Advent calendars wanted
The Ravalli County Museum is looking for unique and special advent calendars to include in its 3rd Annual Gallery of Trees display. These calendars will be either ones that you can create and donate for the silent auction, or ones from your collections for the display. The museum has fun idea packets that you can pick up if you want to create one. All calendars will need to be at the Museum no later than Wednesday, November 19, before 4 p.m. Call the museum at 363-3338 for more information.
Also, consider sponsoring a tree for the Gallery of Trees. Come to the Museum and decorate a tree, any way you like! Museum guests will have the chance to vote for their favorite. The trees will be part of the silent auction at the Gallery of Trees event on November 21 at 6 p.m. Trees need to be decorated no later than Thursday, November 20 before 5 p.m. The Museum will provide cut live trees and you provide the decorations. There are two sponsorship opportunities available. Contact Suju at 363-3338 at the Museum for further details.

The Great Pumpkin… Pie Sale!
Purchase a delicious pumpkin pie baked in the Sapphire Lutheran Homes kitchen by pastry chef Derrick Goeltz. Derrick is a graduate of Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. The proceeds of the pie sale will benefit Haven House. Pies are $15.00 and come with a bag of fresh whipped cream. There will only be 110 pies available, so order yours today! Call Dominic at 363-2800 to reserve your pie.

Coat Drive
While the need for warm coats has never been greater, it has also never been easier to meet this vital need in our community. The Bitterroot Valley Giving Back Club invites area residents to join them in an effort to ensure that no one goes without a warm coat this winter. The serviced-based club is holding a One Warm Coat drive and will be collecting clean, gently used warm coats. The coat drive program provides an easy way for individuals and families to make a difference in the lives of their neighbors by simply passing along women’s, men’s and children‘s coats and jackets that are no longer needed.
The coat drive will begin Wednesday, November 12 and end Sunday, November 30. Coat donations can be dropped off at 10 businesses throughout the Bitterroot Valley. Coat drop-off locations are Darby Distribution, Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Supply, Lakeland Feed & Supply, Hamilton Super 1, Bitterroot Valley Board of Realtors, Corvallis Drug, Bitterroot Stoves & Billiards, Victor Merc, Valley Drug & Variety, and Gary & Leo’s IGA. Once the coats are collected, they will be given to non-profit organizations who will then distribute them to people in need throughout the Bitterroot Valley. Organizations receiving the coats will include SAFE, Emma’s House, Council on Aging, Youth Home of the Bitterroot, Darby Food Bank and Pantry Partners. Anyone that knows a person or family in need of warm coats can also contact coat organizer Tracy Walczak at 360-4662 to request coats on behalf of their neighbors in need.

Stevensville Share Tree
The Stevensville Share Tree Program is in need of donations and volunteers! Last year, we assisted 364 local children in 246 families with warm clothing and toys for Christmas. The cost for each child is about $30-$50. If you are able to make a much needed donation, make your check payable to either Beth Perkins or First Baptist Church and send it to 4000 Houk Way, Stevensville MT 59870. If you’d like to volunteer or have any questions, call Beth at 207-5748.

Wednesday, November 12

Gluten presentation
“Is Gluten Making You Sick?” is the topic of a presentation on Wednesday, November 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Headwaters Wellness Center, 212 Main, Stevensville. Hidden gluten or wheat allergies are very common. Not everyone with gluten sensitivities has full-blown celiac disease either. Hollie Greenwood, MS, will discuss wheat, gluten, and other grains and how they damage your gut. You will learn tips and tricks for making healthy, gluten-free meals, how to prepare yummy recipes, and what to do if you think you have gluten intolerances. If you’re experiencing any gut-related issues, then this class is for you. Cost is $15 per person. Seating is limited. Call 777-1048 to reserve your space.

Harvest Dinner
The Victor Women’s Circle of Victor Community Church is sponsoring a Harvest Dinner on Wednesday, November12 from 6 to 8 p.m. They will be serving homemade beef stew, cornbread, rolls, desserts and coffee. This is a community outreach project. Everybody is welcome and it is a free will offering event. The church is located on the corner of 5th and Martin in Victor.

