Wednesday, February 11
Zen Buddhism class
Join a class beginning Wednesday, February 11 on the fundamental teachings of the Buddha as taught by Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh including exercises of mindful breathing, listening, walking, eating; the Eightfold Path with the basic teaching on Mindfulness; the Five Precepts for living in the world; and the Heart Sutra. The class meets 2nd and 4th Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in February and March, led by Jill Davies (642-3601). Donations accepted. The Center for Spiritual Living is located at 1720 N. First Street, Suite C in Selway Commons, north of Sears in Hamilton.
York Rite Masons
The York Rite Masons of Hamilton will have a Chapter meeting on Wednesday, February 11 at 7:30 p.m. in the Masonic Lodge Hall, 115 S. 3rd Street, Hamilton. High Priest Kim Bowman will chair the meeting and new Affiliates will be welcomed. The meeting will be preceded by a pot-luck supper at 6:30 p.m. in the north lounge prepared by the ladies. The ladies will join members for the supper. All members are encouraged to attend and sojourning members in good standing are invited. Grand Sessions will be held in Lewistown June 4-6.
Thursday, February 12
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 10 a.m. at First Christian Church, 328 Fairgrounds Road in Hamilton. On Thursday February 12, after a social half hour and business meeting, there will be a fun time with Jodie Van Luchene from Bitterroot Art Company. For a $5 fee for supplies she will lead a quick paint lesson. 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 for more information.
Stevi Civic Club
The Stevensville Civic Club will hold its annual membership meeting on Thursday, February 12 at 12 noon at First Baptist Church, corner of Church and 4th Streets in Stevensville. Lunch will be served for $6/person and membership dues of $20 will be collected. Election of officers will be held during this meeting.
Gardener’s Club
The Friendly Gardener’s Club of Darby/Conner will be holding their monthly meeting on Thursday, February 15 at 12 noon. You are cordially invited to join in for this fun, social get together. No gardening experience or skills are required! For location and more information call 821-2229.
SPW Back Country Horsemen
Do you love the rugged beauty of our Montana wilderness? Does preserving our wilderness trails and making new riding friends sound like fun? Or, would you like to learn how to pack? If so, you’re invited to attend the general meeting of the Selway-Pintler Wilderness Back Country Horsemen on Thursday, February 12 at 6:30 p.m.; board meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. – all are welcome. Meeting will be held at the Bitterroot National Forest building located at 1801 N. 1st St in Hamilton (entry is in the rear of the building). There will be the usual “trail talk” and discussions on summer projects. Valentine desserts and coffee will be served. Guests are always welcome. For more information call Kathy at 821-0921.
Landscaping in the Bitterroot Perennial Series
“Class 1 Soil, Water and Siting: Answers to your most frequently asked Landscaping Questions” will be presented Thursday, February 12 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Victor High School Room E. This is the first class in a series presented by MSU Extension and local experts. The goal is to help landscape enthusiasts grow healthy, hearty landscapes in the Bitterroot Valley. This class taught by Certified Master Arborist Sylvia McNeil and Katrina Mendrey, MSU Agriculture Agent, will provide participants with a framework in which to consider the most basic needs of their perennials and answer the most common questions asked such as how much water does my tree need? Other classes presented in this series will cover fruit and ornamental pruning, planting trees, siting your home orchard and managing common garden pests. Cost is $5 per class. For more information contact MSU Extension at 375-6611.
BPL Fellowship Club
The Bitterroot Public Library’s Fellowship Club will be meeting on Thursday, February 12 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. to discuss ”May Cause Miracles: A 40-Day Guidebook of Subtle Shifts for Radical Change and Unlimited Happiness” by Gabrielle Bernstein.
In this practical and exciting book, Gabrielle Bernstein, called “a new role model” by the New York Times, presents a forty-day program for living a life of unlimited happiness.
