Wednesday, January 14
Blood drives
The American Red Cross encourages eligible blood donors to start a lifesaving habit by becoming a regular blood donor this year, starting with National Blood Donor Month in January. Donors of all blood types are needed, especially those with O negative, A negative and B negative. Type O negative is the universal blood type and can be transfused to patients with any blood type. Types A and B negative can be transfused to Rh positive or negative patients. To learn more about donating blood and to schedule an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Upcoming blood donation opportunities:
Stevensville: January 14, 9 a.m. – 1:15 p.m., Stevensville High School, 300 Park Street
Florence: February 4, 2 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Physical Therapy Specialists of Florence, 293 Rodeo Drive, Ste. 1
Hamilton: February 5, 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Marcus Daly Hospital, 1200 Westwood Drive
A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, visit redcross.org.
York Rite Masons
There will be a meeting of the Council of the York Rite Masons on Wednesday, January 14 at 7:30 p.m. in the Hamilton Masonic Hall. Illustrious Master “Dusty” Samouce will chair the meeting. All sojourning Council and Commandery members are most welcome to attend. The usual potluck supper prepared by the ladies will be led at 6:30 p.m. in the north ladies lounge.
Thursday, January 15
Back Country Horsemen
Bitter Root Back Country Horsemen will host their monthly meeting on Thursday, January 15, at the Corvallis School Cafeteria on Eastside Highway in Corvallis. Potluck dinner is served at 6:30 p.m. and the general meeting starts at 7:00. Program speaker is Keith Bond, district investigator for the Department of Livestock, who will describe his enforcement job, when stock owners need brand inspections, and the importance of brand inspections in Montana. The trail project committee will report on work being considered for 2015, and they request additional trail project suggestions from members. Guests are welcome, and for more information call Karen at 961-0101 or check the website at www.bchmt.org/bitterroot.
Trout Unlimited
Bitterroot Trout Unlimited will meet Thursday, January 15 at 7 p.m. on at the Hamilton Elks Lodge. Casey Hackathorn, Trout Unlimited Upper Clark Fork Restoration Coordinator from Missoula, will present a program on the Upper Clark Fork River entitled “Bringing a trout stream back to life.”
The upper Clark Fork River was assassinated by decades of copper mining in the headwaters. Heavy metals and other poisons strangled the fish and insects, creating the largest Superfund site in the world. Once the Milltown Dam was removed, restoration started in earnest. Montana TU is playing a crucial role in resuscitating the fishery and bringing the river back to life. Casey Hackathorn is the TU coordinator on this project and he will talk about what will probably rank as one of the environmental miracles of our generation. The Clark Fork is the quintessential example of how easy it is to kill a river, and what a herculean effort is needed to bring it back to life. As the current Montana legislature is talking about allowing the Smith River to be “Clark Forked” by a new copper mine, this program is more important than ever. Don’t miss it! The public is invited to attend and there is no charge for admission. For additional information, contact Ross Rademacher (monkeykatet@gmail.com) or Marshall Bloom (drtrout@mtbloom.net).
Friday, January 16
North Valley Pachyderm Club
The North Valley Pachyderm Club will meet Friday, January 16 at 12 noon at the Frontier Café, Hwy 93 in Stevensville. Guest speaker will be Derrell Poole speaking about “Privileges, Unalienable Rights and Self-evident Truth.” The North Valley Pachyderm Club meets the first and third Friday of each month and is an educational arm of the Republican Party. All are welcome.
Eagles dinner
“My Grandma’s Beef Stew” will be served on Friday, January 16 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Eagles Lodge, 125 N. 2nd in Hamilton. Beef stew with 7-grain biscuits and dessert will be available for $5. Proceeds go the Eagles Scholarship Fund. The public is welcome.
Golden Age dance
There will be a regular Friday night dance at the Golden Age Hall at 727 South 5th street in Hamilton on January 16. Dancing on a good floor to live music will begin at 7 p.m. and continue until about 10 p.m. Snacks at break time will be pot-luck so bring something good for snacking. Admission is $3.00 per person. Call Bob at 363-0142 for further information.