York Rite Masons
The York Rite Masons of Hamilton will have a Council meeting on Wednesday, November 12 at 7:30 p.m. in the Masonic Lodge Hall, 115 S. 3rd Street, Hamilton. There will be the first vote on changes to the by-laws. The meeting will be preceded by a potluck supper prepared by the ladies at 6:30 p.m. in the north lounge. All members are encouraged to attend and sojourning members in good standing are invited to attend. Ladies are invited to the potluck supper. Call Fred at 363-0768 for more information.

Thursday, November 13

Bitterroot Women Newcomers
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 members organize. The club meets on the second Thursday of each month at the First Christian Church, 328 Fairgrounds Road in Hamilton. On Thursday November 13, after a social half hour and our business meeting, there will be an interesting lecture by a representative from the Council on Aging. Don’t be misled by the club name; the club welcomes all residents of the valley, both new and old. Call Valerie Dannels at 360 0770 if you would like more information.

Fellowship Club
The Bitterroot Public Library’s Fellowship Club will be meeting on Thursday, November 13 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. to discuss “The Power of Awareness” by Neville Goddard.
In this book Goddard shows how a change of consciousness is the critical factor in life, for consciousness is the only Reality, the first and only cause-substance of the phenomena of life.
The author also illustrates how man’s chief delusion is his conviction that there are causes other than his own state of consciousness. All that befalls a man, all that is done by him, all that is from him, happens as a result of his state of consciousness. A man’s consciousness is all that he thinks, desires, and loves, all that he believes is true and consents to. That is why a change of consciousness is necessary before one can change the outer world.
Neville Goddard is known as one of the most influential teachers and writers of metaphysical work. He was born in 1905 in Barbados. In 1922 Goddard came to the United Stated to study drama. During his entertaining tour in England as a vaudeville dancer and stage actor he developed a great interest in metaphysics. Hence he gave up his entertainment job and became devoted fully to the study of metaphysics and spiritual matters. Goddard based his philosophy on the creative power of thoughts and gave listeners the necessary tools to understand and manifest what they desire in their lives.
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.

Cross Country Ski Club
The Bitterroot Cross Country Ski Club will meet Thursday, November 13 at 7 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church, 1220 W. Main Street, Hamilton. The public is invited and encouraged to attend. Near-lethal winter solo travel from Glacier Park’s Bowman Lake to Brown’s Pass and then up through Hole In The Wall, Boulder Pass and down to Kintla Lake is one of several excursions Richard Layne will discuss in his program. His extensive winter adventures also include trips in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, Anaconda-Pintlar Wilderness and recently Yellowstone. Raised in the Bitterroot Valley, Richard has been traveling Montana’s backcountry as an all-season adventurer-photographer since 1963. He has published short stories and photographs for Montana Magazine, Distinctly Montana and Montana Headwall and written “Inaccessible”, a book about four winter solo treks into Glacier’s backcountry. He is now a year into his current three-year adventure trekking the Continental Divide from Yellowstone to the Canadian Border.

Stevensville town council
The Stevensville Town Council will meet Thursday, November 13 at 7 p.m. at the town hall, 206 Buck. Agenda items include discussion/decision on Tree City USA membership; discussion/decision on Resolution No. 291, Drug Fund; discussion/decision on Town of Stevensville Proclamation Opposing Large-Retail Facilities, to name a few.

Lone Rock park board
The Lone Rock division of the Ravalli County Park Board will meet Thursday, November 13 at 7 p.m. at the Three Mile Fire Hall. The public is welcome.

Friday, November 14

Christmas Show
Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital Auxiliary will hold its annual Christmas Show on Friday, November 14 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Hospital Conference Room C. There will be gifts, decorations, stocking stuffers, bargain table and raffle. All proceeds from the Christmas show, the Hospital Gift Shop and various Auxiliary fund raisers are used to buy equipment for the hospital.

South Valley Pachyderm Club
The Honorable Robin Clute, retiring Justice of the Ravalli County Justice Court, Dept. No. 1, will be featured speaker at the next meeting of the South Valley Pachyderm Club, on Friday, November 14. The club meets at 12 noon on the second and fourth Fridays of each month 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.

Eagles taco night
Tacos and more will be served Friday, November 14 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Eagles Lodge, 125 N. 2nd, Hamilton. The public is welcome.