Bernstein believes that simple, consistent changes in our thinking and actions can lead to the miraculous in all aspects of our daily lives, including our relationships, finances, bodies, and self-image. In this inspiring guide, Gabrielle offers an exciting plan for releasing fear and allowing gratitude, forgiveness, and love to flow through us without fail. All of which, ultimately, will lead to breathtaking lives of abundance, acceptance, appreciation, and happiness. In the words of Sheila Kelley, founder of S Factor, this book “gives anyone craving change in their life the tools to create a positive shift” and helps the reader “to cultivate the most elemental emotion for creating miracles: love.”
Gabrielle Bernstein is the best-selling author of “Spirit Junkie.” As a leader in the new spiritual movement, Bernstein reaches tens of thousands via her worldwide lecture circuit, workshops, vast social media following, and as the founder of HerFuture.com, a social-networking site dedicated to helping women find mentors.
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.
Lone Rock Park Board
The Lone Rock division of the Ravalli County Park Board will meet Thursday, February 12 at 7 p.m. at the Three Mile Fire Hall. The public is welcome.
Backcountry Film Festival
Winter Wildlands Alliance Backcountry Film Festival celebrates 10 years of “Snow Less Traveled” with nine unique films to inspire winter adventurers on Thursday, February 12 at 7 p.m. at Hamilton City Hall/Bedford Building, 223 S. 2nd, Hamilton. Admission is $10 at the door. Doors open at 6 p.m.
The Backcountry Film Festival highlights the beauty, diversity and fun of the winter backcountry experience. Submissions come from world renowned filmmakers who travel every corner of the globe to submit their best backcountry work, and from grassroots filmmakers who take a video camera out on their weekend excursions and submit their best film short. The top films are then juried and assembled into a night of fun for all – whether you like to ski, snowboard, snowshoe, or even just stay indoors and drink hot cocoa by the fire, there is something for everyone. These films are as diverse as the backcountry experience and will put a smile on the face of even the most winter-averse viewer. This year’s program includes a local film which won Best Grassroots Film. Backcountry Baker by Jeremy Lurgio follows Labrador retriever Baker and his owner, Ken Nyce, as they pursue their love of mountains through backcountry skiing, filmed in Montana’s Bitterroot Mountains.
For more information on the Backcountry Film Festival and the tour visit www.backcountryfilmfestival.org.
Friday, February 13
Winter Whiteout Day Camp
Montana State Parks (stateparks.mt.gov) will be hosting a Winter Whiteout Day Camp at Travelers’ Rest State Park on Friday, February 13 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Winter Whiteout Day Camp is for school age children grades K-4. Campers will participate in a day packed with fun and educational activities including storytelling, winter themed games, nature hikes and fun with food. This is a great opportunity to keep your child learning and active while the Lolo Public Schools are out of class for the day.
Some activities will take place outside, so students should dress appropriately for the weather and be ready for adventure! Students will also need to bring a lunch; snacks will be provided. Cost is $30 per student or $25 for Travelers’ Rest Preservation & Heritage Association members. Register online at http://www.travelersrest.org/ or call 273-4253 for more information.
South Valley Pachyderm Club
Victoria Clark, Director of the Bitterroot College, will be the guest speaker at the next meeting of the South Valley Pachyderm Club on Friday, February 13 at 12 noon at BJ’s Restaurant, 900 N. First Street, in Hamilton. Victoria will provide an update on the enrollment, curriculum expansion and relocation plans to a larger facility in Hamilton. The South Valley Pachyderm Club is an officially recognized allied organization of the Republican Party. Members of the public are welcome.
Sweet Heart Dinner
GFWC Bitterroot Woman’s Club is sponsoring a “Sweet Heart Dinner” on Friday, February 13 from 5 to 7 p.m. at First Christian Church, 328 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton (across from the high school). Pasta, garlic bread, salad, dessert and beverage will be served for $8.00 per person, kids 9 and under are free. Don’t miss this opportunity
to visit and meet with friends and family to support a worthwhile event.
Free Family Movie Night
“The Place” will be showing the movie “What If” on Friday, February 13 at 6 p.m. in the Bedford Building (upstairs at Hamilton City Hall). The evening is free for the community—everyone is welcome. There’s even free popcorn, soda, candy, and nachos! For more information contact Jesse at 406-350-2360.
