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.

Our Savior Lutheran advent services
Our Savior Lutheran Church’s members and the community are urged to remember Thursday evenings’ 7 p.m. Advent vesper services, starting Thursday, December 4, and continuing the following two Thursdays, the 11th and the 18th. Advent, or The Coming, is a time set aside by the Church to prepare for the arrival of the Messiah Savior, Lamb of God, Prince of Peace. Advent is a time of spiritual preparation, for making hearts ready for the gift of the Christ Child, a time to contemplate the spiritual aspects of Christmas, the miracle of grace, our undeserved gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah. To simplify evening worship for hard-working families, the people of Our Savior prepare 6 p.m. soup and sandwich suppers to share. Pick up your family on your way home from work and come for food and fellowship with the members of Our Savior before the service. Our Savior, located at 184 Pine Hollow Road, is affiliated with the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. To find the church, head south from Stevensville on the Eastside Highway. One mile past Middle Burnt Fork Road, turn east on Pine Hollow. Cross the tracks and
the canal, and the church will be on your left, marked by three crosses.

Friday, December 5

North Valley Pachyderm Club
The North Valley Pachyderm Club will meet Friday, December 5 at 12 noon at the Frontier Café, Hwy 93 in Stevensville. Guest speaker will be Joe Balyeat, AFP Montana State Policy Director, talking about Surviving ObamaCare 101. The North Valley Pachyderm Club is an educational arm of the Republican Party. All are welcome.

St. Mary’s Mission activities
“A Montana Country Christmas” will take place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, December 5-7, at St. Mary’s Mission and Museum. A Nativity Exhibit plus Nutcrackers will be on display this year. Hours are Friday, December 5 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. with a Chapel Open House from 7 to 9 p.m.
The Christmas Exhibit and St. Mary’s Gift Shop will be open Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 6 and 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The community is invited to enjoy the beautiful outdoor Nativity Scene throughout the Christmas Season.

Hamilton First Friday
Stores in downtown Hamilton will remain open this Friday, December 5, and many of them will be harboring handcrafted “sheep,” part of a lost flock that is the basis of a treasure hunt for kids.
Passers-by will also enjoy a live nativity scene in the display window at 206 W. Main, between Bella Boutique and the Christian Book Store, with carolers on the street, from 6 to 8 p.m.
The “Sheep Trail” and the live nativity are part of a collaboration among the Hamilton Downtown Association, the Ravalli County Ministerial Association, the Knotty Knitters of the Bitterroot, the Bitterroot Christian Bookstore, The Yarn Center, HHS Guys & Dolls, the Montana A Capella Society, and Christ’s Bible Church.
Kids can pick up a flyer listing the dozen stores where the doll-sized sheep are tucked away, from a table on Main Street Friday night, or in any of the participating stores. Every sheep has its name on it, and the flyers have spaces in which to write those names. Completed entry forms may be turned in at The Yarn Center, 110 Pinckney, to win the sheep and other prizes.
The flyers also have a Nativity scene for coloring, and a one-page version of the Christmas Story.
The winners of the Sheep Trail contest will be drawn at 10 a.m. on Monday, December 22, at the Yarn Center.
Friday also marks the first night of sign-ups for the “Great Gobbler Give-away,” with six frozen turkeys to be given away in a drawing on Friday, December 12, at 7 p.m.; must be present to win. Register at participating HDA member businesses, where entrants may submit one entry per day per location, between Dec. 5 and 5 p.m. Dec. 12. The drawing will take place in front of Bitterroot Drug.
For more information on any of the First Friday or other holiday season activities, call the HDA at (406) 360-9124.