Saturday, January 17
Sled Dog Race
The Montana Mountain Mushers and Bitterroot Mushers announce the 8th Annual Darby Dog Derby Sled Dog Race to be held January 17 & 18 at Lost Trail Pass/Gibbons Pass Road (#1260). Races begin at 9:30 a.m., usually concluding by 1 p.m. Races include 8-, 6-, 4-dog, 2-dog junior and skijor categories. Peewee are races held Saturday for children 4-12 following the conclusion of the races (about noon). $5/child, dogs and sled provided, please bring a helmet. Pre-register to ensure your child gets to race. Raffle drawing to win a sled dog ride or other prizes, will be Saturday at the race, need not be present to win. For more information on the races or raffle visit www.bitterrootmushers.org or email: bitterroomushers@hotmail.com. Happy trails!
Winter Storytelling Series
Join Montana State Parks (stateparks.mt.gov) for the Winter Storytelling Series at Travelers’ Rest State Park in Lolo. The next events will feature History and Culture of Salish Place Names with Louis Adams on Saturday, January 17. Presentations begin at 11 a.m.
Join Salish Elder and tribal member, Louis Adams, as he shares the history, stories and culture behind Salish Place Names. He will focus on Salish place names in and around Missoula and the Bitterroot Valley. Louis was born in 1933 on the Flathead Indian Reservation near Arlee located in the Jocko Valley. He was among the tribal leaders that participated in the inaugural council of elders meeting held at Montana State University in the fall of 2004. Louis continues to stay involved with the Travelers’ Rest Preservation and Heritage Association through the annual cultural gathering and storytelling programs.
Admission is $5 per adult. Youths/teens under 18 and all current Travelers’ Rest Preservation & Heritage Association (TRPHA) members are free. During the presentation, a hands-on history program is available for young children to attend. Complimentary coffee, tea, hot chocolate and home-baked treats will be available at all programs.
For more information call the park visitor center at 273-4253.
Cross-country ski lessons
Learn a great way to enjoy our Montana winters for free. On Saturday, January 17, the Bitterroot Cross-Country Ski Club is again hosting their annual free cross-country ski lesson day. Lessons are for beginners through lower-intermediates of all ages. The traditional classic style of cross-country skiing will be taught. Would-be skiers and beginning skiers of all ages are welcome. Lessons will last approximately 1 to 2 hours long depending upon the groups and weather. You must bring your own ski gear.
Lessons will begin at 12 noon. Participants are asked to arrive 20 minutes early, equipped with ski gear for teaching group assignments and orientation. Cross-country ski gear is available for rent from local sporting goods stores.
Be sure to dress in layers of warm clothing, including warm mittens or gloves and hats for the variable weather conditions at the Chief Joseph Ski Area (7,000’ elevation). Don’t forget to bring water and snacks.
The ski area is located one mile east of Lost Trail Pass on Highway 43. The turn-off for parking at the Chief Joseph Ski Area trailhead is marked on the highway.
Stockgrowers banquet
The Bitterroot Stockgrowers Association will hold its Annual Seminar & Dinner on Saturday, January 17 at the St. Mary’s Family Center in Stevensville. No host cocktails will begin at 5 p.m. followed by dinner.
The free Ranching for Profit seminar will begin at 10 a.m. and run until about 3 p.m. Doors will open to the public at 9:30 a.m. for coffee and donuts.
A barbecue burger lunch will be available for those attending the seminars starting at 12 p.m. with refreshments during the seminars courtesy of Mountain West Co-op.
Knowing how to raise livestock is not the same thing as knowing how to run a business that raises livestock. This workshop will show you how to apply proven and powerful business, economic and financial principles to your ranch. You will learn the three “secrets” for increasing profit and how to use production, economic and financial benchmarks to improve your operation. You’ll see why most livestock operations are structured to lose money and find out what you can do about it.
You’ll enjoy music during the cocktail hour and receive a free beverage ticket courtesy of Jerry Wessels Les Schwab and Lakeland Feed & Supply. The prime rib dinner will be prepared by the Knights of Columbus and served by local FFA members.
You will have the opportunity to enjoy Dave Pratt’s unique style during dinner for “Hard Work & Harmony–effective relationships in family businesses” and a special presentation in conjunction with the announcement of this year’s recipient of the 8th Annual Service Contribution Award. 2014 Steer of Merit Award Winners will also be introduced. For reservations or more information contact Marlene at 546-7058.
Bitterroot Dancers
Bitterroot Dancers, Inc. is having a dance on Saturday, January 17 from 7 to 11 p.m. at Hamilton City Hall/Bedford Building. Revelators will be playing their fantastic country music for dancing on the best dance floor in the Bitterroot! Entry is $8. The Bitterroot Dancers, Inc. has been promoting dance and holding dances for the past three years. If you haven’t attended a dance, now is the time. Call Lynnette at 381-1392 for more information.
