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 runs through 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 The Clothes Closet. 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, the program 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.
Florence Share Tree
The Florence Civic Club is organizing for a busy Christmas season with their 10th annual Share Tree project. Judy Heimke and Candi Jerke inaugurated the first tree in 2004 and Candi is still the guiding force for this year’s effort. Patti Doyle, coordinating with Leah Duke, is heading up the Marines’ Toys for Tots program in Florence.
To provide more opportunity for Florence residents to participate in the generosity of the season, there will be six share trees in Florence. Donors can find a tag to fill on any of the trees, and return their gift to the bank for safekeeping. New or gently used toys can be left in one of the ten Toys for Tots boxes in Florence. Because of generous anonymous donors, all of the Florence children represented on the trees will be gifted with a new pair of shoes, new pants, a warm shirt, and a new toy.
Florence Share Tree locations: St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Caffe Firenze, Farmers State Bank, Florence Ace Hardware, Florence Carton School, Florence Carlton Community Church.
Toys for Tots locations: Trader Bothers, Farmers State, Bank, Florence Elementary School, Florence High School, Florence Ace Hardware, Gary & Leo’s Florence IGA, Florence Physical Therapy, Physical Therapy of Florence, Berard Family Chiropractic.
Some locations start earlier than others to display tags, but tags will be widely available after Nov. 29, final date for return is Dec. 15.
Questions? Share Trees – call 273-3363. Toy Boxes – call 546-9829.
Hospice Tree of Lights
Let a light shine on the Marcus Daly Hospice Tree of Lights in remembrance of a friend or loved one. Purchase a light for $5.00 or an ornament with a light for $15.00 in their memory to honor them this holiday season. To assure your loved one’s name will be included in the Tree of Lights memorial event on Thursday, December 11, make your purchases by Monday, December 8. Ornaments can be picked up at the Marcus Daly Hospice Center or for an additional fee of $5.00 it will be mailed to you.
Hospice Celebration of Light: All are welcome to join in the 23rd annual non-denominational Hospice Tree of Lights community remembrance on Thursday, December 11 at 4:30 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 1220 W. Main Street, Hamilton. This year’s event once again features the Hamilton High School Choir and First Presbyterian Bell Choir. Following at Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital will be the lighting of the Hospice Tree of Lights and a homemade holiday Goodie Reception in the Hospital Conference Room C.
To purchase a light or for more information call Marcus Daly Hospice Services at 363-6503.
Toys for Tots collection sites
Now collecting new toys through Toys for Tots – local donations stay local! Look for boxes at these locations: HAMILTON – Walgreens, Murdoch’s, The Edge Restaurant/Hamilton Liquor, First Interstate Bank, Albertson’s, Bella Valle Italian Family Restaurant, Quizno’s (Riverside & Lone Pine locations), Ace Hardware, Valley Veterans Organization, Ravalli Bank. CORVALLIS – Corvallis Drug, Ravalli County Bank, Corvallis Primary School. FLORENCE – Farmers State Bank, Gary & Leo’s, Florence Schools, Florence-Carlton Chiropractic, Ace Hardware, Glen’s Café, Florence Boutique. STEVENSVILLE – Farmers State Bank, Rocky Mountain Bank, Valley Drug, Full Moon Saloon, High Country Club, Ravalli County Bank, Stevensville Elementary, Ace Hardware, Lone Rock School, Three Mile Store. VICTOR – Farmers State Bank, Victor Mercantile, Cowboy Troy’s, Victor School. Donate online at stevensville-mt.toysfortots.org. For more information, contact Leah Duke, 493-4293 or stevitoys@gmail.com.
Museum Gallery of Trees
The 3rd Annual Gallery of Trees, Advent Calendar Holiday Display & Silent Auction is ongoing at the Ravalli County Museum, 205 Bedford St, Hamilton. You have until Thursday, December 4 at 8 p.m. to bid on the many beautiful Christmas trees and Advent Calendars, with pickup time no later than Saturday at noon. And remember, this is a fundraiser for Your Museum and you can choose to take the item home or donate it to your favorite charity. The museum’s gigantic courtroom has been turned into a Christmas Exhibit that includes a historical walk down memory lane, highlighting many of our toys, books, ornaments, and holiday artifacts from the museum’s collection vault. The museum is offering a 10% discount in the Gift Shop, with members of the Museum getting 15% off.
