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.
Recycled art show
Art City opens for the year with its 17th Annual Recycled Art show in celebration of Earth Day. Created from discarded materials and found objects, the art work in the show is a whimsical commentary on what would otherwise be considered junk. This work by a many local artists represents a thoughtful and often humorous take on our “throw-away society.” View the show on Earth Day, April 22 from 11 a.m. to p.m. The work may be seen through May 31st. Art City is a co-operatively managed gallery featuring work by local artists. It is located in an historic downtown Hamilton building at 407 W. Main St. Hours are Monday & Friday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and other days by chance or appointment. For more information contact Art City 363-4764.
Charlie Russell storytelling 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 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. 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 so have had a continuous influence on cowboy artists. Writer and lecturer Richard Ellis, Stevensville, holds a PhD 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. You won’t want to miss this exciting cultural presentation! Seating is limited so reserving a seat is recommended. To sign up call the library at 777-5061.
Thursday, April 23
Democratic Central Committee
The Ravalli County Democratic Central Committee is holding its countywide convention for the purpose of electing executive board members on Thursday, April 23 at 7 p.m. at the Rocky Mountain Grange south of Hamilton on Highway 93. Only duly authorized Ravalli County Democratic precinct men and women are eligible to vote, but the convention is open to the public.
Stevensville Town Council
The Stevensville Town Council will meet on Thursday, April 24 at 7 p.m. at the Town Hall, 206 Buck. New business includes discussion/decision on SFD Elections, discussion/decision on Mayor’s appointment of Bob Otte as Airport Manager, discussion/decision on reconfiguration of Council Chambers, and discussion of the Airport Environmental Assessment Hearing.
Friday, April 24
Church rummage sale
Florence Carlton Community Church will hold its annual rummage sale on Friday, April 24 and Saturday, April 25 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Donations gladly accepted on the 22nd and 23rd. The church is located at 2007 Old Highway 93, halfway between Florence and Lolo. For more information call Tara at 273-4787.
Driver safety class
An Class AARP Smart Driver Class (formerly ‘AARP Driver Safety’) will be presented at Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital, 1200 Westwood Drive in Hamilton, on Friday, April 24. The class will begin at 9 a.m. and last approximately four hours. While this safe driving strategies class is designed for drivers aged 50 and over, all drivers are welcome. The class fee is $15.00 for AARP members and $20.00 for non-members. There are no written exams or driving tests and, Montana mandates an insurance discount for qualified graduates. Pre-registration is advised. To sign up, contact Jones-Korman Insurance at 363-6583 or, for further information, call Thom Ainsworth, District Coordinator, at 369-0149.
NV Library book sale
Big, bigger, biggest Book Sale at the Community Room of the North Valley Public Library, Main Street, Stevensville, on Friday and Saturday, April 24 and 25 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Books, books and more books of every kind and genre; DVD’s and CD’s, too. A donation will get all of that for you. Light refreshments served.
South Valley Pachyderm Club
The South Valley Pachyderm Club will meet Friday, April 24 at 12 noon at BJ’s Restaurant, 900 N. First, Hamilton. Featured speaker will be Derrell W. Poole, regarding his open letter to Jon Tester. The club meets on the second and fourth Fridays of each month and is an officially recognized allied organization of the Republican Party. Members of the public are welcome.
Eagles Taco Night
The last Eagles Tacos and More Night for this spring will be held Friday, April 24 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at 125 N. 2nd, Hamilton. The menu includes tacos, burritos, quesadillas and taco salads. The public is welcome.
BPAC performance
“Handsome Little Devils,” a Vaudevillian melodrama, will be presented Friday, April 24 at 7:30 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center at the Hamilton High School. This is a one-of-a-kind, Vaudeville Nouveau-meets-classic melodrama, Tim Burton-meets-Wile E. Coyote, all-American, one-quarter European, contraption-riddled, character-driven, risk-taking, expectation-breaking, circus-infused, standing-ovation-inducing theatrical extravaganza! Since the year 2000, the Handsome Little Devils have brought comedy, Vaudeville and circus arts to audiences around the globe, including an extended run at New York’s New Victory Theatre, right in the heart of Time Square. Fun for all ages! “Irresistible Cirque du Silly!”–Frank Scheck, New York Post. Tickets are $17.50 and $22.50. For personal assistance with your ticket purchase, call the Box Office at 363-7946 or at the Signal Square building, 127 W. Main in Hamilton, Tuesday through Thursday 11-5 or Friday 10-4.