BPAC concert
Marc Cohn will perform in concert on Saturday, January 17 at 8 p.m. at the Hamilton Performing Arts Center at the Hamilton High School. Listening to singer/songwriter Marc Cohn’s music is easy: You’re clearly in the hands of a master storyteller. From his self-titled, GRAMMY-winning 1991 debut—which featured the hit “Walking in Memphis,” to 2010’s “Listening Booth: 1970,” a collection of covers ranging from Cat Stevens’ “Wild World” to the Grateful Dead’s “New Speedway Boogie,” Cohn’s distinctive voice and nuanced delivery capture and hold your attention until the very last note fades away. For ticket information call 363-7946 or on the web at www.bARTc.org.
Sunday, January 18
Center for Spiritual Living
The Center for Spiritual Living will host Brett Lewis presenting “So Why Do My New Year’s Resolutions Fizzle Out?” on Sunday, January 18 at 10 a.m. Brett is co-owner of Montana Family Acupuncture in Hamilton. 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.
Awana
This Sunday, January 18, Awana kicks off the second half of the year at 5:30 p.m. at Community Baptist Church. The theme is cowboy/cowgirl night and bring a friend! All children aged 3 years through 8th grade are welcome to participate in the fun and meaningful Bible club. For more information call Lynn at 396-9603.
Monday, January 19
Stevi school menu
Monday: Martin Luther King Day – no school
Tuesday: Breakfast – Cinnamon rolls or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Tacos, refried beans, apples, bread & butter, chocolate or regular milk
Wednesday: Breakfast – Cereal or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Chicken & noodles, broccoli Normandy, apricots, bread & butter, milk
Thursday: Breakfast – French toast or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Winter stew, taters, grapes, bread & butter, milk
Friday: Breakfast – Egg wraps or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Ham & cheese sandwiches, mixed veggies, pears, bread & butter, chocolate or regular milk.
Rotary Club
Mark Glidewell, financial adviser with Glidewell Investment and Insurance Group, will be speaking at the next meeting of the Hamilton Rotary Club, Monday, January 19 at 12 noon. Glidewell will be discussing financial planning. The Club meets Mondays at noon at BJ’s Restaurant, 900 N. 1st Street, Hamilton. The meeting is open to the public. For further information, call 363-2960.
Healing and Arts Series
Crescent House Healing and Arts Center, 258, Roosevelt Lane, Hamilton is sponsoring a new series of lectures starting Monday, January 19 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The Moonday Healing and Arts Series will be on the 1st and 3rd Mondays through April. Fabulous speakers! Cozy atmosphere and amazing Information! “Russian Impressionism” will be presented by Tricia Bass. Bass’s love of the great outdoors and particularly the Rocky Mountains, has led her to a career as a plein air painter. It is not always the breathtaking vista that excites her, but sometimes the smallest, simplest subject will catch her eye and inspire her. In addition to exploring Montana, Bass also loves to paint on the California coast, Colorado and Utah. Bass has a formal education in fine arts with a minor in art history from the University of Florida. She has also been a professional photographer, freelance illustrator and potter. She is Russian trained, has painted with oils for almost 15 years. She teaches workshops and private students and is excited about sharing her love of painting with others.
Donations to defray series costs will be accepted.
BEAR chili supper
BEAR will celebrate service with a chili supper on Monday, January 19 at 6:30 p.m. at the Bitterroot Valley Board of Realtors Building, 224 N. 4th Street, Hamilton. Community members are invited to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service and National Mentoring Month with BEAR. BEAR youth will prepare and serve a chili supper for community members in celebration of service by all generations. Meat and vegetarian options will be available! Space is limited. RSVP to Val at val.aerni@bearmt.org or call at 363-4349 x 117.
Amateur Radio Club
The Bitterroot Amateur Radio Club (BARC) will meet Monday, January 19 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.
Audubon
Bitterroot Audubon will meet Monday, January 19 at 7 p.m. at the Bitterroot National Forest Headquarters on Hwy 93 on the north end of Hamilton (enter on the west side of the building). The meeting will feature a presentation on a local study of Northern Saw-whet Owls. Kate Stone, Avian Research Coordinator at the MPG Ranch east of Florence and winner of Montana Audubon’s 2014 Citizen Scientist of the Year Award, will describe her study involving capturing owls and using radio telemetry to track their movements and habitat use as they traveled south though the Bitterroot Valley during fall migration. Kate and her crew hypothesized that owls would use the Bitterroot River floodplain as a migratory travel route. The results were not what they expected and give us a rare opportunity to learn more about this small, elusive bird, as well as the challenges of research after dark. The meeting is free, and the public is invited. Contact Kay Fulton (642-3794) for more information.