Thursday, November 27
Thanksgiving meal
You are invited to a free Thanksgiving meal on Thursday, November 27th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, 275 Hattie Lane, Hamilton. For a ride, home delivered meal, questions or donations call 363-1924 by Tuesday, Nov. 25. Thanksgiving Eve Worship will be held at 7 p.m.
Friday, November 28
Golden Age dinner/dance
Plan to attend the Golden Age Hall Thanksgiving Leftovers dinner and dance on Friday, November 28. The dinner will completely be potluck with any holiday entree, salad or dessert. The food isn’t required to be leftover. The club will provide coffee. Dinner will be served at 6 p.m. with dancing to follow at 7 p.m. to the music of the Don Welch Band. Admission to the dinner and dance is $3.00 per person. So come on down and dance away some of what you over ate on Thanksgiving. The hall is located at 727 S. 5th St. in Hamilton. For info, call 406-240-9617.
Saturday, November 29
Museum tree decorating
Come to the Ravalli County Museum on Saturday, November 29 at 10 a.m. to decorate trees that will be displayed outside in front of the Museum. Lights, hot beverages, refreshments and some ornaments will be provided. Feel free to bring ornaments to donate to this creative community project. For more information, contact the Museum at 363-3338.
Square dance club
Boots ‘n’ Calico Square Dance Club will hold a dance on Saturday, November 29 at the old Jefferson School gym, 727 S. 5th in Hamilton. Ray Dunbar and Barry Bartlette will be the callers. Pre-rounds will be from 7 to 7:30 p.m. with a mainstream dance with plus tips to follow from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Sunday, November 30
Christmas Without Borders
The 3rd Annual Christmas Without Borders will be held Sunday, November 30 from 2 to 5 p.m. at Cornerstone Bible Church, 280 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton, 381-2755. Bring family, friends, neighbors and take in an educational and fun journey through a third-world country market experience! Enjoy multiple opportunities to learn about and give to trusted, quality, charitable organizations, like Gospel for Asia, Operation Christmas Child, Samaritan’s Purse, Destiny Rescue, Rescuing Children, Compassion, Voice of the Martyrs, and others.
Purchase products/crafts as great Christmas gifts and the satisfaction of knowing that your money will go to a great cause. Plus, you have the opportunity to purchase hand crafted items and/or donate to the completion of a much needed church building in Cameroon, Africa and meet the Pastor who is visiting with his family. Enjoy a variety of finger foods!
St. Andrew’s Day Dinner
A free St. Andrew’s Day Dinner will be held Sunday, November 30 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Daly Leach community room, 1010 W. Main, Hamilton. Dinner will be provided by the Bitterroot Celtic Society volunteers. There will also be a no host bar, Bonnie Knees contest, door prizes, silent and live auction. Register to win a kilt. Proceeds benefit the Bitterroot Celtic Games and Gathering.
Spiritual discussion
The Center for Spiritual Living is pleased to host Carolyn Durgin presenting “Cooking The Turkey of Life, With Gratitude” on Sunday, November 30 at 10 a.m. Come get the recipe. Music with LeGrande Harvey. Bring your favorite dish and join in a potluck meal and decorating the Center at 11:30. 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.
Monday, December 1
Stevi school menu
Monday: Breakfast – Waffles or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Pizza, peas & carrots, pineapple, bread & butter, milk; Ala carte- Burrito
Tuesday: Breakfast – Bagels with cream cheese or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Taco salad with chips & salsa, apples, bread & butter, milk; Ala carte – Hot dogs
Wednesday: Breakfast – Cereal or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Tuna salad sandwich, fresh veggies, mandarin oranges, bread & butter, milk; Ala carte – Hamburgers
Thursday: Breakfast – Pancake on a stick or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Tater tot casserole, green beans, bananas, bread & butter, milk; Ala carte – Corn dogs
Friday: Breakfast – Ham bites or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch- Chicken patty sandwich, corn, applesauce, bread & butter, milk; Ala carte – Egg rolls.
Rotary Club
Randy Lint, owner of Big Creek Coffee Roasters, will be speaking at the next meeting of the Hamilton Rotary Club, on Monday, December 1 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.