CASA Light of Hope Gala
Come and spend a special evening at Bitterroot CASA’s Light of Hope Gala to be held Friday, December 5 at 6 p.m. at the St. Francis Event Center in Hamilton.
Let the twinkling lights and beautiful Christmas décor sweep you into a winter wonderland of holiday entertainment that includes performances from the Nutcracker and Hamilton High School’s, Guys and Dolls choral ensemble. Also enjoy the piano stylings of Cameron Meikle, as well as a vocal performance by Eric Munson. Serving as the night’s masters of ceremony will be the valley’s perfect perennial favorite pair, Steve Fullerton and Mary Borden.
There is nothing like great food to get you in the holiday spirit and Caffé Firenze will provide the “Tastes of the Season” with heavy hors d’oeuvres and Christmas punch or find your favorite holiday spirits at the no host bar catered by the Banque Club. If not completely satisfied, indulge yourself at the cheesecake and dessert toppings bar.
The many unusual silent and live auction items donated for this event make it a great time to get a jump on your holiday gift list. Raffle tickets are now on sale for a spa package or maybe you would prefer to win a scenic float trip down the Bitterroot River complete with wine and a gourmet lunch. Raffle tickets can be purchased prior to the event at locations throughout the valley or by calling 961-4535. Tickets will also be available on Gala night. The winners will be selected that night. You need not be present to win.
All proceeds will benefit Ravalli County foster youth who are victims of abuse and neglect. In addition, your participation in this event assists with operating costs, community education programs, and an awareness campaign to inform community members about this vital service.
The CASA Light of Hope committee welcomes you or your organization to purchase a table for just $300, which will provide you with a reserved table for eight people. There are also opportunities to sponsor at the event with bronze, silver and gold levels available.
Individual event tickets are just $35 and can be purchased at Chapter One Bookstore or by calling 961-4535. For more information about Bitterroot CASA visit the website, www.bitterrootCASA.org.

Library holiday concert
The North Valley Public Library presents “A Montana Country Christmas Concert” with Charla Bauman during Stevensville’s First Friday Celebration on December 5 from 6 to 8 p.m. Charla’s delightful interpretations of popular hits and classic country are enriched by her unique fingerpicking style and versatile vocals. Traditional Christmas and contemporary holiday tunes will be sprinkled throughout the evening’s selection of music that spans the decades. Light refreshments will be served. All ages are welcome and admission is free. North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville. For more information, call the library at 777-5061.

Holiday production
Come celebrate the joys of the holiday season with River Street Dance Theater as 40 dancers present “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” on Friday, December 5 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, December 6 at 2 p.m. at the Victor School’s Mary Stuart Rogers Performing Arts Center, 425 4th Avenue, Victor. The heartwarming Dr. Seuss story of the true meaning of Christmas is told in song and dance with original choreography by Pam Erickson and Natalie Naidl with set design by John Schneeberger. Tickets are available at the door and are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and students, and $4 for children through age 12. Call 363-1203 for more info.

Stevensville Playhouse production
Stevensville Playhouse is proud to present “The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen’s Guild Dramatic Society’s Production of a Christmas Carol” December 5 through the 14 directed by Gretchen Spiess. The ladies of the dramatic society have gathered to put on their version of that old Christmas classic. Unfortunately, a lot of the cast is missing so the theatre’s janitor has been asked to step in and the ladies must take multiple parts. But, as they say… the show MUST go on! Tickets can be purchased online at stevensvilleplayhouse.org, at Valley Drug in downtown Stevensville and at the theatre by calling 777-2722. Enjoy a little levity during this season of brotherly love and shopping.

Saturday, December 6

Stevensville Booster Club Bazaar
The 31st Annual Stevensville Booster Club Craft Bazaar will be held Saturday, December 6 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Stevensville High School gym. Shop for some great crafts and enjoy homemade soup and pies. Admission is free. For more information call Becki at 240-0077. To donate soup or pies call Brandy at 381-6696.

Cookie Walk and Bake Sale
Do yourself a favor this holiday season and skip all the fuss of baking those holiday sweet treats by attending the 6th Annual Cookie Walk & Bake Sale on Saturday, December 6, hosted by the Montana Companion Animal Network.
This year talented area bakers have been busy whipping up their favorite holiday cookies of every flavor, shape and size. Shoppers can tour the cookie tables to choose their favorites in any quantity, which will be sold by the pound and stock up on individually priced cakes, pies, breads and candy, some of which are fair ribbon winners! To round out the event, some lovely gift items will also be on the sale tables.
The event is being held at the Human Resource Council Building located on the corner of Pine and Third Streets in Hamilton and doors will be open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Plan to come early for best selection and new this year, if there are any treats left at 1:30 p.m. they will be greatly discounted!
All proceeds from the event will be used by MTCAN to assist animals in need throughout the coming year. For more information contact Mary at 642-3785 or email at Mary@mtcan.org.