Golden Age dance
Come down to the Golden Age Hall, 727 S. 5th St. in Hamilton on Friday, November 14 for live band dancing from 7:30 to 10 p.m. This is a non-alcoholic and non-smoking venue. Potluck snacks are served at music break. Cost is $3.00 per person. For info call 240-9617.

Saturday, November 15

Bounty of the Bitterroot Show
The 3rd annual Bounty of the Bitterroot “All Local Show” will be held Saturday, November 15 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds. Give something meaningful for Christmas this year! Locally made fresh wreaths, crafts, food items, services and much more! Hot lunch will be available! Call 777-3928 or 207-8793 for more information.

Florence bazaar
The Florence Carlton Community Church will hold its annual bazaar on Saturday, November 15 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 20075 Old Hwy 93 just north of Carlton Creek Road, 3 miles north of Florence. There will be quality handmade items, a silent auction, bake sale and lunch of homemade soup, sandwiches, casseroles and pies will be available. Pony rides will be held from 12 to 2 p.m. weather permitting. This bazaar has been held annually since 1960.

Food drive/poker run
The Bitterroot Valley Biker Network Thanksgiving Poker Run & Food Drive to benefit Haven House Food Bank will be held Saturday, November 15. Bikers, trikers, hitchhikers, cars, trucks are all invited to participate. Registration for the Poker Run is $10 (checks made payable to Haven House) and at least one non perishable food item and will take place from 11 a.m. to 12 noon at The Longbranch Saloon, Victor. The best hand in the Poker Run will receive 50% of the proceeds with 50% going to Haven House along with all the food collected.
The Poker Run starts at 12 noon. 1st Draw is at Brewski’s Sports Bar, Hamilton; 2nd Draw at Conner Bar, Conner; 3rd Draw at Sawmill Saloon, Darby; 4th Draw at Hideout Bar, Hamilton; 5th Draw at Corvallis Tavern, Corvallis; and Last Draw/Wild Card at Longbranch Saloon, Victor. Food drop off locations are: Victor: Longbranch Saloon, Stumble Inn, Flying Pig; Corvallis Tavern; Hamilton: Hideout Bar, Brewski’s Sports Bar, Elks Club, Eagles, Al’s Cycle; Darby: Sawmill Saloon. For more information contact Robin Robinson, 360-2535.

Back Country Horsemen
The Selway-Pintlar Wilderness Back Country Horsemen (SPWBCH) will celebrate Thanksgiving by hosting a Dutch oven cookout/potluck on Saturday, November 15 at the Lake Como Three Sisters Pavilion across from the Rock Creek Horse Camp. Arrive at 10:30 a.m. to set up and start the Dutch ovens – lunch served 12:00-12:30. If you are interested in becoming a Back Country Horsemen, join for fun and learn to Dutch oven cook! Join in giving thanks for the mountains we love, great friends and the ever faithful horses and mules! Guests are welcome to join members around the campfire for coffee/hot cocoa and share lots of “trail talk”! Bring a hearty appetite, your choice of beverage and a chair! For more information contact Kathy at 363-8230.

Square dance club
Boots n’ Calico Square Dance Club will hold a dance on Saturday, November 15 at the old Jefferson School gym, 727 S. 5th in Hamilton. Barry Bartlette will be the caller. Pre-rounds will be from 7 to 7:30 p.m. with a mainstream dance with plus tips to follow at 7:30 p.m. Come check out the dancing and see if you might want to take lessons.

Sunday, November 16

Center for Spiritual Living
The Center for Spiritual Living will host Selma Putnam presenting “The Essence of Being Human” on Sunday, November 16 at 10 a.m. Selma helps us remember how gratitude is a natural part of who we are. 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. For further information call Dave at 381-2355 or visit CSLbitterroot.org.

Eagles Auxiliary celebration
On Sunday, November 16, the Eagles Ladies Auxiliary to Bitterroot Aerie #1693 will be celebrating 75 years of service to the Aerie and our community. A potluck with cake and ice cream will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Eagles Lodge, 125 N. 2nd, Hamilton. All Eagles and Friends of Eagles are encouraged to attend.