Golden Age dance
Dance at the Golden Age Club hall on Friday, April 24 from 7 until 10 p.m. on a good floor to live music. Admission is $3.00 per person. Potluck snacks at break time. This is a non-smoking, non-alcoholic venue. Hall is at 727 S. Fifth Street in Hamilton. Everyone welcome.
Saturday, April 25
Stevi Arbor Day celebration
With this year’s Arbor Day celebration Stevensville becomes a designated “Tree City USA.” On Saturday, April 25 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. the Town of Stevensville will be holding a tree planting and community cleanup event. The community cleanup takes place from 8 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. followed by an Arbor Day tree planting by Mayor Gene Mim Mack and the Stevensville Town Council at Father Ravalli Park. Stay for the hamburger/hot dog barbecue immediately following the tree planting ceremony.
Be a part of this Town of Stevensville beautification project and celebrate the Town becoming a Tree City and meet and mingle with your friends and neighbors.
These events brought to you by the Town of Stevensville, the Town of Stevensville Park and Recreation Advisory Board, DNRC and the Stevensville Main Street Association.
Stevi Clean Up Day
Stevensville Clean Up Day will be held in conjunction with an Arbor Day Celebration on Saturday, April 25. The public is encouraged to participate. Meet at Father Ravalli Park at 8 a.m. for assignments. Businesses, groups, volunteers – bring your own equipment (gloves, brooms, shovels, weed tools, rakes etc.) Garbage sacks will be provided by the Stevensville Main Street Office. A barbecue lunch will be provided after the cleanup up. Call 777-3773 for more information.
Stewardship Day
Enjoy a spring Saturday morning at Teller Wildlife Refuge while improving wildlife habitat on Saturday, April 25 from 8:45 a.m. to 12 noon for the annual Stewardship Day. The morning will begin with coffee, juice and doughnuts provided by Hamilton’s Marketplace. Choose from a yard spruce up, downed tree removal, noxious weed dig/pull or garden clean up volunteer project. RSVP to lauren@tellerwildlife.org or call the office at 961-3507.
Benefit auction
An auction to benefit Victor Community Church Providence Fund will be held Saturday, April 25 at 5 p.m. at the church, corner of 5th and Martin, Victor. There will be antiques, furniture, artwork, children’s furniture, household items, games, tools, collectibles and much more. Cash or checks only. For more information call 642-6709.
Spaghetti dinner
Come enjoy a delicious meal and an evening of fun and fellowship at the Stevensville United Methodist Church on Saturday, April 25. Dinner will be served from 5 to 7 p.m. with a social hour and games to follow. The spaghetti dinner is $5.00 per person. Kids under 5 eat free! All proceeds from the event will be used for Vacation Bible School Daycamp to be held in June. Call the church office for more details, 777-5443.
4-H carnival
Ravalli County 4-H is holding their annual “Community Carnival” fundraiser on Saturday, April 25 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the 1st Interstate Center at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds. Tickets are $2.50 with four game stars on each ticket. All proceeds go to helping youth development programs, scholarships and state level competition. You can purchase tickets in advance at the Extension office or from a 4-H member. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Museum musical evening
A Musical Evening at the Museum: “On the Air” with the Dillon Junior Fiddlers will be held Saturday, April 25 at 6 p.m. at the Ravalli County Museum, 205 Bedford St, Hamilton. The “Golden Age of Radio” is making a comeback! This performance is in old radio show format, exploring different styles of fiddle music. Tickets are on sale at Ravalli County Museum, Chapter One Book Store, Mountain Music, and Rooted Music. Museum members: $20, non-members: $25, students: $10 (through grade 12). Call 363-3338 for more information.
Square dance
Boots ‘n Calico Square Dance Club will hold a dance on Saturday, April 25 at the Golden Age Hall, 727 S. 5th, Hamilton. Barry Bartlette will be the caller. Pre-rounds will be 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.