Eagles Valentine’s Dance
Celebrate Valentine’s Day early by dancing to the toe tapping, country two stepping sounds of The Revelators all while benefiting SAFE (Supporters of Abuse Free Environments) on Friday, February 13 from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. at the Hamilton Eagles Lodge #1693, 125 N. 2nd St., Hamilton. $7.00 admission donation to benefit SAFE. Come early and enjoy some tasty tacos, quesadillas, etc. prepared by the Ladies Auxiliary starting at 5:30 p.m., all reasonably priced.
Saturday, February 14
Sweetheart breakfast
Bring your sweetheart out for breakfast on Saturday, February 14 from 8 to 11 a.m. at the Victor Senior Center. Biscuits and sausage gravy, hashbrowns, scrambled eggs, and beverages will be served for $6 for adults and $3 for 10 and under.
Beekeepers
Beekeepers of the Bitterroot will meet Saturday, February 14 from 9 to 11 a.m. at Canyon View Church on Skalkaho highway. There will be lots of information about beekeeping. The public is invited. Call Tracie Norman at 381-3053 with questions.
Storytelling Series
Join Montana State Parks (stateparks.mt.gov) for the Winter Storytelling Series at Travelers’ Rest State Park every Saturday at 11 a.m. through March 21. Women and the Corps of Discovery will be presented by Tom Schenarts on February 14th.
Valentine’s Day is a good time to talk about women – “Women and the Corps of Discovery” that is. Most people know about Sacajawea, but a number of other women played a critical role in the Expedition. Women provided comfort, material needs and protection to the members of the Corps. Come and hear about the Nez Perce love story, the flour episode, Yellow Corn, Capt. Lewis’ women problems, the Sacajawea myth and other true stories about the women associated with the Lewis & Clark Expedition.
Admission to the program is $5 per adult. Youths/teens under 18 and all current Travelers’ Rest Preservation & Heritage Association (TRPHA) members are free. A hands-on history program is available for young children to attend during each presentation. 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 or visit:
http://www.travelersrest.org/events—education.html.
Square dance club
Boots ‘n Calico Square Dance Club will hold a Valentine Day Party Dance on Saturday, February 14 at the Golden Age Hall, 727 S. 5th in Hamilton. A plus dance will be held from 7 to 7:30 p.m., followed by mainstream dance with plus tips from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Ray Dunbar will call the dance.
Valentine dance
Bitterroot Dancers will host a Valentines Night dance on Saturday, February 14 from 7 to 11 p.m. with music by Wild Coyotes band at the Bedford Building in Hamilton. Admission is $8.
BPAC performance
Pokey LaFarge will continue the Bitterroot Performing Arts Council’s
2014-15 Season on Saturday, February 14 at 8 p.m. at the Hamilton Performing Arts Center at Hamilton High School.
“It’s not retro music. It’s American music that never died.” —Pokey LaFarge
Pokey LaFarge is a musician, songwriter, bandleader, entertainer, innovator and preservationist, whose arsenal of talents has placed him at the forefront of American music. Over the last decade, Pokey has won the hearts of music lovers across the globe with his creative mix of early jazz, string ragtime, country blues and western swing. After signing with Jack White’s Third Man Records to release his fifth full-length album (Pokey LaFarge) in 2013, he performed as a musical guest on The Late Show with David Letterman. Newly signed to the Rounder Records label with a fresh release scheduled for April, Pokey LaFarge is backed by a stellar six-piece band: Adam Hoskins on guitar and vocals, Ryan Koenig on harmonica, washboard and mandolin, Joey Glynn on upright bass, Chloe Feoranzo on clarinet, TJ Muller on trumpet and Matthew Meyer on drums & cymbals. Tickets are available at bitterrootperformingarts.org, by calling 363-7946, or at the BPAC Box Office at 127 W. Main Street in Hamilton.
