.m. in the downstairs meeting room of the Bitterroot Public Library, corner of State and 4th Streets in Hamilton. Guest speaker will be Molly Hackett. As a Master Gardener, Molly is a walking, talking encyclopedia of gardening knowledge. She will talk about growing indoor tomato plants. Meetings are free and the public is welcome.
First-time Homebuyer Class
The Bitter Root Resource Conservation and Development Area, Inc. (Bitter Root RC&D) will hold its next nationally-certified First-Time Homebuyer Group Education class October 13, 14, and 15 from 6 to 9 p.m. (each night) at the Human Resource Council Building, 316 N. Third, Hamilton. Attendance on all three nights is required for certification. The charge is $50 per household to cover instruction and the cost of reference materials. Attendance also entitles participants to free individual financial counseling and post-purchase counseling. Pre-registration and payment in full is required. Call 363-5450 to reserve your space today with your $50 deposit, which must be received no later than October 2 at 4 p.m. There will be no class in November.
The class is presented by Sara Ann Briggs, who is certified in three areas of housing counseling from the NeighborWorks Center for Homeownership Education and Counseling: Pre-purchase group education; One-on-one counseling, and Post-purchase group education. The Bitter Root RC&D can now offer new programs to the residents of Ravalli County, including the required follow-up counseling for eHome participants.
The first step to the home-buying process is pre-purchase counseling. Anyone with a low credit score, high debt, or other credit concerns, should take the course a year before they consider purchasing a home, as the Bitter Root RC&D can assist in increasing a low credit score, provide information on down payment assistance through grants, and also provide other valuable resources. Class certification is required in order to qualify for many loans (MBOH, Rural Development, FHA, etc.). Most lenders require that anyone on the loan must take the course. Additionally, HUD requires that the class be taken prior to signing a purchase contract; therefore, Briggs urges first-time homebuyers to not wait until the last minute to take the class. Offered will be up-to-date information on Rural Direct Loans and HRC Down Payment Assistance Deferred Payment loans. Most importantly, the class will help novice homebuyers maneuver through the entire process of homeownership.
Stevensville Playhouse auditions
Stevensville Playhouse will be holding auditions for the Christmas show on Monday, October 13 and Wednesday, October 15 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The play is “The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen’s Guild Dramatic Society’s Production of A Christmas Carol” and will be directed by Gretchen Spiess. The cast consists of three mature women, one younger woman and one man with performances on December 5-7 and 12-14. Scripts will be available at North Valley Public Library on October 6th.
Tuesday, October 14
RCEDA Finance Committee
Ravalli County Economic Development Authority will hold its regular monthly Finance Committee meeting on Tuesday, October 14 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. and the regular monthly meeting of the Board of Commissioners on Wednesday, October 15 from 3 to 5 p.m. Both meetings will be held at the RCEDA office, 274 Old Corvallis Rd, Hamilton. These meetings are open to the public.
Computer classes
The following free computer classes led by RSVP volunteer Jim Calvery will be held at the Council on Aging Center, 310 Old Corvallis Road, Hamilton.
October 14: Diagnosing Windows Problems: This class will provide free tools and resources to users who have had problems with their computer’s software and system, and want to try to trouble-shoot on their own. The class will be from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. in the conference room. If you need extra time to get your computer set up, please arrive at 1 p.m.
October 16: Windows 8 Beginner/Intermediate: This class will cover the basics of using the new Windows 8 OS. The class will be from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. If you need extra time to get your computer set up, please arrive at 1 p.m.
To sign up for classes call the RSVP Volunteer Center at 363-1103 and leave a message with your name, contact phone and which class you’d like to attend.