Victor Museum Chocolate Tasting
Victor Heritage Museum’s Chocolate Tasting Party/Silent Auction will be held Monday, December 1 from 4 to 9 p.m. Come and enjoy chocolates and camaraderie. Participate in the silent auction. Ride on the horse-drawn trolley. The museum is located on the corner of Main St. and Blake St. in Victor. For information call 642-3997 or 363-3165.
Tuesday, December 2
Corvallis Christmas Tree Sing
The annual Corvallis Christmas Tree Sing will take place on Tuesday, December 2, at 5:30 p.m. All community members are cordially invited to participate and help kick off the holiday season. The celebration will begin in front of Corvallis High School with the lighting of the lights on the Marty Litvin Memorial Tree. The festivities will then move inside the high school for singing and refreshments. A highlight of the event will be a visit from Santa Claus with treats for children. The annual celebration is sponsored by the Corvallis Civic Club with assistance from the Bitterroot Women’s Club, the American Legion Auxiliary, Corvallis band and choir students, Bitterroot Tree Service, and White Horse Forestry. For further information, contact Carol Peterson at 961-3362.
Laughter Yoga
Lighten your load with Laughter Yoga taught by Certified Laughter Yoga Leader Jacqueline Locke of Wholly Joy on Tuesday, December 2, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Hearty group laughter has profound short- and long-terms effects on our mind and body: reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, increases feel-good hormones, strengthens the immune system, and is great fun! Various laughter exercises taught. Come and laugh for the health of it! Sponsored by The Center for Spiritual Living, located at 1720 N. First Street (north of Sears) in Hamilton. For further information, contact Jacqueline at 363-2581.
Fly Fishers of the Bitterroot
The monthly meeting of FFB is Tuesday, December 2 at BJ’s Restaurant in Hamilton. Social hour is 6 to 7 p.m. with cocktails and dinner optional. There will be a year end “blow out” sale of club merchandise with the cool logo. Get Christmas gifts for the fisherman in your life! Mark Raisler will be the featured speaker. He is co-owner of the world famous Headhunters Fly Shop in Craig, MT. He became a fishing guide and outfitter on the Missouri River where he has spent the happiest days of his life. The Missouri is his favorite place to fish and he will be presenting “Tricks & Techniques” of catching finicky trout on the Missouri River. If you like fishing you will love this club! Call Dorreen for more information at 363-0744.
Ebola lecture
The public is invited to attend a lecture at the Darby Community Public Library on Tuesday, December 2 at 6 p.m. Dr. Marshall Bloom, Associate Director for Scientific Management at the Rocky Mountain Laboratories in Hamilton will be the featured speaker. His presentation is titled: “An Overview of the Current Ebola Virus Outbreak in West Africa and the Role of the Rocky Mountain Laboratories.” This is a non-technical presentation designed for a general audience. The public is invited to attend. For more information, call library director Wendy Campbell at 821-4771.
Sons of Norway
Bitterrootdalen Lodge, Sons of Norway will hold its annual Christmas Party on Tuesday, December 2 at 5 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Hamilton. The Lodge will provide the main dishes of ham and Vikings with gravy, drinks and service. Members and visitors are invited to bring a spectacular seasonal side dish, as well as a $5 or less wrapped gift for the gift exchange. There will be a cultural session, with songs, dance and language lesson. The general public is invited to come and share a fun evening. For info call Jackie at 961-4538.
Wednesday, December 3
Christmas Tea
The Stevensville Garden Club is sponsoring a Christmas Tea on Wednesday, December 3 at 1 p.m. at the Community Baptist Church, 409 Buck, Stevensville. Limited tickets are available. Reservations can be made by calling Joanne at 777-3749. Come join the fun and celebration.
Self help event
Do you have thoughts of anger, fear and depression you would like to change? Join CSL in a taped interview of Byron Katie as she discusses “The Work.” This method of self-discovery will help you identify and question the thoughts that cause anger, fear, depression, addiction and violence in the world. Learn to experience the happiness of undoing those thoughts through “The Work” and allow your mind to return to its true, awakened, peaceful, creative nature. December 3, 6:30 p.m. Sponsored by The Center for Spiritual Living, 1410 N. 1st Street (north of Sears). Visit CSLBitterroot.org or call Pat at 360-5568 for more information.