Sunday, February 15
Center for Spiritual Living
The Center for Spiritual Living hosts I Serenity presenting “Spiritual Law – Living It and Loving It” on Sunday, February 15 at 10 a.m. “Infinite love is the only true power in our universe, manifesting life in all forms according to immutable law.” 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 silent auction
The Bitter Root Aerie and Auxiliary, 125 N. 2nd, Hamilton, will hold a Silent Auction from February 15 to March 11 at 7 p.m. Come see what there is and put in a bid. All proceeds go to lodge charities. Donations of auction-able items would be greatly appreciated. Items can be left at the Aerie hall. Call Nita at 363-2763 for more information.
Golden Age dinner/dance
The Golden Age Club will host a dinner and dance on Sunday, February 15 at the hall at 1 p.m. The dinner will be served by members and will include fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, a vegetable, rolls, coffee and a dessert. Dancing to live music will follow the dinner. Reservations for the dinner will be needed to facilitate preparing enough food. The dinner and dance will cost $6.00 per person. You may make reservations by calling dinner chairman Dick Holt at 363-4334 or Bob Olson at 363-0142 before February 10. The Golden Age Hall is located at 727 South Fifth Street in Hamilton. Make your reservations early.
Monday, February 16
Rotary Club
Darrell Holland, Hamilton High School Activities Director, will be speaking the next meeting of the Hamilton Rotary Club, on Monday February 16 at 12 noon, February 16 at BJ’s Restaurant, 900 N. 1st Street, Hamilton. Holland will be discussing the activities programs and tournaments at the high school. The meeting is open to the public. For further information call 363-2960.
Computer class
A beginning Computers Class is scheduled for Monday, February 16 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Darby Community Public Library to learn computer basics including using Windows 8. Continuing Education Computer Classes through the Bitterroot College are also being offered in the library. Space is still available in the Microsoft PowerPoint course scheduled to begin on Monday, February 23 at 9 a.m. In addition, iPad and iPhone users are invited to attend a Hands-On Workshop on Friday, February 13 from 1 to 4 p.m. For more information on these or other upcoming programs, contact the library by phone at 821-4771 or online at www.darbylibrary.net.
Healing and arts series
Crescent House Healing and Arts Center is sponsoring a series of lectures, Moonday Healing and Arts Series, on the first and third Mondays through April. The next presentation will be Mixed Media Art presented by Douglas E. Taylor on Monday, February 16 from 6 to 7 p.m. at 258 Roosevelt Lane, Hamilton. Taylor combines the processes of etching, including nonacid techniques, several forms of relief printing, collagraph, dry-point, photocopy transfer, monotype and offset counter proofs. Larger format artworks are done as mixed-media on canvas. Usually these tactile artworks integrate layers of collage and acrylic painting. Taylor manages Art Focus Fine Art and Custom Picture Framing and being increasingly productive as a fine artist. Additionally he has taught Drawing, Printmaking, Design, Painting, Sculpture and Art History at the university level.
Spiritual Discussion Group
Winter Spiritual Discussion Group will meet Monday, February 16 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. This discussion group honors all paths and is led by Jim Tree-Gilmore. Mutual respect during the discussion–not a debate–is the norm. Bring an open heart to listen as well as share perspectives. A “talking stick” is used to make sure all who want have time to share their views of the chosen subject for each meeting. Donations accepted. The Center for Spiritual Living is located at 1720 N. First Street, Suite C in Selway Commons, north of Sears in Hamilton. For information all Jim at 406-370-4519.
Bitterroot Audubon
Bitterroot Audubon’s February 16 meeting will feature a photo presentation on exploring the Bitterroot Mountains by Michael Hoyt, author of the recent guidebook Hikes and Climbs to Bitterroot Mountain Summits and other guidebooks. Michael has focused his hiking and climbing adventures in the Bitterroot Mountains for the last 10 years, and has reached places few people ever see. He will share his love for the Bitterroots through his photo presentation that will include the extraordinary photographs he has taken during his many outings, descriptions of some of his experiences and insights into protecting these wild treasures. This presentation is scheduled for Monday, February 16 at 7 p.m. at the Bitterroot National Forest Headquarters on Hwy 93 on the north edge of Hamilton. The public is invited. Enter on the west side of the building. Contact Kay Fulton for more information (642-3794).