Darby Christmas Parade
The Darby Christmas Parade will be held Saturday, December 6 at 10 a.m. with staging in the Darby High School parking lot at 9 a.m. All parade participants should be pre-registered. However, if someone just shows up, then they will be staged at the end of the parade. There is no fee to participate in the parade. The theme this year is “We Love Our Veterans.” For further information call 381-9302.

Senior Center Bingo
Hamilton Senior Center will be hosting a Special Saturday Bingo on December 6. Doors open at 12 noon, games start at 1 p.m. Paper cards will be used. Free refreshments. Must be 18 to play. Call Cathy at 375-9276 for information.

Splendor on Main
The Stevensville Main Street Association will sponsor the annual Splendor on Main gala on Saturday, December 6 starting at 6 p.m. at Rocky Mountain Bank, 220 Main. The event features fine wine tasting, delicious hors d’oeuvres buffet, auction and raffle. Cost is $25 per person and reservations can be made by calling 777-3773.

Good Time Jamboree
The Clem Small Good Time Jamboree concert series held at the Rocky Mountain Grange Hall will resume on Saturday, December 6 at 7 p.m. This date is a departure from the regular second Saturday of the month schedule which will return in January. This month’s concert will feature three groups and then a general jam session at the end for both performers and anyone else in the audience or community who wishes to participate. Performing on December 6 will be a Missoula band, “Stuck in the Mud”, Nick Mariana and his blues ensemble, and local folk trio, “Tin Cup.” The Rocky Mountain Grange is located about a mile south of Hamilton on US 93 just past Valley Pet Center. Admission is free although a donation of $3 is appreciated to defray costs of the concert. Everyone is welcome.

Sunday, December 7

Center for Spiritual Living
The Center for Spiritual Living will host Tamra Fleming presenting “Being the Light That You Are” on Sunday, December 7 at 10 a.m. Tamra is owner of Tamra Fleming Coaching and Consulting. Music with LeGrande Harvey. Refreshments and conversation follow at 11:15am. Come early for Meditation at 9:30am. 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.

Monday, December 8

Stevi school menu
Monday: Breakfast – Pancakes or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Chicken drumsticks, mashed potatoes & gravy, peaches, bread & butter, milk
Tuesday: Breakfast – Cinnamon rolls or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Chalupa, Spanish rice, oranges, bread & butter, chocolate or regular milk
Wednesday; Breakfast – Cereal or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Hot ham & cheese sandwiches, fresh veggies, apricots, bread & butter, milk; Lunch- Spaghetti, tossed salad, grapes, bread & butter, milk
Friday: Breakfast – Egg wraps or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Dave’s catch of the day, baked beans, strawberry cups bread & butter, chocolate or regular milk.

Rotary Club
The next meeting of the Hamilton Rotary Club will be Monday, December 8 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.

First-time homebuyer class
The Bitter Root Resource Conservation and Development Area, Inc. (Bitter Root RC&D) will hold a First-time Homebuyer Class on December 8, 9, & 10. Participants must be fully registered by Wednesday, November 26. Call 363-5450 to reserve your space today. The cost for the in-person class is $50 and includes one-on-one financial counseling at no extra cost. Prepayment in full is required to confirm space. If potential attendees are financially challenged, partial scholarships are available. The office is located at 1709 N. 1st Street in the building adjacent to Mildenberger Motors. The Bitter Root RC&D provides the only HUD-approved first-time homebuyers’ pre-purchase classes in Ravalli County.

Corvallis High School Madrigal Dinner
Take a couple of seconds to conjure up a mental image of knights and their ladies at a medieval feast. Imagine a fanfare trumpeting the arrival of the king and queen. Share the merriment as they offer a wassail toast and the fun begins. The Corvallis High School Music Department is proud to present the 5th annual Madrigal Dinner at the Cornerstone Bible Church in Hamilton on December 8 and 9 at 6:30 p.m. The evening is a scripted event with processionals and music accompanying each item on the menu. The CHS orchestra and jazz band will offer harmonious strains of holiday cheer. The Chanteur Choir will present choral selections throughout the evening as well as a short concert before releasing you back to 21st century living.
As one of the favored guests, you will partake in a sumptuous meal – a fowl dinner including the ever famous Cornish game hen. Entertainment provided by the Fool Hardies jesters, actors, and musicians. The evening includes a wassail toast, presentation of the boars head, the meal and dessert. All performers are in character and dressed in Renaissance garb designed by Gretchen Spiess of Stevensville.
The CHS musical theatre class will present “May The Farce Be With Thee.” The plot begins with the Royal Court seeking a defense against the spell of Halley’s Comet. The Knights of the Golden Farce are charged by the king to make this happen and would you believe, they do just that?

