Wednesday, April 15
St. Mary’s Mission opening
Join in the Opening Day Celebration of Historic St. Mary’s Mission on Wednesday, April 15 at 10 a.m. with Mass in the historic Chapel. The Stevensville FFA Chapter will conduct a flag raising ceremony, followed by refreshments. Guided tours are available Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information call 777-5734. Visit St. Mary’s Mission and Museum at the west end of 4th Street in Stevensville and learn about the site “Where Montana Began.”
Patio poetry event
Join the residents of Sapphire Lutheran Homes, 501 N. 10th, Hamilton on the patio for an afternoon of great poetry on Wednesday, April 15 at 2 p.m. Poets of all ages and abilities are welcome. It’s not a contest – just show up to listen or perform! Call Dominic at 363-2800 for more information.
Bitterroot College Advisory Council
The Advisory Council for Bitterroot College University of Montana will hold its monthly meeting on Wednesday, April 15 at 3 p.m. in the Conference Room at the Human Resources Council Building, 316 N. 3rd Street, Hamilton. The BC Advisory Council is a public board and welcomes members of the public to observe and participate at its meetings. The meeting agenda and supplemental meeting materials are available on the BC website at Advisory Council Meetings or by calling the BC Business Office at 375-0100.
Bingo for Books
On Wednesday, April 15 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., North Valley Public Library will host “Bingo for Books” night in the Community Room in honor of National Library Week. Families and children of all ages are encouraged to come, play bingo for books and eat pizza. There will be books for prizes and a raffle prize at the end of the night. Admission is free and all ages are welcome. North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville. For more information, call the library at 777-5061.
Thursday, April 16
Friendly Gardner’s Club
The Friendly Gardener’s Club of Darby/Conner will be holding their monthly meeting on Thursday, April 16 at 12 noon. You are cordially invited to this fun, social get together. No gardening experience or skills are required. For location and more information regarding this meeting call the president at 821-2229.
Free Press Foundation
The Bitterroot Free Press Foundation is holding a public meeting on Thursday, April 16 at 1 p.m. at the Bitterroot Public Library in Hamilton to celebrate its official status as a certified 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity. The mission of the BFPF is to inform and educate the public concerning the public’s right to know what its government is doing and the public’s right to participate in the government’s decision making process; to take action, when necessary, to ensure that the laws concerning freedom of information, public participation and open meetings in federal, state and local government, are enforced; to take action, when necessary, to ensure that the government operates transparently, honestly, and according to laws of due process; and to encourage and support investigative reporting by providing grants and awards to independent newspapers and/or individuals.
The meeting will be followed by a question and answer session. For more information contact BFPF secretary Michael Howell at 239-4838.
Cowboy poetry event
Come and listen to some great cowboy poetry on Thursday, April 16 at 6 p.m. at the Darby Community Library. This event is free and well worth your time. Call Wendy at 821-4771 for more information.
Back Country Horsemen
Bitter Root Back Country Horsemen host their monthly meeting on Thursday, April 16, 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. This month’s program is a viewing of the DVD produced for the recent state BCH convention that shows the accomplishments of BCH chapters across the state, and it is an impressive array of photos. These images show what BCH members accomplish to keep trails open for the public. Guests are welcome, and if you are interested in helping clear and maintain trails for riders and hikers, attend this meeting and check out the program. For more information, call Karen at 961-0101 or check the website at www.bchmt.org/bitterroot.
Trout Unlimited
The mission of Warriors and Quiet Waters Foundation (WQW), Bozeman, is to help reintegrate traumatically combat-injured U.S. veterans and active service members from recent wars into society by building hope and resilience, facilitating camaraderie, and providing security and serenity through fly fishing and other high quality therapeutic recreational mediums in southwest Montana. WQW has been amazingly successful in its mission, and thanks to club member Tyson Woods, BRTU has joined efforts to promote WQW and assist them in their mission.
At the April 16, BRTU meeting, WQW staffer Seth Jordan will give a presentation entitled “Building resilience and hope for wounded US veterans through trout fishing.” The meeting will start at 7 p.m. at the Hamilton Elks Lodge, 203 State Street in Hamilton. There is no charge for admission and the public is invited to attend. For information, contact Ross Rademacher (rossrademacher99@gmail.com) or Marshall Bloom (drtrout@mtbloom.net). To learn more about WQW, visit the WQW website.
Friday, April 17
North Valley Pachyderm Club
The North Valley Pachyderm Club will meet Friday, April 17 at 12 noon at The Frontier Café, Hwy 93 in Stevensville. Guest speaker will be Derrell Poole doing a presentation on Free Trade Agreements: “Introduction to Trading Away Your Freedom.” The North Valley Pachyderm Club is an educational arm of the Republican Party. All are welcome.
Saturday, April 18
Center for Spiritual Living
The Center for Spiritual Living invites everyone to a workshop on “What Is Enough?” on Saturday, April 18 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Center in Hamilton. This is a free and inspiring workshop on simplifying your possessions and helping those in need. Clarify “What is Enough?” and find renewed personal power by taming your inner pack rat. 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.
Farmers Market vendor training
Hamilton Farmers Market Co-op new vendor training will be Saturday, April 18. If you would like to sell at farmers market and you live in Ravalli County, call the 961-0004 for a new vendor information packet and meeting details.
The Market has updated one of its main rules: if you plan on selling produce, it must grown in Ravalli County from non-GMO seed. Crafts must be made in Montana following the “Made in Montana” guidelines. Hamilton Farmers Market Co-op will begin its season May 2 with the annual Spring Children’s Celebration. If you belong to a local group that provides activities for the well-being of Ravalli County children, you can have a free booth space that day to promote your program. If you would like to participate, call Laura at 961-0004 for details and a registration form. Deadline is April 27.