Center for Spiritual Living
The Center for Spiritual Living invites everyone to “Opening To Love –Trusting What We Already Know” with Rebecca Lellek and Z’eva Singer on Sunday, April 26 at 10 a.m. When did you first realize how powerful love is? A potluck brunch follows at 11:30 and the first Miracle Café begins at 12:30. 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, April 27
Stevi school menu
Monday: Breakfast – Waffles or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Meatballs, mashed potatoes & gravy, applesauce, bread & butter, milk
Tuesday: Breakfast – Muffins or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Chicken Enchilada casserole, Spanish rice, apples,bread & butter, chocolate or regular milk
Wednesday: Breakfast – Cereal or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Cheeseburgers, taters, mixed fruit, bread & butter, milk
Thursday: Breakfast – Pancake on a stick or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch – Chicken & Noodles, tossed salad, bananas, bread & butter, milk
Friday: Breakfast – Egg wraps or yogurt, fruit, toast, milk; Lunch- Ham & Scrambled eggs, taters, peaches, bread & butter, chocolate or regular milk
Tuesday, April 28
Republican Women’s Club
Ravalli County Republican Women’s Club will hold its monthly meeting and lunch on Tuesday, April 28 at 11:30 a.m. at BJ’s Restaurant, 900 N. 1st in Hamilton. Guest speaker will Public Service Commissioner Bob Lake. Ravalli County Republican Women will be hosting the Lincoln Reagan Lunch on Saturday, May 9th at Victor Steak House at 11 a.m. Call for tickets at 777-5120. (Members: please bring number of tickets sold and any gifts you have collected for raffle and auction items to the meeting).
HHS drama event
The Hamilton High School Theater Arts students invite the public to attend their workshop production of “Bits & Pieces” – a series of original monologues and scenes written and performed by HHS Theater students Tuesday, April 28 at 7 p.m. in the Hamilton High School Performing Arts Center. Enjoy an evening of drama and comedy and support student produced performance art. Admission is free and the doors open at 6:30 p.m. This production is not recommended for young children. For more information, call 375-6060, ext. 6294.
Take Back the Night
The Tenth Annual Take Back the Night will be held on Tuesday, April 28. This year, there will be a march to promote healthy and safe relationships in our community, as well as call attention to the issue of violence against women. All who wish to participate in the march are welcome to join in sign-making at 7 p.m. at Legion Park (located across the street from City Hall). The march will begin at 7:30 p.m. along Main street to the Main Street Bridge. There will be a short ceremony at the Bitterroot River as a tribute to survivors of violence, a release of painful experiences, and a celebration of healthy relationships in our community. Take Back the Night marches and rallies are held throughout the world each year to advocate for the rights of everyone to feel safe from violence, inspire communities to take a stand, and to raise awareness about violence against women. April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. We all deserve to be safe from violence in our own homes and streets. Join the Ravalli County Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence in promoting peace in our families and community. For more information, call Jamie at SAFE, 363-2793.
Wednesday, April 29
Stevi Garden Club
The Stevensville Garden Club is holding workshops teaching flower designing on April 29 and May 20 at 1 p.m. at the Community Baptist Church, 409 Buck Street, Stevensville. Everyone is welcome. This can really help to learn what is expected and needed for the upcoming flower show in July in Stevensville and the Ravalli County Fair in September. Register for the workshops with JoAnne by calling 961-5642 so that enough supplies are available.
Thursday, April 30
Chamber luncheon
The Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce will hold a community luncheon on Thursday, April 30 at 12 noon at Viva Oaxaca in Stevensville. This is a great opportunity to find out about your Chamber of Commerce and to network with other local business and professional people. The luncheon is no-host and everyone is invited, whether a Chamber member or not. For more information call the Chamber office at 363-2400.
Friday, May 1
Blessing of the Animals
Stevensville UMC invites the public to the annual Blessing of the Animals event held on First Friday in Stevensville, May 1 from 5 to 7 p.m. Animals of all sizes are welcomed and each one will receive a certificate of blessing. Children are also encouraged to bring toy animals or photos of favorite family pets for “virtual” blessings! Stevensville UMC is located at 216 College Street (corner of E. 3rd & College Streets). Contact the church at 777-5443 or at steviumc@gmail.com for more information.