Tuesday, December 9

Quilt Club
The Sapphire Quilt Club is meeting on Tuesday, December 9 at 6 p.m. at the Stevensville Senior Center 100 Mission Street for their monthly meeting. They will be collecting can goods for Pantry Partners and having a Christmas potluck. All quilters novice to fantastic are invited to attend. Bring a dish and canned good and join the fun. Call Judy for information, 363-4676.

ACA info sessions
Want to learn more about the new health care law? Find out if you and your family qualify for health insurance? Open enrollment for the Affordable Care Act is November 15-February 15. The Montana Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers Council, Inc. now has Certified Application Counselors who can meet with you one-on-one to answer questions, walk you through the application process and compare plans. Plan to attend one of the free sessions being held in the Community Room of the North Valley Public Library on Tuesday, December 9 from 1 to 4 p.m. or Tuesday, December 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. You are encouraged to call Kelsey Angel at 273-4633 for more information. North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville.

Stevi school board meeting
The regular meeting of the Stevensville School Board of Trustees will be Tuesday, December 9 at 7 p.m. in the Stevensville Music Center Choir Room.

Thursday, December 11

Cross Country Ski Club
The Bitterroot Cross Country Ski Club will host a program on Thursday, December 11 by Dr. Lawrence D. Brouwer, MD on survival preparedness in regards to Hypothermia and Localized Cold Injury. The interactive talk will encompass risks, appearance, and treatment in the field. Dr. Brouwer, a Family Physician, and his wife Kathleen Harder-Brouwer, MD have been in Hamilton since 2001 with their private practice, Ravalli Family Medicine. Bring your questions to learn from an expert how to prepare for winter recreation. The annual Potluck Dinner will begin at 6 p.m. followed by meeting and program at 7:00, at the Presbyterian Church, 1220 W. Main in Hamilton. Everyone is invited to participate.

BPL Fellowship Club
The Bitterroot Public Library’s Fellowship Club will be meeting on Thursday, December 11 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. to discuss the book, “You Can Heal Your Life” by Louise L. Hay.
This book is the message of a person who has crawled out of victimhood, and this aspect of it has had enormous appeal, particularly to women with similar histories.
The essence of Hay’s teaching is love of the self and evaporation of guilt, a process that Hay believes not only makes us mentally free, but physically healthy, as the study of psycho-immunology attests. Affirmations are vital in becoming the person we wish to be, and the book contains many to choose from. All the familiar self-help messages are given attention, including breaking free of limiting thoughts, replacing fear with faith, forgiveness, and understanding that thoughts really do create experiences.
Louise L. Hay is a metaphysical lecturer and teacher, and best-selling author of 20 books, including Heal Your Body and Empowering Women. Since beginning her career as a Science of Mind minister in 1981, she has assisted thousands of people in discovering and using the full potential of their own creative powers for personal growth and self-healing. Hay’s works have been translated into 25 different languages in 33 countries.
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.

Friday, December 12

Smart Driver Safety Course
Marcus Daly Hospital is sponsoring a newly designed Smart Driver Safety Course on Friday, December 12 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital, Hamilton. The four-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 and please note that spaced is limited.

Saturday, December 13

Flea market
A flea market will be held Saturday, December 13 from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Hamilton Senior Center, 820 N. 4th in Hamilton. There will be white elephants, new and used, antiques, collectibles, household items, tools, outdoors equipment and much more. Lunch and baked goods will be available. Rent a table for $5 for calling April at 363-0112.

Community potluck
American Legion Post 94 Auxiliary will host a Christmas potluck dinner on Saturday, December 13 at 6 p.m. at the American Legion Hall on Middle Burnt Fork Road, east of Stevensville. Everyone is invited. For more information contact Nancy at 777-3569.

Sunday, December 14

Accordion Assn. Christmas party
Come down and join the 5 Valley Accordion Association on Sunday, December 14 at the Rustic Hut in Florence for their Christmas party with music and Christmas goodies sale from 1 to 4 p.m. Admission for members is $3.00 and non-members $4.00. For info call 240-9617.