Tuesday, January 20
ACA info sessions
Want to learn more about the new health care law? A Certified Application Counselor will be providing free assistance with the Affordable Care Act at the North Valley Public Library. A counselor can meet with you one-on-one to answer questions, walk you through the application process, compare plans and help you understand how to use your new insurance. Plan to attend one of the free sessions being held at the North Valley Public Library Tuesdays, January 20 & 27 and February 3 & 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Appointments are encouraged. Call Kelsey Angel at 273-4633 to make an appointment or for more information. Open enrollment ends February 15th! North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville.
RCEDA finance committee
Ravalli County Economic Development Authority will hold its regular monthly Finance Committee meeting on Tuesday, January 20 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., and the regular monthly meeting of the Board of Commissioners on Wednesday, January 21 from 3 to 5 p.m. Both meetings will be held at the RCEDA office, 274 Old Corvallis Road, Hamilton. These meetings are open to the public.
CDL Training Open House
Missoula College University of Montana will host a Commercial Driving License Training open house from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, January 20, at the MC West Campus Commons, located at 3639 South Ave. W. The open house is free and open to the public. Participants will learn about MC’s new CDL training program, meet trainer Mark Dodge and other trucking industry representatives, and learn about trucking industry jobs. The training tractor-trailer rig will be on hand, and participants will be able to view the vehicle. Registration materials and prerequisites information will be provided. Anyone interested in learning how to drive a long- or short-haul truck or who is looking to finish previous training is encouraged to attend. For more information call Mickey Lyngholm, MC workforce navigator, at 243-7879.
Laughter Yoga
Lighten your load with Laughter Yoga taught by Certified Laughter Yoga Leader Jacqueline Locke of Wholly Joy on Tuesday, January 20 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; love offering accepted. 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 or visit CSLBitterroot.org.
Square dance lessons
Boots n’ Calico Square Dance Club will hold beginner square dance lessons Tuesday, January 20 at 7 p.m. at Hamilton High School. Classes will cost $30.00 for 10 weeks; 65 and over are free. Call Ray Dunbar for more info at 370-4414.
Wednesday, January 21
Museum annual meeting
The Ravalli County Museum & Historical Society will hold its annual meeting on Wednesday, January 21 at 8:30 a.m., followed immediately by the monthly meeting. This annual meeting is open to the public and all BRVHS are encouraged to attend. New board members will be introduced. There will be a review of 2014 and discussion about what is coming to the Museum in 2015, including signature events and exhibits, lectures and an exciting SpectrUM Nano Exhibit “The Science of Small” from the University of Montana May-August with Science Saturdays and Thursday lectures and presentations.
Farm School
Financing, accounting, employee management, and other important topics will be covered during Farm School starting January 21 in Missoula. Offering “topical potlucks” for new and beginning farmers, Farm School is a series of casual learning opportunities with experts on the issues. At each workshop, expert farmers and other professionals will give short presentations to get the conversation rolling and the rest of the time will be open for discussion and open questions-and-answers – with the exception of the first Farm School.
The first Farm School, on Wednesday, January 21, will kick off with a Rapid Fire Financing Webinar with information from federal agencies, state agencies, and other organizations on grants, loans, and cost-share programs for farmers.
“Farm School sessions are designed to get you thinking and get you answers,” says organizer Annie Heuscher, of the Community Food & Agriculture Coalition. “We’ve designed them as low-key potlucks so people will feel comfortable bringing any and all questions and taking time to meet neighbors and other new farmers.”
For more information on each of the sessions, visit www.missoulacfac.org/farm-school.html or contact Annie at annie@missoulacfac.org.
Weight loss class
“New Insights on Weight Loss: A Look at Carbs, Ketones and Leptin Resistance” will be presented by Hollie Greenwood on Wednesday, January 21 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Headwaters Wellness Center, 212 Main, Stevensville. Inflammation, stress, poor sleep and lack of exercise are all factors that can alter your metabolism and weight. But, new research is focusing on the hormone leptin. What is causing people to become leptin resistant? How can this resistance be reversed? How do carbs and ketones (made from fats) contribute to this phenomenon? If losing weight has turned into a frustrating battle for you, it’s time to explore new insights for successful weight loss. Cost is $15 per person. Reservations required by calling 777-1048.