Mutt Strut
Sapphire Animal Hospital’s 7th Annual Mutt Strut will be held First Friday, May 1 at 6 p.m. Meet at Stevensville Ranger Station, corner of Eastside Hwy and Main Street. Attention all dogs: Get out and enjoy the spring weather… grab your leash and nudge your person out the door for the Mutt Strut! It’s fun! It’s free! Door prizes and treats on hand! Sapphire Animal Hospital will donate one pound of pet food to the Bitter Root Humane Society for every. Call 777-4399 for more information.
Stevensville First Friday
First Friday, May 1 will be the “Summer on the River” event in downtown Stevensville. There will be fishing guides with great information, education and exciting trips that can be booked, there will be information regarding water safety, what the fish like and where to find them, birding displays and bird watching information regarding the area of the Bitterroot River and more. Come and explore the beautiful treasure that flows through our Valley and plan your summer on the river. Anyone with a boat for sale is welcome to bring it to town on First Friday evening to show it to people; just call the Stevensville Main Street Association office at 777-3773 to reserve your spot!
First Friday, May 1 is also the date for the “Pie in the Big Sky” Pie Auction at Rocky Mountain Bank at 6:30 p.m. Pies of every description and flavor from some of the best cooks and creators in the Valley will be available. The “Pie in The Big Sky” Pie Auction is an annual fundraising event for your Stevensville Main Street Association, Stevensville’s community development, business advocacy and information center. For more information call 777-3773.
Saturday, May 2
Farmers Market May Fest
Hamilton Farmers Market Co-op opening day is Saturday, May 2 with the May Fest for Children. This year’s theme is “Here’s the Buzz! It’s All About Pollinators!” Events will include a ‘children of all ages’ parade beginning at 11:30 a.m. on Second Street in American Legion Park, where the kids from the Emma’s House parade join in to march through the Market. The Sprinkle Happiness folks may be there too!
Parade participants will dance their way to the May Poles on the museum lawn to the tunes of the Singing Salamanders! Local groups, schools and non-profits that provide for the well-being of our children here in the valley are given a free space to promote their programs on this day. If you would like to participate, call Laura 961-0004 for a registration form.
Sunday, May 3
Bitterroot Baroque open house
Hamilton’s newest cultural nonprofit, Bitterroot Baroque, is celebrating its launch with an open house on Sunday, May 3 from 3 to 5:30 p.m. at Clatters in Hamilton. Enjoy wine, hors d’oeuvres, meet the board, see Baroque instruments and hear a little live music. Bitterroot Baroque will announce its upcoming concerts and explain how the group supports Classical and Baroque music in our valley and around Montana. All are welcome. For more information call (314) 852-5099.
Monday, May 4
Victor Kindergarten/Preschool Roundup
Victor School District #7 is having a free kindergarten roundup and preschool for two weeks in May. This will be available for children ages 4 and 5, starting May 4 through May 14, Monday through Thursday. There will be crafts, games, music, snacks and recess. Applications are required and available at the Main Office at Victor School or on the website at www.victor.k12.mt.us or call 642-3221.
Wednesday, May 6
Spiritual Master series
The video “Cultivating Grace and Transforming Suffering” with Ram Dass, Jack Kornfield, and Krishna Das will be shown Wednesday, May 6 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Center for Spiritual Living, 1720 N. 1st Street in Hamilton. (north of Sears). How do we transform suffering into grace? How do we cultivate a process that allows grace to fill our lives? How do we turn anger into compassion, chaos into equanimity, separation into unity and oneness? For more information visit the website at CSLBitterroot.org.
Victor School Travel Club fundraiser
The Victor School Travel Club will hold an Indoor Yard Sale and Peruvian Dinner on Wednesday, May 6 from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Victor School Multi-purpose room. Check out the Yard Sale for great bargains! A yummy gourmet dinner can be purchased for $7 per person or $25 for a family of four. Everyone is welcome.