Home orchard workshop
“Siting and Planting Your Home Orchard” is the topic of a workshop on Saturday, April 18 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at the Victor Community Garden. Instructors Katrina Mendrey and Sylvia McNeil will cover choosing a site for the long-term success of your trees, considerations for variety selection and how to plant a tree. Even if you aren’t planning on planting fruit trees, many of the principles discussed still apply to planting any tree. Cost is $5. RSVP to the Extension office at 375-6611.
Victor Community Garden
Victor Community Garden will hold its annual Spring Work Day from 12 to 4 p.m. to spruce up the garden and get it ready for planting. Bring a big potluck dish of food to share for lunch. Tables, chairs, drinks provided.
Bluegrass festival
The Montana Rockies Bluegrass Association is hosting its Old time Bluegrass Festival and Fundraiser on Saturday, April 18 from 12 noon until 10 p.m. at the Lone Rock School. Lone Rock School is located 5.5 miles northeast of Stevensville on Eastside Highway, then three miles up Three Mile Creek Road (1112 Three Mile Creek). This year’s festival features 19 bands including Kids in Bluegrass. Admission is $5 for non members, $3 for members, and under 12 free. Food available onsite. For more info call 821-3777 or visit www.mtbluegrass.com.
BRHA ‘Paws for a Cause’
Make plans to attend “Paws for a Cause” fundraising event for the Bitter Root Humane Association, on Saturday April 18 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Sapphire Lutheran Homes in Hamilton. Limited to just 70 guests, the $40 per person ticket includes an intimate and exceptional dinner prepared by Chef James, including salad, entree, dessert, wine and beer. Guest speaker Diane Myers, Montana’s first Certified Dog Listener, will discuss alternative training methods for the dogs in your life. Set against an upbeat background of Zydeco and Ragtime music, you and your guests can participate in a variety of “fun” raising events as well. For more information on “Paws for a Cause” and to purchase your tickets contact the Bitter Root Humane Association at 363-5311.
Square dance
Boots ‘n Calico Square Dance Club will hold a dance on Saturday, April 18 at the Golden Age Hall, 727 S. 5th, Hamilton. Ray Dunbar will call a plus dance from 7 to 7:30 p.m. followed by a mainstream dance with plus tips from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. For information call Linda a 363-5244.
Sunday, April 19
Center for Spiritual Living
The Center for Spiritual Living hosts Laura Garber presenting “The Simplicity of Daily Gratitude” on Sunday, April 19 at 10 a.m. An organic farmer, Laura shares the power of daily gratitude for living in simplicity and abundance. Special music with LeGrande Harvey. Conversation and refreshments 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.
Golden Age dinner/dance
On Sunday, April 19, Golden Age Club volunteers will serve up a ham dinner with potatoes, a vegetable, salad, rolls, dessert and coffee. Dinner is served at 1 p.m. Dancing follows dinner at about 2 p.m. and continues until 4 p.m. Admission for the dinner-dance is $6.00 per person. Reservations are helpful for food preparation. Call Bob at 363-0142 to be assured of a dinner. Proceeds from these activities will help repair an old roof on the hall. The hall, the old Jefferson School Gymnasium, is located at 727 South 5th Street in Hamilton.
Monday, April 20
Monday: Breakfast-Pancakes or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Mac & Cheese, mixed veggies, apricots, bread & butter, milk
Tuesday: Breakfast – Cinnamon rolls or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Chalupas with lettuce & salsa, refried beans, oranges, bread & butter, chocolate or regular milk
Wednesday: Breakfast – Cereal or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Cheese-filled bread sticks, glazed carrots, pears, bread & butter, milk
Thursday: Breakfast – French toast or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch- Shepherd’s Pie, green beans, grapes, bread & butter, milk
Friday: Breakfast – Ham bites or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Chicken Sandwich, fresh veggies, pineapple, bread & butter, chocolate or regular milk
Rotary Club
Sonny LaSalle will be the speaker for the next meeting of the Hamilton Rotary Club, on Monday, April 20 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.
Amateur Radio Club
The Bitterroot Amateur Radio Club (BARC) will meet Monday, April 20 at 7 p.m. at BJ’s Restaurant, 900 N. 1st 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 from NOAA.
Wednesday, April 22
Poetry Gathering
A poetry gathering will be held Wednesday, April 22 at 5:30 p.m. at Clatters Coffee House in Hamilton. Bring your poetry to share in this fun and encouraging gathering! It’s not a contest, just a great opportunity to listen to others and share your own poetry. Call Autumn at 375-5599 for more information.
NVPL humanities program
The North Valley Public Library will host Humanities Montana Speakers Bureau program “Charles M Russell: Cowboy Storyteller” with Richard Ellis on Wednesday, April 22. The program will be held in the Community Room of the library from 6:30 to 8 pm. The presentation is free and open to the public. Partial funding for the Speakers Bureau program is provided by a legislative grant from Montana’s Cultural Trust and from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Ellis explores the career of Montana’s legendary artist and best-loved resident, Charlie Russell. Russell was first and foremost a storyteller (with words and paintbrush). In fact, Will Rogers described him as the best storyteller that he had ever known. Russell’s paintings frequently depicted actual events as well as the participants in those events and, in so doing, have had a continuous influence on cowboy artists. Writer and lecturer Richard Ellis, Stevensville, holds a Ph.D. in Western American history and has taught at Murray State University, University of New Mexico, and Fort Lewis College. North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville. For more information, call the library at 777-5061.