Monday, November 17

Stevi school menu
Monday: Breakfast – Waffles or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Mac & cheese, broccoli Normandy, oranges, bread & butter, milk
Tuesday: Breakfast – Cinnamon rolls or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Burrito, Spanish rice, mixed fruit, bread & butter, milk
Wednesday: Breakfast – Cereal or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Thanksgiving dinner—turkey & gravy, mashed potatoes, stuffing, pineapple, bread & butter, milk
Thursday: Breakfast – Pancake on a stick or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Sloppy Joes, taters, bananas, bread & butter, milk
Friday: Breakfast – Egg wraps or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Ham & scrambled eggs, hash browns, apricots, bread & butter, milk.

Rotary Club
Lt. Joshua Hamilton, officer in charge of the Missoula Corps of the Salvation Army, will be speaking at the next meeting of the Hamilton Rotary Club, on Monday, November 17 at 12 noon at BJ’s Restaurant, 900 N. First, Hamilton. The meeting is open to the public. For further information call 363-2960.

Power Point class
The Bitterroot College will offer a Microsoft Power Point class in two sessions, both at the Darby Community Public Library. Power Point I will be offered Monday, November 17 from 3 to 6 p.m. Power Point II will be offered Monday, November 24, also from 3 to 6 p.m. Students must take Power Point I in order to take Power Point II. The cost is $40, which pays for both classes. Payment must be made in advance, either at the Bitterroot College, or online through the College website at www.umt.edu/bitterroot-college, or at the Darby Library. For more information, call the library at 821-4771.

Amateur Radio Club
The Bitterroot Amateur Radio Club (BARC) will meet Monday, November 17 at 7 p.m. at BJ’s Restaurant in Hamilton. The meeting is open to the public and visitors are encouraged. Many people who are interested in getting into Ham Radio begin by visiting or joining the club. This month’s meeting will include an interesting program related to Ham Radio.

Tuesday, November 18

RASS training
Western MT Addiction Services is holding a Responsible Alcohol Sales and Service training on Tuesday, November 18 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at 209 N. 10th Street, Suite C in Hamilton. The cost of the training is $15 (cash only) for materials. The “Let’s Control It” curriculum is approved by the MT Dept. of Revenue and participants will receive a certificate of completion. For further information or to register call 532-9149 or email ffavara@wmmhc.org by November 17.

Republican Women
Ravalli County Republican Women’s Club will hold its monthly meeting and lunch on Tuesday, November 18 at 11:30 a.m. at BJ’s Restaurant in Hamilton. There will be installation of 2015 officers and a review of the by-laws. Ravalli County Republican Women meet the fourth Tuesday of each month but will not meet in December.

Nativities, nutcrackers wanted
Historic St. Mary’s Mission and Museum will host the annual Nativity Exhibit plus a display of Nutcrackers in the Mission Museum on First Friday, December 5 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. during the “Montana Country Christmas” in Stevensville. The Christmas Exhibit will also be open Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 6 and 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
You’re invited to share your special items in this Christmas Exhibit.
Bring them to the Mission Museum on Nov. 18, 19, 20, 25 or Dec. 2, 3, 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Items are to be picked up on Dec. 9 or 10.

Laughter Yoga
The Center for Spiritual Living hosts Laughter Yoga with Certified Laughter Yoga Leader Jacqueline Locke of Wholly Joy on Tuesday, November 18 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Hearty group laughter has profound short- and long-terms effects on our mind and body: reduce stress, lower blood pressure, increase feel-good hormones, aerobic benefits, strengthen immune system, and have fun! Various laughter exercises taught; free will donation accepted. Come and laugh for the health of it! The Center for Spiritual Living is located at 1720 N. First Street (north of Sears) in Hamilton. For further information, contact Jacqueline at 363-2581.

Veteran memorialization benefits seminar
Learn how planning for your final wishes will shield your family from unnecessary emotional burden and how your veteran’s benefits can save you a substantial amount on your funeral at a free presentation on Tuesday, November 18 at 7:30 p.m. at the American Legion Hall, 1055 Middle Burnt Fork Road, Stevensville.

Wednesday, November 19

Center for Spiritual Living
The Center for Spiritual Living invites everyone to “Exploring Mindfulness Using Heart-Math” on Wednesday, November 19 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Center in Hamilton with Z’eva Singer and Dave Schultz. Learn to use the intelligence of your heart in concert with your mind to enjoy resilient, healthy lives. The Center for Spiritual Living is located at 1720 N. First Street, Suite C in Selway Commons, north of Sears in Hamilton. For information, contact Dave at 381-2355.